LJCDS Middle School

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Richard Nelson

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

As the bridge between the Lower School and the Upper School, the Middle School challenges students within a nurturing environment to develop independence of thought, habit and mind. “ When I arrived at La Jolla Country Day School, I was delighted by the devotion of its teachers, the intellect and character of its students, and the unwavering support of its parent body. As a result, what I thought would be a brief stop in my teaching career became my professional home for the past thirty-five years. The academic freedom that the Middle School permits its teachers encourages us to be pedagogically creative.”

In the Office of Admission, we are told that one of the most overheard statements in our parking lot is, “you want your student to have had the benefit of being taught

by Richard Nelson.” It is rare to be able to bridge the intellect with the emotional, social realities of a Middle School student. Richard does so with both skill and compassion. Richard is an iconic presence in what he calls the “village” atmosphere of La Jolla Country Day’s Middle School. As a seventh grade history teacher and Chair of the Department, Richard’s enthusiasm and expertise for Ancient Civilizations connects twenty-first century students with the lessons of the past.

At the same time that he is developing budding historians, as an individual of great personal integrity, he provides a moral and ethical foundation that guides Middle School students in navigating the challenges they face in the modern age.

Through Facing History and Ourselves (FHAO) Richard and his seventh and eighth grade colleagues engage students in one of the core principles of the FHAO program, that “people make choices and choices make history.” Teaching Facing History and Ourselves aligns with the vision of La Jolla Country Day School to integrate the intellectual and emotional intelligence of every student.

“ The core of our Middle School community is the devotion, curiosity, healthy skepticism and kindness shown by our students that sets the tone for our school’s culture. Through small class sizes, I can reach students with varied interests and learning styles with a blend of traditional lessons, student-centered projects and activities. In the classroom, I am free to unleash the passion that I have for history, and I can’t wait to get to class each morning to share the subject that I love.”

Preparing individuals for a lifetime of intellectual exploration, personal growth, and social responsibility

MIDDLE SCHOOL Embracing the opportunities

The dramas of Shakespeare. The music of different cultures. Robots. Greek and Roman mythology. The American Revolution. The biological systems of the human body. Chance and probability. The evolution of painting. The Middle Ages. Science fiction. Broadway musicals. At Country Day, the Middle School “menu” is broad, rich, and stimulating – just what budding scholars and growing artists need.

“ Imagine coming to work each day

and watching the amazing moments when a chrysalis opens and a new, more mature being emerges.”

GRADES 5-8 Character • Life Skills, Facing History and Ourselves along with a formal outdoor education program • Student driven community service projects • Recognition of students exemplifying good character through “Torrey Character Awards” Scholar • English, mathematics, science, history and world languages • Enriching co-curriculum includes a variety of electives • Progress monitored by an advisor, guidance counselor, the grade level team of teachers, the Dean of Students and the Middle School Director Artist and Athlete • Visual arts, music, drama, dance, theater, and multimedia • Dance Studio and Visual Arts Center resources • Daily physical education taught by Varsity and Junior Varsity coaches • Fully equipped athletic facilities

D

uring their Middle School years, Country Day students develop the intellectual tools and emotional resources for what lies ahead: the rigorous, college-prep courses of the Upper School. The Middle School curriculum includes English, mathematics, science, history, and world language, as well as a variety of stimulating elective courses. Our students take full advantage of the computers in every classroom, “smart technology” throughout the campus, and two state-ofthe-art language labs.

True to Country Day’s commitment to creating wellrounded individuals, the arts play an important role in the Middle School. There are opportunities to practice music, the visual arts, dance, and drama under the guidance of teachers who are, themselves, working artists.

LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL CONTACT INFO: ADMISSION@LJCDS.ORG 858.453.3440 x132 9490 GENESEE AVENUE LA JOLLA CA 92037 WWW.LJCDS.ORG