How well can students do if they’re starting in the accelerated language track?
We have had several students come into Grade 6 with little or no prior exposure to the language, and our expectations for them are set accordingly. At first, they may only understand part of the subject matter, but they quickly learn from their immersion in the language, and over time, they develop confidence in their abilities. English language arts, math and science are taught in English, so integrating with current students in these subjects helps ease the transition. By the end of the 8th grade, these students are likely fluent and able to move into AP level classes in Grade 9 or 10 and earn a Global Seal of Biliteracy.
How does the HWIS Middle School curriculum compare with that of other private or public middle schools?
The curriculum for grades 6-8 is developed in accordance with the same core content standards as other top tier independent schools. Students move at an individualized pace in math, and students often move years ahead of what is taught in traditional schools. In English language arts students discuss and analyze literature across different genres. Students use the methods taught in Columbia University’s Readers and Writers workshop to develop writing skills in argument, informative and narrative writing.
What clubs and other activities help students to develop their interests?
During maker space, students are exposed to coding, woodworking, engineering design and sculpture. There are also after school activities such as robotics, chess, language, and karate in which students can explore interests outside of subjects taught during the day.
What level can students achieve in the second language?
When students who have completed the elementary program are assessed in the spring of their 5th grade year, they are typically scoring at intermediate mid to intermediate high for Mandarin and Spanish. So we would expect students who continue on through middle school to also score at intermediate high or advanced low by the end of Grade 8.
What high schools and colleges have our students ex-missioned to?
Students who attend HWIS and choose to ex-mission after being in the program for 6-9 years typically get into their first-choice independent school. HWIS NJ students have been accepted to Newark Academy, Pingry, Kent Place, Morristown-Beard, and Montclair-Kimberly Academy. HWIS NY students have been accepted to Brearley, Chapin, Spence, Riverdale, Trinity, Horace Mann, UNIS, Speyer Legacy, and Friends Seminary, to name a few.
How is being in a smaller social environment helpful to students?
Due to small class sizes, we see our students developing very strong friendships. And because they have to work with each personality in a way they wouldn’t in a large classroom, they develop strong teamwork skills. There is also training on communication, resolving conflict and accepting others. Students who have left HWIS tell us that the transition to other environments have been smooth.
How can curriculum be delivered in a mixed grade class?
Some of our classes combine students from two grades in one classroom, such as Grade 4 and Grade 5. Teachers are able to differentiate by teaching the same unit - such as Colonial America - in a way that encompasses the goals of each grade. Because our classes are small, classroom variation at HWIS for two grades is similar to what you would find in a single grade class of 16-18 students.
What are the plans for the service learning projects?
Some of our classes combine students from two grades in one classroom, such as Grade 4 and Grade 5. Teachers are able to differentiate by teaching the same unit - such as Colonial America - in a way that encompasses the goals of each grade. Because our classes are small, classroom variation at HWIS for two grades is similar to what you would find in a single grade class of 16-18 students.
How will the school support ex-missions for students in middle school?
Beginning in the spring of Grade 7, HWIS will provide a consultant to work with each student in identifying a list of schools which would be a good fit for that child. We will provide information to parents on the process, and help the student through the application process with individual support on areas such as interview preparation. Our goal is to support students interested in continuing to either independent or public high schools.
