Middle School

Student Life

The Middle School at Cape Cod Academy emphasizes all the great things that are possible at this wonderful age if we thoughtfully address the developmental needs of students at this time in their lives. As educators, we know that students thrive when they feel physically and emotionally secure within a caring environment.
 

List of 3 items.

  • Advisory

    The advisory program is the foundation of our Middle School community. Our advisory program is designed to help us be sure that we are meeting the core development needs of each student, every day. Students who are 11-14 years old thrive when they experience:
    • Autonomy
    • Competence
    • Relatinships
    • Fun

    Advisory groups are made up of 8-10 students led by one faculty advisor.  This group remains together for the full year and a student usually stays with the same advisor and group for all three years of Middle School. Students begin and end each day with their advisor and group to help students transition through the stages of the day. They also have one class-length meeting each week for a more substantial discussion and activities.

    Each of our advisors have been trained in Developmental Designs (DD) [add link to website of Origins-Development Designs], a research-based approach to best meet the social-emotional needs of adolescence.  Based upon their research, all of the practices within the DD approach work to meet the four most basic needs of all adolescents: autonomy, competence, relationships, and fun.

    Advisory meetings often follow the DD method called “CPR” (Circle of Power and Respect), and include fun activities and games as well as discussions within a program of topics. As students gain trust in each other and social confidence within the group, meetings can become student-led and responsive to the topics arising in day-to-day life.  

    Through these fun and engaging meeting times and daily check-ins, our advisory program allows students to develop relationships with other adults and students so that they feel supported and connected.
     

  • Signature Trips

    Signature Trips are unique opportunities where our Middle Schoolers are encouraged to engage in new experiences and to grow both as students and young people. Students gather twice a year (once with the entire Middle School and once with their individual grades) for exciting, inclusive and appropriately challenging educational and cultural journeys
    .
    Below is a sample list of our signature trips:

    Spring “Middle School Trip Week”

    The spring trip for each grade level is more of a journey, taking students off-Cape for several days. These trips are tied to curricular goals, the specific age and maturity level of our students and always include cultural experiences locally, regionally or nationally. All three grade levels go on separate trips during the same week.

    TRIP #1
    LOCATION: Quebec
    PARTICIPANTS: 6th grade
    CURRICULAR EMPHASIS:  Incorporation of concepts, lessons and language from our Geography and World Cultures classes
    ACTIVITIES: Visits to restaurants featuring cultural foods and activities; historical locations in downtown Quebec; shops and merchants where French is spoken; native Huron and British sites of historical significance; a maple sugar farm; museums and exhibits highlighting Quebec’s history; and an historical play.

    TRIP #2
    LOCATION: Chewonki
    PARTICIPANTS: 7th grade
    CURRICULAR EMPHASIS: Citizen Science - data collection and comparison of similar habitats from Maine to Cape Cod. Chewonki focuses on real-life science rather than overviews of scientific principles. Students bring classroom methodologies to “in-the-field” experience.
    ACTIVITIES: Estuary study

    TRIP #3
    LOCATION: Washington, DC
    PARTICIPANTS: 8th grade
    CURRICULAR EMPHASIS: An experiential opportunity to visit the seat of governance and bear witness to the democratic process in action.  This trip provides a chance to enact book knowledge gained throughout the year in Civics class.
    ACTIVITIES:  Tour of National Monuments, Smithsonian Museums, Capitol Building, Supreme Court and visits with local politicians where and when appropriate. Students usually attend a theater production and dinner out.

  • Clubs

    At Cape Cod Academy, we encourage our students to join school clubs that will expand their experience. These are in addition to opportunities in athletics and the performing arts (music and drama). 

    Some clubs are only for middle school students or upper school students. Others include students from both divisions. Organizations such as the Environmental Club offer opportunities for older students to mentor our lower school students.

    From year to year clubs can change based upon student interest.
     
    Clubs 2018-2019
    • Aeronautics Club
    • Art Club
    • Athletic Council
    • Blue Key Ambassadors
    • Chess Club
    • Chinese Culture Club
    • Community Service Organization
    • Environmental Club
    • Film Club
    • Glee Club
    • Human Rights Club
    • Math Club
    • Mock Trial
    • Pen to Paper Literary Magazine
    • Pink Ribbon Club
    • Robotics Club
    • Science Club
    • Stand Up to Cancer Club
    • Student Council
    • Yearbook
Cape Cod Academy is one of the only independent, co-educational, college preparatory schools serving students from kindergarten to grade 12 on Cape Cod.