Philosophy

As a college preparatory school, Lakehill provides a well-rounded education in the tradition of the best liberal arts colleges.  The coursework is stimulating and interesting.  Yet, we never lose sight of the active nature of the middle school student.  The entire program at the middle school level centers around a keen developmental understanding and an appreciation of the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical needs of the middle school student.  Activities are varied and designed to broaden the experiences and perspectives of this special age group.  As members of the National Middle School Association, the middle school faculty stays abreast of techniques and tools which make the middle school years a true adventure in learning.

While stressing academic skills and preparations for higher learning, the middle school program provides numerous opportunities for cross-curricular learning, projects, extracurricular activities, teamwork, and socialization.  The foundation of our curriculum is shaped by an emphasis on organization of time, space, and materials; study skills in mathematics and sciences; historical perspectives; and physical development.  Personal responsibility and integrity are considered key components of a student's development and formulate a central theme across the curriculum

Academic Requirements

Middle School Curriculum Guide

Fifth Grade:
English (Grammar and Composition) 
Literature (Reading) 
Mathematics
World Geography 
General Science
Computer Literacy 
Music
Art
Physical Education

Sixth Grade:
English (Grammar and Composition) 
Literature (Reading) 
Mathematics
Texas History
Earth Science
Computer Literacy 
Music
Art
Physical Education

Seventh Grade:
Language Arts (Grammar, Composition and Literature) 
Mathematics (Pre-Algebra)
Ancient Civilizations/Medieval History
Latin I
Life Science
Physical Education
Four units of Fine Arts, Science, or Technology electives

Fine Arts:
Art and Music are required in 5th and 6th grades. In 7th and 8th grades, students are encouraged to choose at least one Fine Arts elective among the following: Choir, Instrumentals, Drama, Musical Theater, or Studio Art.

Physical Education:
Students are required to take PE every year.

Electives:
Electives vary from year to year, and are announced prior to Spring Advising. Frequently taught electives include Art, Journalism, Speech, Computer, Instrumental Music, Choir, Musical Theater, Introduction to Drama, Creative Writing, Robotics, and Nature Exploration.

Report Cards:
Report Cards are issued every six weeks, with semester reports issued at the end of each semester. These reports are intended to communicate to students and parents areas of strength and weakness.

If a child is experiencing difficulty in a specific subject, a teacher will be happy to offer assistance.

Grading Scale for Grades 4 - 8

Fall Day-Out

Each fall, middle school students spend a special day outside of the regular classroom on an all-day field trip. Trips vary from year to year, with a continual focus on bonding opportunities for students and teachers across grade levels. Activities vary as well, from a curricular theme to a cultural experience. Past destinations have included Fair Park, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Fort Worth Zoo, area out-door education camps, Lake Texoma, and a pri­vate farm. The main goal of this day is to estab­lish a framework for facilitating year-long team-work and unity.

The Adventure Week

One of the highlights each year in middle school is the opportunity for extended travel.  Occurring each spring, these required trips are a joyful tradition within the middle school experience. While destinations and experiences vary slightly from year to year, current travel plans include a program of environmental education and leadership training in fifth-grade, a trip around Texas to visit historical and cultural sights studied in sixth- grade history, a shared focus on science and ancient civilization for seventh-grade in New Mexico, and an amazing multi-curricular experience for eighth-graders when they visit Boston, Massachusetts. While each grade’s “adventure” has different destinations and goals, students return with a sense of achievement and confidence.

Activity Periods

This program is unique to our middle school students and allows them the opportunity to participate in elective activities during the school day five times during the first semester. These activities vary from year to year, and student suggestions are encouraged. These mini-courses allow students to group according to interest instead of grade level and to discover teachers who share interests similar to their own in non-academic settings. In the past, activity period offerings have included experiences in journalism, animation, chess, cooking, card and board games, ethnic foods, first aid, officiating, conditioning, cars, needlepoint, clowning, photography, and jazz.

Athletics

While Physical Education classes are required for all students, about 90% of the student body chooses in addition to participate on Lakehill athletic teams. Any student who wishes to play a sport may sign up to participate with the understanding that a commitment of time for practices and games is required. All students are encouraged to participate in athletics and reap the benefits of building team work, school spirit, and camaraderie. These foster a commitment to lifetime physical fitness. The following middle school sports are offered at Lakehill:

Boys’ Football - Grades 6 - 8
Girls’ Volleyball - Grades 5 - 6 & Grades 7 - 8
Boys’ Basketball - Grades 5 - 6 & Grades 7 - 8
Girls’ Basketball - Grades 5 - 6 & Grades 7 - 8
Girls’ Softball - Grades 7 - 8 
Boys’ Baseball - Grades 6 - 8 
Co-ed Track - Grades 7 - 8

Our teams compete in TAPS with other area teams. Lakehill teams have won distinction in all sports over the years at district, regional, and state championship games and meets.

Class Organizations

Each Middle School class forms an organized group by electing officers and using parliamentary procedure for all meetings. The purpose of the Class Organization is to help class members enjoy an environment of collegiality, shared purpose, and cooperation. This is accomplished by selecting and completing a minimum of two community service projects each year, contacting the class’s adopted grandparent at least once a month, and supporting school-wide community service projects. This group also provides an avenue for discussing class concerns for student council representatives to present at Student Council meetings.

Class groups also meet outside of school on occasion at various social gatherings.

Parent-Faculty Club

This organization provides numerous opportunities for parental involvement in the school.  Various committees, grade-level projects, fund-raising, and school/faculty support are channeled through the PFC.  Lakehill encourages and invites active family involvement in the life of the school.

The School Day

Classes begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. and end at 3:15 p.m.  A lunchroom menu is provided for daily food purchases, or students may bring lunches from home.

After-School Care Program

A supervised child-care program is available on school days until 6:00 p.m. for an additional fee.  Any middle school student remaining on campus after carpool is required to check into the after-school program.  The purpose of this program is to offer a safe, flexible, and well-staffed environment for those remaining on campus after 3:45 p.m.