Middle School
Middle School is a pivotal time of growth and transition. As students navigate questions of identity, relationships, and responsibility, our Middle School program supports them with a challenging, engaging curriculum that sparks curiosity about the world and builds a strong sense of ownership over learning. Through this approach, students develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need to thrive in High School and beyond.
The Middle School Program
Core Curriculum
Pilgrim School is located in the heart of Los Angeles, and takes full advantage of what our diverse city has to offer. From visits from local leaders to field trips to cultural centers, students learn that learning doesn’t end at the classroom door. Our curriculum is designed to help students connect their learning to real-world applications and concepts. At the beginning of the school year, middle school students participate in Trips Week, where they bond as a class during visits to Surf Camp and Big Sur, fostering independence and relationship building. Students also participate in Middle School Retreats, exploring concepts about leadership, anti-bias, and identity. The Middle School core academic program includes Engineering, Coding and Robotics, Media Literacy, Life Skills, Public Speaking, Human Development, as well as Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. In Middle School, we introduce students to our mastery-based system, which helps them understand their learning goals and take greater personal responsibility for their learning. Teachers work closely with students through regular feedback on their progress and help guide them toward their goals. Four-year planning for High School begins in 8th grade based on individual student interviews with our Director of College Planning.
The Arts
The Middle School Arts Program offers a variety of disciplines, including Studio Arts, Theater Arts, Music, Dance, Digital Arts, and Film. Our program integrates contemporary trends and fully engages students in each area of focus. Through hands-on projects and collaborative performances, students develop both skill and creative confidence. We prepare students for advanced study and lifelong artistic appreciation.
Athletics
At Pilgrim School, every student is an athlete. We believe that providing students with meaningful, engaging, and exciting physical activity is essential to their development. During Middle School student can officially join Panther Athletics , which is part of the Arroyo Athletic league; competing against other Los Angeles based schools. Middle School Athletics teams include: Flag Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Table Tennis, Competitive Dance, Basketball, Track and Field, and Soccer
Community Involvement
Student involvement in community engagement is a powerful force; learning to give back and care for those less fortunate is an essential part of raising global citizens. We partner with organizations like Food@First, Alexandria House, and Big Sunday. Food@First is a collaborative effort between FCCLA and Pilgrim School, in which students collect and distribute food to address food insecurity among the local community. Students can also volunteer with Alexandria House, a shelter for women and children. Students cook and serve dinner; they share the meal with the residents, fostering genuine connection and breaking down social barriers, which helps humanize the experience of people who are less fortunate. Student volunteers also contribute to Big Sunday, an initiative founded by David Levinson. Big Sunday organizes numerous events focused on collecting and distributing essential items, including clothing, toys, and various necessities, to those in need. Students help sort and prepare items for the events.
Clubs & Student Led Programs
Each school year, we host a Club Fair where students develop a concept for an interest-based club, recruit members, and host meetings every two weeks. Student-led clubs build leadership skills, expand social groups, and foster common interests. Middle School also hosts Middle School ASB (Associated Student Body), which is their first exposure to student government. Being mentored by the High School ASB, the Middle School ASB represents their class and plans student events throughout the school year.
