confidence...       discipline...

In the natural extension of our Elementary school curriculum, our approach for the Middle School promotes accelerated learning by combining traditional subject areas within flexible time allotments and by incorporating intensive internship periods and volunteer community service.

            Expectations for the students are high.  We emphasize the quality of involvement and academic projects so that the program promotes self discovery and high levels of challenge.  Students are encouraged to be independent critical thinkers and they are provided with a relaxed environment conducive to their unique and creative learning styles.  In small classes, with an overall student/teacher ratio of seven-to-one, each student is assured the necessary guidance to nurture his or her abilities and interests.

            In addition to the regular classroom teachers, our staff is supported by experts in the fields of math, science, foreign language, history, computer science, and the arts.  Math and science are presented as an integrated unit, and they are approached from a developmental perspective with a great deal of hands-on experiential participation.  Language Arts and Social Studies reinforce each other through an integrated, literature based whole language approach.  Students are exposed to a myriad of fine literature that brings alive their History curriculum.  Creative writing and research skills are developed through a scope and sequence that is both age and developmentally appropriate while encouraging the higher order thinking skills.  By continuing the Spanish instruction that began in Kindergarten, students further develop their language skills for life along the border.

            The Computer Laboratory is an integral part of the curriculum for the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.  Students are encouraged to become comfortable with them so that they extend into natural tools.  Hardware and software are studied as are keyboarding skills to form the foundation for word processing and other computer applications.  Many classrooms contain computers that allow for expanded opportunities for student use.

            The Fine Arts program exposes our students to a wide variety of artistic endeavors.  They are taught both two and three dimensional studio art including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, calligraphy, computer art, and photography.  Music is enjoyed by all students and includes choral and instrumental work as well as music history and appreciation.  Theatre Arts provide a creative method of applying classroom learning and develops poise and self confidence.  Every year many of our students participate in a Missoula Children’s Theater production exclusively for EPCDS students.

            As Middle School students complete their studies, they are expected to have learned the values of task commitment, self reliance, group support, and appropriate judgment that is essential to developing maturity.