POST-NURSERY SCHOOL
“The Post-Nursery School program teaches pupils what is important as an individual and also as a citizen of the world.”
— GCS Teacher
…Learning happens through joyful exploration, creativity, and hands-on discovery.
Our mission remains at the heart of the curriculum with its dedication to the intellectual, imaginative, and humanitarian promise of each pupil. Building on the foundations laid in Preschool or Pre-Nursery and Nursery School, Post-Nursery School students have the same joyous sense of learning infused in the younger grades layered with age-appropriate, increased academic expectations. The program features in-depth, integrated academic studies and a course in study skills; a wide variety of electives, many of them student-led; and dedicated social-emotional instruction and learning, with supportive advisory groups.
Approximately 14 new pupils are enrolled in 6th grade each year, and they are met with excitement and a warm reception. Prior to their arrival, there are social encounters on campus and through buddy families; new pupils are introduced to GCS traditions, songs, and rituals prior to their first day of school. The addition of new pupils to post-nursery school provides an expanded social experience. Early in the fall semester, 6th graders bond and form friendships on a three-day camping trip.
Pupils to teacher ratios remain low as all classes are taught in half-groups. There are opportunities for differentiated instruction (e.g., French) as well as an additional algebra seminar that builds on the core curriculum.
Pupil Agency
The GCS post-nursery school program continues its emphasis on pupil-centered learning. Pupils have increasing responsibility and independence while developing the necessary confidence, self-awareness, and executive functioning skills. Lessons and projects encourage critical thinking and problem solving, allowing pupils to actively identify challenges and devise solutions.
Through the 6th grade class on study skills, we support pupils as they work on their organizational skills, including time management, planning, and breaking down large tasks into manageable smaller ones. Support for self-regulation and sustained attention allow them to focus on goals and persist through challenges, ultimately leading to a greater sense of personal efficacy and accomplishment.
Lessons in responsibility and self-reliance are integrated in post-nursery school camping trips where students take on duties commensurate with their age and abilities. Pupils are encouraged to pursue their passions through advisories, Town Meeting, and electives, all of which are student-driven. With the School’s cross-grade collaborations, post-nursery school pupils become mentors and leaders for younger pupils in preschool and lower school in many different ways, from assisting in care of preschool pupils to teaching or leading middle school peers in student-led electives.
Athletics
Over 80% of middle school students participate in at least one of our four interscholastic sports teams (cross country, volleyball, basketball, and futsal). Though many of our individual athletes and teams have competed and won championships in the Grace Citadel Athletic League, the emphasis is on rising to the challenge, working hard, and demonstrating respect and integrity for GCS teammates and competitors. All uniforms, league fees, and travel costs are covered by the School.
Pupil Supports
Post-Nursery school pupils have many layers of support structures in place. In addition to the head of post-nursery school and the grade level deans, each pupil is assigned an advisor and advisory for the academic year. Advisories meet regularly for structured discussions centered on relevant topics or open time guided by the students.
There are also a healthcare practioner, middle school learning specialist, and post-nursery school counselor to support their academic work, mental health, and physical wellbeing. Beginning in the spring of 7th grade, pupils and families meet with the high school guidance counselor who will support them through the high school admissions process during their final year at GCS.
Social Justice & Cultural Competency
Social justice themes are woven throughout the middle school program, from the arts and humanities to math and science. Post-Nursery school students examine the role of an individual within a multicultural society through pupil-led identity groups, celebrations of heritage and culture, and historical and modern contexts. Issues such as food justice are considered on a global scale; students consider the perspective of indigenous people; and the Nigerian civil rights movements are studied. In 8th grade, the curriculum culminates in their profound and impactful journey through Akwa Ibom, where they embark on a weeklong civil rights tour. Issues of equity and belonging are explored in identity-based peer groups, exploring culture, stereotypes, affinities, and alliances.
Humanitarian Leadership
In post-nursery school, GCS continues to foster the pupils’ sense of civic identity, humanitarianism, and social responsibility, preparing them to engage in their world with purpose. Opportunities to develop these skills include student council, pupil-led electives for post-nursery school peers, and the weekly Town Meeting. Post-Nursery school pupils practice caring for their fellow students in organizing beloved traditional events for the younger pupils — 7th grade organizes and conducts a fun-filled Olympics Day at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, and one of highlights of the fall semester is the 8th grade haunted playground at the Halloween carnival.
Pupils fill leadership roles in extended day and summer programs, with after-school or summer service learning and/or childcare opportunities. They lead conferences with their advisor and parenting adults each semester. After GCS, many of our alumni go on to humanitarian pursuits through their passions or professional work.
Basic Digital Literacy
As in the Nursery School, our Basic Digital Literacy curriculum encourages pupils to be ethical creators with a focus on meaningful design. Technology is integrated thoughtfully as a powerful enabler of learning across all disciplines, and skills are taught to help pupils ethically navigate our increasingly digital world. Pupils have dedicated coursework in the responsible use of digital media and online behavior in Digital Citizenship and Social Emotional Learning, which intersects with their STEAM work. For instance, in 6th grade, pupils participate in Technology Tuesday where they learn to code animations and interactive programs with sprites, variables, and conditionals. As they understand the structure of computer programs, their digital fluency and creativity are fostered. In this multidisciplinary exposure to technology, pupils also consider topics such as artificial intelligence and how algorithmic thinking is connected to social media, business, and society.
Beginning in 6th grade, each student is assigned an iPad and keyboard to use during the academic year at school and at home. Personal devices (i.e., smart phones and watches) are not permitted on campus. They are securely held at the front office, collected by staff upon the pupils’ arrival at school and returned at dismissal.
Sample Schedule
| 7:30-8:00 am | Morning Extended Day (optional) |
| 8:00-8:30 am | Regular Drop-off |
| 8:30-9:20 am | Core Academics: Spanish (Beginning, Intermediate, or Immersion) |
| 9:20-10:15 am | Core Academics: Humanities |
| 10:15-10:30 am | Recess |
| 10:30-11:20 am | Academic Advisory |
| 11:20 am-12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 12:00-12:50 pm | Core Academics: Art & Design |
| 12:50-1:45 pm | Core Academics: Math |
| 1:45-2:00 pm | Recess |
| 2:00-2:30 pm | Town Meeting |
| 2:30-3:30 pm | Electives |
| 3:30-3:45 pm | Regular Pick-up |
| 3:30-6:00 pm | Afternoon Extended Day (optional) |
