We recognize that the move from elementary school to middle school can be quite challenging.  In an effort to prepare our students for semester exams, which begin in ninth grade, we structure our content area testing program into more manageable segments.  Our Middle School students take exams at the end of each quarter.  These exams make up ten percent of their quarter grade.  During eighth grade, students are introduced to semester exams in just one subject area.  This scaled process of increasing responsibility for content material not only emphasizes learning concepts as a whole, but it also prepares students for the semester exams they will take in Upper School and college.

Preparing for Exams

Each class will provide review time for students.  Teachers prepare comprehensive materials that engage the students in actively reviewing the concepts presented during the quarter.  Class time is dedicated to reviewing and interacting with the content.  In this way, students are able to work together and individually in cementing the knowledge necessary to be successful on the exams.  Further, students are exposed to a variety of study skills and strategies that are effective for a wide variety of learning styles. 

The Exam

The actual exam structure takes into consideration the best practices research regarding how middle school students best learn.  Our tests are given in the morning and last no more than two hours.  Students take no more than two tests per day and are given the afternoon off of school to prepare for the exams that will be given on the next day. 

Schedules