Middle School (Grades 6-8)
The Brandeis Marin Middle School program embraces and accelerates the intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth of our pre-teens and teens.
During these critical years, we serve as more than a school to our students. We are a community that encircles them with open hearts and minds. We challenge them, encourage them, guide them and prepare them.
Our project-based curriculum is rigorous, yet inclusive of diverse learning styles and backgrounds. Year after year, our students are routinely accepted into the high schools of their choice.
Grade Level Themes
sixth grade:
freedom and responsibility
Sixth graders enter their middle school years invigorated by their newfound freedom, but also daunted by the increased responsibility such freedom entails. Students explore these weighty concepts across the curriculum and create a foundation to develop and use strategies to balance new expectations.
seventh grade:
identity and community
The perennial seventh grade questions are: Who am I and where do I fit in? By exploring stories of identity development and integration, students learn how to find affinity and connection with others, how to contribute to their communities and how membership in any group involves the responsibility to preserve and protect it.
eighth grade:
self and society
As they gear up for the important transition to high school, eighth graders prepare to transcend their own individual needs and even the needs of their own close-knit Brandeis community to consider the greater society and their place in it. They thrive as role models through our Kindergarten buddy program, explore leadership opportunities in Student Council and weekly services and, during their mid-year trip to Israel, serve as ambassadors not only for their school and community, but also their country. Inside and outside the classroom, they are supported in their journey to be ethical, compassionate leaders in their greater community, high school and beyond.
Middle School Spotlight
![Texan Flair in No-Horse Town]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769629595/brandeishillel/yzzi65swztxmr99uwwpc/nohorsetown.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769629595/brandeishillel/yzzi65swztxmr99uwwpc/nohorsetown.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769629595/brandeishillel/yzzi65swztxmr99uwwpc/nohorsetown.png","width":800}])
The 7th and 8th grade Drama Elective nailed it with their performances of No-Horse Town by Lindsey Price—a quirky, laugh-out-loud comedy set in the very strange Texas town of Heywood.
![Dogs Decoded in 7th Science]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769024789/brandeishillel/lz4qd1urwljs3gwybxiy/dogsdecoded.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769024789/brandeishillel/lz4qd1urwljs3gwybxiy/dogsdecoded.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769024789/brandeishillel/lz4qd1urwljs3gwybxiy/dogsdecoded.png","width":800}])
In this favorite 7th grade Science/Art project, Dogs Decoded, students explored the principles of genetics.
![Mini Golf, Big Math]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768507274/brandeishillel/mmko5tvhpghlivpkjljo/minigolfmath.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768507274/brandeishillel/mmko5tvhpghlivpkjljo/minigolfmath.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768507274/brandeishillel/mmko5tvhpghlivpkjljo/minigolfmath.png","width":800}])
The 7th and 8th graders have completed their mini golf course designs after an intensive, project-based learning process.
Curriculum
Advisory - Middle School
Fostering trust, guidance, and social-emotional growth through dedicated middle school advising.
English - Middle School
Deepening literary insight and writing craft through thematic reading and workshop learning.
Hebrew - Middle School
Developing Hebrew fluency and cultural connection through an immersive, proficiency-based program.
Jewish Studies - Middle School
Connecting Jewish texts, history, and identity through a living, global learning journey.
Math - Middle School Explorational Track
A high school–level pathway for students ready for accelerated study.
Math - Middle School Foundational Track
A strong, flexible pathway that builds confidence and prepares students for high school mathematics.
Science - Middle School
Inspiring curiosity and mastery through hands-on, thematic science.
Social Studies - Middle School
Engaging students in history through interactive, immersive social studies.
Spanish - Middle School
Building confident communicators through proficiency-based Spanish and cultural exploration.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS
