The UNIS Middle School, aware that these years are a critical period for social, emotional and intellectual growth, provides a wealth of opportunities that foster self-discovery, intellectual adventure and peer-group identification.
The transition from the Junior School into the broader and more varied world of Middle School is facilitated by a structure that has been designed to provide for both academic rigor and for personal growth. In Middle 1 and 2 homeroom teachers are also teachers for two major subjects. In M3 and M4 homeroom teachers are also a major-subject teacher. This structure provides for consistency and support, while fostering each child's evolving sense of academic responsibility and independence. In addition, a skilled team of counselors is available to help students deal with developmental as well as academic issues.
The Middle School years are an important time for exploration and adventure. M1, M2 and M3 students attend annual environmental camps, during which they engage in outdoor activities, nature studies and social experiences. M4 students attend language camp in either Mexico or Canada. Students also go on field trips, exploring New York City's many cultural resources.
The Middle School curriculum builds upon the basics learned in previous years, adding new subjects and additional language options. UNIS places high value on the teaching of foreign languages. At the Middle 3 level, students begin learning a third language, in addition to French or Spanish. Students may choose from among eight different modern language options.
As social relations are paramount for this age group, the Middle School lounge gives students a place of their own to meet and to congregate. The Student Council organizes special Middle School spirit days, such as “crazy hair day” and “retro day” to foster the students’ sense of belonging.
Homeroom Advisory
Each student is assigned a homeroom advisory teacher who is responsible for the students' well-being and meets with them as a group and on a one-to-one basis in order to monitor their academic and social development. The homeroom advisory teacher provides ongoing guidance for each student, forms a student-teacher supportive relationship, listens to students and helps them to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. The homeroom advisory teacher may call together other teachers, parents, counselors and/or administrators when needed to assess special student needs.
Homeroom advisory teachers at each level work as a team under the guidance and supervision of the Principal to plan not only instructional programs, but also student activities and co-curricular projects. MYS periods are also used to plan and execute assemblies or community service activities. The homeroom advisory teacher has the responsibility for gathering information concerning students to be conveyed to the parents.