Courses & Grading

Courses & Curriculum

Our Curriculum at Dana Middle School

At Dana Middle School, our courses for grades 6-8 are designed to follow the Common Core Standards in English, History, Science, Math, and Physical Education, providing a strong academic foundation for all students.

In our STEAM program, students go beyond traditional learning with Project-Based Learning (PBL) Days every Tuesday. These hands-on projects integrate core subjects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in meaningful and creative ways. By interweaving academic standards across disciplines, we provide a one-of-a-kind learning experience that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation.

We also offer Honors courses in English and Advanced Math pathways, allowing students to challenge themselves academically. Students on an accelerated math track have the opportunity to complete Algebra 1 and Geometry during middle school, preparing them for higher-level coursework in high school and beyond.

Our approach ensures that students are not only mastering essential skills but also developing a deeper understanding of how subjects connect to real-world applications.

Mastery Grading

At Dana Middle School, we use a Mastery-Based Grading system to assess student learning in a way that prioritizes growth, understanding, and skill development. Unlike traditional grading, which averages scores over time, mastery grading focuses on what students know and can do by the end of a learning period.

This approach benefits students by:

✅ Encouraging a growth mindset, allowing them to improve and demonstrate mastery over time.

✅ Providing clear feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.

✅ Focusing on learning over letter grades, ensuring students fully grasp key concepts.

✅ Allowing for multiple opportunities to show mastery, reducing stress and promoting deeper understanding.

With mastery grading, our goal is to create a fair, transparent, and student-centered learning environment that prepares students for future success by valuing progress and perseverance.