Middle School

Preparing students for success

Middle School is a time of big changes academically, physically, socially, and emotionally. At York Prep, we understand how important these years are as students grow from children into young adults, learning more about who they are and how they learn best. That’s why we’ve designed our middle school to be both supportive and challenging, meeting students right where they are and helping them build the skills and confidence they’ll need for high school and beyond.

 

With intentionally small classes and a 4:1 student-teacher ratio, our middle school creates space for strong relationships, personalized instruction, and a deep sense of belonging. Our program focuses on developing critical thinking, strong study habits, and a spirit of curiosity and collaboration. As students begin to take more ownership of their learning and grow more independent, they are guided by caring educators who know when to step in and when to step back.

 

Whether students are navigating a tough math concept, participating in a class debate, or learning how to work through conflict with a peer, they are gaining tools that will serve them for years to come.

A curriculum designed to motivate students

York Prep middle school’s curriculum goes beyond academics and supports children to explore the community around them. Rooted in skill-building, students create a toolbox of skills and strategies that support their executive functioning development and understanding of metacognition.

Grounded in a culture of warmth and care, students are taught how to build and sustain social connections, engage in community service projects, and interact with the greater New York Community.

Middle School Curriculum

English

In 6th grade, students engage with literature, and receive instruction in grammar, vocabulary, and writing.

History

History in 6th grade is a survey of the people and places of the world with the purpose of providing a broad global overview.

Math

Math in 6th grade is a course of assessment for mathematical readiness and preparation for future mathematics, as well as expanding student knowledge of foundational concepts and procedures.

Science

In 6th grade, students explore Earth Science, delving into geology, meteorology, astronomy, and environmental science, learning about Earth's dynamic processes and celestial phenomena.

Writing Studies

In 6th grade students learn core language concepts that will enhance their ability to effectively read and write at a developmentally appropriate level.

Art

All 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade students receive classes in all 3 of the performing arts: Music, Drama, and Dance.

STEAM

Have you ever wondered how we built the Brooklyn Bridge, sent a human to the moon, or how your Bluetooth speaker connects to your phone? Our weekly middle school STEAM class allows students to apply the skills learned in their math and science coursework to hands on projects and exploration.

Spanish

In Spanish students will be introduced to the basics of communication and builds towards comprehension.

Physical Education

Sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork are at the heart of the PE department. In grades 6-8, the focus is on building appropriate skills for successful participation in PE.

Executive Functioning

Executive functioning skills are intentionally woven into every aspect of the academic experience to support student growth and independence.

Middle School Advisory

The focus of the middle school advisory program is on looking within to learn more about yourself as a learner and a citizen, building & sustaining social connections, community service projects, and on exploring and interacting with the community around York Prep.

 

Each grade level has a different central focus in their advisory class. These foci build on each other as students move through their middle school years, culminating in their final preparations for a smooth transition to the Upper School.

 

Built into the advisory program are opportunities for students to leave campus, explore their city, and build lasting friendships that go beyond the classroom.

6th Grade: Self & City

Self-Exploration: Students begin 6th grade by exploring who they are as learners and build a personal learner profile.

Student Reflection: Students reflect on how they learn best, which strategies help them learn effectively, how to communicate their learning needs to teachers, and to identify their strengths and challenges as a foundation for self-advocacy.

Community Participation: Through field trips and community events, students: explore the local neighborhood, develop a sense of place as New Yorkers, and understand their role and impact within the greater community.

7th Grade: Discovering Passions & Deepening Purpose

Deepening the Learner Profile: In 7th grade, students build on their self-awareness by setting personalized learning goals based on how they learn best. Advisors help identify gaps in skills and develop actionable plans to support growth.

Expanding Executive Functioning: Students continue to strengthen their executive functioning toolkit, developing strategies for organization, time management, and self-monitoring that apply across all subject areas.

Empowering Self-Advocacy: Through a dedicated self-advocacy curriculum, students learn to speak up for themselves and others in both real-world and digital spaces, preparing them to navigate life confidently in the classroom, the city, and online.

8th Grade: Leading by Example, Learning by Doing

Cultivating a Forward-Thinking Mindset: In their final year of middle school, students reflect on their skills, strengths, and passions to envision their future and begin shaping it with intention.

Engaging in Real-World Experiences: Students choose to participate in either a mini-internship or a service-learning project, gaining hands-on experience that connects their interests to potential future paths in high school and beyond.

Preparing for Upper School and Beyond: Advisors, in collaboration with the college guidance team, introduce students to resume building, goal setting for 9th grade, and opportunities for community engagement, equipping them to enter high school with confidence and clarity.

Electives

Students have the opportunity to explore their creative passions and try new things through a year-long, rotating arts elective program.

  • Dance

  • Music

  • Studio Art

  • Visual Art

  • Digital Art

Middle School Extra-curricular Activities

Sports:
Clubs
Performing Arts:

york prep accent

 

Come and discover York Prep

 

We would be delighted to have you visit our wonderful diverse school community in the heart of Manhattan.

York Prep School – A Private College Prep School in NYC