CHARLES COUNTY - There are seven middle schools in Charles County
that serve students in grades 6 through 8. An eighth middle school is scheduled
to open in the fall of 2007. Middle school is a bridge between elementary and
high school. Reading and math continue to be a strong focus in middle school. A
wide range of course offerings begins to allow students to explore their
interests and choose a possible direction for high school. There are expanded
music and arts programs as well as the introduction of foreign language and
related arts. Gifted education provides a variety of instructional and
enrichment opportunities for students. Gifted education resource teachers work
with the classroom teachers at the elementary and middle school level to enhance
the essential curriculum to meet the needs of the highly able/gifted students.
ST. MARY'S COUNTY (where base is located) - Focus at the middle school
level is on the development of the intellect of young adolescents while
providing for their unique social, emotional, and physical
needs. During the middle learning years, students can experience
success, maximize intellectual growth, and explore new and specialized
interests, aptitudes, and abilities. In middle school, students study
reading/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, visual arts, music,
physical education/health, technology education, family and consumer sciences,
and environmental education. All reading/language arts courses are
two periods each day. Enrichment and acceleration in the form of
advanced placement preparatory reading/language arts, high school level
mathematics, and level one foreign language courses are
available. These courses of study are designed to meet the needs of
highly able students to help prepare them for continued success with higher
level courses in high school. Each middle school has a chapter of the
National Junior Honor Society.