JRA: Middle

It is the intent of JRA middle school teachers to provide a safe, educationally sound environment which provides students with the opportunity to be successful. Every attempt is made to meet the needs of our middle school students during their adolescence. The middle school, encompassing grades six, seven, and eight, was established as a separate program during the 1987-1988 school year. The curriculum consists of daily instruction in language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, music, computers, and health/physical education. Spanish class and art are taught two or three days per week for one hour per day. There are four core academic teachers for the middle school area, along with five enrichment teachers. Students attend classes from 8:30 AM to 3:50 PM each day. Homeroom periods are from 8:00 - 8:10 AM and 3:50 - 4:00 PM each day.  As classroom teachers as well as administrators, the principal and assistant principal have immediate knowledge of the issues, concerns, and curriculum expectations facing their middle school teaching peers. Consequently, the communication between the administration and the middle school faculty benefits from close proximity and shared experiences. The faculty receives an ample amount of creative and academic freedom from the administration to work within the framework of the school's philosophy. 

The middle school curriculum complies with the Sunshine State Standards. The faculty and administration recognizes the fact that many of the students will move into the public high schools upon graduation from Julie Rohr Academy. The math curriculum includes a traditional sixth and seventh grade mathematics program with either traditional math or algebra offered in eighth grade. JRA requires that the students electing to apply to the International Baccalaureate Program earn an "A" in algebra for the year and score a minimum of 85% on the final exam to receive high school credit for algebra. Students not seeking high school algebra credit do the same coursework with the intent to repeat in ninth grade. The Spanish curriculum is a grammar-based course so that a Spanish I credit could be issued. The social studies curriculum includes world history, world geography, and American history. Language arts classes include literature, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. The students maintain a portfolio of written work. An activity and process-oriented approach is used in the science curriculum. Students are exposed to foundational material in life science, earth/space science, and physical science. In all of these areas, the emphasis is on laying a foundation for high school courses.  Recognition is given to the developmental needs of the students as well as academic needs.

The Middle School Student government sponsors social and community service projects in which students participate. This extends the students' responsibilities beyond the classroom and helps in the development of the total person. The small class sizes of the middle school greatly facilitate learning and aids in the implementation and integration of our philosophy of meeting students' needs. The student to teacher ratio in the middle school averages 12 to 1. Small class sizes facilitate a close relationship between teachers and students. This allows teachers to effectively focus on each child's educational and developmental needs. Remedial or accelerated work may be given when deemed necessary.

When behavior problems occur with students, our philosophy and flexibility allow for several options. Close personal contact with parents is encouraged by the administration and is pursued by staff.  Staffing at the middle school level allows for a complete assessment of the student. Comprehensive behavior plans can be made at that time to affect changes in the student's behavior.  Small class size, a strong curriculum and administrative support are the assets of the middle school entity. Prompt and thorough consideration is given to the individual needs of students which adds to the overall family atmosphere of this division of Julie Rohr Academy.