The Importance
of the Middle School Years
TEXT: Michael Barvick
“E school that shares your family
values. A school with a strong
parent partnership will more
effectively foster your child’s
development during these
years of self-discovery.

xcellence is
an art won by
training and
habituation. We do not act
rightly because we have virtue
or excellence, but we rather
have those because we have
acted rightly. We are what
we repeatedly do. Excellence,
then, is not an act but a
habit.”- Aristotle
The middle school years
encompass the most
transformative experiences
in adolescents’ lives. It is
a defining moment where they
discover their identity of who they
are as individuals, students, future
professionals and family members.

During this time, parents and schools
should be in close partnership,
helping to develop the habits of the
mind and heart that will form future
engaged and thoughtful citizens. And
choosing a school that challenges
students to develop in this way is
key. Laura Bell, a middle school Dean
at Oakcrest School in Vienna, VA,
weighed in on the subject when
she noted, “This is the first time
students are asking the questions:
What kind of learner am I? What are
my individual and unique strengths
and where might they take me in the
future? Having a teacher who meets
your child where s/he is academically
and socially is just the beginning of
the wonderful adventure of raising
lifelong learners, who will think
critically and make ethical decisions.”
Effective educators inspire students
to give their full potential and own
20 October 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com
their learning process. Teachers
should know how their own expertise
can dramatically impact their
students’ academic achievement and
social development. Schools and
home have to work collaboratively
with each other in order to better
address the needs of both students
and their families.

In addition, cultivating character
through the curriculum adds
measurable value to a student’s
experience. Gone are the days when a
student can say, “My mom didn’t tell
me this was due today.”
An article in the Atlantic Monthly
entitled “Don’t Help Your Kids With
Their Homework” explains that
giving your child more personal
responsibility helps him or her
become better prepared for the
future. The middle school years
begin to reinforce responsibility and
ownership. When choosing where
your child will learn these life skills,
a few important guideposts can help
parents along the way.

Parent Partnership: Look for a
Role Models: Look for a
school that provides a strong
mentoring program where
your child can develop a
trusting teacher/student
partnership. Hearing
messages that align with
your vision and values from
another trusted source helps
young people begin to make those
values their own.

Curriculum: Find a school that will
challenge your child in all areas of
his or her life: mind, body and spirit.

A school that inspires your child
to try new things such as music,
arts, sports, languages and clubs
strengthens character and encourages
risk taking.

Middle school is a crucial stage in
your child’s life. Choose a school that
inspires your child to deepen his or
her intellectual and personal growth
and to make a positive impact on our
society. Striving for that excellence
is an art won by training and
habituation. Michael Barvick is Director of
Institutional Advancement at Oakcrest
School, an independent school in
Vienna, VA. To learn more about how
Oakcrest provides a strong parent
partnership, mentoring and a well
rounded curriculum contact Oakcrest
School Admissions at admissions@
oakcrest.org to schedule a tour of our
new campus.