Middle School | 6-8 - Chandler School Middle School | 6-8 The Middle School experience at Chandler addresses the academic, emotional, social, and physical needs of students making the transition from childhood to adolescence. Students build academic skills and personal responsibility, independence and confidence in a supportive environment that provides opportunity, choice, and challenge within a structure of caring supervision. We inspire students to constantly think, learn and grow. Our students discover new talents and build character in a tight-knit community. Students graduate from Chandler prepared for success in top secondary schools and colleges, and with habits and values to lead fulfilling lives. Advanced Microbio STEAM Electives Debate Program Chandler's advanced microbiology elective is unique among middle schools in the United States, giving students the opportunity to actively engage in science using the latest tools of biotechnology. The class is structured as a hands-on lab science, and aims to build a passion for future studies in science. Students start by culturing bacteria cells from soil samples, and analyze cells through various staining techniques to determine if they are gram-positive or gram-negative. Cells are then lysed and the genomic DNA is extracted. Through research, students decide what types of bacteria are likely to be discovered, and design oligonucleotides accordingly. These oligonucleotides (small strands of DNA or RNA) are then used as a starting point to amplify a specific sequence of the genomic DNA using a process called PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Students analyze the amplicons (copies of the genomic DNA) using gel electrophoresis, where nucleic acids are pulled through a gel using an electric current. Students then stain the gels to view under a light source. From these gels, students determine the relative lengths of the genomic strand and the relative abundance. The second half of the class is more research based, where students investigate other techniques and protocols of DNA extraction. Students investigate their own genetic makeup by analyzing DNA sequences from their own cheek cells. These techniques include the amplification and cutting of DNA using restriction enzymes to produce amplicons of various lengths. Chandler students engage in STEAM projects, tinkering and making starting in kindergarten. In the Middle School, hands-on elective classes give students dedicated instruction and exploration in many STEAM areas. Students may choose from a variety of courses such as: Robotics 3D design and printing Woodworking Advanced Microbiology Ceramics Maker Space Chandler faculty offer students new electives frequently, based on current student interest and the addition of new equipment and tools in Chandler's Center for Innovation. Chandler’s Middle School debate program attracts dozens of student participants each year. 6th graders complete a debate mini-course and are invited to participate in an end-of-year novice tournament, and official tournaments are open to all boys and girls (by try-out) in 7th and 8th grades. The team is led by 6th Grade History Teacher Andy Hulm and 8th Grade History Teacher Heather Castle and competes very successfully in the national Middle School Public Debate Program (MSPDP). This is the largest debate program aimed at middle school-age students in the country. Chandler fields multiple Middle School debate teams. Students practice at lunch and after school and travel to weekend debate tournaments throughout the Los Angeles area. Historically, Chandler students have perform extraordinarily well in regional and national competitions; frequently placing speakers in the top 10 among hundreds of talented speakers. Debate helps students build critical thinking, argumentation and public-speaking skills. It increases confidence, teamwork, outside-the-box thinking, time management and quick thinking under pressure. Teams are exposed to - and enjoy grappling with - ideas from current affairs and global issues. Most students have no prior debate experience, and every student improves dramatically over time. Many Chandler students continue with debate and/or mock trial at the high school level, becoming leaders of their high school teams. Chandler alumni also return to campus to provide mentorship to younger students who are learning beginning debate skills. Apr 2026 No Assessments/Projects Due all day Apr 2026 Employee Meeting 30 AM 30 AM Apr 2026 School Starts 30 AM 45 AM