Benefits of a Preschool-8th Grade School

Many studies confirm the benefits of a through 8th grade education. Students who attend a Preschool/Kindergarten - grade 8 school are the most comfortable, feel the safest, and ultimately perform better academically than their counterparts at traditional middle schools, as PS/K-8 schools provide age-based learning that focuses on each child's developmental needs.

▪ Numerous national studies show the advantages of PS-8 and K-8 schools for students at all grade levels: The continuity of teachers, classmates, programs, and expectations appears to enhance academic, social and emotional development for students leading to greater academic achievement and improved self-esteem and confidence. (Rand Study 2006; National Middle School Association Study; American Educational Research Journal)

▪ Carefully designed “buddy programs” between grade levels have positive effects on both younger and older students: Working as a team on community service projects and creating a personal connection between an older and younger student provides a positive role model for younger children while encouraging empathy in the older students.

▪ Children don’t grow up too fast: St. Matthew's elementary and middle school environment allows students to experience age-appropriate activities and events, without the influence and pressure of older students. Seventh and eighth graders are not “caught in the middle,” but take on the leadership role of "seniors.” At the same time they can be themselves, often remaining “younger” a bit longer and not as directly influenced by the social pressures common in high school. Furthermore, our emerging adolescents are given the nurturing and age-appropriate support they need for a healthy, confident transition to the high school years.

▪ By eighth grade, you know your child better as a learner and a person: In the elementary and middle years, your student’s academic strengths, interests, learning styles and gifts become defined and social-emotional strengths more clear. These individual characteristics become apparent during pre-adolescence. There are excellent high school choices – each with its own strengths and areas of focus. By the time your child is in eighth, the best “match” for high school is much easier to determine. It is very difficult to predict the best match for a 16 year old when he or she is 10 or 11 years old.

▪ Your child has many leadership and activity opportunities: The oldest students on any campus assume the mantle of leadership and act as role models for the entire student body. Our middle school students rise to the challenge and serve in leadership roles (acting as a Student Ambassador or being elected to Student Council), have the starring roles in school musicals, and play on St. Matthew's highest-level athletic teams. The positive achievements of early adolescents are recognized as culminating events and traditions at St. Matthew's. Enjoying that privilege in the seventh and eighth grades better prepares students for those same opportunities in high school and beyond.

▪ As an eighth-grader, your child is more involved in choosing the high school that is right for him/her: During the early childhood years, you, as parents, make the school decisions. A family choice, involving your eighth grader along with the support of the school, is a satisfying and personalized way to choose a high school. In turn, this experience better prepares students for making college choices.

▪ High school choice is a team effort: The Middle School Principal and Head of School work in partnership with you and your student to find a high school “match” that honors your child’s unique gifts and achievements. St. Matthew's placement team knows the schools and knows your student. St. Matthew's students are sought after as high school freshman because they are well-prepared, self-assured, well-rounded and strong moral citizens.

▪ In any school, programs for the oldest students are always the most expensive: In terms of complexity, faculty, and facilities, schools funnel the most financial resources and attention to the highest grades they serve. At St. Matthew's, that is Middle School. Our Middle School faculty is truly dedicated to students in grades 5-8, and the program is designed to fulfill their academic, spiritual and social-emotional needs.

▪ A change at ninth is good: Keeping children in a consistent and familial educational environment through the elementary and middle school years is ideal, before allowing them the freedom of a change of venue, new friends and new challenges for high school. Because St. Matthew's ends in eighth grade, all of our graduates leave together offering support to one another. At ninth grade, students are eager to experience new friendships and challenges that support their individual interests before college and are well prepared to make a smooth and confident transition into high school.

▪ The “St. Matthew's Connection” lasts a lifetime: Students experiencing St. Matthew's throughout the upper school years have values and friendships that will define and benefit them throughout their lives.