Sixth graders use a wind turbine to study alternative energy sources.

Middle School

The middle school years are some of the most crucial in a child's development, both as a student and as a socially responsible human being, and Breck's program is specifically geared toward maximizing that growth. We offer Middle School students, who are continuously in search of personal meaning in their lives, with ample opportunities to explore who they are and what matters most to them. Our faculty and staff provide unconditional support for curiosity, intellectual risk-taking and development of a lifelong love for learning.

Working in conjunction with the Middle School's Mission Statement and Social Contract, we are a learning community dedicated to our B.A.S.E.: Building relationships, Accountability, Safe environment and Excellent education. B.A.S.E. is at the core of all that we do, whether in the classroom, on the athletic fields or in the hallways.

Throughout the school year, Middle School students, individually and collectively, have wonderful opportunities both to broaden their spheres of knowledge in certain areas as well as venture into uncharted territories. While academics are the crux of our program, students' contributions to the community extend well beyond the classroom; virtually all of our students take part in at least one of our extra- and co-curricular offerings.

The Middle School instituted Minnesota's first "Project Adventure" curriculum in 1989. Today, the academic curriculum is enhanced by the use of SmartBoard technology and laptop computers. Every Middle School student has a MacBook laptop for school and home use. 

Sixth-grade science teacher Dan Ratliff recently won a grant from the Xcel Energy Foundation for an innovative program that will have his students doing feasibility studies of wind turbines and solar power to take their classroom off the commercial energy grid.

Interdisciplinary studies are an important element of Middle School academics, culminating in celebrations such as Egypt Night, Space Night and Colonial Day.

The Middle School staff communicates regularly with parents in several ways: progress reports are sent four times; a new student five-week report is mailed in mid-October; general communications slips are sent as needed; and phone calls provide a timely link between home and school. Parents' Back-to-School Night and informal parent conversations with the headmaster and division staff offer teachers and parents an opportunity to exchange information and to get to know each other better.

Middle School Advisory Program

The Breck Middle School Advisory Program ensures that each student has a formally appointed member of the faculty who will seve as an academic advocate. Advisors and their advisees meet four times a week.