Middle Grades
In the middle grades (6–8), students enter a transformative stage of growth — academically, socially, and personally. At Avenues, these years are intentionally designed as a bridge between the strong foundations of the Lower Division and the increased independence, leadership, and academic depth of the upper grades. Through a rigorous global curriculum, individualized social-emotional support, and a robust menu of co-curricular opportunities, students are encouraged to stretch beyond their comfort zones while being supported through the changes and challenges of early adolescence.
Go to AdmissionsSIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Advanced real-world learning
Unique to Avenues New York, our signature programs reimagine what’s possible at middle school. With programs across a range of disciplines–from math to arts to entrepreneurship–every student can pursue innovative learning in an area that interests them.
J-TERM
A “mini-term” for deep, immersive learning
J-Term is an annual opportunity for middle grades students to develop global leadership skills. Students choose from a range of unique learning experiences, from social innovation and community engagement to their own specialized studies in the arts, math or entrepreneurship.
ADVANCED MATH
Avenues Institute for Advanced Mathematics (IAM)
Combining conceptual rigor with real-world application, our selective math program was designed for students who feel driven to produce groundbreaking work in pure and applied mathematics.
HIGH-INTENSITY PRACTICE
Fostering core skills through persistent practice
We developed High-Intensity Practice (HIP) to train students in key thinking skills such as empathy, creativity, and abstraction. In frequent, highly focused and carefully structured sessions of writing, math, and coding, students sharpen their executive functioning and working memory.
THE AVENUES WORLD ELEMENTS
A global curriculum designed with the future in mind
The Avenues World Elements (AWE) define the knowledge, skills, and qualities that every Avenues student develops on their journey from early childhood through graduation. From empathy to entrepreneurship, creativity to classic works, AWE defines both what and how students learn at Avenues New York .
ACADEMICS
The Middle Grades Curriculum
Our research-backed global middle school curriculum ensures that students develop strong subject-based knowledge while also equipping them to apply their knowledge in new contexts. Rigorous project-based learning and interdisciplinary study foster creativity, critical thinking, and a global mindset.
- English
- Math
- World Course
- Science
- World Languages
- High-Intensity Practice
- Arts
- Wellness and Movement
- English
- Math
- World Course
- Science
- World Languages
- High-Intensity Practice
- Arts
- Wellness and Movement
English
Across the middle grades, students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers, exploring identity, justice, and big ideas through rich texts and varied genres. Recent units include Just Mercy paired with forensic science, In the Time of the Butterflies, a Page to Stage adaptation unit, and a Utopia/Dystopia study of The Giver.
Grade 6
In grade 6, students explore identity and curiosity through core texts, discussions, and varied writing, strengthening reading, analysis, vocabulary, and confidence while developing habits of reflection, independence, and lifelong learning. Units include Through the Circuit, a Genre Study of Mystery, Page to Stage adaptation and script writing, and Beyond Single Stories.
Grade 7
Seventh graders explore community within the genres of memoir, nonfiction, poetry, and science fiction, creating personal artifacts to understand individual roles and unmet communal expectations. Units include Humor and Hardship with Born a Crime, Just Mercy paired with forensic science, Other Words for Home, and a Utopia/Dystopia study of The Giver.
Grade 8
In grade 8, students survey significant literature, practicing analysis and close reading and interpreting themes, structure, and language to deepen understanding and critical thinking. Units include The Stories We Have to Tell, In the Time of the Butterflies, an exploration of genre, and the capstone unit Wisdom in the Time of Information.
Math
Students deepen reasoning from number theory and proportional thinking through problem-based Integrated Math with a STEM pathway (an Exeter-style, discussion-driven curriculum) by Grade 8, applying concepts in projects like city maps. An advanced track runs through the Junior and Avenues Institutes of Advanced Mathematics.
Grade 6
In grade 6, students enhance their computational and conceptual skills through the study of different types of mathematical reasoning. Units include Number Systems and Theory, Fraction and Decimal Operations, Ratios and Proportional Reasoning, and Data, Statistical, and Geometric Reasoning.
Grade 7
Seventh grade math develops problem-solving, reasoning, and number sense across algebra, geometry, proportions, probability, and statistics, preparing students for more advanced algebra. Units include Number Systems and Theory, Algebraic Reasoning, Multi-step Equations and Proportions, and Probability and Geometry through city-map projects.
Grade 8
In Grade 8, students continue Integrated Math through two pathways, so families can choose the structure that fits best.
INTEGRATED MATH 8 Students build algebra skills through problem-based learning, applying prior knowledge, exploring contextual problems, and discussing solutions to deepen mathematical understanding. Units include Quantitative Reasoning, Linear Functions and Equations, Factoring and Quadratics, and the Pythagorean Theorem.
INTEGRATED MATH (STEM) 8 Students develop algebra skills through problem-based learning in this Exeter-style, discussion-driven STEM pathway, applying prior knowledge, exploring contextual problems, and discussing solutions to build mathematical understanding. Units include Quantitative Reasoning, Linear Functions and Equations, Factoring and Quadratics, and the Pythagorean Theorem.
Institute for Advanced Mathematics
Through the Junior Institute (JIAM) (grade 6) and Avenues Institute of Advanced Mathematics (IAM) (grades 7–8), students deepen their mathematical thinking through collaborative problem-solving, individualized projects and research. Across courses spanning Number Theory, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus, students explore mathematics through historical context, multimedia activities and advanced research, including literature reviews, digital mathematics projects and year-long papers on a publication track.
World Course
Avenues' signature interdisciplinary global studies program. Students investigate how humans shape the world, from geography and world religions to the foundations of civilizations, revolutions, and Early American history through the lens of New York City, including the invented "MyCiv" project and a Civil War study tied to New York institutions.
Grade 6
In World Course, 6th graders explore the many ways that humans interact with the world around them. Units include Geography, Tree Huggers (an exploration of humans and the natural world), Belief Systems and world religions, and Climate Action.
Grade 7
In grade 7, students conduct a year-long study of civilization's foundations, examining major revolutions while building research, note taking, and communication skills to connect past upheavals to today. Units include Foundations of Civilizations (GRAPES), Revolutions and the year-long MyCiv project, Industrialization and Imperialism, and the Cold War and global conflicts.
Grade 8
In grade 8, students explore Early American history from the 1500s to 1800s, emphasizing New York City and interdisciplinary connections integrated throughout the entire year. Units include Native American and Colonial Encounters, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and its ties to New York institutions, and Coming to America: Immigration.
Science
In our inquiry-based, hands-on science program, middle grades students learn to think like a scientist. Students investigate states of matter, model the Heat Island Effect, program Mars rovers with an introduction to AI and machine learning, study forensic science and global health, and design sustainable solutions through the engineering design process.
Grade 6
In grade 6, students explore states of matter, the importance of trees, robotics in relation to Mission to Mars, and climate action. Units include What's the Matter? (states of matter), Mission to Mars (rovers, AI, and machine learning), the Heat Island Effect, and Climate Action.
Grade 7
In grade 7, students explore life and identity and investigate urbanization's effects on ecosystems and technological innovation. Units include Unity and Diversity of Living Things, Forensic Science, Urbanization and Living Things, and Urbanization and Innovation through the engineering design process.
Grade 8
In grade 8, students investigate challenges of growth in food, energy, and other needs, asking questions, testing ideas, analyzing evidence, and communicating through writing and art. Units include Invasive Species, Balanced and Unbalanced Forces, Global Health, and Chemical Reactions.
World Languages
Middle grades students take either Mandarin Chinese or Spanish in sections based on their proficiency levels. For those students continuing on from our immersion program or who have intermediate or higher proficiency in their target language, students take intensive, leveled language study. Our distinctive units bring language to life: designing free High Line tours in Spanish, studying Día de los Muertos and Leyendas, exploring contemporary Chinese poetry, and traveling (in study) to China.
Intermediate to Advanced Learners
Students whose current language proficiency aligns to the "Intermediate Low” to “Advanced" levels of the Avenues Language Scale are challenged to take on increasingly sophisticated tasks in their target language. Grade 6 covers Storytelling and Self-Identity and a trip to China in Chinese, and Leyendas and free High Line tours in Spanish. Grade 7 covers Appearance, Personality, and contemporary poetry in Chinese, and independent reflective reading across verb tenses in Spanish. Grade 8 covers debate and cultural understanding in Chinese, and global Hispanic identity through advanced speaking and writing in Spanish.
Novice Learners
Novice-level students build reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through immersive, culturally grounded units. Grade 6 covers Me and Family, Chinese New Year, and a trip to China in Chinese, and Día de Muertos, Vivir Mi Vida, Leyendas, and free High Line tours in Spanish. Grade 7 covers Seeing a Doctor and Lunar New Year poetry in Chinese, and Somos 1, Myths and Legends, and El Mes de la Historia Negra in Spanish. Grade 8 covers School Life, Shopping, and debating school policies in Chinese, and Soy Yo, Comunidades Fundacionales, and Utopías y Distopías in Spanish.
High-Intensity Practice
We developed High-Intensity Practice (HIP) in order to foster in students the cognitive flexibility that underlies advanced problem-solving, creativity, resilient mindsets and critical thinking through units like Failing to Succeed, Creative Computation (coding cardboard robots), and reasoning studies spanning inductive, deductive, and abductive thinking. Offered in English, Spanish, or Chinese.
HIP Thinking
In HIP Thinking classes students use the HIP methodology to tackle a range of math, writing and coding challenges. Lessons are built around a 45-minute period of focused and deliberate practice and aim to develop one or more of the eight Avenues World Elements in the “thinking” category: empathy, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, reasoning, mental agility, abstraction, and planning. Middle grades students have the opportunity to practice the HIP methodology in English, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese.
Arts
In Visual and Performing Arts, students develop creative confidence, technical skill and personal voice through hands-on exploration, collaboration and performance. Visual Arts students study historical and contemporary artists while creating work across drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, design and 3-D materials. Instrumental and vocal musicians build musical literacy, creativity and ensemble skills through composition, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, choir, solo work and performances including Battle of the Bands, cabarets and winter and spring concerts.
Performing Arts: Instrumental Music
In Instrumental Music, students develop technical skill, creativity and ensemble awareness through expressive play, diverse repertoire and consistent practice. Across grades 6–8, students strengthen music theory, sound production, composition, sight reading and repertoire analysis while exploring genres and traditions including Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Performance and composition opportunities include original work in Noteflight, Battle of the Bands, winter concerts and spring concerts.
Performing Arts: Vocal Music
In Vocal Music, students develop musical identity, confidence and expressive skill as both choral and solo singers. Across grades 6–8, students build musicianship through voice exploration, harmonizing, aural and literacy skill development, collaboration and reflective practice within a supportive ensemble community. Performance experiences include cabaret, solo work, mash-ups, winter and spring concerts, and year-end reflection.
Visual Arts
In Visual Arts, students develop technical skills, creative confidence and critical thinking through hands-on exploration of diverse materials, techniques and artistic traditions. Across grades 6–8, students study historical and contemporary artists while creating work that reflects observation, identity, culture and place. Projects span drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, design, installation and 3-D material exploration, encouraging students to express ideas independently and collaboratively.
Wellness and Movement
Spanning grades K–12, Wellness and Movement (WAM) is our signature health and physical education program, rooted in positive psychology and dynamic play. The purpose of WAM is to foster in students the knowledge, skills, and values that will enable them to live healthy, active, and meaningful lives.
Grade 6
Through WAM, students build lifelong wellness by developing physical skills, empathy, metacognition, and healthy habits through movement, social-emotional learning, and activities that promote confidence, responsibility, and active living. Units include Health-Related Fitness, Believe in You, Net Games, and the Aviator Classics.
Grade 7
Students develop physical, mental, and social wellness through hands-on activities, healthy choices, skill-building, confidence, teamwork, and positive relationships. Units include Sense of Belonging, Net Games, Invasion Games, and Nutrition and Health.
The middle grades fast facts
Student life in middle grades is rooted in community and enriched by abundant opportunities for exploration in and beyond the classroom.
STUDENT LIFE
A vibrant community where every student belongs
Middle grades students can choose from 20+ co-curricular activities and affinity groups. If students have a vision for a club that doesn’t exist yet, we support them to set it up, helping to foster leadership and community-building skills. Campus life is further enhanced by our many annual traditions and seasonal celebrations, Lunar New Year and Día de los Muertos.
Activities included: Acapella Club, AIT (AI in Tech), Asians @ Avenues, Astrophysics Club, Avenues Art Club, Avenues Robotics, Black Student Union (BSU), Business and Finance Club, Ceramics Club, Chess Club, Debate Club, Education For All, Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA), International Student Council (ISC), Italian Culture Club, Jewish Culture Club, Latin American Student Union (LASU), Model United Nations, Service Learning Club, and Spanish Immersion Club, and more.
Activities included: Acapella Club, AIT (AI in Tech), Asians @ Avenues, Astrophysics Club, Avenues Art Club, Avenues Robotics, Black Student Union (BSU), Business and Finance Club, Ceramics Club, Chess Club, Debate Club, Education For All, Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA), International Student Council (ISC), Italian Culture Club, Jewish Culture Club, Latin American Student Union (LASU), Model United Nations, Service Learning Club, and Spanish Immersion Club, and more.
STUDENT WELLBEING
The Deans Program
The deans at Avenues are full-time mentors whose primary responsibility is the social-emotional well-being and academic success of their students. Working closely with faculty and the Student Success Team (comprising counselors, psychologists, and learning experts), deans ensure that students are fully supported and appropriately challenged at school. Beginning in 6th grade, students are matched with their dean, who provides dedicated guidance as they navigate the changes of pre-adolescence, ensuring that every student is seen, known, and supported.
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Your child’s Avenues journey starts here
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