Laurel Hill Middle School
A Foundation for the Future
Laurel Hill Middle School is a dynamic bridge between childhood and young adulthood—a time when students deepen their knowledge, sharpen their thinking, and begin to discover who they are and who they wish to become. At Laurel Hill, we meet these formative years with a rich, supportive academic environment and an intentional focus on personal growth, independence, and responsibility.
Our middle school program is designed to challenge and inspire. With small class sizes, individualized instruction, and expert teachers who truly know and care for each student, we create the conditions for meaningful learning and authentic connection. Here, students are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, engage in civil discourse, and take intellectual risks.
In addition to core academics, middle school students explore a wide range of subjects—from the arts and foreign languages to technology, physical education, and beyond. They participate in school traditions, leadership opportunities, community service projects, and public presentations, laying the groundwork for success in high school and beyond.
Curriculum Overview
English Language Arts
In our English Language Arts program, students are immersed in rich literature and held to high standards of expression and analysis. Through a blend of creative and analytical writing, oral presentations, and close reading, students sharpen their ability to think critically and communicate effectively.
The curriculum emphasizes essay structure, guiding students to master the four- and five-paragraph essay format in response to complex texts. A robust skills program further strengthens vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. By the time they complete middle school, students are confident, articulate writers and thinkers—well prepared for high school and beyond.
Mathematics
Laurel Hill’s mathematics curriculum is rigorous, relevant, and responsive. Students engage in deep problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and real-world applications. Aligned with New York State standards, the program supports learners at all levels—from foundational tutorials to advanced coursework.
A highlight of our math program is the Math Lab, where hands-on projects bring concepts to life. Students collaborate to interpret problems, explore multiple solutions, apply creativity, and present their findings—developing both their mathematical fluency and their communication skills.
Advanced eighth-grade students are prepared for the Integrated Algebra Regents Examination, while all students build the confidence and mastery to succeed on state assessments and in future coursework.
Science
Our middle school science program encourages students to become inquisitive scientists—critical observers, analytical thinkers, and informed global citizens.
6th Grade emphasizes Life and Earth Sciences through discovery-based learning, emphasizing observation, experimentation, and environmental awareness.
7th Grade introduces Regents-level Chemistry. Students explore the atom, isotopes, the periodic table, and the properties of elements through engaging experiments and hands-on activities.
8th Grade centers on Earth Science and includes 1,200 minutes of formal lab work, integrated with research, reports, and computer-based analysis. Students prepare for both the New York State Eighth Grade Science Assessment and, for qualifying students, the Earth Science Regents Examination.
Throughout the program, students make meaningful connections between science and current events, exploring how scientific understanding shapes the world around them.
Social Studies
The Social Studies program at Laurel Hill invites students to see the world through the eyes of a historian—asking not only what happened, but why, how, and what comes next.
Students develop historical literacy, geographic awareness, and civic understanding. They examine how geography, climate, and population shape societies, and explore the political, economic, and social forces that influence human development.
Through discussion, debate, and critical inquiry, students engage with the past to better understand the present—and to imagine a more informed future. Our classrooms are vibrant forums for learning, where every student is encouraged to form opinions, make connections, and participate in thoughtful dialogue.
