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Middle School

MSAD's Middle School Program serves students in grades 6–8 during an important period of academic, social, and personal growth. We provide a language-rich and engaging environment where students are challenged academically while developing greater independence, confidence, self-advocacy, leadership, and a strong sense of identity.

Our instruction is aligned with Minnesota Academic Standards and designed around the strengths and individual learning needs of our students. Teachers use a variety of instructional approaches, including small-group instruction, flexible grouping, collaborative learning, hands-on experiences, and individualized support to help students make meaningful academic progress and prepare for high school.

ASL/English Bilingual Education

Our Middle School Program is grounded in MSAD's ASL/English bilingual approach. Students have direct access to instruction and communication throughout their school day and opportunities to develop their skills in both American Sign Language and English.

Through signing, viewing, reading, and writing across academic subjects, students strengthen their language and literacy skills while developing critical thinking, communication, and academic knowledge. Our bilingual environment also supports students as they explore Deaf culture, their individual identities, and what it means to advocate for themselves and others.

Academics & Enrichment

Students receive instruction in four core academic areas:

  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Students also participate in enrichment courses and learning opportunities such as STEM, ASL Language Arts, and Physical Education.

Learning extends beyond the classroom through experiences that encourage collaboration, problem-solving, leadership, and connection. Opportunities may include:

  • Environmental Learning Camp
  • ASL Day and Math Fun Day
  • Student Council
  • Student leadership activities
  • School and community events

These experiences give students opportunities to apply what they are learning, develop relationships with peers, discover new interests, and take greater responsibility within their school community.

Opportunities Through Faribault Public Schools

MSAD maintains a cooperative relationship with Faribault Public Schools, providing eligible students with opportunities to take selected courses at Faribault Middle School while remaining MSAD students.

When appropriate for an individual student, MSAD works with the student, family, and school teams to coordinate schedules, transportation, interpreting services, accommodations, and other necessary supports.

This partnership can provide students with additional course opportunities and experiences while maintaining the language access, services, and community available through MSAD.

Students interested in fall courses should begin the process by April 1, and students interested in spring courses should begin by November 1.

Social-Emotional Growth & Positive School Culture

Middle school is about more than academics. Students are also learning how to navigate relationships, make responsible decisions, advocate for themselves, manage challenges, and contribute positively to their communities.

Our Middle School team incorporates social-emotional learning and positive behavior supports throughout the school year. Students are explicitly taught expectations and provided opportunities to practice the academic, social, behavioral, and interpersonal skills that contribute to success in school and beyond.

We believe positive behavior should be taught, supported, and recognized. Through clear expectations, encouragement, relationship-building, and opportunities for reflection and growth, we work to create a school environment where students feel safe, respected, connected, and ready to learn.

Preparing for High School

Throughout grades 6–8, students begin taking greater ownership of their learning and preparing for the increased independence of high school. Teachers and support staff help students strengthen study habits, communication skills, self-advocacy, decision-making, leadership, and responsibility.

Our goal is for students to leave middle school with a strong academic and language foundation, increased confidence in who they are, and the skills they need to take their next steps into high school and beyond.