Our Program

Middle School Academics

Middle School Academics at FCS

At FCS, we believe students thrive when learning is meaningful, engaging, and connected to the real world. Our Middle School curriculum focuses on depth over breadth, giving students the opportunity to build essential academic skills through hands-on projects, critical thinking, and collaborative exploration. Students are encouraged to become courageous by asking questions, communicating effectively, and contributing to their community and the world. We often hear from area high schools and professionals that our graduates are strong writers, confident self-advocates, and thoughtful discussion members, more so than some adults.

Alongside dedicated subject-area teachers, students experience a variety of content areas that support both skill development and intellectual curiosity through an academic program anchored in standards and based in connection. In classes of approximately 15 students, Middle Schoolers engage in vigorous schoolwork each day, learning to engage in discourse and real-world problem-solving through the guidance and scaffolding of faculty who care about their long-term growth and ensure that they feel seen and heard. As students get older and move towards their next steps beyond FCS, they deepen their choice and voice in their projects and assignments.

A Student-Centered Structure

The Middle School schedule is intentional and thoughtful, designed to center students, maximize time for instruction and meaningful engagement, and balance structure and flexibility. In Grades 5 - 8, students take classes in Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science, each of which culminates in a final "Capstone" project at the end of the year. Creativity, physical activity, cultural knowledge, and technological responsibility are fostered through Spanish, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Digital Citizenship. And all of our 8th graders participate in a class called High School Seminar, designed to prepare them for their next steps and reflect upon their time at FCS.

Academic Excellence Rooted in Purpose, Engagement, and Authenticity

Middle School at FCS is a vibrant place where students embark on a journey of academic challenge, self-discovery, and meaningful connection. It is a space that honors the complex balance of adolescence, where students are encouraged to be their authentic selves while still embracing the joy and playfulness of childhood. Here, curiosity ignites deep thinking, and every student is truly seen, known, and celebrated for who they are and who they are becoming. 

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List of 1 news stories.

List of 1 news stories.

Academic Offerings

List of 11 items.

  • Math

  • Language Arts

  • Science

  • Social Studies

  • Spanish

  • Performing Arts

  • Visual Arts

  • Physical Education

  • Digital Citizenship

  • Health

  • Advisory

A Sampling of Student-Interest-Driven Electives, Clubs, and Committees

List of 12 items.

  • Campus Care Committee

  • Chess

  • Coding

  • Improv.

  • Newspaper

  • Public Arts

  • Representing Every Person (Student Government) Committee

  • Robotics

  • Stage Production

  • Stagecraft

  • Yearbook

  • 8th Grade Test Prep

Leadership, Choice, Voice, and Ownership of Learning

Empowerment is at the heart of the FCS Middle School experience. Students are active participants in their education, given voice and choice that build confidence and ownership. They learn to advocate for themselves, collaborate with peers, and lead initiatives that impact the school and wider community.

Student-led opportunities include:

    • Committees

      Committee work focused on community service, school environment, and social justice.

    • Leading Assemblies

      Opportunities to plan and lead assemblies and school-wide events

    • Debates

      Participation in spirited debates and discussions that sharpen communication skills

Preparing Learners

FCS Middle School graduates leave ready for high school, equipped not only with strong academic preparation but also with a clear sense of identity and purpose. They are skilled communicators, reflective thinkers, and empathetic leaders who contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Community is woven into everything we do. Middle School students lead committees, engage in spirited debates, and collaborate on projects that make a difference. Our teachers encourage empathy, integrity, and courageous action, preparing students to become changemakers who think deeply and act boldly.

Learn More about Our Graduates

    • Zip Ode Poetry

Advisory

A Supportive Community that
Sees Every Student

At FCS, students are known, valued, and supported throughout their Middle School journey. Each day begins and ends in advisory groups. These are small, consistent circles where students connect with trusted adults and peers. These daily touch-points build strong relationships, foster reflection, and help students navigate academic and social life with confidence. This structure ensures every child feels a deep sense of belonging and is encouraged to take meaningful risks, grow resilience, and thrive.

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Honoring Social & Academic Balance

We believe Middle Schoolers' social and emotional balance is just as important as academics. At FCS, outdoor recess and unstructured times are built into the program. These moments honor the importance of childhood, helping students recharge, build friendships, and develop social skills that support lifelong well-being.
In FCS Middle School, we honor childhood to ensure that the joy of learning is fostered and not to be outgrown, while we provide opportunities for new experiences and cultivate skills in critical thinking, analyzing, questioning, and communicating.

Julie Do
Head of Middle School

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Julie Do

    Julie Do 

    Head of Middle School
  • Photo of Brighid Willson

    Brighid Willson 

    Middle School Dean of Students
    University of Maryland - B.A.
5901 Westchester Park Drive College Park, MD, 20740
Phone: (301) 441-2100
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