{"id":1466,"date":"2020-06-02T08:22:28","date_gmt":"2020-06-02T15:22:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hillbrook.us\/voices\/?p=1466"},"modified":"2020-07-13T12:49:31","modified_gmt":"2020-07-13T19:49:31","slug":"why-an-independent-middle-school-might-be-the-best-choice-for-your-middle-school-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.hillbrook.us\/voices\/2020\/06\/why-an-independent-middle-school-might-be-the-best-choice-for-your-middle-school-student\/","title":{"rendered":"Why an Independent Middle School Might Be the Best Choice for Your Middle School Student"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In a world where academic rigor starts early and parents can catch themselves thinking semi-seriously about how preschool enrollment might affect eventual college applications, choosing a middle school can be an important step<\/a> on your child\u2019s path to intellectual fulfillment and future success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stress and anxiety over academics can be strenuous for both students and for their parents. When making a choice on the right type of middle school for your student, an independent school may be a good fit if you\u2019re seeking an engaging environment to nurture their intellectual and emotional growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Middle School Provides an Opportunity for Students to Build and Cultivate Confidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n

During middle school, children gain a greater awareness of themselves and their place in the world around them. They also start to experience many physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes<\/a>, which can elevate their stress and frustration levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that during this time in a child\u2019s life, they are far more likely to experience decreased confidence in their academic abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to research published in The Journal of Early Adolescence<\/a>, these changes in self-confidence can affect students negatively even when their grades are generally unaffected. The students\u2019 interpretation of specific grades might be far more negative than their teachers\u2019 or parents\u2019 interpretation of their abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With this damaging self-talk in mind, subjecting students to ongoing standardized testing can have a damaging effect on their confidence and their desire to focus their efforts on learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At independent schools, teachers are able to focus on the students\u2019 individual skills, rather than \u201cteaching to the test.\u201d That means students can showcase their knowledge confidently, rather than becoming discouraged when they don\u2019t receive perfect marks on a test that may not accurately gauge their true knowledge of a subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maker Spaces Boost Confidence Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At independent schools, creative approaches to learning allow students to apply their knowledge through integrated learning experiences. As an example, schools that offer maker spaces allow students to develop confidence in their own abilities, while exploring, learning and taking risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makerspaces democratize learning and give everyone access to engage in a way that makes sense for them. At Hillbrook School\u2019s makerspace, The Hub<\/a>, students can experiment with hands-on technology and put STEAM principles to the test in a low-risk, easily-accessible environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In The Hub\u2019s 3,000 square foot STEAM and creator-oriented space, students can work on projects that fit with their interests and learning levels. Options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n