The years between elementary and high school mark the transition of the young child into adolescence. Students begin to express more independence along with the ability to discipline themselves toward a more challenging academic program. While the richness of the cultural explorations undertaken in the elementary years continues, middle school students are ready for a higher level of detail and considerable focus on the skills necessary for higher learning. Careful consideration is given to ensure that students are well prepared for a high school university preparatory program. Enrichment through the arts balances the curriculum and deepens their learning. Students are encouraged to reflect on their experience and develop their critical thinking skills in relation to the subject matter being taught. Grade 7, 8 and 9 students have a homeroom to begin and end each day and specialists teach all subjects. Some teachers specialize in 2 subjects so that the overall number of teachers that a student sees may be kept to a minimum.