The Gerstell Academy Middle School believes in developing positive leaders of character with a strong traditional academic background in fundamental knowledge, a life-long love of physical fitness and fluency in a modern language. These critical years serve as a balance between the nurturing environment of the Lower School and the more competitive and independent college preparatory Upper School. Gerstell Academy Middle School focuses on the acquisition of leadership skills, character development, mastery of fundamental knowledge, and appropriate social skills. Leadership skills and knowledge provide the foundation for the curriculum and permeate the daily activities at Gerstell.
The Gerstell Principles, Attributes, and the Motto “Leadership, Honor, Courage” set the intellectual, social, and behavioral standards for the school. They define the environment and the expectations for the students as a continuation of the process initiated at home and in the Gerstell Academy Lower School. Gerstell Academy develops leaders by challenging students with developmentally appropriate tasks, by establishing high standards, and by providing mentors who ensure a structured environment with a multitude of opportunities for students to demonstrate leadership skills.
It is our belief at Gerstell Academy that the greatest growth can take place by understanding the challenges of the student and the family and by supporting them with experienced, caring faculty, staff, and administration. Middle school students and their parents are undergoing immense changes in their lives. Unlike young children, impressionable adolescents are witness to the significant intellectual, social, psychological, emotional, and physical changes they are experiencing. Gerstell students are active, curious, engaged participants in the educational process who take increasing responsibility for their own learning. Middle school students are looking to define their personal identities, goals, and aspirations; they require concerned, caring teachers, coaches, advisors, and mentors to lead them through this discovery process. Parents are also developing and encountering new challenges as they enter the second decade of parenting their middle school student. Being sensitive to those challenges, Gerstell Academy Middle School teachers partner with parents in the educational process. Teachers are respected and recognized for their expertise in their profession and for their years of experience in teaching hundreds of students. Parents are recognized for their personal and life-long knowledge of and commitment to their sons and daughters.
By involving parents in the educational process, the needs of the family and the whole child are addressed. Families choosing to be part of the Gerstell Community commit themselves to supporting their student and Gerstell’s Mission, Motto, Principles, and Attributes.
Finally, it is our belief that the environment set at Gerstell, along with leadership and academic education, and the ability for students to continually test their knowledge and skills through action, will allow students to flourish through these critical years. Each student will be well prepared to take advantage of opportunities to compete at the highest level in upper school.
