Grades 6-8

At ECMS, we believe that a comprehensive, culturally responsive, anti-racist, and anti-bias critical literacy education plan supports students in their development of conceptual understanding, procedural knowledge, and literacy practices. ECMS’s ELA  is composed of engaging, relevant, and purposeful learning opportunities that prioritize students’ social-emotional connections and academic mindset.

The Cultural Literacy curriculum integrates the subjects of English and Social Studies and is co-taught by two educators - one from each discipline. CL focuses on the ability to read, write, think, and speak in ways that enable students to address complex real-world issues.

In the middle school math classroom, students participate in diverse math communities where a variety of thinking and learning are invaluable. Students collaboratively explore, problem solve, and huddle around key math concepts, strategies, questions, and challenges.

8th graders have an opportunity to take Algebra based on a variety of factors including MAP testing, teacher, student and parent input.

The ECMS Science Program uses the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in conjunction with the PA Science Standards to develop a curriculum that engages in the three dimensions of the NGSS for successful science instruction: content, practices, and crosscutting concepts.

The purpose of Diversified Studies is to provide middle school students the opportunity to engage in a variety of subjects in a way that sparks curiosity and prepares students to make personal learning choices so that students develop a passion for learning early on in life.

• Spanish

• Music

• Health/P.E.

• Robotics and Coding

• Visual Arts

Block Zero is a time for joyful exploration of students' strengths and interests! A wide array of course offerings, taught by ECS Middle Teaching/Support Staff and Community Partners, are offered quarterly for students in any grade level to sign up for and create their own schedule. Block Zero allows for more student voice and choice, helps to build a communal culture where everyone gets to spend time with students and teachers from other grade levels, equitable enrichment activities that everyone can access, and increases teacher collaborative planning time without sacrificing individual prep periods. Students select from interest/need-based options and unite with a group of students around that commonality! Examples include Hip. Hop. Unlock, Volleyball, Chess, Drama Club, Creative Writing, Cooking Club, Anime Club, Makers Club, Climate Change Club, Zumba.

• Out-the-Door Education

• Looping

• Team Teaching

• Specialized Teaching

• Differentiated Instruction

• Technology Integration

ECMS offers a variety of in-school and out-of-school activities.

• Learn more about the National Honors Society (NHS)

• Check out the Middle School Out-Of-School-Time programs.

• Middle Arrival: 8:20–8:40 a.m.

• Middle Dismissal: 3:40–4:10 p.m.

• Half Day Dismissal: 11:40 a.m.

• 1 School Counselor in each building

• 1 Social Worker in each building

• 1 School Nurse in each building

• 2 School Psychologists (K-12)

• 1 Director of Special Education (K-12)