Middle School | Northwest Academy
Source: http://www.nwacademy.org/our-programs/middle-school
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:09
Middle School | Northwest Academy
Our Programs
Middle School
Program & Philosophy
List of 1 items.
Grades 6-8
Northwest Academy’s Middle School is committed to the well-being of its young adolescent students.
At Northwest Academy, We Believe In
Acquiring Critical Skills
Students acquire critical, foundational skills that prepare them for high school and beyond.
Caring Faculty
Middle school faculty know and support each student's individual journey.
Lifelong Learners
Our school programs captivate students and ignite a lifelong passion for learning.
Our Students
Our learning environment motivates students to pursue growth and push beyond their limits.
Positive Values
Northwest Academy is committed to fostering inclusivity and kindness.
Safe & Respectful Learning Environment
Our students thrive in a psychologically safe learning environment with a culture of mutual respect.
1
/
6
MIDDLE SCHOOL DEANS
List of 2 members.
Sharon
Weir
Middle School Dean of Studies, Teacher (Social Studies), EA Coordinator
(971) 865-8774 or x402
Lisa
Colombo
Middle School Dean of Students & Belonging, Teacher (Humanities)
Our Philosophy
Personal support, academic rigor, and artistic adventure inspire students to be intellectually curious and intrinsically motivated. Awareness of the particular social and academic needs of this age group is of the utmost priority. Accordingly, students are provided assistance and encouragement as they develop personal awareness and social responsibility crucial to the maturing middle school student. Students learn critical academic and life skills that allow them to excel in their learning and in their contributions to the community.
Our Program
List of 5 items.
Fundamental (6th Grade)
English Literature & Writing: Fundamentals and Basic Work
Social Studies: Ancient Civilizations
Math (proficiency-based placement)
Life Science
Learning Lab
Visual Art
Tap Dance
Music (Band or Vocals)
World Language
Preparatory (7th Grade)
English Literature & Writing: Applying the Fundamentals
Social Studies: Project Citizen
Math (proficiency-based placement)
Physical Science
Learning Lab
Dance
Music (Band, Vocals, or Guitar)
World Language
Arts Electives: Theatre, Speech & Debate, Media Arts, or Visual Art
Exploratory (8th Grade)
English Literature & Writing: Patterns, Themes, and Genres
Social Studies: Modern Conflicts and Resolutions
Math (proficiency-based placement)
Earth Science
Learning Lab
Music (Band, Vocals, or Guitar)
World Language
Dance or Tai Chi
Arts Elective: Theatre, Visual Art, Digital Photography, or Creative Writing
Math
The Northwest Academy math program values proficiency-based placement, an authentically rigorous curriculum, and
high expectations. Respect for diverse learning styles and divergent thinking encourages teaching that is student-centered and differentiated.
High school credit is available for advanced middle school math courses, including Algebra 1 and Geometry.
Mathematical Foundations
Topics of study include multiplication, division, least common multiples, greatest common divisors, prime numbers, number lines, fractions, percentages, and positive and negative numbers. Students practice their mental math skills and estimation.
Computations, Number Sense, & Finance
This course begins with a review of multiplication and division on multi-digit numbers, before students begin to work much more extensively with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on fractions.
Functions, Equations, & Probability
This course begins with a review of positive and negative numbers, including integers, decimals, and fractions. Students next study scale factor in both a geometrical and numerical context. Ratios and proportions are used to compare mixtures, elections, and rates. Students practice extensively with fractions, percentages, and unit conversions.
Algebra 1
Algebra is the study of generalized relationships expressed with variables that represent number sets. Students learn how key algebraic properties allow for simplification of expressions and solving of equations.
Geometry
The objective of this course is to discover the relationships between two- and three-dimensional shapes through hands-on, exploratory lessons.
Review the
entire course catalog
for the Northwest Academy Math Program.
World Languages
The Northwest Academy World Languages Program follows a communicative language acquisition model. This approach emphasizes immersion in the target language and a student-centered classroom in which they produce language from day one.
The program’s curricular benchmarks and standards come from the
Proficiency Guidelines
established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
Read More
Our
Unique
Programs
Student Life
After School Programs
1130 SW Main Street, Portland, OR 97205-2047
Phone
:
503.223.3367
Facebook
Instagram
Vimeo
Copyright © 2025 Northwest Academy. All Rights Reserved.
Our Programs
Middle School
Program & Philosophy
List of 1 items.
Grades 6-8
Northwest Academy’s Middle School is committed to the well-being of its young adolescent students.
At Northwest Academy, We Believe In
Acquiring Critical Skills
Students acquire critical, foundational skills that prepare them for high school and beyond.
Caring Faculty
Middle school faculty know and support each student's individual journey.
Lifelong Learners
Our school programs captivate students and ignite a lifelong passion for learning.
Our Students
Our learning environment motivates students to pursue growth and push beyond their limits.
Positive Values
Northwest Academy is committed to fostering inclusivity and kindness.
Safe & Respectful Learning Environment
Our students thrive in a psychologically safe learning environment with a culture of mutual respect.
1
/
6
MIDDLE SCHOOL DEANS
List of 2 members.
Sharon
Weir
Middle School Dean of Studies, Teacher (Social Studies), EA Coordinator
(971) 865-8774 or x402
Lisa
Colombo
Middle School Dean of Students & Belonging, Teacher (Humanities)
Our Philosophy
Personal support, academic rigor, and artistic adventure inspire students to be intellectually curious and intrinsically motivated. Awareness of the particular social and academic needs of this age group is of the utmost priority. Accordingly, students are provided assistance and encouragement as they develop personal awareness and social responsibility crucial to the maturing middle school student. Students learn critical academic and life skills that allow them to excel in their learning and in their contributions to the community.
Our Program
List of 5 items.
Fundamental (6th Grade)
English Literature & Writing: Fundamentals and Basic Work
Social Studies: Ancient Civilizations
Math (proficiency-based placement)
Life Science
Learning Lab
Visual Art
Tap Dance
Music (Band or Vocals)
World Language
Preparatory (7th Grade)
English Literature & Writing: Applying the Fundamentals
Social Studies: Project Citizen
Math (proficiency-based placement)
Physical Science
Learning Lab
Dance
Music (Band, Vocals, or Guitar)
World Language
Arts Electives: Theatre, Speech & Debate, Media Arts, or Visual Art
Exploratory (8th Grade)
English Literature & Writing: Patterns, Themes, and Genres
Social Studies: Modern Conflicts and Resolutions
Math (proficiency-based placement)
Earth Science
Learning Lab
Music (Band, Vocals, or Guitar)
World Language
Dance or Tai Chi
Arts Elective: Theatre, Visual Art, Digital Photography, or Creative Writing
Math
The Northwest Academy math program values proficiency-based placement, an authentically rigorous curriculum, and
high expectations. Respect for diverse learning styles and divergent thinking encourages teaching that is student-centered and differentiated.
High school credit is available for advanced middle school math courses, including Algebra 1 and Geometry.
Mathematical Foundations
Topics of study include multiplication, division, least common multiples, greatest common divisors, prime numbers, number lines, fractions, percentages, and positive and negative numbers. Students practice their mental math skills and estimation.
Computations, Number Sense, & Finance
This course begins with a review of multiplication and division on multi-digit numbers, before students begin to work much more extensively with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on fractions.
Functions, Equations, & Probability
This course begins with a review of positive and negative numbers, including integers, decimals, and fractions. Students next study scale factor in both a geometrical and numerical context. Ratios and proportions are used to compare mixtures, elections, and rates. Students practice extensively with fractions, percentages, and unit conversions.
Algebra 1
Algebra is the study of generalized relationships expressed with variables that represent number sets. Students learn how key algebraic properties allow for simplification of expressions and solving of equations.
Geometry
The objective of this course is to discover the relationships between two- and three-dimensional shapes through hands-on, exploratory lessons.
Review the
entire course catalog
for the Northwest Academy Math Program.
World Languages
The Northwest Academy World Languages Program follows a communicative language acquisition model. This approach emphasizes immersion in the target language and a student-centered classroom in which they produce language from day one.
The program’s curricular benchmarks and standards come from the
Proficiency Guidelines
established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
Read More
Our
Unique
Programs
Student Life
After School Programs
1130 SW Main Street, Portland, OR 97205-2047
Phone
:
503.223.3367
Vimeo
Copyright © 2025 Northwest Academy. All Rights Reserved.