Academics

Middle School

Our unique, thoughtfully designed middle school program—for students ages 12-14—integrates Montessori pedagogy with developing trends in the latest educational research.
Our program facilitates the adolescents' meaningful connection to the world. Students work through five curriculum cycles, each with a unique focus and in-depth approach featuring group projects, independent research, and critical thinking activities. It fosters each student's creation of a healthy, holistic and strong sense of self, preparing them both academically and socially for high school and beyond.

More Than Just Academics

List of 4 items.

  • Student Council

    The Student Council is an important opportunity for middle school students to lead, serve, and inspire their peers. Elected each year, student council officers facilitate monthly meetings, giving voice to student initiatives and building school connections. Additionally, the council coordinates meaningful service projects throughout the year, cultivating a spirit of advocacy and engagement within the school community.

  • The Starwood Cafe

    Middle School's microeconomy allows students to build real-world skills through entrepreneurship. From concept to execution, students created The Starwood Café, a class-run business that serves coffee and pastries to families once a week. Through this experience, students take ownership of every aspect of the café—from budgeting and marketing to customer service and product development—tackling challenges and exploring their interests in a hands-on, meaningful way.

  • Internships

    The middle school internship program offers students a unique opportunity to explore their career interests in a real-world setting. Once a year, students spend a week interning at a local business, gaining insight into fields like medicine, dentistry, writing, and marketing. Through stepping into these professional environments, students develop independence, critical thinking, and the confidence to navigate new challenges while nurturing their passions.

  • Going Out Experiences

    Going-out experiences provide students with opportunities for independence, exploration, and service learning. Through curriculum-aligned field trips and hands-on experiences, students deepen their understanding and appreciation for the world outside the classroom. A highlight of the program is the annual trip to New York City for Montessori Model United Nations, where students engage in global problem-solving alongside peers from around the world.

Curriculum

List of 9 items.

  • Algebra

    The algebra curriculum at Starwood Academy develops students' understanding of mathematical structures, equations, and problem-solving techniques. Students explore exponents, quadratic equations, inequalities, and systems of equations. Emphasizing both conceptual understanding and application, the curriculum prepares students to analyze patterns, solve complex problems, and builds a strong foundation for higher-level math. 

    Year A: 
    • Properties of Algebra
    • Properties of Equality
    • Factoring Quadratic Equations
    • Solving Quadratic Equations
    • Grouping Symbols
    • Exponents and Roots

    Year B:
    • Inequalities
    • Direct and Inverse Variation
    • Structures in Math
    • Solving Linear Systems
    • Systems to Solve Word Problems

  • Arithmetic

    Our arithmetic curriculum lays the groundwork for mathematical fluency by emphasizing number classification, operations with positive and negative numbers, and the correct order of operations. Students develop precision in computation and problem-solving, strengthening their ability to work with real numbers in various contexts. 

    Year A:

    • Multiplying and Dividing Positive and Negative Numbers
    • Word Problems with Positive and Negative Numbers
    • Order of Operations
    • Ordering Number

    Year B:
    • Classifying Real Numbers
    • Positive and Negative Numbers

  • Geometry

    Through the geometry curriculum, students explore spatial reasoning, measurement, and graphing, with a focus on area, volume, Cartesian coordinates, and writing equations for lines. 

    Year A:
    • Area and volume 
    • Polynomials

    Year B:
    • Graphing and Cartesian Coordinates
    • Writing Equations for Lines

  • STEM

    STEM is woven throughout our middle school classroom in subjects like biology, physics, chemistry, environmental science, and engineering, engaging students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Through experiments and real-world applications, students discover the world through scientific exploration. 

    Year A:
    • Scientific Inquiry & Experimentation
    • Cellular Biology & Genetics
    • Ecology & Evolution
    • Microbiology & Data Analysis
    • Earth Science & Environmental Studies
    • Mathematics & Measurement in Science

    Year B:
    • Physics & Engineering
    • Earth & Space Science
    • Chemistry & Matter
    • Optics & Electromagnetic Science
    • Engineering & Mechanics

  • English

    The English curriculum develops students' critical reading, writing, and analytical skills through structured writing processes and language mechanics. Students explore author techniques and engage with social themes in literature, fostering deeper connections between texts, real-world issues, and personal experiences.

    Year A:
    • Writing Process & Craft
    • Memoir & Personal Narrative
    • Author Study & Literary Analysis
    • Poetry
    • Social Action & Literature
    • Grammar & Sentence Structure

    Year B:
    • Reading & Critical Analysis
    • Language Structure & Mechanics
    • Essay & Argumentative Writing
    • Poetry & Literary Devices
    • Social Themes & Literature

  • Social World

    The Social World curriculum guides students through an exploration of history, government, economics, and global issues with a focus on critical thinking and ethical decision-making. Students analyze the forces that shape societies, from revolutions and migrations to economic structures and social justice movements.

    Year A:
    • Foundations of Community & Culture
    • Exploration & Migration
    • Economic Systems & Society
    • Social Issues & Civic Engagement

    Year B:
    • Revolutions & U.S. History
    • Structures of Government & Power
    • Social Justice & Human Rights
    • Industrial Revolution
    • War, Peace & Ethical Dilemmas

  • Life Sciences

    Our Natural World curriculum engages students in an in-depth exploration of biological systems, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Through hands-on projects and experiments, students investigate topics such as living organisms, genetics, atomic structures, forces, energy, and simple machines. 

    Year A:
    • Ecology
    • Microbiology & Cell Biology
    • Taxonomy & Classification
    • Genetics & Heredity
    • Comparative Anatomy & Physiology
    • Environmental Science & Earth Systems

    Year B:
    • Forces & Newton’s Laws
    • Electromagnetism & Energy Transfer
    • Chemistry & Atomic Structure
    • Thermodynamics & Power Systems
    • Simple Machines & Mechanical Advantage
    • Scientific Inquiry & Experimentation

  • Behavior & Work Habits

    Our middle school curriculum uniquely focuses on developing the whole student, emphasizing self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. This approach cultivates key life skills like goal-setting, conflict resolution, and emotional maturity, while fostering strong interpersonal skills. By empowering students to understand their strengths and navigate challenges, our curriculum prepares them to be compassionate, responsible, and engaged community members. 

    • Self-Management
    • Self-Awareness
    • Responsible Decision-Making
    • Relationship Skills
    • Social Awareness

  • Personal World

    Year A:
    In Year A, the Personal World curriculum focuses on developing essential life skills through the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Students explore key habits, starting with proactive behavior and goal-setting, and continue to build on principles like effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration. The curriculum also incorporates concepts like relationship building and personal growth to empower students to become thoughtful and responsible individuals.

    Year B: 
    During Year B, the Personal World curriculum guides students through the Heroic Journey framework, fostering self-reflection, stress management, and leadership development. Students explore key concepts such as the triune brain, occupational values, moral dilemmas, and creative thinking, while engaging in personal projects that align with their growth. Through each cycle, they build a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and how to navigate life's challenges with resilience and purpose.

Where do students go after Middle School?

Starwood Middle School students are accepted into a wide variety of high schools including, public and private, independent schools,  specialty centers, and IB programs.

  • Alcuin
  • Hebron High School
  • Jesuit
  • Laurel Springs High School
  • Legacy Christian Academy
  • Lone Star High School
  • Panther Creek High School
  • Reddy High School
  • Spring Creek Academy
  • The Westwood School

Where to next?

CONTACT US

3443 Lebanon Rd. Frisco, Texas, 75034
Phone: (972) 885-8585

ABOUT

The Starwood Academy of Frisco's difference lies in our approach and dedication to the Montessori pedagogy, our deep community values, and the rich Montessori legacy brought forth by our school founder. 
© Starwood Academy of Frisco. All Rights Reserved