Middle School Curriculum

Academics are the core of Harker’s program, and a strong middle school curriculum lays a vital foundation for the challenges of high school. The development of study skills and time management is also important during the middle school years, and Harker provides instruction and support in these areas. And Harker's integrated 1:1 laptop program in the middle and upper schools continues to seek the best tools to help students learn, and to infuse information literacy skills throughout the curriculum.

In and outside of the classroom, Harker middle school students read and analyze an increasingly sophisticated range of literary works. Classroom and lab work in the sciences are reinforced with weeklong educational trips to Yosemite (grade 6), the national parks (grade 7) and Washington, D.C. (grade 8). Additionally, students gain the skills they’ll need for the rest of their academic careers through projects that are spread over a few weeks, where students make full use of Harker’s extensive library collection and more than 84 online research databases. To nudge the creative talents of our students, our extensive performance, art and music offerings provide students with rich opportunities for self-discovery and self-expression.

Harker is there every step of the way with each child. As a student’s talent evolves, Harker evaluates the course placement that will best challenge and inspire each student to academic excellence without causing stress. Teachers, counselors and parents work together to strike the right balance for each child.