By: Urmila Oberi

Director of Communications & Marketing

For parents and students, the middle school years can be daunting, but being in the right place can reduce many worries. With decades of experience in this age group, Green Hedges helps make it a smooth transition for both parent and child, and as the oldest students at our school, the model we have here is unique in creating a safe place for our Middle Schoolers to grow and thrive.

Here are five reasons our Middle School model works:   

1. Middle schoolers are experiencing some of their most rapid growth and development in mind and body since toddlerhood. Our school environment allows students go through the sometimes awkward transition moments with less anxiety and at their own pace.
2. Children who are familiar with their school are asked to exhibit positive leadership skills as the oldest students on campus. At Green Hedges, this is why our older students are responsible for assisting younger students into school each morning and leading our Opening and Closing assemblies.
3. There is evidence that putting middle schoolers at the top of the age ladder in a school helps to cut down on instances of actual and perceived bullying and that they feel a greater sense of belonging.
4. Middle School is a time to try new things. At Green Hedges, our students try it all: band, performing arts, languages (French or Spanish and Latin), clubs, and sports. This is an environment where we encourage students to see possibilities, not limitations, which sets them up for being open to try new things when they enter high school.
5. Our Middle School program would not be possible without a stellar faculty and administration. Faculty here know students well. With a dedicated Middle School lead who also serves as a Learning Specialist, we have the tools here to ensure that students are set up for success. Students here benefit from a level of individual attention that isn’t possible at a large school.

“Middle School students at Green Hedges have a leven of access to their teachers that is not found everywhere. They are always able to reach out to a teacher and have opportunities to see and connect with them throughout the day,” says Assistant Head of School Trish Dougherty. As a result of being able to talk to their teachers one-on-one, students learn to advocate for themselves – a skill that is need in high school and beyond.

As parents of Middle School students know, this is a time of growth and change and Green Hedges allows our oldest students to take on responsibilities and challenges while still letting them be kids.