Our goal for students at WNS is for them to have a broad range of experiences at school and in the world. Whether it’s stepping on the stage for the first time, trying a new sport, or traveling to another country, we want students to stretch, experiment, take healthy risks, and discover who they are.
Kaitlin Rodriguez
Director of Grades 5-8
The WNS middle school is a quasi-departmentalized program that retains our philosophy of providing students with engaging and authentic learning experiences with instruction and pace that supports the full range of learners. Students learn skills in the context of real-world application. Collaboration is a key part of project-based learning, and students continue to be taught and to practice these skills. An important cornerstone of the WNS middle school program involves culminating projects that draw upon every aspect of students’ academic experiences.
The core academic classes of English, math, science, social studies, and Spanish are offered with opportunities to participate in advanced classes for certain subjects. All students also participate in theatre arts, visual arts, music, technology, and physical education with expanded opportunities to participate in electives, after-school athletics, school plays, and musicals.
Students from WNS matriculate to a wide range of independent, parochial, and public schools. Our program aims to prepare students for success in the diverse and changing world.
Middle school physical education electives emphasize fitness and lifelong recreational activities. The focus of the athletics-based electives is transferring foundational skills into a sports setting. Team sports and games include learning how to work together to create strategies and find multiple solutions to a problem.
In addition to the core curriculum, every middle school student participates in two to five electives in each of the three trimesters. The elective period is a time when middle school students can pursue an interest that is not necessarily a part of the regular curriculum with students in all grades of the middle school. Electives additionally provide teachers with an opportunity to share a skill or passion with their students. Some of the classes offered have included mock trial, robotics, service learning, early childhood mentoring, spring musical, architecture club, cooking, debate team, math team, creative writing, newspaper, yearbook, visual arts, and various athletics.
Four days a week begin with advisory, which includes time for students to be welcomed to school, a time to share, engage in a game or playful activity, and hear news or announcements. Students set goals and create a middle school-wide Social Contract of rules to help them create a school environment that helps them achieve their goals.
The art program is organized around imagination, innovation, invention, observation, communication and expression. Students learn that art is a means to communicate feelings and ideas, to articulate what they think and know, to reflect upon issues, and to come to a clearer understanding of themselves, their culture, and other people. Through art, our students seek to inform, inspire and move others emotionally or intellectually.
Sample electives include:
(Electives offerings are subject to change)
Students at WNS experience performing arts classes developing rehearsal and performance skills, but mainly providing the opportunity for students to develop empathy, self-confidence, public speaking, and communication and collaboration skills. While each grade level participates in its own Theatre Art production, all middle school students have the opportunity to apply for several performing arts electives.
Sample electives include:
(Electives offerings are subject to change)
WNS prides itself on continuing to update its technology program and provide significant resources to our students. Students in middle school meet with our Technology Specialist once a week in our Computer Science Center. Students are instructed in transferable skills they will use in the future such as design principles, research methods, computer logic paradigms, and digital communications skills rather than trained in using specific programs. Students also enjoy learning basics of coding and robotics, which they can then expand on in electives.
Each year in Middle School, students work towards an interdisciplinary culminating project which is showcased to families near the end of the school year. These projects are rooted in social entrepreneurship, giving students the opportunity to brainstorm solutions to real-life issues facing our community.
In 6th grade, the capstone project, DIVE, or Design InterVention for the Environment incorporates science, DCM (Design-Code-Make), and creative writing.
In grades 7 and 8, students embark on a two-year capstone project centered around innovation, ideation, and affecting positive change in their communities. Read more below.
Welcome to SPLASH – Solving Problems for Los Angeles’s Society and Health – the initial phase of our comprehensive two-year capstone project at WNS. As the precursor to the 8th grade SWIM (Solutionary Work In Motion) program, SPLASH sets the foundation for students to dive into societal, health, and environmental issues.
Throughout the year, seventh graders will explore these topics, researching and identifying pressing challenges within our community. By the end of SPLASH, students will have crafted a project proposal, laying the groundwork for their SWIM projects in eighth grade. This journey from SPLASH to SWIM is a transformative experience, where students not only learn about the world around them, but also discover ways in which they can make a meaningful impact.
In their final year at WNS, the 8th graders’ capstone project is titled SWIM, or Solutionary Work In Motion. SWIM is a continuation and realization of the vision our students began in 7th grade. Last year, as part of the SPLASH program, students delved deep into societal, health, and environmental issues facing Los Angeles. They researched, collaborated, and crafted compelling project proposals, presented in the form of video pitches.
Now, in 8th grade, students take those proposals and turn them into actionable projects. As they collaborate with local organizations, engage in hands-on work, and navigate the challenges of real-world projects, students are not just learning but also making a tangible difference in our community.
For a more detailed look at our middle school curriculum, check out the information below.
Overnight retreats are an important rite of passage for our middle school students, offering them opportunities to bond with peers, push their comfort zones, and have new experiences led by expert organizations and chaperoned by WNS faculty. While most retreats during middle school are within a few hours’ drive of Los Angeles, the 8th grade Washington D.C. trip is always an incredible experience for our graduating class, and a great way to celebrate their time at WNS. Retreat fees are included in WNS tuition, with the exception of the Global Studies Elective trip.
The WNS athletic program philosophy is to promote teamwork and cooperation, not only among team members but also with opposing schools and teams. Check out our dedicated Athletics page to learn more about our offerings at WNS.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS:
Westside Neighborhood School admits students of any race, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.