Middle School Education

Welcome Message

Welcome to the Middle School Department at Cedars High School, where we guide students through one of the most transformative stages of their lives. As the Head of Middle School, I am committed to leading a team of dedicated educators who support students academically, socially, emotionally, and physically during this critical period of growth.

Middle school is a time of exploration, self-discovery, and preparation for the challenges of high school and beyond. We understand the unique needs of adolescents and are here to provide a supportive, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every student can thrive. Our goal is to help students navigate the complexities of adolescence with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.

Nada Herzalah
Head of Middle School Department

Middle School Department Overview

Our Middle School Department serves students in Grades 7 to 9, typically aged 13 to 15 years old. This is a crucial transitional stage where students experience significant academic, social, emotional, and physical changes. Our program is designed to support students through these changes while fostering well-rounded growth and preparing them for the challenges of high school.

Key areas of focus include:

• Academic Excellence: We strengthen foundational skills in core subjects while encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning.
• Social and Emotional Development: We help students build self-awareness, effective communication, and emotional resilience, equipping them to navigate peer relationships and personal challenges.
• Character and Leadership: Through leadership opportunities and community engagement, we instill values of responsibility, integrity, and ethical decision-making.
• Physical and Health Development: We promote healthy lifestyle choices, physical fitness, and personal safety, providing guidance on puberty, personal hygiene, and well-being.

In Grade 9, students are divided into two distinct programs to meet their academic goals:

• Grade 9 Lebanese Program: Prepares students for the Lebanese Official Exams with a curriculum aligned to national standards.
• Grade 9 International Program: Prepares students for the American Middle School Diploma with a globally recognized curriculum.

Both programs are designed to provide a rigorous and enriching educational experience, ensuring students are well-prepared for their chosen academic path.

Curriculum Overview

Our Middle School curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, tailored to the unique needs of adolescents. We focus on fostering academic growth, social-emotional skills, and physical well-being, ensuring students are prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond.

Key Components of Our Curriculum

• Core Academic Subjects: Students deepen their knowledge in English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, building a strong foundation for future learning. In Middle School, Science is introduced as three distinct disciplines; Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and scientific inquiry. Additionally, French is taught as a second language with three instructional hours per week, enhancing students’ linguistic and cultural proficiency.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Through inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary projects, students learn to analyze, evaluate, and apply knowledge across subjects.
• Language Development and Literary Enrichment: Reading and writing are at the heart of our Middle School curriculum. Students engage with classic and contemporary literature, fostering a love for reading while building critical analysis skills. We place strong emphasis on creative and structured writing, with activities designed to encourage storytelling, persuasive writing, and self-expression.
• Technology Integration: We develop digital literacy, responsible internet use, and basic coding skills, preparing students for a technology-driven world.
• Creative Expression: Arts, music, and project-based learning opportunities allow students to explore their creativity and express themselves.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Our SEL programs help students develop self-awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution skills, fostering healthy relationships and emotional resilience.
• Physical Education and Health: Our PE program promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle choices, while health education addresses topics like puberty, personal hygiene, and mental well-being.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

We believe in the importance of experiential learning. Through field trips, community service projects, and leadership opportunities, students apply their knowledge in real-world contexts and develop a sense of social responsibility.

What We Aim to Achieve

Our goal is to empower students to navigate adolescence with confidence, curiosity, and resilience. At the end of Middle School, students will:

• Demonstrate academic readiness for high school, having developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills in all core subjects, including a solid foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Exhibit linguistic proficiency by effectively communicating in English, Arabic, and French, with enhanced reading, writing, and literary appreciation skills.
• Think critically and creatively, applying knowledge across disciplines while utilizing technology responsibly.
• Showcase leadership and character by making ethical decisions, taking responsibility, and actively contributing to their community.
• Maintain physical and emotional well-being, practicing healthy habits, self-discipline, and social awareness.
• Embrace global perspectives by developing an appreciation for diverse cultures, perspectives, and global issues, preparing students to be responsible, internationally minded citizens.
• Promote physical and emotional well-being by adopting healthy lifestyle choices, understanding puberty, and practicing personal safety.

Most importantly, we aim to nurture confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals who are not only ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of high school but are also equipped to excel as independent thinkers and compassionate leaders. Our students will be prepared to contribute positively to a global society, embracing diverse perspectives and making responsible decisions that reflect their understanding of the world and their role in it.