As students enter the middle school years (6th-8th grade), they are taught to embrace executive functioning skills, increase their personal responsibility, and attack challenges with a growth mindset to prepare them for high school and beyond. They are also challenged to find themselves both individually and as members of a global society. We also place great importance on continuing to support students’ social-emotional growth during these pivotal years.
While the elementary-aged group learns through imagination and play-/process-based learning, middle schoolers learn through observation, critical thinking, and applied knowledge. Students learn in an environment that provides structure to the model: teach, create, reflect. After introducing a lesson, students participate in a hands-on activity that continues to strengthen their ability to reconnect ideas after completion. Student work promotes curiosity and collaboration, and plays an important role in team building and character development.
Paragon’s diverse staff delivers challenging and exciting curriculum through a myriad of modalities, including: hands-on, on-line, group projects, individual choice, lecture, lab-work, simulations, and more. Students learn to learn in a variety of ways, thus preparing themselves for the demands of any magnet or private high school.
Appropriate class size is crucial to learning. Our middle school classrooms have averaged 18 students each over the last two decades. By contrast, middle school classes in Austin public schools are often as large as 30 or 40 students as there is no cap on class sizes.
Paragon middle school students are encouraged to join elective activities that meet before, during, or after the school day. Elective options include band, art, student government, technology classes, chess club, and competitive sports.
Middle School
While the elementary-aged group learns through imagination and play-/process-based learning, middle schoolers learn through observation, critical thinking, and applied knowledge. Students learn in an environment that provides structure to the model: teach, create, reflect. After introducing a lesson, students participate in a hands-on activity that continues to strengthen their ability to reconnect ideas after completion. Student work promotes curiosity and collaboration, and plays an important role in team building and character development.
Appropriate class size is crucial to learning. Our middle school classrooms have averaged 18 students each over the last two decades. By contrast, middle school classes in Austin public schools are often as large as 30 or 40 students as there is no cap on class sizes.
Paragon middle school students are encouraged to join elective activities that meet before, during, or after the school day. Elective options include band, art, student government, technology classes, chess club, and competitive sports.