Middle School Special Features

  • Technology is incorporated throughout the curriculum, including the use of SmartBoards, a technology lab, Apple laptop carts, digital microscopes and other multi-media, as well as a state-of-the-art cardio wellness/fitness room, thanks to a City Council technology grant.
  • Accelerated and enriched math curriculum including Integrated Algebra leading to Regents exam
  • English and Social Studies are taught as separate core subjects (i.e.: Anderson does NOT combine the two into a Humanities course.)
  • The study of Spanish language and culture, including opportunities for students to utilize their Spanish language skills; includes preparation for the New York State High School Spanish proficiency exam or Spanish Regents exam
  • Regents Living Environments (Biology) course in eighth grade leading to Regents exam
  • Continental Math League, Math Counts, Math League, Math Kangaroo, the AMC 8 and 10, Noetic Learning, Math Olympiad and SIGMA math competitions and Science Olympiad team
  • WordMasters Challenge – a national challenge that encourages growth in vocabulary and verbal reasoning; Scripps Spelling Bee, National Geographic Bee
  • Small group advisory sessions for all students in grades 6-8
  • All students have Music, Art and Physical Education classes weekly.
  • Other AMS enrichments include Library Media Center, ballroom dance and coding.
  • Music program integrates our VH1 Save the Music keyboard lab, Social Studies curriculum, music theory and composition using Sibelius software. Elective music classes: pops orchestra, chorus, rock and jazz bands.
  • Electives that rotate by semester. Choices change each year, but have included: robotics, pops orchestra, student council, drawing, debate, chorus, newspaper, knitting, rock and jazz bands, 3D modeling, yoga, chess, keyboarding, stock market game, food and culture, fantasy sports, broadcast journalism, improv and sketch comedy, floor hockey, and video editing.
  • Appropriate curriculum-related field trips, including overnight trips
  • Teaching assistants in every core subject classroom
  • Documented personal community service requirement each year
  • Sports teams this year: flag football (boys’ JV and varsity), soccer (boys’ and girls’), basketball (boys’ and girls’ JV, boys’ and girls’ varsity), volleyball (girls’ JV and varsity), lacrosse (boys’ and girls’), co-ed baseball, co-ed track, co-ed tennis, co-ed table tennis