New Roads Middle School

Interdisciplinary Studies

The academic program at New Roads is separated into different subjects, with teachers working hard to weave cross-cutting skills and other disciplines into the normal discourse. However, for one unit, teachers explicitly collaborate to construct meaningful explorations that require students to integrate the skills and knowledge of each discreet course into one collective project. These projects are aligned with the themes studied within each grade band. 6th graders participate in LA Studies (as part of Identity & Culture) where they study the kaleidoscope of identities and cultures in Los Angeles. 7th graders participate in Green Dream Team (as part of Systems) learn about, adn steward, the construction and functioning of systems in our nation - like the National Parks, for example. 8th graders participate in A Call to Action (as part of Rights & Responsibilities), where they identify a cause that ignites them into action that will have a lasting impact.

The Workshop for Social, Economic, and Ecological Action

The New Roads Middle School workshop program takes a community and service focused approach to teaching and learning that fosters “a personal dedication to learning, a respect for independent thinking, and an expanding curiosity about the world and its people.” Within Workshop students are introduced to the “tools needed for social, political and moral participation as well as personal fulfillment.” Workshop classes take place each Friday after lunch for two back-to-back 50 minute classes. Each workshop must link to at least one element of the school pillars - diversity, social justice, environmental stewardship, academic excellence. Some examples of Workshop options include: Humane Education, Design LA, Positive Psychology, Social Change Through Music, and Fashion for Humanity.

End-of-the-Year Portfolios/Passion Pursuits or Call to Action

In lieu of a final exam, students work all year to cultivate an EOY Portfolio to reflect on their learning and grow. Teachers guide students through the reflection process and reflections are shared with families in student-led-conferences. In addition to the Portfolio, 6th & 7th graders complete a Passion Pursuit and eighth graders a Call to Action. These projects give students an opportunity to pursue learning in an area that is important to them and culminate in a presentation to an authentic audience. Two examples of past Passion Projects have been using the scientific method to develop the best version of a cake recipe while also utilizing a blind taste test protocol and an in depth study of skateboard culture and the commercialization of products through marketing. The Call to Action Project is similar, with the added layer or being connected to an issue centered around the school’s philosophy and mission statement. The culmination is not just a presentation but a call to action, and a sample project was a research and analysis of the cost of incarcerating versus educating youth populations complete, with an artistic interpretation of these comparisons and a display of said art piece to a larger audience.

Connections Class

Building on students' experience in the Lower School Connections Class, the Middle School version helps students navigate the social, emotional, and moral challenges of young people. The course is designed to "enhance self-esteem and to teach a variety of techniques that enable students to cope effectively with life's changes and to make healthy, life affirming and responsible choices in their own lives. In the process of understanding the ethical nature of their own values and choices, students begin to accept responsibility for making decisions regarding family, friendship, personal privacy and safety, school, sexuality, drugs, alcohol and tobacco use and the variety of other choices which confront them."

Spectrum Program

The Spectrum Program exemplifies New Roads' commitment to authentic diversity, specifically neurodiversity. "Spectrum students are fully integrated with their neurotypical peers in all academic classes as well as campus-wide activities. Students are supported daily in developing executive functioning skills, social skills, and self advocacy, which translate into students’ everyday lives after graduation. The Spectrum Program is for students in grades 6-12 who meet the diagnostic criteria specified in the revised DSM-5 for Autism Spectrum Disorder (formerly categorized as Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism). Spectrum students learn to navigate social contexts and practice effective communication alongside their neurotypical peers to gain meaningful relationships and experiences that prepare them for independent success in college and beyond."