middle School

The middle school curriculum in Newport News Public Schools is designed to help sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders make a smooth transition from elementary school to high school. Students master basic skills and apply what they learn to solve problems and make decisions. They are encouraged to explore and develop their career and leisure interests and to become well known as an individual by at least one professional adult.

A "core team" of two to five teachers provides classes in English, math, reading, science and social studies. Living skills, drama, industrial arts, music, foreign language, art, computer and physical education teachers make up another team.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) prepares middle and high school students for success in college. Through intensive tutoring and mentoring, AVID prepares students who might not reach their potential for success in higher education.

Middle school students also may participate in ATOMS, a program developed by Thomas Nelson Community College that introduces seventh- and eighth- graders to high-tech work settings and the Becoming Enthusiastic About Math and Science (BEAMS) program, which immerses students in a week of math and science at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.

Two magnet options are available to middle school students. Crittenden Middle School offers students a Math, Science and Technology magnet program as well as the regular comprehensive curriculum. Booker T. Washington Middle School is a Marine Science & Pre-Advanced Placement magnet school with high expectations for behavior and student responsibility. Students must apply to magnet schools and are accepted as space is available.