Middle (Ages 11-13)

Where Independent Thinkers Become Courageous Leaders

At our private school in the Bay Area, the Middle School Studio is where curiosity, creativity, and independence come together to shape tomorrow’s leaders. Here, learners take full ownership of their education. Setting their own goals, working at their own pace, and engaging deeply through Socratic discussions, real-world projects, and collaborative challenges.

This is more than middle school. It’s preparation for lifelong learning, leadership, and innovation.

Deep Learning Through Socratic Discussions and Self-Paced Mastery

Each day, learners participate in three dynamic Socratic discussions, where they explore ideas through respectful debate, critical questioning, and open-minded thinking. These conversations challenge learners to think deeply, defend their ideas, and listen with intention—skills that foster true intellectual growth.

Core academics, including math, grammar, reading, and writing, are self-paced and mastery-based. Learners progress only when they’ve truly grasped a concept—not just memorized it—ensuring deep understanding and long-term retention. This structure supports both remediation and acceleration, allowing each learner to move forward with confidence and clarity.

Math Mastery with Khan Academy

Our math program is powered by Khan Academy, a globally respected platform that supports mastery learning through adaptive technology. Every learner must reach at least 85% mastery before advancing to the next concept, ensuring a solid foundation and true comprehension.

The system intelligently revisits prior topics over time, helping learners reinforce past learning and fill any gaps that arise. And because our model isn’t bound by traditional grade levels, learners can accelerate far beyond their age group, whether they're revisiting foundational concepts or diving into algebra and beyond.

There’s no ceiling here, only forward momentum fueled by curiosity and effort.

Quests That Cultivate Innovators

Afternoons are dedicated to Quests- immersive, interdisciplinary projects that bring science, history, entrepreneurship, and the arts to life. These real-world explorations ignite curiosity and build essential skills in research, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

One of our most beloved and impactful Quests is the Children’s Business Fair, a capstone experience in youth entrepreneurship. Learners begin by brainstorming and pitching original business ideas, aligned with their passions and interests. Once their concept is approved, they take full responsibility for every part of the business, from product design and material sourcing to cost analysis and pricing strategy.

But this isn’t just a class project. It's a live, high-traffic event open to the community. Learners launch their businesses at our annual marketplace, where they sell their products or services, engage with real customers, and navigate the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.

This experience strengthens communication skills, adaptability, confidence, and a mindset of innovation. Turning what could feel intimidating (like initiating a conversation with prospective customers) into something empowering and exhilarating.

Learner-Planned Travel: Real-World Problem Solving

Another hallmark of the Middle School Studio is the Learner-Planned Trip, a real-world challenge that blends research, budgeting, and teamwork. Learners propose destinations, calculate travel costs, plan transportation and meals, and build a full itinerary. After pitching their proposals to their peers, the parents and learners vote on the final destination.

Then, with guides present but hands-off, they execute the trip—navigating airports, public transportation, hotels, and sightseeing with minimal adult intervention.

This experience is more than a trip—it’s an unforgettable lesson in responsibility, decision-making, and independence.

Physical Education That Builds Strength and Teamwork

We believe that physical development is an essential part of a well-rounded education. Middle School learners participate in PE next door at a state-of-the-art, 26,000-square-foot gymnasium. From flag football and volleyball to Quidditch and creative group games, movement is woven into the week in ways that build physical stamina, cooperation, and joy. We also set off on monthly trips around the Bay Area, hiking or kayaking. Because our innovation doesn't stop indoors. 

A Studio Designed for Collaboration and Creation

Our flexible learning environment includes breakout spaces, collaboration zones, and quiet nooks where learners can focus, connect, and create. Whether building prototypes, conducting experiments, or brainstorming new business ideas, they’re always immersed in meaningful, hands-on learning.

Because we’re located in the heart of the Bay Area- surrounded by entrepreneurs, engineers, and visionaries. We believe in equipping learners with the skills and mindsets they’ll need to thrive in this fast-paced, ever-changing world.

We’re not just preparing them for the next grade level. We’re preparing them to lead, innovate, and make an impact. Now, and in the future.

Preparing for High School and Beyond

The Middle School Studio is where learners begin to see themselves not as students, but as capable young adults. With increased autonomy, real-world responsibilities, and leadership challenges, they learn to think critically, act responsibly, and lead with integrity.

Our learners graduate from middle school not only academically prepared, but personally empowered, with the grit to stay focused, the confidence to speak up, and the curiosity to keep learning.

This is middle school reimagined. And it’s changing the way learners see themselves, and their futures.

Ready to See It in Action?

If you’re searching for a middle school program that balances academic mastery with real-world innovation and independence, we invite you to experience the Middle School Studio for yourself.