BCD | Private IB Middle School in Boulder CO

IB Middle Years Program

The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

The Middle Years Program (MYP) is an internationally acclaimed educational program that supports BCD’s Mission and underscores the four tenets of BCD’s Philosophy: Rigor. Relationships. Relevance. Responsibility. The MYP exhibits the characteristics of interdisciplinary teaching and learning, favors a focus on concepts rather than merely on content, and provides a rich, inquiry-based model of introducing and exploring concepts within and across the disciplines. The MYP’s focus extends beyond the notion of knowledge as an accumulation of content to include connectedness in learning and the big ideas that bind people and civilizations together. The learners that emerge from our program are well-prepared for today’s world, which is information-filled, fast-paced, and demanding of 21st century skillsets such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

The IB Academic Disciplines:

List of 11 items.

Individuals and Societies

World History and Geography form the core, but with emphasis also on how the concepts studied connect to art, architecture, and literature. The 8th course of study includes American history.
Sciences

Students encounter a spiraling model that increases in sophistication and depth each year, with concepts of Earth Science (geology), Life Science (biology), and Physical Science (physics and chemistry) forming the core of our lab-based classes.
Language and Literature

The student’s best or native language, which is also the primary language of instruction at the school. In Language and Literature students engage in building a solid foundation in reading, writing, vocabulary study, and analyzing texts in English.
Language Acquisition

A modern foreign language studied at school; in the case of BCD, all students take French or Spanish every day, as well as Latin every other day.
Arts, Physical and Health Education, Design

Classes in these disciplines take place in our Exploratory classes, with two distinct areas of focus in the morning and afternoon. In the morning, students select from a variety of classes to explore units in the areas of Art, Music, PE and Design. In the spring, also in the morning, students select an area of study to focus on more deeply for a full trimester. In the afternoon, students have foundational classes that focus on critical skillsets associated with each of these disciplines, with each year building on the foundations erected the previous year.
Mathematics

Students encounter classes along the mathematics continuum based on their developmental and mathematical readiness. Most students begin middle school with Pre-Algebra and complete Algebra 1 in 7th and 8th grade as a two year sequence. Those ready for additional challenge may complete Geometry and (in rare cases) Algebra II during middle school. A committee determines math placement based on class performance, summative assessments, report card grade, teacher recommendations, and ERB scores.
Physical and Health Education

Morning classes have included units in basketball, volleyball, judo, ultimate Frisbee, team sports, floor hockey, and international sports. Afternoon foundations classes include fitness and wellness activities as well as a health curriculum that coordinates with our Science and Counseling departments to focus on human reproduction, sexuality, and good decision making. A special 8th grade class led by the school counselor focuses on navigating the decisions related to the transition from middle to high school.
Arts & Music

In morning Exploratory classes students engage in classes such as weaving, textual/typography, songwriting, theater critics, guitar/ukulele, jazz choir, painting miniatures, and others. In the afternoon, students experience a trimester long class that focuses on the foundations and fundamentals of Art, as well as a trimester long course in either Choir or Band.
Design

Morning classes have included Foundations in Digital Media, Internet Safety, Digital Citizenship, Green Screen, Stop Motion and Your TED Talk, and others, and afternoon classes include a trimester long Computer Coding class. In addition to the core IB academic curriculum, the BCD program includes S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) class, which focuses on instilling the 21st century skills of collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and communication. With an interdisciplinary focus, the class leads students to explore their world and their own place in it, now and in the future, to connect learning among all core subjects.
Community Service

As part of completing our IB curriculum, our middle school students must complete 20 hours of community service each year. Of this service, 10 hours each year must be outside of the BCD school community.
Capstone Community Project

Before they complete Year 3 of the MYP and graduate from BCD, Eighth grade students must complete the Capstone Community Project, a year-long research project aimed at helping students explore an area of interest, contemplate the relationship of the project to the community, and present their findings and experience before their peers, parents, and other guests. During the process, students work with a supervisory adult at the school as well as a community mentor from outside the school.

What the research says

Research shows that students participating in the MYP:

build confidence in managing their own learning
learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world
outperform non-IB students in critical academic skills
consistently have greater success in IB Diploma Programme examinations
thrive in positive school cultures where they are engaged and motivated to excel
develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizens

A Day in the Life at BCD Middle School

List of 12 items.

Advisory - 8:00am

Each middle school student has an Advisor, and Advisory groups are typically 8-12 students in their own grade. Advisors are advocates and point persons for communication and assistance in any way. Our Advisory curriculum has a study skills and social-emotional focus and melds the tenets of Developmental Designs for Middle School (DDMS) and the traits of the IB Learner Profile, which includes habits of mind, such as, being Balanced, Caring, and Open Minded. Advisory groups meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Tuesdays, each grade meets together for advisory, class announcements, and support.
Town Hall - 8:00am

On Friday at 8:00am we have a Town Hall meeting led by the Middle School Head and Student Council Representatives. We share announcements, celebrate good news, talk about upcoming special events and schedule changes, emphasis our motto and respect, and, always sing Happy Birthday to students who have grown older that week. Town Hall is followed by our whole school assembly.
Core Class - 8:20am

Our schedule consists of 6 Core Academic Periods that begin after Advisory, Town Hall, or Assembly. All students in these six periods take Math, Science, History, English, a World Language, and Latin/STEM, which share a period and meet every other day.
Core Class - 9:05am

See above.
Core Class - 10:00am

See above.
IB Arts & Physical Education - 10:50am

Each day students alternate between one of five arts courses (mixed grade) and PE/Health (by grade). Classes are year long and provide an in-depth study opportunity. Arts class include Spotlight Singers (choir), Wind Ensemble (band), Media Arts, and Visual Arts.
Core Class - 11:40am

See above.
Lunch and Recess - 12:20pm

Students need to eat and exercise, of course, and we have a lovely lunch room and outside patio where students eat. 8th graders enjoy their own special lounge for lunch – a perk and privilege of our eldest students. After lunch, students enjoy playing basketball, football, 4 square, soccer, or playing on the playground equipment in our outside areas.
Core Class - 1:00pm

See above.
Core Class - 1:50pm

See above.
Exploratory - 2:35pm

After morning classes we change gears and students enter their first Exploratory class. For the first two terms, Exploratory classes last roughly 17 days (three mini-classes per trimester) and allow students to explore an area of interest on a small scale in the areas of Art, Music, P.E., Design (Technology), and Study Hall. Sample classes have included Sailing, Archery, Songwriting, Documentary Film, Ukulele, Chamber Music, Figure Drawing, Sculpture, Stock Market, and others. In the spring, we offer in the same period a Deep Dive Exploratory class in these same subject areas, and students select one class to take every day for the whole spring trimester. One choice that is always offered is the spring musical.
Dismissal - 3:17pm

After a fun-filled day of learning and living, it’s time to go home or to athletic practice!

What our students have to say

List of 13 frequently asked questions.

I have learned to be accepting to all people,...

and I hope to take this to high school. I will miss the sense of family that is at BCD. Everyone knows your name and knows who you are.
The greatest thing I learned about myself...

while at BCD was my ability to make friends, and stay close with them for a very long time, which is something I would like to do after I leave BCD.
My favorite subjects and teachers at BCD...

are History and Math and Mr. Evjen and Mr. Hawkins. I loved history as I learned a lot and I learned how to think with an open mind and voice my own opinions. Mr. Evjen was very fun to have as a teacher as he made everything very interesting and enjoyable. Math was also very fun as I learned a lot of things and Mr. Hawkins is very good teacher and it very fun to be in class with. I will miss all my friends from the basketball team as made many good friendships with some of my teammates and shared a lot of fun memories with them.
I’ve learned that it’s important to manage...

your time and keep a balance between school, social life, other activities, and sleep. I hope to take my quality of working hard to high school next year.
During my time at BCD, I learned...

many things about myself. I learned that I flourish in small groups and classes and I also work very well alone. I learned that the individualized approach to learning that BCD provides made learning much easier and more fun for me.
Boulder Country Day School has influenced me...

in so many positive ways and I have become who I am due to this community's sense of family.
I will also miss the teachers because they made...

a safe environment for all students.
While going to Boulder Country Day, I have learned many

different things. One of the most important things that I have learned is the ability to be confident in my abilities and to not be afraid to talk to my teachers. I know that Boulder Country Day has given me the tools that I need to succeed in high school and beyond. I am incredibly grateful to all of the amazing people that I have met at Boulder Country Day for helping me to become the person that I am today.
BCD has given me so many amazing friends...

that I hope to have for the rest of my life. I will miss the great community BCD has set up for us and all of my teachers who have done so much for me.
The best thing I have learned about myself while...

I have been at BCD is that I can do anything I put my mind to, conquer the unconquerable.
I will miss the teachers at BCD because...

they all know each individual student very well and are always happy to help a student with anything.
The friendships I have at BCD are a big part of...

who I am. BCD has shown me how to be a balanced student and that I can take part in my academic, social, athletic, and artistic interests.
The greatest thing I have learned about myself...

at BCD is diligence. I have learned to work quickly and effectively. I wish to take this skill into high school.

8th Grade Capstone Project

As part of BCD’s Middle School curriculum, 8th grade students complete a Capstone Project. Capstone Projects are a yearlong experience that encourages students to dive deeply into a subject of personal passion. This experience develops in-depth learning in the presence of an experienced mentor. 8th grade Capstone projects are a culmination of students' BCD experience bringing together the key elements of passion, innovation, and service. It is always exciting to see the range of interests and directions the students take. Student projects each year range from art installations, to designing head bands for a cure, to piloting a plane, to stage fighting.

Inside the classroom

BCD MS students attended the lead conference in Chicago

On Friday, February 15th, members of the BCD Middle School Student Council and other rising middle school leaders traveled to Chicago to attend the LEAD Conference. Alongside hundreds of students from across the nation, the BCD students attended a variety of keynote speakers and breakout sessions focusing on different topics related to leadership.
Model UN broadens world perspective for Middle School students

BCD middle school students participated in the Model UN. This event is part of Global Awareness Week, a week designed to emphasize that part of our mission which compels us to educate “responsible, globally aware citizens.” Congratulations to our faculty and students on another thoughtful and engaging Model UN.

https://youtu.be/HZqsZpSztFE
Boulder Country Day School teams with I Have a Dream Foundation to compete in First Lego League competition on November 18th

Through an anonymous Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity grant by a BCD parent, Boulder Country Day School and I Have a Dream Foundation of Boulder County (IHAD) have partnered to form a combined First Lego League® (FLL) team. The grant funds transportation and course expenses for participating IHAD students and brings together students, technology, and BCD’s goal of inspiring students to reach their full potential.
Alumnus' artwork draws financial aid donation

This year's Gala was a huge success. Thank you to all who participated!
BCD Students Attend LEAD Conference in Chicago

Students from the middle school student council joined thousands of other student leaders at a Leadership Experience and Development (LEAD) Conference in Chicago, IL on February 10th – 12th.
Middle School to livestream CU Conference of World Affairs

BCD middle school students will be live streaming several sessions from this year’s CU annual Conference on World Affairs.
State of the School Address, December 14th

Please join BCD's Head of School, John Suitor, on Wednesday, December 14th at 8:15am in the Gymnasium, as he shares with you “the state of the school.”
2017 Award of Excellence Recipients

The Award for Excellence is given each year to a male and female graduating 8^th grade student whom displays excellence in their daily lives at BCD. This year’s recipients of the Award of Excellence were Hoben Chargualaf and Anna Wittenberg. They were presented with their awards by BCD middle school math and science teacher and BCD alumna (and also the recipient of the Award of Excellence upon her graduation from BCD), Ms. Rebecca Fellows. Congratulations Hoben and Anna.
2017 Citizen of the Year Award recipients

Congratulation to this year’s Doyle Kersey Citizen of the Year Award recipients Joey Reback (7^th grade) and James Tindle (5^th grade).
Middle School Magic

If our Preschool and Elementary school divisions have been described by some as “magical”, then I can only imagine our middle school can be described as transformational.
8th Grade Capstone Celebration

As part of BCD’s Middle School curriculum, 8th grade students complete a Capstone Project. Capstone Projects are a yearlong experience that encourages students to dive deeply into a subject of personal passion. This experience develops in-depth learning in the presence of an experienced mentor. 8th grade Capstone projects are a culmination of students' BCD experience bringing together the key elements of passion, innovation, and service. It is always exciting to see the range of interests and directions the students take. Student projects this year range from building ovens in Nicaragua, to designing head bands for a cure, to piloting a plane, to stage fighting. On April 22nd, our 8th grade students finished the hard work they have put into their Capstone projects as they presented their work to their families and mentors. Well done, Bulldogs.

To see a complete list of this year's projects, click here.

More on BCD's Middle School curriculum.

BCD's homepage.
Call of the Wild

In 7th grade we have introduced our novel study of The Call of the Wild by Jack London. Students are looking at narrative perspective as we read. By looking at point of view, students gain a greater understanding of plot details that are in (and out) of the story. By examining a certain scene from a different character’s perspective, students see characters in a new light, perhaps gaining empathy or a better understanding a character’s motives. Finally, by analyzing why the story is told from a dog’s point of view, students learn about the Klondike Gold Rush and human behavior from a unique perspective. How different the story would be if told from the perspective of one of the humans!
Exploring Biomedical Engineering in STEM

We are finalizing our unit on Biomedical Engineering with a review of why 3D printing is such an important development in the world of medicine. They are using recent events in medical technologies and our classroom experience with 3D printing to communicate where the impact of 3D printing on the accessibility of prosthetics, surgical operations, and other areas related to health. As they communicate the current state of medicine, they are also catching a glimpse of where medical technologies will be taking us in the future.

Thank you to Bob Radocy, owner of TRS Prosthetics, for coming and speaking to our students.
Model UN broadens world perspective for Middle School students, teaches current events

Middle School students participated today in the annual Model UN exercise. Having done their research and prepared resolutions they came ready to serve as delegates for their assigned countries. As emerging global citizens, students connect current events to the study of delicate international relations and how conflicts are addressed through the United Nations. Gaining an understanding of the domestic and international concerns of a nation, as well as its relationship to its allies and other nations, gives students a greater sense of the complexity of foreign relations and the challenges we all face in the 21^st century.
BCD Spotlight Singers sing National Anthem at CU game

So proud of our Spotlight Singers and Mr. Parker. They did a fabulous job singing the National Anthem at the CU vs. Utah game on January 8th. Well done Bulldogs.
Pumpkin Chuckin'

We are applying what we have learned about simple machines and mechanical advantage to designing and building our own candy-catapulting devices. In preparation for building our own catapults, we have also spent a day celebrating fall by starting a tradition of Pumpkin Chuckin’ at BCD. Seeing how a larger catapult works will help us understand the need to transfer as much potential energy from the machine into kinetic energy in the projectile.
Siri, Take me Home

We are working on an exploration of different technologies that enable modern navigation. So far, we have reviewed the fundamentals of mapping techniques and will soon move on to explore both the history and current uses of GPS technology in helping us get from A to B. Through our hands-on practices with mapping, topography, and triangulation, we will gain a greater appreciation of everything that has goes on behind the scenes when we tell Siri, “Take me home.”
2015 Graduation speech honors memories and unity

Riley Mulshine's graduation speech eloquently spoke of memories, unity, and thanks for the opportunities given.

Watch his speech here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amzr8BiGGYs
8th grade class visits Washington, DC

Every year BCD's 8th grade class takes a week long trip to Washtington, DC and the surrounding area.

There stops this year included the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Department of the Interior, the White House, the Library of Congress, had lunch at Pentagon City, visited Mt. Vernon, old town Alexandria, and taken a day trip to Charlottesville and Monticello.

Add to that UVA (where they were featured on the UVA Youth Leadership Initiative website), the Washington National Cathedral, Embassy Row, the Jefferson Memorial, the U.S. Holocaust Museum, the Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington Monument, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and a VIP tour of the Capital by Representative Jared Polis (students got watched the House in session from the gallery and witness Rep. Polis speak to support an amendment to a bill).