Middle School Academics

The Middle School years at ODA are a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, equipping students with the foundation to step boldly into the future with curiosity, resilience, and purpose. We embrace this pivotal moment, providing an environment where students are encouraged to stretch their wings, challenge their thinking, and explore the boundaries of their potential.

Our curriculum is intentionally designed to foster intellectual curiosity and personal growth, blending academic vigor with opportunities for self-directed exploration. Students engage in a diverse range of experiences that cultivate critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration—skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Whether through immersive hands-on projects, cross-disciplinary challenges, or innovative learning pathways, students discover the interconnectedness of knowledge and gain the confidence to navigate the complexities of the world around them.

Every student’s learning journey is unique. Our approach is designed to empower students by offering personalized challenges, fostering independence and nurturing their individual strengths.

For students demonstrating advanced abilities in mathematics, we offer differentiated honors courses and accelerated pathways, allowing them to engage with content at a deeper level and explore concepts with greater complexity. Beyond the core curriculum, we provide ample opportunities for students to dive into technology, robotics, and STEM—both through specialized clubs and extracurricular activities. These experiences are designed to spark curiosity and allow students to begin developing critical skills in innovation and problem-solving.

At Out-of-Door, learning is active, immersive, and deeply connected to the real world. Our Middle School students engage in hands-on projects that bring academic concepts to life—from building roller coasters to understand physics to restoring ecosystems through mangrove propagation in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory.

Each spring, minimester trips extend classroom learning into the field, whether studying marine biology in the Florida Keys or exploring history in Washington, D.C. and New York City. Through these experiences, students grow as thinkers, collaborators, and compassionate leaders.