Welcome

At Menlo, we believe that learning is not just about achieving good grades; it is about the joys of the life of the mind, about being engaged in learning, and about taking the initiative to pursue a passion or interest. High levels of both nurturance and challenge allow students to take increasing responsibility for themselves as independent learners. We want students to be involved in and excited about their learning. We want them to walk into our classrooms asking, “What are we going to do today?”

Middle School

The Middle School promotes a supportive atmosphere, lively classroom discussions, active exploration and open debate are encouraged. Interdisciplinary units and problem-based activities let students stretch themselves in developmentally appropriate ways. Sixth Graders look at the area’s baylands through the community service, science and the humanities programs. Seventh Graders develop global, local and personal solutions in a problem-based unit. The “Decades Project” turns Eighth Graders into historians of a specific ten-year period in the United States.

Upper School

Many Upper School classes are hands-on and discussion based, with ample opportunity for students to shape their own course of study. Innovative experiences include the Biotech course, in which students design their own project. New in spring 2007 is Knight School, in which students and teachers pursue, in depth and with no grade requirement, an area of interest outside the regular curriculum. This ever-growing emphasis on independent learning culminates with Senior Projects, as students plan and pursue a passion or interest during a four-week period.