Academics
Middle School
The Middle School years at ICS provide a positive, joyful, challenging, and meaningful learning experience at this critical time in student development. Students partner with expert teachers who know each student well. The Middle School community is a perfect size: small enough so that every student is known, knows everyone else, and feels a strong sense of belonging, yet large enough to be able to provide wide programmatic offerings and friendship opportunities.
Every aspect of the Middle School program at Indian Creek School is designed with our pre-teen students in mind. The program is rooted in our innovative Project Based Learning approach in science, history, and English, as well as across those disciplines in collaborative interdisciplinary projects.
Sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students are met right where they are developmentally – in other words, they’re allowed to be kids. Physical movement throughout the day, as well as daily recess time, gives adolescents much-needed breaks to optimize learning. We prioritize open channels of communication among students, teachers, and parents.
- A robust curriculum that incorporates learning and skill development in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary frameworks.
- A middle-grades-specific schedule that is developed with adolescents in mind, includes a “later start” based on neuroscience research, and plenty of time for collaborative, problem-based interdisciplinary learning.
- Community-building activities such as regular Middle School meetings, field trips, outdoor class events focused on leadership development, overnight class trips, social events, and more.
- An Advisory program in which students build strong relationships with peers and faculty members as they are supported in their academic and personal development.
- A Human Development curriculum in which students explore identity, physical and social-emotional development, critical thinking, and civil discourse.
- Leadership opportunities such as clubs, outdoor team building, student government, and more.
- Extra-curricular options including competitive athletics and dedicated performing arts opportunities.
- Early arrival and extended day options are run by ICS teachers.
- An expert faculty that is passionate about Middle School education.
- Dedicated "Get Things Done" periods allow students to learn time management skills while in a supported and focused environment.
Students in Grades 6-8 experience an innovative and stimulating Project Based Learning program in science, history, and English and are challenged in each of their world language, math, fine arts, physical education, and performing arts classes. The Middle School schedule includes 40-minute to 60-minute blocks. All Middle School students take Human Development as well.
Indian Creek Middle School students travel between classrooms/labs for each academic subject with dedicated Middle School teachers for each subject. Students spend time in the state-of-the-art Vos Academic Resource Center, visual and performing arts facilities, athletic center/turf fields/tennis dome, and more. ICS 6th through 8th-grade students reap all benefits of a dedicated Middle School experience with the added benefits and resources of a Pre-K- Grade 12 campus. Middle School students who are ready for higher level courses challenge themselves with select courses from the Upper Grades course catalog.
Transition to high school: By the end of eighth grade, students are ready for a challenging Upper School academic course load. The close-knit community of Indian Creek’s Middle School fits within the context of a spirited and connected all-school community, making the transition to high school as simple as walking down the hall.
Middle School Signature Experiences
Indian Creek School
Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland. Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.
