Junior High
A Junior High experience that builds an important bridge
Flux: it might be the defining term of the Junior High years. After all, students are defining their identities, socially and intellectually, as they transition to the greater responsibility and maturity required for high school success. It takes a flexible school offering more individual guidance from teachers and increased opportunities for self-reflection to best meet their needs — qualities at the heart of Paideia’s Junior High experience.
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Homebase
Seventh- and 8th-grade students benefit by having the same two teachers for two years, an approach known as Homebase. This format provides a crucial anchor during a time of rapid change. Because students get to know their teachers better, they are more confident and prepared for even greater intellectual, social and emotional growth.
Mindful of the rigors of High School, Homebase faculty expertly focus on preparing their students to do well and to use the Junior High years profitably to achieve targeted goals in grammar, creative writing and reading as well as social studies. Specialist teachers deliver the curriculum in math, science, modern language, art, music and physical education, rounding out a 360-degree approach to each student’s success.
Firing student imaginations, making each day different
Faculty excel at offering stimulating content and original teaching approaches. They also share their scholarly passions with students, modeling the joy of lifelong learning. And no matter the class, humor and laughter are part of every day.
Formal academic classes end in mid-May, shifting to a short-term schedule long on student interest. From building and racing cardboard boats, to photography, to the not-to-be-missed Junior High musical, students engage in invigorating, hands-on courses and finish the year on a high note.
New space creates new academic opportunity
In 2023, the Junior High stretched its wings, creating more opportunities for students to do the same.
Located across Ponce de Leon Avenue, in a building that exceeds LEED-certification standards and boasts 30% more space, the new facility has ushered in an era of enhanced creative learning and community. Highlights include an indoor common area where students can socialize; adjoining Homebase classrooms for team-teaching and integrated programs; a large porch where students can play or enjoy an outdoor class; and multipurpose rooms for small-group projects, breakout classes and study sessions.
With faculty at all levels integrating some aspect of STEAM into their curriculum, the program grew stronger on both sides of the street: the new building created an expanded art room, two STEAM classrooms, a design space and a makerspace.
All the avenues for learning — and belonging
In discovering who they and what matters to them, Junior High students have so many ways to take ownership of their school life and exercise their voices.
Reading Bowl
Junior High readers strut their stuff in an end-of-year Reading Bowl. Teams tackle 12 books during the school year, culminating in a “Jeopardy”-style competition.
Clubs
Students partake in some 20 clubs — options include Academic Bowl, Cooking, Robotics, Newspaper and Rock Climbing — and can jump-start their own in association with a faculty advisor. A volunteer Student Council keeps extracurricular life humming with a range of activities.
Yearly Adventures
Trips generate memorable learning and bonding opportunities as well as giving students a chance to demonstrate problem-solving and organizational skills. Excursions reflect a range of environments, among them urban farmlets, civil rights tours and intensive studies of Georgia’s barrier islands.
Poetry Slam
High-energy rhymesters speak their truth when they have a chance to compete in the school’s now-legendary slam poetry competition.
Field Day
Field Day gets the juices flowing with a game competition among Homebase classes.