Middle Grades
Transformative Learning for Middle Schoolers
Experience the power of transformative learning for middle schoolers, where education goes beyond the classroom to create confident and critical thinkers. Our program focuses on building the skills students need to thrive in today's world, including communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. With an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning, your child will develop a lifelong love of learning and a passion for exploration.
Our Middle Grades Program
ELA, Social Studies & Community Service
Our ELA curriculum includes project-based instruction that emphasizes reading, writing, poetry, public speaking, and creative expression like art, cooking and filmmaking. We believe that developing strong reading and writing skills is fundamental to success in all areas of education.
For social studies, we integrate a social justice, antiracist component to our curriculum, which includes discussions and activities around equity, inclusion, and world cultures. We believe it is important to help our students become aware of social issues and develop empathy and understanding for those from different backgrounds. This work includes volunteering in our local community and learning about the work of partner organizations.
Math, Science, Chess, Coding & Robotics
We use a unique approach to teaching math through stories with the Life of Fred curriculum. By exploring math concepts through narrative, students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and their real-world applications.
Our science curriculum is designed to be hands-on and engaging, with nature studies at the park, science unit studies and experiments, classroom gardens, and trips to places like the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, the Atlanta Zoo, and the Georgia Aquarium.
We also offer advanced programs in chess, coding, and robotics. Chess sessions develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Coding begins with Scratch, allowing students to learn programming basics through interactive projects, and progresses to Python, equipping them with skills to tackle more complex challenges. In robotics, students apply their coding knowledge to build and program robots, enhancing their understanding of both technology and engineering. This integrated educational approach sharpens critical thinking and prepares students for future technological advancements.
Art & Music
Our dynamic art and music curriculum encompasses a wide range of artistic disciplines.
In our visual arts program, students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, 3D printing, and fashion design, engaging with various mediums and techniques to express their ideas and emotions visually. Our classes and clubs often extend beyond the classroom with trips to local art museums where students gain inspiration and a deeper appreciation of art history.
Music at Lighthouse Prep is equally immersive. Students delve into music production using state-of-the-art software, learning the technical skills necessary to create, edit, and produce their own music. Regular workshops hosted by guest artists provide unique opportunities for students to interact with professionals and gain real-world insights into the creative process.
High School Credit
Middle schools students, when ready, have the option to take high school classes and earn high school credits. They can choose from any of our high school classes, for which they have met the prerequisites.