Academic Excellence
We provide a challenging academic program to all our students.
The Merritt Advantage
The Journey Unfolds
At Merritt , Middle School is built upon a learning environment rich in critical thinking skills and collaboration that cultivates communication and promotes independence. This is achieved through student-led learning; curricula focused on 21st century skills; and partnership with caring teachers who understand the mindset of middle school students.
- Develop content knowledge through interactive learning.
- Encourage independence and critical thinking in a student-led learning environment.
- Cultivate strong communication skills utilizing a variety of learning tools that incorporates traditional skills e.g. writing via 21st century learning (iPads, collaborative projects, and digital media).
- Promote leadership and responsible citizenship through opportunities that serve the school and greater community (SCA, Peer Mentoring, NJHS, and service projects).
- Acknowledge that middle school is the critical gateway to high school and prepare students for the transition.
Our school is built upon three foundational pillars:
Merritt Academy is a place that recognizes the abilities of middle school children and targets instruction to successfully grow and develop those talents.
Every aspect of our middle school is carefully curated to create the ideal conditions for academic and character success
- Expansive 7 Acre Campus with STEAM Lab, Maker Space & Creativity Lab/Art Studio
- Small class sizes with flexible Classroom Seating
- Student-led learning environment, an emphasis on collaboration and Genius Hour
- Advanced curriculum, with Renowned Intergenerational Program
- Wide selection of Field trips and Hallmarks specifically designed to integrate with academic curriculum
- Individual assessment for reading and math placement with acceleration and Gifted program starting in Kindergarten
- Daily outdoor recess to promote creative/free play
Academics
Our advanced, proprietary middle school curriculum focuses on core academic subjects by balancing innovative, research backed educational practices with traditional educational methods.
Our wide variety of specialty classes further support our core academics and allow students to further develop cross curricular strengths & interest.
Technology and Distance Learning
With iPads and Smartboards in classrooms, Merritt Academy deploys technology in developmentally appropriate ways to optimize learning for our youngest elementary students. Our computer lab offers your kindergartner opportunities to practice and reinforce skills developing in the classroom.
Throughout your child’s learning journey at Merritt, your student will gain skills in keyboarding, graphic design, coding, website design as well as in writing, math and presentation-related software.
From fifth grade through middle school, Merritt Academy provides each child with a personal Chromebook computer supported by our Technology team. After graduation or if you move away, your child will keep the Chromebook and portfolio of work. Our secure distance learning platform encourages student engagement and collaboration along with teacher guided instruction. Our oldest students use their cloud-based portfolio to work from home in the evening, over the weekend, or during an absence from campus.
Merritt Academy’s robust distance education platform ensures continuity of your child’s studies and helps your child feel connected.
Core Academics
Math
A unique aspect of math education at Merritt is our ability to individualize students’ education so that some students are placed a grade ahead.
Science
Science at Merritt is focused on Earth, Life, and Physical science along with health & hygiene and investigation and experimentation. A unique aspect of Merritt’s science program is the focus on Design and Technology.
Social Studies
Social Studies provides instruction for students to develop skills in areas such as using maps, understanding the contributions of historical figures, and analysis of events and their impact on our lives. Merritt’s social studies program uses field trips and special events to complement what students are learning.
Language Arts
Language Arts provides a strong foundation in writing, grammar, and reading so that students are prepared to excel in high school and beyond. Merritt’s older students use Reader’s Workshop to explore themes in books they have individually chosen thus allowing freedom of choice and fostering a love for reading.
Foreign Language
Our foreign language classes focus on teaching grammar, writing, and culture while placing a strong emphasis on oral fluency. A unique aspect to our foreign language program is that beginning in 5th grade the students have foreign language every day, making it a core class. Students continue this through middle school and graduate with high school credit in either French or Spanish.
Specialty Classes
Computer Technology
Students learn typing as well as a variety of computer skills such as Excel, HTML, and other programs. A unique aspects to our program is the development of a website by our middle school students to share the D&T Program with others.
Art
Art education at Merritt is focused on building skills as well as an understanding and awareness of artists and art history. A unique part of our program is the field trips that all classes take with the art teacher.
Music
Students learn music skills as well as music theory through a variety of lessons involving vocal and instrumental techniques. A unique aspect to our music program for the older students is the focus on playing handbells.
Physical Education
Merritt’s PE program provides instruction in a variety of sports, with a focus on building skills. A unique aspect to our PE program is that students go on field trips with the PE teacher, such as hiking the Billy Goat Trail or going kayaking.
Social & Emotional Education
Merritt’s focus on SEL (social emotional learning) stems from the support provided by the School Counselor and the Second Steps Program used with all students. Providing this tool for students is unique and allows Merritt to help students have a well-balanced educational experience.
Today’s students are digital natives so we give them the tools and the training to harness these skills for maximum educational value.
- Each student receives a Chromebook used to learn coding, write papers, do research, access cutting edge textbooks and other resources, organize their homework and other projects, collaborate with classmates and communicate with their teachers.
- A well-equipped STEAM lab and maker space with numerous resources including a 3D printer is available to all students.
Field Trips & Hallmarks
Field Trips and Hallmarks are carefully coordinated to enrich our curriculum with a level of interactive learning that encourages excitement and participation.
Students, teachers and parents regularly look forward to many of Merritt’s hallmarks as annual traditions.
Constantly discovering new ways to use the greater D.C. area as our extended classroom adds an unparalleled layer to our student’s academic experience.
Examples of hallmarks and field trips include:
- Musicals
- Plays
- Nature Hikes
- Museums
- Science Expositions
In addition there is at least one overnight trip each year. Past trips have included:
- A research project on the Chesapeake Bay
- New York City
- California
- A working farm in Vermont
Values + Manners = Character Character
At Merritt Academy, we have embraced our responsibility to teach character to the next generation.
Our comprehensive character curriculum provides a challenging plan to grow strong, quality character in our students.
Our whole-school approach to character education includes
- Skills for Learning
- Empathy
- Emotion Management
- Problem Solving
These skills are taught, reinforced and role-modeled by classroom teachers, assistants and all other staff.
The goal is to teach children to treat each other with respect, kindness, and tolerance, to develop self-regulation skills, and to be able to problem-solve without escalation to violence.
This curriculum nicely supports the Merritt Academy Code of Courtesy and the character traits which are taught each month on a rotating basis.
Intergenerational Program
An important application of Merritt’s Character Education Curriculum is the schools renowned Intergenerational program
All Merritt Academy students, infants – 8th graders, participate in the school’s Intergenerational Programs.
Our Project Pals Program is designed for children of different age groups to develop meaningful friendships. Every classroom is paired with another classroom of younger or older students to meet at least once a month and collaborate on academic projects. Students discover a deeper dimension to learning based on the interactions and ideas of their Project Pal.
With our neighbors at Sunrise Senior Living and the Virginian Retirement community, our Elementary school students participate in the Seniors and Students Together Intergenerational program. Students enjoy sharing classroom lessons and discussing diverse concepts and ideas with seniors.
During their visits, students and seniors participate in a wide variety of activities, including:
- Storytelling
- Sing-a-longs
- Arts and crafts
- Literary activities
- Community service projects
Communication
We recognize that parents are the subject matter experts on their children and we value their input and participation in the educational process.
The importance of clear lines of communication between school and home is heavily emphasized by:
- Weekly Merritt newsletter from the executive director
- Weekly school highlights email from the principal
- Weekly letter from the classroom teacher
- Formal parent teacher conferences twice a year
Daily Schedule
Each day is different as so much exciting learning is going on in some many different ways.
An average day at Merritt Academy may look like:
| Time: | Activity: | Description: |
|---|---|---|
| 6:45 AM | Campus Opens | Breakfast and playground time for those who need an early drop off |
| 8:30 AM | School Starts | School day begins with “Merritt in the Morning”, our video broadcasted morning announcements that are scripted, presented, and filmed entirely by our middle school students. |
| 8:45 AM | Core Subjects | |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch | Followed by a half hour of recess time outdoors. |
| 1:00 PM | Foreign Language | |
| 2:00 | Speciality Classes | A variety of classes to further support our core academics and allow students to further develop cross curricular strengths & interest |
| 3:30 PM | School Day Ends | From 3:30-4:30 students have an option to stay for teacher led study hall.
Merritt Academy remains open until 6:30pm for those who need extended care |
Our goal at Merritt is to prepare your child to succeed in any type of high school experience. Our students head on to Catholic, private, and public high schools.
Food Services
Merritt Academy provides daily lunch service and an afternoon snack meeting appropriate nutritional guidelines.
- School day begins at 6:45 a.m. with a continental breakfast snack for before-school care students.
- A hot lunch at midday and an afternoon snack are included as part of your child’s tuition.
- Middle School students dine in our cafeteria.
- Our monthly menu can be found on our Parent Portal.
“ Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education. ”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.