Helping Them Thrive
The sixth through eighth grade years
of Middle School entail changes as dramatic and significant as those of toddlers or full-fledged teens. It also presents opportunities for your
child's continued success in school, relationships and life.

Preteens, so fragile despite their
noisy insistence to the contrary,
must be sheltered and yet given
the freedom to explore the world
around them. Swain provides that environment by pulling them into a close-knit community where each can be respected for his or her own unique talents, challenged to succeed in every way, and allowed the freedom to fail without stigma.

A Commitment to Character Education
Equally important is our commitment to character building through the reinforcement of traditional values. We have a formalized program of character education that focuses on nine monthly virtues. In addition, every middle school students signs a "Statement of Honor" that promotes thoughtful choices and behavior.

We believe that the incorporation of virtues such as courage, stewardship, friendship, thankfulness and charity are as important to forming successful human beings as academic excellence. The values that Swain calls "traditional" transcend the boundaries imposed by culture, religion or ethnicity.

Curriculum
The Middle School curriculum includes the following subjects:

Art	Computer Technology
English	History
Latin	Math
Music	Physical Education
Reading	Science
Social Studies	Spanish
Theatre Arts

Study Skills
In order to prepare students for further academic training, special emphasis is given to the development of essential study habits. Students are expected to read technical information effectively, interpret charts and graphs, take efficient class notes, develop research skills and budget their time wisely.

Enrichment
All subjects are augmented with enrichment activities and mini-courses ranging from Creative Writing and Human Sexuality to CPR training and certification.

Frequent field trips near and far augment classroom learning. Students also participate in national and state-wide competitions in math, science, geography, history, art, spelling and Latin. Comprehensive testing, both elective and mandatory, allows students the opportunity to sharpen testing skills and compete in a larger arena.

Most middle school students are enthusiastic participants in Swain's many athletic programs. Instrumental and choral music programs and the spring drama production are also popular choices for many students. The Middle School Student Council is extremely active, sponsoring dances and special events throughout the school year. Council activities raise money for community agencies and often buy gifts for the school.

Faculty
The faculty and Director of the Middle School are all fully accredited professionals with significant experience working with preadolescents and early teens. They employ flexible methods to suit the high energy levels of this eager age group, and, without exception, take a personal interest in the performance of each student. A full time school counselor also is on hand to work with students, teachers and parents should challenges arise.

Check out www.swainkids.com for individual classroom websites and student activities. You can also view some middle school students' computer-generated
art works.

To receive more information about Swain's Middle School, please complete our Information Request Form or call the Swain Admissions office at 610-433-4542, ext.119.

"The great thing about middle school kids is that you can still reach them. They're bright, entertaining and full of energy. It's a lot of fun."
7th grade teacher

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