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Grades 6 to 8

Clairbourn’s Middle School provides a challenging and balanced course of study, a high level of personal attention, regular communication with parents, and a supportive learning environment. Our program is designed to prepare graduates for success in fine private high schools as well as to challenge students to become strong thinkers and learners and confident and caring human beings.  Program Update: We now offer Middle School Merit Scholarships
The values of respect, responsibility, citizenship, spirituality, and honesty, from Clairbourn’s Code of Ethics, are an important aspect of each middle school student’s learning experience at Clairbourn. Grade-level deans use this Code of Ethics to work with students to develop strategies and attributes for success in the academic and social arenas.

Voices of Clairbourn - Meet Our Students

Hear from Clairbourn students who share in their own words responses to questions like: What is the level of academic challenge at Clairbourn? What accomplishments are you proud of? What is the school community like? What do you like best about Clairbourn? 
 

Program Characteristics

  • Small class sizes

  • A highly-qualified, experienced teaching staff

  • A one-to-one iPad program

  • Optional travel opportunities to Costa Rica and Australia

  • Specialist teachers in art, music, technology, P.E., and drama

  • Opportunities to build strong communication and presentation skills

  • A balance of hands-on learning, written reflection, and oral reporting

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More Elements

  • Involvement in service activities that promote an understanding of community and global responsibility

  • Annual outdoor education class trips with an emphasis on the environment, leadership, and team building

  • Departmental structure with core teachers specializing in English, social studies, math, science, and Spanish

  • A wide array of assemblies and outside speakers that expose students to diverse perspectives and a breadth of experience

Comprehensible Input: Effective Approach for Language Program

This year Clairbourn's Spanish teacher and French teacher, Mary Drazic and Cara Barker, have both revolutionized their language classrooms with the Comprehensible Input (CI) style of instruction (also known as TPRS®-Teach Proficiency through Reading and Story-telling).

Program Components

List of 8 items.

  • English

    Strong communication skills are critical for success in private high schools, colleges, and life in the 21st century. Clairbourn’s middle school English program is focused on building strong writers and critical thinkers through analyzing quality literature, essay writing, oral presentations, and dramatic and creative projects.
  • Language Program

    Clairbourn’s Middle School Language Program is the study of the Spanish Language. Students learn both written and oral Spanish language along with the culture and geography of regions where these languages are spoken.
  • Mathematics

    Clairbourn’s Middle School Math Program consists of both a regular and an accelerated track. The regular track provides a strong foundation for high school Algebra. The accelerated track is designed to allow students to complete Geometry by the end of their 8th grade year. All students have opportunities to experience how mathematical concepts apply to the real world and to become strong mathematical thinkers.
  • Merit Scholarships

    Clairbourn seeks outstanding middle school students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their elementary years and outstanding citizenship and service to their community. To that end, Clairbourn is offering a limited number of merit scholarships to new students that meet the required criteria. Learn more about applying for a Merit Scholarship.
  • Music, Art, Technology, and Drama

    Clairbourn believes that an excellent private school education must include a broad range of experiences in the arts, technology, leadership and service. In addition to exposure in their core classes, our middle school students also have opportunities for further and deeper exploration of these topics in their two quarterly elective classes. Typical electives include computer programming, ceramics, painting, cooking, school service, Student Council, podcasting, photography, Band and String Ensemble, and drama.
  • Physical Education

    Clairbourn’s Middle School Physical Education Program includes fitness, team sports, individual sport skills, and sportsmanship.
  • Science

    Clairbourn’s Middle School Science Program consists of Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science. Hands-on labs and activities provide students with concrete examples of concepts they are studying and promotes curiosity, exploration, and further experimentation. Students also participate in an Engineering Week with Design Challenge each year. Clairbourn’s science curriculum aligns with National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) standards, and provides students with a strong foundation in science concepts and skills.
  • Social Studies

    Clairbourn’s Middle School Social Studies Curriculum begins in ancient civilizations, explores medieval times, travels with the explorers, and traces the foundation of America. Students also study current events and examine the impact of these events on their world.  Students do research, make presentations, participate in debates, and learn to apply lessons of the past to their own experience. 

Middle School Students Sweep First Place in Math Competition!

Students from over 30 schools turned out to test their skills in the Bosco Tech Math Competition held on February 2, 2019. Clairbourn 6th-graders and 7th/8th-graders each won 1st Place (for the second year in a row) in the small school division.

STEM Studies

List of 4 items.

  • Science Studies

    Clairbourn’s Middle School Science Program consists of Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science. Hands-on labs and activities provide students with concrete examples of concepts they are studying and promote curiosity, exploration, and further experimentation. Students are also taught the important data collection and analysis skills needed to be prepared for high school.
  • Technology

    Clairbourn believes that an excellent private school education must include a broad range of experiences in technology. In addition to exposure in their core classes, our middle school students also have opportunities for further and deeper exploration in their two quarterly elective classes. In these electives, a wide array of computer applications are taught and practiced. In addition to learning word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, students also learn 3D design, computer simulations, digital photography, coding, robotics, stop motion animation, and digital art design. The computer specialist also works closely with the librarian, art teacher, Spanish teacher, and classroom teachers supporting instructional objectives in those classrooms.
     
  • Engineering

    Students participate in "Drop Everything and Build" challenges. They also participate in the school’s annual Engineering Week which provides an opportunity for students to design and build a device that solves a pre-determined engineering problem. Students in Grades 6 through Grade 8 compete in pairs to produce the most effective solution to the challenge. Competition finals take place on the last day of Engineering Week and a guest engineer is invited to speak and to work with the students to improve their design concepts.
  • Mathematics

    Clairbourn’s Middle School Math Program consists of both a regular and an accelerated track. The regular track allows students to complete high school algebra by the end of 8th grade. The accelerated track is designed to allow students to complete Geometry by the end of 8th grade. All students have opportunities to experience how mathematical concepts apply to the real world and to become strong mathematical thinkers.
     

Come Visit Us!

Clairbourn School is a coeducational, private school for students in preschool through middle school (JPK-Grade 8) that has continuously served the greater Pasadena area since 1926. We are known for excellent academics, our welcoming community, our attractive campus, and a strong record of sending graduates to top area high schools.
Private School Education for Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary School, & Middle School Grades - Serving Families in the Pasadena Area and Surrounding Cities
Clairbourn is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. (K-12 Private Schools)