Academic Program

Middle School

Philosophy

We’re a noisy, messy school in really good ways. There is such joy in guiding our Middle Schoolers as they begin to define their talents and interests, develop important study skills and take on increased responsibility as members of the school community. 
We believe that deep, sustained learning is underpinned by relationships: students with their teachers who manage each individual’s progress, as well as students with their peers who work collaboratively in classrooms and advisory groups. With the support of teachers, advisors, grade deans and athletic coaches, students become more independent in their learning, more critical in their thinking, and they begin to exercise leadership skills. 

Explore Our Curriculum

Learning Through Wonder

List of 3 items.

  • A World of Curiosity

    How did things come to be? Who thought of it first? I am wondering why.

    Middle School students are increasingly interested in deepening their understanding of the world, looking for facts, gathering and analyzing data, interrogating evidence and drawing their own conclusions.

  • An Amazing Sense that Everything is Possible

    What am I curious about? What am I excited to learn?

    As they learn about people, places and concepts that have not been a part of their sphere, Middle Schoolers have an opportunity to find different entry points to their learning. Their emerging scholarly skills and confidence allow them to keep testing the boundaries of their imagination and capacity. 

  • Imagining Themselves in the World

    What makes New York City resilient to climate change?

    Every subject stretches students’ imaginations to move back in time in order to better understand contemporary issues, investigate and articulate points of view, calculate and interpret data, develop empathy, and expand their vocabulary and presentation skills as they establish connection between their interests and the larger world. 

Developing Essential Skills and Habits of Mind

Community of Learning

I can change the world. I am going to change the world.
Leadership is a big topic in Middle School as students are eager to know more about themselves, how to work with others, and make a positive impact in their sphere of influence. Club meetings take center stage in the daily schedule to allow time and space for students’ creativity and initiatives within a collaborative structure. They find a deeper connection between their knowledge and interests, and develop teamwork and advocacy skills in groups like Sustainability Club, Literary Magazine, and Robotics.

Curriculum Highlights

Explore Spence

233

MS Students

15

Advisory Groups

15

Median Class Size

25

MS Clubs and Organizations

Middle & Upper School

22 East 91st Street
New York, NY 10128

Lower School

56 East 93rd Street
New York, NY 10128

Athletic & Educational Facility

412 East 90th Street
New York, NY 10128
A K-12 independent school in New York City, The Spence School prepares a diverse community of girls and young women for the demands of academic excellence and responsible citizenship.

212-289-5940


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