The FFS Middle School is a vibrant community where students grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Our Middle School faculty are well versed in the complexities of adolescent development, and are equipped to work with and assist students as they progress through the natural developmental stages of 10-14 year olds. Teachers are deeply aware of the challenges Middle School students can face, and embrace the opportunity to guide students to see the Light in themselves and others.
Middle School students deepen and strengthen concepts and skills alongside tackling larger questions about themselves and the world. A school-wide focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals gives students opportunities to connect their understanding of global issues with their academic learning. Middle Schoolers take risks and try new things, learning from their challenges and successes.
There are also ample opportunities to find and develop their passions both in and out of the classroom. Bi-weekly classes in music, physical education, art, and health in addition to daily Explorations classes, offer a wide range of choices to explore areas of interest over longer periods of time. From theater, ceramics, poetry writing, and sewing, to personal finance, podcasting and web design, there are options to fit the needs of everyone. Our students graduate from FFS with a strong sense of themselves and a pride in what they do. They are truly engaged community members and active citizens who are knowledgeable about the world.
Sixth graders develop active and analytical reading skills as they work to become more sophisticated and independent writers. Using a workshop model, sixth grade writers continue to hone their skills in formulating ideas and engage in meaningful dialogue and writing projects that stretch and develop their critical comprehension skills. Literature includes: As Brave As You Are, Fever 1793, Ghost Boys, and The OutsidersSixth graders begin with the study of Ancient History (Prehistory, Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and India). They also grapple with issues of identity, privilege and race, centered around the Quaker testimonies of community and equality. In spring, students present a year-long museum project highlighting their studies.
Humanities is an interdisciplinary course in which students study literature, history, and social studies through a global lens. The seventh grade Global Studies course covers geography, the human experience, and the ways the environment can shape our lives. Students engage in rich discourse and collaborative work, finding practical solutions to historical dilemmas, human rights, policy problems and change. Literature includes: The Giver, Prisoner B-3087, and Shooting Kabul.
Eighth grade humanities is focused on American Studies. Students ask questions about the definition of justice and the relationship between justice and citizenship while studying the Constitution and the American court system. They consider the role of the media in a democracy while writing investigative journalism and continue with units on Immigration, industrialization, and globalization. Finally, they examine the Civil Rights Movement, and compare it to other American social movements. Students consider what it means to "move" as part of a movement and how to measure success. Literature includes: Miracle’s Boys, Animal Farm, and American Born Chinese.
The Middle School math program provides students with the skills and understandings necessary to problem solve effectively, reason mathematically, calculate fluently and accurately, communicate their math thinking, and apply what they know to complex, real-life situations. Technology is woven into math class in creative and fun ways. All students study Algebra in 8th grade, and are extremely well prepared for the challenges of high school math. Many of our students matriculate into honors level and advanced math courses.
Students explore the world and its interconnectedness through exploring topics in chemical, life, physical, environmental, engineering, and earth sciences. Experiments, inquiries, demonstrations, discussions, and group and independent projects help students construct their understanding. In their study of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, students apply what they are learning to the real-life issues that affect people and our planet, such as climate change, environmental degradation, food security, and bioethics. Students learn how to think like scientists — inquiring, developing theories and hypotheses and testing them.
Topics of Study
6th Grade: The Human Body, Food Science, Ecosystems and the Watershed
7th Grade: Earth in the Future - climate science and its impact
8th Grade: Invasive Species
Our problem-based curriculum guides and inspires students to think critically about issues that affect them and the world, while they collaborate with peers to find solutions. It's all grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, our blueprint to understand and engage with the issues that will impact our communities today and in the future. Middle School students work with teams of teachers as they wrestle with.
2024-25 Themes
Sixth Grade: Consumption and Fast Fashion.
Seventh Grade: Economic Justice.
Eighth Grade: The Arts, Literature and Social Justice.
Technology instruction is woven throughout the Middle School curriculum. Technology instruction is focused on better ways to innovate, communicate, and collaborate. All students have use of the School’s laser cutter, 3-D printer, electronics components, film-making and graphic design equipment, and maker materials.To ensure equal access to resources, all middle school students receive a Chromebook for their use at home and school.
All Middle School students take classes in art, physical education and health, music, social justice, and community service, to give them additional opportunities to think creatively, stay active, and broaden their intellectual horizons.
Explorations
The Middle School Explorations classes provide opportunities for students to hone in on their individual goals and interests. From theater, ceramics, poetry writing, and sewing, to personal finance, podcasting and web design, there are creative options to fit the needs of everyone. Explorations are also an opportunity for 6th, 7th and 8th graders to work together and further enhance their experiences collaborating and problem solving with different people.
Our students learn that respect and compassion are the root of a strong community and that through our actions we can make the world a better place.
Much of this work is conducted through Quakerism lessons in the classroom, on the Middle School Retreat, and during special programming and community building activities throughout the year. Guided by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship, our students learn to identify their personal core values, engage in mindfulness practices, and discuss ethics-based moral quandaries and questions. In 8th grade, students assist in guiding our community to enhance their understanding of Quaker practices through a variety of leadership opportunities, such as planning multi-age activities for Quaker Week and River Otter Field Day. Each week, students gather for Meeting for Worship in the Meeting House. Meeting begins in silence, so that students can settle and practice reflection. When moved to speak, participants are encouraged to share an idea or inspiration with the rest of the Meeting. The Meeting ends when the eighth graders initiate a handshake with their neighbors.
Strong connections with the advisor are integral to a safe social and emotional middle school experience. Students may independently sign-up for office hours with their teachers, one-on-one or in small groups, to review specific skills and work on individualized practice for academic growth.
Middle School students and teachers spend three days and two nights at a team-building retreat each fall, strengthening connections with old friends, establishing new relationships, and together, building a strong Middle School community.
Students take risks with challenges such as navigating a low ropes course, canoeing, archery, team-building games, and playing sports. They also hike, practice yoga and mindfulness, sing and tell stories by the campfire, and attend outdoor Meetings for Worship.
Every Middle School student participates in the production of our annual school musical, whether through set or costume design, stage crew, lighting and sound, marketing, or as a member of the cast. The school musical is a wonderful community event showcasing a tremendous amount of collaborative work and creativity.
The Student Government acts as role models for the whole student body, helping to create a positive school community and environment. Membership requires adherence to the School’s mission and values, such as inclusivity and kindness, respect for others, integrity, and stewardship of the school community, in addition to a growth mindset and academic achievement.
FFS students are part of the positive change they seek in the world. At all grade levels, students serve the Frankford community, including through stocking books in our own neighborhood Little Library and food in our own community pantry. Our community partners provide opportunities for service and community engagement at Jefferson Frankford Hospital, the Frankford Community Development Corporation, Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, and Overington Park.
© 2023 Frankford Friends School