What sets Stanley Middle School apart?
Stanley's Middle School is unique in its student-centered approach and focus on meeting the specific needs of young adolescents.
In collaboration with teachers in a small student-to-teacher ratio, students develop ambitious learning goals drawing on individual interests and curricular objectives.
Our program integrates concepts across subject areas to develop a student's cross-disciplinary skills. Students attend subject matter classes in grade-specific sections, while 6th, 7th and 8th graders work side-by-side in team-taught, advisor-led homerooms.
Walk around and you will see our students engaged in their learning, building skills, working in groups and bringing concepts to life in social studies, science, math, Spanish and language arts. They also experience deep dives into visual arts, music and drama, where they perform three full-scale shows in their middle school career, capped by the 8th grade musical!
Add in PE, electives, clubs, a weekly Social & Emotional learning class, and advisory, and it becomes clear why these years at Stanley create a strong academic and social-emotional foundation before students head off to various private and public high schools each year after graduation.
A Day in the Life of a Middle Schooler
Take a tour and see all that we have to offer!
Our Strengths:
-
Teachers expertly attuned to learning needs of adolescents
-
Strong social and emotional support
-
Engaging and compelling integrated study units
-
Meaningful relationships between teacher and student marked by deep respect
-
A dedicated learning specialist for each grade who pushes into classes to provide additional support for differentiation in all classrooms and helps lower the student-teacher ratios.
-
Progressive academic rigor focused on effective high school preparation
High School Success Stories
All of our students move on to strong high school programs. Acceptance rates of Stanley students into selective private schools are high - over 75%. Stanley graduates have made their marks in many ways:
- Boettcher Foundation Scholars – the prestigious merit-based academic scholarship
- Valedictorians at St. Mary’s Academy and East High
- Multiple graduates selected as Head Boy and Head Girl at East High
- Significant number of graduates in top 10% of their senior class
- Consistent placement on Honor Roll
High Schools attended by recent graduates: Regis Jesuit, Colorado Academy, East High, Kent Denver, South High, George Washington, Denver School of the Arts, St. Mary’s Academy, Northfield, Valor Christian
Leadership
Kendall Early, Stanley's Head of Middle School, is an empathetic, grounded and collaborative leader who champions students and their voices. Before joining Stanley he served on the senior administrative leadership team at St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Denver as the Director of Inclusive Teaching and Learning as well as the Director of High School Placement.
Kendall began his career in Atlanta public schools teaching high school math after graduating from Stanford, and at every step, he has always modeled the lifelong learning he asks of students.
Julie Daughtry, Stanley’s Assistant Head of Middle School, has been an educator for over twenty years with experience in traditional and alternative secondary settings in both public and independent schools in California, the UK, and West Africa.
Julie joined the Stanley faculty as the 6th grade language arts teacher, where she worked for seven years before moving into this role. She is a dedicated teacher-leader (and Stanley parent) who supports all students and faculty in pursuing joyful, lifelong learning.
Multi-Aged Homerooms
Our middle school homerooms continue Stanley's multi-age classroom model with students placed in the same homeroom for all three years, providing a consistent, supportive community.
Each student is placed in an advisory group within the homeroom to act as a home base and a first point of contact for families. In addition to dedicated social emotional learning and advisory mini-lessons, students engage in team building, service opportunities, and fall camping trips that foster connection and growth.
Throughout the year, students participate in fun activities like Minute to Win It, cooking competitions, trivia and buddy class choice with K-1-2 friends. School spirit thrives through homeroom competitions such as the fall volleyball tournament, Middle School Olympics, lip sync battles, kickball and more.
6th Grade
Language Arts
Our 6th graders explore a variety of literature while building their reading, writing and discussion skills. Students study Shakespeare’s works and write essays on the themes and characters in the plays. Classwork continues on with contemporary novels, and moves to poetic and literary devices, where students apply their knowledge to their own writing and creative work. Students also read a collection of short stories and create choice projects to showcase story elements, theme, and character traits.
Math
Sixth grade math begins with the exploration of geometry, including area, perimeter and volume, and students apply their learning by designing blueprints for their dream homes. They then study ratios, rates and proportions, culminating in a project comparing the cost of goods in different countries. In the winter trimester, students build on these skills by learning about integers, one-step equations, and inequalities. The year concludes with an introduction to algebra, where students practice translating word problems into algebraic expressions.
Science
Our 6th grade science students explore the earth's layers, seismic activity and natural disasters, applying their learning by designing robotic solutions to real-world challenges. They also investigate indigenous land use strategies and water conservation, participating in hands-on activities like the River Game and a local restoration project. In the spring, students study weather, climate zones, and climate change, creating data-driven infographics and sculptures to represent their research. The year concludes with a unit on space, where students research and present on planets and other space topics.
Social Studies
Human history from early human ancestors to the rise of ancient civilizations is explored in Social Studies. Students learn how farming and cities led to the development of culture, social hierarchies and technology in Mesopotamia, Egypt and Kush. In the spring, students examine world religions and ancient Chinese philosophies, reflecting on the values and ideas that resonate with them. Throughout the year, they practice key skills like note-taking, evidence analysis, research, and presentation.
Spanish
In 6th Grade Spanish, students build foundational language skills through greetings, introductions, and learning subject pronouns and verbs like ser. They apply their learning through family tree projects, writing activities, and speaking assignments, while also exploring Hispanic culture through research projects and celebrations like Día de los Muertos and Valentine’s Day. Students compare regular and irregular verbs and practice their skills through online tools such as Duolingo and Conjuguemos. In the spring, they continue building proficiency through reading, storytelling, and a heritage language project. Throughout the year, students grow in both language skills and cultural understanding.
7th Grade
Language Arts
In 7th grade, students explore how reading, writing and discussion help them express their thinking and understand the impact of individual and collective choices. Modern novels lead students to write personal narratives and character sketches and participate in memoir book clubs, culminating in a literary analysis on the theme of choice. In the second trimester, students study classic short stories, practice literary analysis and explore immigration themes through novel studies and an interdisciplinary art project. In the spring, students write a character analysis essay based on a novel, and reflect on personal identity through a six-word narrative.
Math
Our 7th graders study number sequences, integers, and inequalities, and explore real-world applications through a stock market simulation. They then learn to solve linear equations and apply their understanding to an investigation on song lyrics and slope. In the spring trimester students explore ratios, probability, and odds, concluding with a written comparison of experimental and theoretical probability.
Science
In 7th grade, students explore the building blocks of matter, from atoms and molecules to chemical reactions, through engaging labs like the Oobleck and Mystery Substance Labs. They also investigate energy, conducting campus energy audits, analyzing climate data, and designing renewable energy plans for homes. Additionally, students apply their understanding of Newton's Laws by building roller coasters that demonstrate principles of motion and force. Hands-on projects and real-world connections allow for students to apply their learning in creative ways, deepen their scientific understanding and problem solving skills.
Social Studies
Our 7th graders explore the importance of land, freedom, and power in Early American history and today. They examine life in North America before colonization, debate how to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day, and analyze how land disputes shaped early conflicts. Through the theme of Freedom, students investigate systems of hierarchy and oppression, from slavery to socioeconomic class, and study how marginalized groups reshape American ideals. They apply their learning to current events, create infographics on modern issues, and participate in a mock hate crimes trial to practice critical thinking and civic engagement.
Spanish
Our 7th graders build their language skills through storytelling, vocabulary practice and engaging cultural projects. They learn to use verb combinations and transition words to create original stories and practice comprehension through daily readings and interactive online tools. Students also explore Hispanic culture through research projects and a March Madness music competition, where they present about Spanish-language songs. Most recently, they apply their learning by creating baby books using past tense sentences. Throughout the year, students make impressive progress in both language acquisition and cultural appreciation.
8th Grade
Language Arts
Our 8th graders explore literature, film, art, and music while building their analytical and writing skills. They study novels like The Outsiders and Lord of the Flies, create art and writing projects on theme and symbolism, and expand their understanding of vocabulary and grammar. Students also learn about nonfiction writing and reading, focusing on author’s purpose and rhetoric. In the spring, students complete a reflective WWII art and writing project, followed by a poetry unit with original writing. Students finish the year with speech writing for their graduation speeches.
Math
In 8th grade, students build their understanding of equations, inequalities, rates and percents by applying these concepts to real-world scenarios like business projects and income statements. They then explore graphing relations and functions, with a focus on linear functions, slopes and intercepts. Students apply these skills to a car-buying project, calculating and graphing the costs of car ownership. They expand their knowledge by exploring linear and nonlinear functions and using graphing and problem-solving strategies to interpret real-life scenarios.
Science
Our 8th graders explore the characteristics of life, cell biology and human body systems, using models and written reflections to deepen their understanding. They apply their knowledge through a medical technology project, investigating how humans survive and thrive with modern advancements. They then transition to genetics, studying how traits are inherited and the role of DNA. Students participate in a Genetic Modification Summit, presenting research and artwork to foster discussion about the impact of gene modification on society. They also create protest art to connect science with social issues and public discourse.
Social Studies
In 8th grade, students examine the rise of the US as a world power, analyzing historical events like September 11th and debating the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. They also explore different forms of government, voting rights and the Electoral College. In the winter, they study World War I, the Roaring Twenties and the rise of Nazism while building research, collaboration and public speaking skills. History and art are connected through a protest art project and social justice questions related to World War II. Final projects can include an essay on the use of nuclear warfare and an art piece representing a concept from WWII.
Spanish
In 8th grade, students build their language skills through an immersive blend of vocabulary, grammar and cultural exploration. They practice essential conversational patterns, learn about household items, and expand their understanding of adjectives, noun gender, and verbs like ser and estar. Through the TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) curriculum, students engage with common verb phrases while developing their speaking and writing skills. They also explore Latin American culture with a Hispanic Heritage Month project and personalize their learning through choice boards, Duolingo and Conjuguemos.
And So Much More...
Drama: In their middle school years, our students study a variety of dramatic styles. Our 6th graders work collaboratively to put on an interdisciplinary Shakespeare performance based on the play they are studying in Language Arts. In 7th grade, students strengthen their performance skills through improv skits and collaborative rehearsals for their comedy play. They also explore script writing and directing by creating original docudramas based on real-life events. Eighth graders develop perseverance and self-confidence as they prepare for their 8th grade musical, learning the dedication and hard work required for live performance. This is not only about putting on a show, but also about building character, resilience and pride in their collective achievement.
Visual Arts: Our students explore a wide range of media including digital art, collage, painting, figure drawing and watercolor. Through sketchbook work and hands-on projects, they personalize their art while building technical skills and creative confidence. Students maintain digital portfolios and reflect on their growth. They embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, strengthening their problem-solving skills, perseverance and self-expression.
Music: Sixth grade students explore the fundamentals of music, including drum techniques, posture, musical scales, and major chords. Each week, students form bands, select or compose songs, and perform for their classmates, building confidence and stage presence. Seventh graders continue to learn a variety songs fusing ukuleles, drums, guitars, bass guitars, xylophones, pianos/keyboards, violins, flutes and harmonicas. Our 8th graders examine how music impacts movies and images through creative music video projects. Students also collaborate in bands, rehearsing and performing in class showcases, helping them build confidence, musical skills and an appreciation for how music shapes culture.
PE: Our middle school PE program encourages students to develop a healthy, active lifestyle while discovering activities they enjoy. With an emphasis on participation, effort and teamwork, students build confidence and fitness regardless of skill level. Students engage in a variety of activities including the Presidential Fitness Test, pickleball, volleyball and cooperative games. Along the way, they practice respect, kindness, cooperation and the importance of staying active to support both physical and mental health.
Clubs & Electives: From Robotics, Constitutional Law and National History Day to Student Newspaper, Student Council and Data Puzzles, students have opportunities during and after school to explore areas of interest that often become future passions. Clubs are student-led and can range from flag football to Dungeons & Dragons to Social Action clubs. Affinity and lunch groups also offer connection and targeted support for our kids. Robotics, Constitutional Law and National History Day are more time-intensive teams, involving competition against other schools at the local, state and national levels.