Windermere Preparatory School | Private School in Florida, Ages 3-18 - HomeWindermere Preparatory School | Private School in Florida, Ages 3-18 - HomeWindermere Preparatory School | Private School in Florida, Ages 3-18 - HomeWindermere Preparatory School | Private School in Florida, Ages 3-18 - Home
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AGES 11 to 14

THE WINDERMERE PREP MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

In grades 6, 7, and 8 at our private Middle School in Orlando, we nurture confident, well-rounded, and academically advanced learners. Our students benefit from an engaging and experiential curriculum, which encourages them to take ownership of learning. We also focus on the ‘4 Cs’ of learning – communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking – which are woven throughout our campus, classrooms, events, and student body.
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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WINDERMERE MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

At Windermere Prep – one of the best private Middle Schools in Orlando, Florida – we deliver an innovative program of study that develops students who are critical thinkers with advanced research, study, and social skills.

Our students immerse themselves in integrated studies that encourage independent thought and the practical application of learning. Because each Middle School age group is unique, we set distinct goals for each grade level. Our program capitalizes on each grade’s qualities, centered around a global theme that connects learning to essential truths. These themes are: ‘Opening the Book’ (6th grade), ‘Writing My Story’ (7th grade), and ‘Turning a Page’ (8th grade).

Through each theme, our Middle School curriculum teachers devise exciting cross-curricular learning experiences that bring subjects to life in meaningful ways.
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LEARNING THROUGH GLOBAL THEMES

We take an innovative approach to education at our private Middle School in Orlando. Here, learning is underpinned by an engaging transdisciplinary global theme.
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'Opening the Book'
Grade 6
This global theme supports the transition on to our Middle School curriculum, empowering students to realize that it’s their book to open. We help our learners to develop good study habits, understand how to manage their time, and use different skills and strategies. Across the subjects, students come to understand that learning is a way of life. Reading is the focal point of all studies, and, at year end, our 6th graders use books to convey their progress and showcase what they’ve learnt.
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'Writing My Story'
Grade 7
Our grade 7 global theme gives our students a voice, as they discover who they are and explore the world around them. Learners complete multiple intelligence inventories and connect learning to their daily lives. Teachers provide lots of presentation opportunities, too, through themed events like Environmental Day and the Garden Festival. At the end of the year, 7th graders present a portfolio documenting their work and experiences.
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'Turning a Page'
Grade 8
Our grade 8 global theme marks a new chapter in our students’ lives. As the oldest Middle School grade, learners assume leadership roles and begin preparing for High School. The curriculum encourages students to ‘take a stand’ on issues, develop logical arguments, and showcase their presentation skills. At the end of the year, our 8th graders present their ‘Turning a Page’ projects to a faculty panel, demonstrating what they’ve learned.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM SUBJECTS

Windermere Prep’s Middle School curriculum develops our students’ knowledge and understanding across the core subjects, including math, language arts, science, social studies, a language, and physical education. Learners also choose an area for fine arts exploration. Class agendas are structured around focused questions, classwork, and homework, while students also choose from a breadth of Middle School electives.

ASSESSING OUR STUDENTS' PROGRESS

Alongside in-class assessments – conducted via quizzes, tests, and daily assignments – we measure our Middle School students’ progress through a variety of approaches.
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Projects
Hands-on projects allow our students to apply their learning, rather than merely memorize it. Our children learn applications, use multiple intelligences, and think creatively to demonstrate knowledge and understanding. Our projects are often cross-curricular, making learning even more meaningful.
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Course assessments
We administer semester and final evaluations to assess student progress. These assessments are an opportunity to demonstrate learning through a blend of traditional and creative methods. We place emphasis on reflection, knowledge application, and ownership of learning.
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Portfolios
Our students also showcase their learning through a digital portfolio. They collect evidence of their work and achievements from each class, as well as their extracurricular experiences, to demonstrate how they’ve progressed as students, learners, and people.
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Rites of passage
Each year culminates with a final assessment. This is related to the grade’s learning goals. Our 6th and 7th graders complete this assessment as practice for their 8th grade presentation. These rites of passage allow students to demonstrate their learning via alternative assessments, revealing their progress in creative and personal ways.

A BREADTH OF MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

At Windermere Prep, one of the top private Middle Schools in Orlando, students organize, plan, and take part in several Middle school electives, events, and festivals throughout the year. These provide excellent cross-curricular learning opportunities. Our annual festivals include the 6th Grade Cultural Festival, the 7th Grade Seedfolks Garden Party, and the 8th Grade Coaster Press Conferences.

Through our Laker Learning Buddy Program, meanwhile, Middle School students pair up with a Lower School child. This creates a strong relationship where Buddies learn together, support one another, and grow over the years. Buddies also meet monthly and take part in collaborative activities. These meetings extend the curriculum and enhance learning across our community.
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A TYPICAL DAY IN middle school

Our grade 6-8 students make rapid progress, developing their subject knowledge and breadth of skills every day.
STUDENT LIFE
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DISSECTION IN SCIENCE CLASS
In science class, we ask questions as we dissect a shark, exploring its anatomy in detail. What did it eat and at what stage of digestion was its meal? We found a shrimp and a worm inside its belly!
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INVESTIGATING
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PUTTING HEART INTO OUR ART
In art class, we sculpt different hearts out of plaster and paint them. Each one has a distinct size, color, and message. We hang them from a tree’s branches, creating a “heart tree.” On formal days, we wear heart pins on our blazers.
EXPRESSING OURSELVES
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REFUELING FOR SUCCESS
We have pizza for lunch or head to the Laker Cafe for a hot lunch and salad from the Salad Bar. We reset with friends, recharging our batteries before more stimulating classes in the afternoon.
SOCIALING, RELAXING, AND RE-ENERGIZING
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DEVELOPING GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE
In geography class, we practice labeling all the continents and oceans of the globe. We watch a video that explains different geographical features, as we grow our knowledge about makes each country distinct.
MAPPING
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CRITICAL DISCUSSION
In language arts, we get into circles to discuss questions around specific chapters in our book, including literary elements like character, plot, conclusion, and context. As we analyze the written word, we expand our critical thinking.
ANALYZING
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PAUSING FOR RECOGNITION
At the Laker Lab, Quarter Celebrations celebrate our classmates who best showcase unity, truth, and integrity — “virtus, veritas, and unitas” on our Latin crest. This includes outstanding extracurricular participation.
REFLECTING ON SUCCESS
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HOW WE TEACH

STRONG TEACHER-STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS

Throughout Middle School at Windermere Prep, we empower our students to shape their own academic journey. Our world-class Middle School curriculum educators will build a strong relationship with your child, fueling their success through excellent communication, the very best pastoral care, and expert academic guidance – including extra support or challenge.
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WINDERMERE PREP'S PRIVATE MIDDLE SCHOOL FACILITIES

AN ENVIRONMENT BUILT FOR SUCCESS

Our beautifully landscaped 48-acre campus has everything our students need to thrive. In dedicated spaces, our learners research and study, excel in sports, and express their creativity through the performing and visual arts. Here, every facility is designed to enrich learning – and to support your child to perform at their best.
EXPLORE OUR CAMPUS

WORLD-CLASS LEARNING EXPERIENCES

We know that every student is unique. Our teachers deliver outstanding personalized learning experiences that will ensure your child achieves their goals and forges their own path to one of the world’s top colleges.

MORE ABOUT OUR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
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