Middle School
Serving students entering 6th through 8th Grades...
Our Middle School’s departmentalized classes are designed to assure success through middle and high school, with college as a clearly defined and achievable expectation. Middle School is filled with enthusiastic and engaged students exploring new horizons in their academic, social, and emotional growth. The rigorous curriculum is challenging and is centered in an interdisciplinary approach to learning which intensifies depth and complexity in understanding the topics addressed. Teachers collaborate and create a dynamic learning environment that is interesting and motivating, and foster self-esteem through high expectations and recognition of student success.
The Middle School's curriculum has designated grade level expectations. Teachers utilize these resources as well as textbooks and classroom materials to formulate the program for each class, and adapt the material provided to meet the needs of individual students and the class as a whole. Organizational skills and personal responsibility play a significant role in Middle School, from using a student planner, a color-coordinated binder system, and setting academic expectations and goals. Lastly, our Schoolwide Learner Outcomes* are actively addressed each and every day whereby upon graduation from 8th grade, students are expected to be
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Respectful and Responsible Citizens
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Successful Scholars
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Independent and Creative Thinkers
- sixth Grade
- seventh grade
- eighth grade
- character education & life skills
- Arts wheel
- athletics, physical education & wellness
- SeaPerch Underwater Robotics
- community service
- outdoor education week
- Gulls Treks - Summer travel program
- High School Admissions Counseling
- High School & College Attendance
sixth Grade
The 6th Grade English curriculum reflects the interdisciplinary approach of Warren-Walker's Middle School. Many of the novels selected are representative of the cultures and civilizations studied in history, as in The Golden Goblet set in Egypt. Reading is novel-based, emphasizing reading comprehension through identifying main ideas, sequencing, cause and effect, and comparison. Students learn several forms of writing, including strong 6-and 8-sentence expository paragraphs, creative writing and poetry. The well-rounded curriculum includes separate vocabulary and spelling texts, as well as a grammar text so as to enhance and strengthen students' reading and writing proficiency.
Math in 6th Grade applies and delves more deeply into the mathematical material presented in previous grades, and provides the foundation necessary for success in Algebra. Emphasis is given to pre-algebra topics which focus heavily on simplifying and evaluating expressions, writing equations, and solving word problems that require proportional reasoning. Students continue to practice computation skills with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Geometry topics include the area of polygons, circumference and area of circles, and surface area and volume of solids. Data Analysis is explored through line graphs, dot plots, and histograms, and by the study of Central Measures of Tendency. Great importance is placed on organization and self-help skills, including learning to use books and notes as resources for homework help. Projects and hands-on activities are used to reinforce concepts taught through direct teaching and group activities, all of which continue the development of mathematical skills at an optimum level.
The History curriculum consists of the study of ancient civilizations (pre-history to Roman times, as well as cultures around the world), introducing basic themes such as the links between past, present, and future. Students become aware of their place in history, what history is, and the historical process. Understanding past cultures around the world through time has direct correlation with today’s changing world. Learning is further enhanced by the study of geography and its effect on human interaction and cultural development. This is achieved through a variety of means – projects (the archeological dig), field trips, video presentations, as well as lecture and group activities and computer civilization simulation. Proper research formats are introduced and applied to papers and projects.
The curriculum for Science is a general course covering a variety of topics. Those emphasized are representative of Life Science, Chemistry, and Earth Science. It highlights the integration of science and engineering where students follow the engineering design process for themes such as global warming. For example, students research the effects of global warming on penguins and then design and build an igloo to protect the penguins. Observation, interaction and comprehension are three main components. As the scientific method is used as the basis of exploration, discussions, laboratory work, computer simulations, guest speakers, and field trips reinforce the text and lecture material. Simulating space travel at the Challenger Space Center provides an opportunity for stimulating the love of science.
Lastly, there is a strong emphasis in the 6th grade Spanish curriculum on learning vocabulary, correct pronunciation and spelling, and conjugating verbs in the present tense. Students review grammar concepts, idioms, and vocabulary daily through games and drills. To incorporate culture and knowledge of the Spanish-speaking countries, the students go on relevant field trips and do art projects, and students learn the names of all the Spanish-speaking countries. Trying to communicate in Spanish is emphasized by certain days on which students use Spanish exclusively in class dialogue. The basic skills are reinforced through a variety of activities, including writing and performing playlets for their classmates.
seventh grade
An English curriculum rich in a variety of literature has been selected for 7th grade because of its classic appeal, its relation to history, or its illustration of a genre being studied. For example, students read The Samurai’s Tale in conjunction with the study of Feudal Japan in history and I, Juan de Pareja while studying the Renaissance. Students have their first exposure to Shakespeare and read The Merchant of Venice, a comedy. Students analyze various types of literature and the different forms of writing used in fiction, non-fiction, narrative, descriptive, dramatic, and poetic language and literary terms using many different cognitive skills. The curriculum includes the direct study of grammar and sentence structures to give a strong basis for writing skills, a strong contextual vocabulary program selected from the literature, as well as the skills needed to analyze a piece of literature. The writing program includes learning to write effective 11-sentence expository paragraphs, research papers in conjunction with other subject areas, creative writing and poetry.
This year of (primarily) Pre-Algebra will be where evaluating expressions with integers is mastered. Writing expressions is practiced and simplifying expressions using the distributive property is emphasized. The students learn to solve two-step, one variable equations. The linear equation is introduced, and the concept of slope is explored. Problem solving is a significant component of the curricula, with emphasis placed on writing algebraic equations, such as area and volume formulas, and proportions to solve word problems. Material is presented through direct teaching, projects, and hands-on laboratory explorations.
History in 7th grade begins with the fall of the Roman Empire and culminates with the Age of the Renaissance as students continue the study of World Civilizations begun in sixth grade. Subject areas are brought to life through interactive classroom activities such as participating in a Japanese Tea Ceremony. designing a travel brochure, or preparing for a Renaissance feast. Students learn to think, question, and discover the answers to our world, then and now. Primary sources are introduced as part of the research process and literature, such as The Canterbury Tales, is used to help students experience what life was like for people of other places and times.
The Science curriculum continues the program begun in Sixth Grade with topics that include the nature of science, geology (rocks and minerals), Life Science (cell genetics, plant evolution), conserving resources (matter and energy), and physical and chemical properties. The topics discussed will be explored through and experimented with laboratory demonstrations specifically tailored for every chapter covered throughout the school year. The hands-on work will be backed up with written competency of the concepts in the results and conclusions section of the lab notebooks. One of the interdisciplinary projects with English and Computer class is researching and writing a report on an invertebrate organism.
Seventh grade Spanish focuses on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing competency in Spanish. Students communicate with each other utilizing the grammatical structures and vocabulary learned in class. Focus is on the proper use of nouns, adjectives, and verbs to create sentences and paragraphs in Spanish. An overview of Aztec, Mayan, and Incan cultures is also introduced during this year. Projects include country reports, creating family albums, writing book reports, and reading a Spanish novel. This course incorporates field trips to relevant museum and art exhibits, as well as opportunities to experience different cultural cuisine.
eighth grade
Building on the knowledge acquired in the previous grades, our 8th grade English curriculum continues to be enriching and becomes more challenging. Literature and writing skills' curricula have been selected because of their relevance to history. For example, while studying early New World settlements in history, students read The Crucible and To Kill a Mockingbird during the study of the Depression and post-Civil War segregation. Continuing their study of Shakespeare, students delve into the epic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The curriculum for analyzing literature, grammar, and sentence structure continues, and the writing program includes learning to write effective five-paragraph expository essays, five-paragraph reports in conjunction with other subject areas, creative writing, poetry, and the narrative.
The 8th grade math curriculum is a first-year Algebra course. Students learn the fundamental algebraic concepts of variables and functions. In particular, linear and quadratic functions are addressed. Examples of situations that these functions model are presented. Students learn to translate these real-world applications to algebraic problems and then solve the problems using the methods and techniques of algebra. Emphasis is placed on justifying steps in the solution process, writing proper equations, drawing graphs, and applying computational skills and reasoning to evaluate numerical quantities.
The American History curriculum in 8th grade furthers previously taught study and writing skills, and strengthens the ability to apply critical thinking strategies. Several themes and concepts are simultaneously explored, including ideals and practice of democracy, economic development, industrialization, cultural diversity, manifest destiny, World War I and II, and the role of the United States as a world power. Assigned literature, such as Killer Angels and Animal Farm, allows students to analyze forms of governments. Projects and field trips are planned to show the relevance of historical events to current times and to encourage an empathetic viewpoint toward people past and present. In the Spring, a class trip to Washington, D.C., Gettysburg, and New York City brings many curricular themes into focus.
The culmination of middle school Science in 8th grade is an intensive look at Physical Science and its interaction throughout Earth and Space. Topics include electricity (magnetism and electro-magnetic waves), physics, chemistry (atomic structure, the periodic table and organic chemistry), and genetics (living and non-living environments). Topics discussed are explored in weekly laboratory demonstrations and experiments. Hands-on work is supported with written competency of concepts in the results and conclusions section of students' lab notebooks. One of the interdisciplinary projects with English is the researching, designing, and building of a 3-D molecule.
Spanish in 8th grade continues to focus on achieving communicative goals through speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. Commands, past tense, direct and indirect objects, pronouns, and irregular verbs are used to give directions, express preferences, make purchases, and order food. Projects include creating menus, reading a novel in Spanish, and researching and creating a PowerPoint presentation on a Mexican state as an interdisciplinary project with computer class. Field trips to museums and art exhibits enhance the classroom instruction. Students also experience different tastes of cultures during various culinary adventures.
character education & life skills
Character Education is enmeshed both formally and informally into our Middle School program. Positive character traits are highlighted through our school wide curriculum, but developed more fully and focused on more in depth through literature, topics in history, and other subject matter.
Students are helped to develop these personal qualities through special lessons and assignments with guidance, daily experience, and discipline – and to demonstrate them in their daily lives. Each month we focus on one of our core values or a theme:
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September: Friendship/Building a Caring Community
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October: Responsibility
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November: Courage
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December: Respect
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January: Self-Discipline
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February: Honesty
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March: Good Judgment
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April: Patience/Perseverance
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May/June: Integrity
At the Middle School, our Life Skills program is facilitated with a weekly, grade-level class to also emphasizes study skills, communication skills, social skills, goal setting and problem solving, and career awareness. A weekly grade-level class is held to provide a venue for class discussions on a variety of topics which are particularly applicable to middle school students.
In addition, Warren-Walker School's Life Skills curriculum is comprised of two, gender-specific programs - Sisterhood and Bonding Brotherhood. Specific school concerns, social skills, study skills, communication skills, test-taking strategies, goal-setting, problem-solving, organizational skills and career awareness are addressed weekly in grade level classes. In each grade, certain over-arching themes are emphasized, as follows:
6th Grade - Individual Growth Development
Nutrition – students learn about the importance of eating healthy foods. They study about refined sugars, complex carbohydrates, saturated and unsaturated fats, proteins, portion size, reading and understanding food labels, caloric intake, food groups, and exercise.
Acceptance and Respect – students learn about cultivating friendliness, compassion, happiness, and the need to support those who are less fortunate.
Personality Types and Learning Styles – students learn about the different personality types and learning styles. They analyze their own types and styles by observing their strengths and weaknesses and working on different approaches to gain success.
7th Grade - Peer & Social Interaction
Problem Solving – students learn to identify a problem, seek possible solutions, determine consequences for each possible solution, select a course of action, take action, and evaluate the outcome.
Conflict Resolution – students learn how to stay cool in conflicts, how to listen, stand up for oneself, show respect, and solve the conflict. Along with this is learning to make proper eye contact, and use appropriate body language and tone of voice.
Acceptance and Respect – students learn about the effects of teasing and pejorative language. They investigate the proper use of social media and its harmful use.
8th Grade - The Real World
Body Image – students investigate and analyze media and advertising regarding body image. They also look at stereotypes, self-esteem, and harassment. An eating disorder curriculum is also included.
Substance Abuse – students learn the truth about nicotine, alcohol, and drugs through a program developed by The Foundation for a Drug-Free World.
High School – students identify their perceptions and fears of high school, and look at their expectations. Along with this unit, students look at recognizing signs of their stress and anxiety, techniques for coping, and ways for overcoming their fears.
6th-8th Grades - Sisterhood & Brotherhood
Middle school can be a challenging time for girls. Sisterhood is designed to raise awareness, develop empathy, teach healthy conflict, explore feelings, and promote a positive change in female relationships. At this age, girls' conflict resolution skills are still developing. Warren-Walker recognizes that girls need assistance in developing these skills in the healthiest way possible.
Because girls’ communication styles, skills, and maturity levels vary widely, the program creates a framework that teaches girls to respect one another’s differences, creates opportunity for growth, and encourages effective communication within the group. As the girls begin to understand their own communication techniques and learn new ones, they become more adept at solving their own problems in a healthy and positive manner. The Sisterhood program is designed to grow with the girls, layering new skills each of the three years at Middle School with the end-goal of creating strong bonds of communication among our young women.
In addition, the Sisterhood program, offers a workshop to provide tips for parents on assisting their daughters in the development of these skills. Parents learn ways to keep communication lines open and how to stay engaged with their daughters while empowering them to solve conflicts on their own.
Through the Bonding Brotherhood program, boys at Middle School meet in groups with a professional counselor to discuss age-appropriate topics relevant in the digital age of adolescence. Boys complete and submit questionnaires that facilitate group discussions, as well. Following the sessions, a debriefing with parents takes place to discuss the changes they may be seeing in their sons, and discuss ways to maintain and develop close caring relationships with them.
Arts wheel
The exploration of the arts, music, and technology is an integral part of the Middle School curriculum. As Warren-Walker School is committed to developing well-rounded scholars and citizens our students are required to participate in each of the following artistic disciplines on a rotating basis.
Performing Arts
Instrumental Music
Students are required to participate in instrumental music all year at each grade level. The entire Middle School band comes together for two annual concerts, the Holiday Tea and Artz Night.
6th Grade: Students are introduced to band instruments. They select an instrument that they would like to learn to play. They are taught how to assemble, hold, and produce sound on their chosen instrument. All of the musical elements previously learned in the lower grades are called upon and reinforced through playing. Production of good tone quality is taught. Ensemble playing and tuning are introduced. The discipline of routine practice is strongly stressed.
7th Grade: In playing their instruments, students continue to develop good tone quality and exhibit musical skills for ensemble playing. They learn to master the dynamic levels and execute articulations and other musical expressions. Routine practice is expected. Students who exhibit higher levels of achievement are asked to join the Honor Band. Those who accept the opportunity commit to extra practice and playing engagements.
8th Grade: As they continue playing in the concert band, students hone good tone quality and exhibit musical skills for ensemble playing. They learn to master the dynamic levels and execute articulations and other musical expressions. Routine practice is expected. Students who exhibit higher levels of achievement are asked to join the Honor Band. Those who accept the opportunity commit to extra practice and playing engagements.
Drama & Improvisation
6th grade drama is a collaborative effort through which all the students participate in the creative process of producing a dramatic performance. From building sets to lighting to costuming, and performing, students learn to understand the theatre arts.
The improv class includes all the aspects of extemporaneous acting while challenging students to think quickly and creatively. Students learn to trust and accept their “fellow actors” by participating in various trust games and activities. Students connect physical movements with specific character traits as they explore the physical part of acting. Storytelling is an integral part of the course, as acting is just that.
Visual Arts
Art
6th Grade: Students focus on utilizing the elements and principles of art in their own work. Art historical concepts related to each specific project is taught via slide presentations, books, field trips and current publications. Shape and form are developed through two-dimensional works on paper using charcoal and pencil. Principles of art, including composition and balance (or emphasis) are developed via work in collage and painting. Additional principles, including space, rhythm and movement, are guided through sculptural creations originating from “found objects.” Presentation, craftsmanship, and creativity are reviewed.
7th Grade: This class is where students begin to investigate ways in which art history relates to contemporary work. Investigation of African Art and Medieval Art are utilized in students’ creations. The elements and principles of art continue to be emphasized in all projects. Design and self-expression are further emphasized via the projects Painted African Gourds and Self Portraits, respectively. Students continue to learn about handling different materials; for example, clay. New techniques and concepts in two-dimensional dry media are also taught. These include cross-hatching, thumbnail sketches, vanishing point and perspective. Presentation, craftsmanship, and success are emphasized in project goals.
8th Grade: The primary purpose of this class is to expand students’ concepts of art and introduce new media. Vocabulary of art and guidelines are taught and used in discussing work. Students further develop skills introduced in the previous grades. Students will focus on printmaking, and additional work will be in clay, drawing, and design. Students are expected to work more independently as the quarter progresses and as they develop skills and individual expression. Demonstrations and individual guidance continue as methods of teaching.
Industrial Art
All 7th and 8th grades students will be exposed to and taught basic wood and metal working skills.
Our Industrial Art Program incorporates a project in to the 7th Grade's "Invertebrate Organism" unit, and in 8th grade will mirror the “Urban Trees” program and follow the proposal requirements in order to have a Warren-Walker Middle School sculpture submitted and displayed on the Port Tidelands of San Diego Bay. Sculptures will also be designed, mounted, and be displayed around the Middle School campus. Safety is a major emphasis in this course. Students will learn about and use all of the protective equipment, and the proper use of tools and materials. For example, they learn how to cut sheet metal using a plasma cutter, use a blow torch for bending and shaping metal, and follow welding techniques and procedures.
Information Literacy & Technology
Computer Applications
All Middle School students are introduced to the library and computer lab for research and recreational reading. Skills learned in the Lower school create the foundation for 6th-8th grade students to delve deeper through their one, WWS-managed "Google for Education" accounts, Student Square accounts, and access to one-to-one Chrome devices available to them while on the Middle School campus.
6th Grade: As class projects are assigned, students visit the library and Computer Lab to locate print and electronic resources. All the skills taught in Lower School continue to be reinforced, especially the five-step research process. More advanced use of Google Search tools and settings are acquired (along with Boolean search terms) to support efficient information gathering while maintaining relevance of subject and topic focus. These skills are refined in 7th and 8th grades. Additionally, the importance of Digital Citizenship, Digital Footprint, and understanding our School's "Acceptable Use Policy" is fundamental to the classroom content.
This course includes an introduction to an appropriately modified version of the Modern Language Association (MLA) standard for proper report formatting, including bibliography creation and source citation. Keyboarding practice, standards and assignments encourage a student to achieve touch typing speeds 25 awpm with at least 90% accuracy; Google Docs and Slides skills are further enhanced.
7th Grade: In Seventh Grade , an entire unit on Google Sheets is introduced where students learn formulas and toolbar functions. More facets of Google Docs and Slides are mastered and incorporated into reports and presentations. Online graphic design is taught and utilized by each student to create a dynamic, two-page layout in a "National Geographic" style, science-focused magazine. The content is created in conjunction with Science, English, Math, Industrial Arts and Computer Applications. Touch typing skills continue to develop through required assignments with students expected to attain a minimum speed of 30 wpm and 90% accuracy.
8th Grade: In 8th Grade, students embark on the development of a personal website focused on their academic journey at Warren-Walker School. In English class, content is written highlighting how their personal attributes embody our Schoolwide Learner Outcomes. This unit provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their education at WWS, while at the same time grow in their understanding of web design, marketing and communications. Touch typing skills continue to improve as students achieve typing speeds of 35 wpm with 90% accuracy as they strive to meet the minimum the minimum requirements for keyboarding in high school. The culmination of this course is the creation of videos and content for 8th Grade graduation, a project integrated with the students' English and History teachers in support of their content development
Warren-Walker School of Young Entrepreneurs
Curricular Elements
Starting with the 2019-2020 school year, the Warren-Walker School of Young Entrepreneurs was introduced to our Arts Wheel as a dynamic program designed for 6th, 7th and 8th grades, allowing middle school students to learn real world entrepreneurial skills and foster the sense of their role in contributing to the greater good.
Element One – as a prerequisite, students learn the basics of business through Junior Achievement's award-winning "It's My Business" entrepreneurship curriculum.
Element Two – working in small groups. students brainstorm their own business ideas and organize their collaborative findings into reports that incorporate all the features of a traditional business plan.
Element Three – following a collegiate business school model, students "pitch" their business plans to panels of peers who provide feedback and determine by vote, each plan's viability.
Element Four – students build their business from scratch and put their plan in to practice.
Element Five – a turnkey business opportunity (concurrent to coursework) in the form of a brick & mortar "Thrift Shop" is a "working lab" where students hone skills related to good business practices.
Element Six – a basis for Social Responsibility is established through Thrift Shop operations. Students will hold community events where other schools or nonprofits participate in the sale of Thrift Shop items. A percentage of gross receipts for that particular event is shared with the participating group.
athletics, physical education & wellness
The Middle School Physical Education program is designed to offer all students the option to participate in physical education or to be a part of an interscholastic sport. The interscholastic sports help transition students from recreational athletics to high school sports programs. More than eighty percent of the students participate in at least one sport, with most competing in all three seasons. During the last four weeks of the school year we offer sports electives. These are designed and led by the teachers to introduce students to some of their favorite physical activities. For specific sports calendars and information, visit the current athletics section.
CURRENT ATHLETIC SCHEDULES & PHYSICAL EDUCATION OFFERINGS
Fall (Flag Football, Girls Volleyball, Cross Country, Physical Education, Yoga & Wellness)
Winter (Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Boys Basketball, Physical Education, Yoga & Wellness)
Spring (Track and Field, Girls Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Physical Education, Yoga & Wellness)
Electives (Surfing, Hiking, Beach Games, Yoga & Wellness, and more!)
SeaPerch Underwater Robotics
SeaPerch was started at Warren-Walker School in 2013 and has gone to Nationals every year since its inception. An innovative robotics program, SeaPerch equips teachers and students with the resources they need to build an underwater, remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Students build their ROV from a kit comprised of low-cost, easily accessible parts, following a curriculum that teaches basic engineering and science concepts with a marine engineering theme. The SeaPerch Program provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics as part of a science and engineering technology curriculum. Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts, problem solving skills and technical applications.
Students will work in teams to build an ROV and compete against other SeaPerch teams county-wide. On competition day there are three events: two pool events (an obstacle course and object transfer event), and team presentations of their work.
community service
Warren-Walker School is committed to good citizenship. Being good citizens promotes learning which leads to academic success and strong leadership. As part of our Expected Schoolwide Learning Results, commitment to community service is valued as we foster the growth of respectful and responsible citizens. The Student Council sponsors Community Service activities throughout the school year. Several of the activities include:
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The American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart
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Beach Clean-ups
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The San Diego River Project
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Walk to Cure Diabetes
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The Meals on Wheels Program
Each Middle School student is required to earn a minimum of eight hours of service each year that has been approved by the Dean or the Student Council advisor. While students earn hours in Community Service projects, other approved activities can include service for a larger community in need (ie. rest home, hospital, food bank, etc.), races or walks for charitable causes, and service that benefits the environment. On average, the Middle School students give over 1,500 hours of Community Service each year, demonstrating that making a positive difference is part of our culture.
outdoor education week
All Middle School students attend a week of outdoor education camp the second week of the school year. Each grade level attends a different camp, each with a specific focus.
6th Grade Camp -- Pathfinder Ranch
Pathfinder's Science & Outdoor Education School provides safe, fun, and challenging learning experiences that build a sense of respect for the natural world, self, and others. The camp aims to inspire students to use their knowledge, skills, and experiences to make a positive difference in their home communities. Activities include: Animal Ecology, Ethnobotony, Fire Ecology, Fresh Water Ecology, Archery, Canoeing, Horseback Riding, Rock Climbing, and Survival Skills. www.pathfinderranch.com
7th Grade Camp -- Pali Institute
Students will be introduced to outdoor education through activities such as cooking with solar power, exploring trails, and weightlessly flying through the air. Students will also meet and feed four-legged friends at the Pali Nature Center. Through these experiences, students will gain a greater understanding of the natural world around them. Activities include: Hiking, ornithology, outdoor skills, forest ecology, orienteering and archery. www.paliinstitute.com
8th Grade Camp -- Catalina Environmental Leadership Program
Catalina Environmental Leadership Program is an outdoor education program where students learn in a variety of ways from snorkeling adventures to nature hikes to garden activities to interactive slideshows and discussions. Mixed in with this curriculum are individual and group challenge activities that encourage students to think about themselves and their relationships with others. The program also explores how we can live more sustainably on this planet and how young people can make a difference. Activities include: snorkeling, hiking, oceanography, marine biology, kayaking, night snorkeling, and ecology. www.celp.net
Gulls Treks - Summer travel program
The aim of Warren-Walker's GullsTreks program is to provide our middle school students with the opportunity to practice independence & to experience different cultures through travel here in the United States and abroad. We believe that challenging adolescents to look beyond themselves helps to prepare them for successful futures in an ever-expanding world. Lessons learned through travel with fellow students and teachers are invaluable and authentically implement our character education, foreign language, social studies & science curricula.
Our teacher-led tours take place mid to late June and are open to current WWMS 6th, 7th & 8th graders via application and interview. One or two options are offered each year.
WWS in China!
Since 2014, a select group of students have had the opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in China. This 2-week trip includes exploring new cuisines, attending classes at our sister school in Yongkang, living with a Chinese host family, and visiting historical landmarks. Past trips have culminated with biking on West Lake in Hangzhou, marveling at the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, enjoying the ancient water town of Wuzhen, or laughing at the antics of young giant pandas in Chengdu!
WWS Pura Vida!
Our newest expedition heads for Costa Rica! Travelers will find themselves surrounded by the wonders of nature on this 2-week adventure. Opportunities to practice Spanish, sample local foods, live on a sustainable farm, and shop at the markets are all part of this immersive experience. Science classes will come alive observing sea turtles, zip-lining through the rainforest, snorkeling off the reefs, and hiking near a volcano.
WWS into the Wild!
Middle School students who are not quite ready to venture so far from home can apply for a unique experience in the remote Emigrant Wilderness of Northern California. Following in the footsteps of intrepid pioneers, this 7-day trip, in partnership with Aspen Meadow Pack Station, includes horseback riding, camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and campfire fun. Sometimes, great adventures can be found right in our own backyard!
High School Admissions Counseling
As providers of an outstanding education from prekindergarten through eighth grade, we are dedicated to assisting our graduating students with admissions counseling and applications for our local independent, parochial, and public high schools. Parents and students begin thinking about high school as early as sixth grade, but it is after a parent/student meeting at the end of seventh grade, that they really begin to focus on the process. Eighth grade students and parents prepare in the Fall of that year with a kick-off gathering at which the options of schools that students might attend are presented.
As each independent school offers varied opportunities, this dissemination of this information is vital. At that meeting in the Fall, the Dean distributes a spreadsheet with dates, deadlines, and contact information for the schools most frequently attended by our graduates as well as a list of people in the area who offer High School Placement Test tutoring. Warren-Walker has a tutor who has provided coaching for both the ISEE/Independent School Entrance Exam (for independent schools) and the HSPT/High School Placement Test (for parochial schools) for almost twenty years, eighteen years as a Warren-Walker Middle School English teacher. Later in the fall, students are prepared for their admissions interview through one-on-one coaching, and partake in individual family meetings with the Dean to discuss best application choices.
Independent and parochial high school testing occurs in late December and January for all those schools in this area. Results are shared with each student and parents within several weeks. Public high schools do not require entrance exams, but some do require placement tests for English, Math, and Spanish. Most all Warren-Walker graduates are placed in advanced and/or honors classes going in to their freshman year of high school.
March is the big month when students are notified of acceptance. Our graduates frequently are accepted to their first choice school, and many students are accepted at multiple schools. We are proud of our commitment to making sure that students not only attain success while attending Warren-Walker, but also their continued success in high school and beyond!
High School & College Attendance
- Class of 2021
- Class of 2019
- Class of 2018
- Class of 2017
- Class of 2016
- Class of 2015
- Class of 2014
- Class of 2020
Class of 2021
High Schools Attended
Academy of our Lady of Peace
The Bishop's School
Cathedral Catholic High School
Francis Parker School
Grossmont High School
Helix High School
High Tech High School
High Tech High School
Patrick Henry High School
Point Loma High School
St. Augustine High School
St. Augustine High School
Steele Canyon High School
Westview High School
Westview High School
Colleges/Universities Attended
To be announced!
Class of 2019
High Schools Attended
Academy of Our Lady of Peace
The Bishop’s School
Cathedral Catholic High School
Coronado High School
Coronado School of the Arts
Francis Parker School
High Tech High School
La Jolla Country Day School
Madison High School (Merida, Yucatan, MX)
Mater Dei Catholic High School
Point Loma High School
San Diego High School/International Baccalaureate Program
San Diego School of Creative & Performing Arts
Santa Fe Christian Schools
Santana High School
St. Augustine High School
Colleges/Universities Attended
To be announced!
Class of 2018
High Schools Attended
Academy of Our Lady of Peace
The Bishop’s School
Cathedral Catholic High School
Coronado High School
Coronado School of the Arts
Francis Parker School
High Tech High School
La Jolla Country Day School
Mater Dei Catholic High School
Mission Bay High School
Pacific Ridge School
Point Loma High School
Santana High School
St. Augustine High School
Colleges/Universities Attended
Bates College
California Lutheran University
California Polytechnic State University
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Monterey Bay
Colorado School of Mines
DigiPen Institute of Technology
Fordham University
Grossmont College
Loyola Marymount University
Mesa College
Montana State University
Mount Holyoke College
Northeastern University
Occidental College
Point Loma Nazarene University
Purdue University
San Diego State University
Southwestern College
University of Alabama
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Hawaii
University of Miami
University of Oregon
University of Rochester
University of Tennessee
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Worcester Polytechnic University
Class of 2017
High Schools Attended
Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Bainbridge High School (WA)
The Bishop's School
Cathedral Catholic High School
Coronado School of the Arts
Francis Parker School
Grossmont High School
La Jolla Country Day School
Mater Dei Catholic High School
Point Loma High School
Poway High School
Saint Augustine High School
Scripps Ranch High School
Steele Canyon High School
Valhalla High School
Walt Whitman High School
Colleges/Universities Attended
To be announced!
Class of 2016
High Schools Attended
The Bishop's School
Cathedral Catholic High School
Coronado High School
Coronado School of the Arts
Francis Parker School
Grossmont High School
La Jolla Country Day School
Patrick Henry High School
Point Loma High School
Saint Augustine High School
Santa Fe Christian School
SET High School
Valhalla High School
West Hills High School
Colleges/Universities Attended
To be announced!
Class of 2015
High Schools Attended
The Bishop's School
Bonita Vista High School
Coronado School of the Arts
Francis Parker School
Horizon Prep School
La Jolla Country ay School
Mater Dei Catholic High School
Our Lady of Peace High School
Patrick Henry High School
Point Loma High School
Saint Augustine High School
Scripps Ranch High School
Steele Canyon High School
Treasure Mountain High School (Utah)
Colleges/Universities Attended
California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Colorado State University
Gonzaga University
Northern Arizona University
San Diego State University
Santa Clara University
Southern Methodist University
Southwestern College
Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland)
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Merced
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of St. Andrews (Scotland)
University of Michigan
University of Oregon
University of San Diego
United States Air Force Academy
Utah State University
Virginia Military Institute
Class of 2014
High Schools Attended
Canyon Crest Academy
Cathedral Catholic High School
Coronado High School
Francis Parker School
Grossmont High School
Helix High School
La Jolla Country Day School
Mater Dei Catholic High School
Otay Ranch High School
Colleges/Universities Attended
Boston University
California Polytechnic University, Pomona
California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Maritime Academy
Chapman University
Clemson University
College of Gettysburg
Creighton University
Dartmouth College
Furman University
Gordon College
Grossmont College
Grove City College
Oregon State University
Point Loma Nazarene University
Santa Clara University
Texas Christian University
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Oregon
University of Portland
University of San Diego
Villanova University
Class of 2020
Interested in learning more? Please call 619-223-3663 or simply click the button below to have a member of our Admissions Team contact you!
Traditions
Maypole Dance
Junior Challenge
8th Grade Graduation