Middle School (5th - 8th)

Using the Foundation to Launch

The middle school years are a time of rapid growth, increasing independence, and expanding awareness of the wider world. At Westfield Friends School, our Middle School program for grades five through eight is designed to meet students where they are while helping them build the skills, confidence, and moral clarity they need to move forward with purpose.

Grades 5 through 8 in Cinnaminson, New Jersey

Located in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, an eastern suburb of Philadelphia, Westfield Friends School serves students and families throughout Burlington County, South Jersey, and the greater Philadelphia region who are seeking a dynamic, values-based private middle school rooted in Quaker education.

Middle School students at Westfield Friends experience a balance of academic challenge, creativity, play, and self-reflection - the process of listening to one’s 'Inner Light' to find clarity and purpose. Each week includes moments of joy, meaningful learning, collaboration, and time to recharge. Teachers ask students to engage with big questions, connect their lived experiences to the wider world, and work on problems that feel relevant and important to them.

This approach reflects the hallmarks of Quaker education at Westfield Friends, where learning is purposeful, reflective, and grounded in respect for each individual.

Growing Independence and Responsibility

Middle School is a time for students to take increasing ownership of their learning. Teachers work closely with students to develop organizational skills, time management, and self-advocacy. Students learn how to track assignments, manage materials, plan for long-term projects, prepare for major assessments, and support their peers along the way.

As students grow, they become more aware of their responsibilities and the impact of their choices on both their current learning and their future goals. Faculty and administrators partner with students and families throughout these years, including offering guidance and support during the high school selection and application process.

Leadership, Service, and School Community

Leadership is woven throughout the Middle School experience. Through the Buddies Program, student government, service projects, arts programs, and daily interactions, Middle School students work with children of all ages to build community and create joy together.

Student government operates in the manner of a Friends Meeting for Business, with clerks serving as leaders through a process of discernment. Any student who wishes to develop leadership skills is encouraged to participate. Some students lead through quiet consensus-building, while others lead through organization and initiative. All approaches are valued.

Eighth-grade students take on a special role as leaders of the school community. During weekly Meeting for Worship, they model reflection and active listening for younger students. Once each month, they write and share the query that guides worship for the entire school. During these times of quiet reflection, students continue the Quaker practice of holding others in the Light, sending positive and supportive energy to their community and the wider world.

Challenging and Thoughtful Academics

Strong academics form the backbone of the Middle School program and prepare students for the high schools of their choice.

Science instruction is grounded in the Next Generation Science Standards. Students rotate through Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering. Many units include discussion of social justice and ethical questions related to scientific discovery and innovation.

Social Studies explores human history across time and geography. Students study ancient civilizations such as the Indus River Valley, the impressive history of West Africa, and the European Medieval period, while building a foundation for later study of United States history, government, and economics.

To help students see themselves as actors and creators of history, the 5th Grade Everyday History project asks students to choose topics they care about and learn the history of that topic—everything from football, to insulin, to children's fashion. In keeping with Friends testimonies, students are encouraged to ask questions about places and times where the United States has fallen short of its promise, as well as to understand and celebrate when people have joined together to expand that promise for all.

English Language Arts exposes students to a wide range of literature, including classic texts, poetry, modern novels, and literary nonfiction. Readings may include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, poetry by Robert Frost and Nikki Grimes, A Wrinkle in Time, and Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry. Westfield Friends graduates are known for their strong writing skills. Students write poetry, short stories, analytical essays, research papers, and literary nonfiction, and they communicate through podcasts, visual presentations, websites, and video scripts.

Mathematics instruction is differentiated to meet the needs of all learners while building strong algebraic foundations. By graduation, students are well prepared for high school math coursework. The eighth-grade Capstone project includes a math component through Westfield’s version of Shark Tank, where students develop and pitch a business idea supported by budgets, data analysis, branding, marketing materials, and written proposals.

A Well-Rounded Middle School Experience

In addition to core academic subjects, Middle School students participate in a rich array of courses and activities, including visual and musical arts, creative writing, science electives, robotics, health, Spanish, and physical education. These offerings support creativity, wellness, and exploration of new interests during a pivotal stage of development.

Preparing Students for What Comes Next

Westfield Friends Middle School students leave eighth grade academically prepared, confident in their abilities, and grounded in strong values. They are thoughtful leaders, capable collaborators, and effective communicators who are ready to take the next step into high school and beyond.