NAIS's Principles of Good Practice

Recognizing that middle school students experience a variety of significant changes, middle schools respond to and provide for the unique developmental needs and characteristics of their students.

1. Middle schools affirm the dignity of each individual and promote equity and justice.
2. Middle schools ensure that middle school educators and all personnel who interact with middle school students have a thorough understanding of the patterns of physical, intellectual, social and emotional growth of their students.
3. Middle schools actively engage parents as partners in recognizing the implications of the significant changes affecting middle school children.
4. Middle schools work to ensure a smooth transition experience for students and parents entering and leaving the middle years.
5. Middle schools provide programs that support each student's need to develop a distinct self-concept and to be recognized as an individual and as a member of a group.
6. Middle schools create an environment that fosters respect, understanding, and acceptance of differences.
7. Middle schools help students learn to make responsible choices and understand the consequences of their actions.
8. Middle schools create opportunities for students to develop a sense of belonging to and responsibility for the multiple communities in which they participate.

• Principals of Good Practice for National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Member Schools