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Bridging the Gap: Preparing Portledge Students for Middle School

One of the most critical transitions is the move from Lower School to Middle School, where students must build independence, confidence, and academic skills to prepare for the challenges ahead. 

In Lower School, students develop curiosity and discovery, laying the foundation for critical thinking. As they enter middle school, character and confidence are cultivated, and they gain the skills to lead purposefully. Through thoughtfully designed courses like Perspectives and Study Skills, we equip students with the tools they need to succeed.

The transition from 5th to 6th grade is a pivotal moment in a student’s academic and personal growth. At Portledge, we recognize that this shift brings new challenges—greater independence, increased academic expectations, and evolving social dynamics. Our Middle School program is carefully designed to provide students with the skills, strategies, and confidence needed to thrive.

We begin the introduction process with an information night for fifth grade parents in the spring, while fifth grade students are paired with sixth-graders for a day, providing firsthand experience. “The biggest difference from fifth grade to sixth grade is that you have to manage yourself,” sixth grade student Eliza W. says. “There are so many people here to help you, but you have more freedom.” 

Study Skills: Building a Strong Foundation for Success

The Study Skills class helps students develop essential strategies for academic success, from how to stay organized and prioritize assignments to how the brain works in relation to learning, strategies that will benefit them in Middle School and beyond.  

“Study Skills is all about helping students understand how they learn,” explains Study Skills teacher Elaina Schroeder. “It’s about trying different strategies, seeing what works, and developing the confidence to navigate academic challenges.” The class incorporates enriching, hands-on projects and activities. One engaging lesson, for example, incorporates emotional regulation with a fun activity called 1-2-3 Turtle:

  1. Stop whatever you are doing or saying.

  2. Go into your shell and think.

  3. Come out and act appropriately.

“I try to make it interactive and fun,” Mrs. Schroeder says. “We either do a project or a little craft to enhance the lesson.” These approaches make learning more engaging for different types of learners and help them understand who they are as Portledge students. Sixth-grade student Hassan D. says, “Study Skills class is also really helpful, especially if you play sports. It helped with my time management, and I learned to pay attention to everything, not just the big things.” 

Perspectives Class: Learning to Think Critically and Respectfully

The Perspectives class focuses on building critical thinking, communication, and social-emotional skills. Through class discussions, structured projects, and thoughtful reflection, students learn how to express themselves and their arguments clearly and using evidence, develop empathy for others’ experiences, and remain respectful of other points of view. 

“Perspectives is more than just a class; it’s a space where students can discuss real-life issues, practice decision-making strategies, and engage in meaningful dialogue,” shares Perspectives teacher Danielle Reynolds. The course expands on students' experiences with public speaking through debate and mock trials, giving them the confidence to express their thoughts while respecting different viewpoints. Hassan D explains, “Perspectives is more of a conversation. Everyone gets a chance to talk about what they’re thinking.” The skills learned in this class are valuable not only in school but in everyday life. 

This intentional curriculum design, focusing on both social-emotional learning and how students learn, provides an unparalleled educational experience at Portledge. By supporting students through each transition, we ensure they don’t just move forward—they excel.
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