Here in NSU University School’s Middle School, you will not find quiet hallways and silent classrooms. Instead, you will find classrooms, hallways, art spaces, sports fields, science labs, and the stage all bustling with student activity, the exchange of ideas, and students doing what they do best in these middle school years; learning by doing, experimenting, and communicating.
Our cutting-edge academic program empowers students to pursue knowledge, big ideas, and questions. Dedicated faculty use a variety of instructional strategies to foster curiosity, exploration, and creativity. Harkness discussions take place regularly in English and social studies classes while the Modeling Method is used to engage students in science and other academic areas. NSU University School teachers understand that every child learns in his or her own way, so they continually seek to differentiatie instruction in order to reach every learner. They know that a "one size fits all" education never really fits.
During Middle School, we encourage our students to maintain their curiosity and creativity while stretching their self-confidence and self-advocacy. Students take the time to explore new electives, try interscholastic sports, and perform on or behind the stage for one of our unbelievable theatrical performances. These new opportunities help to broaden their horizons and help them discover their passion.
Our ultimate goal is that students will leave Middle School as critical thinkers, independent and lifelong learners, strong communicators, healthy risk takers, and good global citizens.
Middle School Chinese teacher Ms. Hong Jia has taught at NSU University School for 14 years and has not only helped our students learn about Chinese language, history, and culture, but also develop an appreciation for all nationalities. As an advisor for the Middle School Diversity Club, she encourages students in grades 6-8 to recognize and celebrate the rich diversity in our school.
Our 2022-23 Middle School yearbook was inducted into the Walsworth Yearbooks Gallery of Excellence, a prestigious honor reserved for the highest caliber yearbooks printed by the publishing company.
Eighth grade students engaged in a creative end-of-year science challenge. They worked in teams to engineer sustainable rafts made out of recycled materials. Students designed, built, and then put their durable creations to the test. With one crew member aboard each vessel, they attempted to ride their boat across the pool without it breaking.
During the End-of-Year Renaissance and Reformation Showcase, sixth grade students used their experience from their trip to the Florida Renaissance Festival and studies to demonstrate examples of the cultural changes, artistic and scientific innovations, and advancements made throughout the Renaissance period.
Middle School students were top performers in the Physics Olympiad, which had more than 1,200 participants from across the nation. As part of the competition, students were challenged with answering a set of questions and solving problems in the fields of mechanics, optics, and electricity and magnetism. Participation in this nationwide event provides positive momentum for students’ further study of physics, math, and other sciences.
Our Sharks robotics teams made a big splash at the VEX Robotics World Championship, bringing home multiple awards after competing alongside top teams from around the globe.
A team of Middle School students participated in the annual Plywood Regatta and finished in fourth place in the Beginner's Division.
Success continues for our Middle and Upper School students Speech and Debate teams who placed in the top 10 in their respective categories at the Tournament of Champions and the Novice & Middle School State Tournament.
HPCC Systems presented an inaugural event called Code Sharks that introduced Middle and Upper School students in our Computer Science internship and robotics programs to the HPCC Systems Big Data platform and the supporting Big Data Language, ECL (Enterprise Control Language). Students were introduced to three public music datasets, and a series of challenge questions were posed for each one. In a 7-hour workshop session, students split into teams and answered as many questions as possible using ECL.
Middle and Upper School students earned top awards in their respective categories at the 17th Annual Florida Statewide Chinese Competition.
After earning first place at the regional science and engineering fair, eighth graders Adam Ginsburg and Samuel Mays were invited to compete at the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida where they once again earned top recognition for their projects. Among more than 900 aspiring engineers, scientists, and mathematicians from across Florida to have their projects evaluated at the state-level competition, Adam finished in fourth place and Samuel won honorable mention.
We are proud to announce the 171 Middle and Upper School students who were inducted into the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society, respectively.
Adrian Walters is a valued faculty member at NSU University School whose teaching style allows students to experience success and encourages student involvement. For the past seven years, Mr. Walters has been teaching pre-algebra in the Middle School, using guided visuals and step-by-step instructions to help students better understand mathematical concepts. His start at USchool dates back to 2004 when he worked as a camp counselor and Lower School teacher assistant before transitioning to his current position.
Seventh grader Mikayla Areopagita placed second in the 83rd Miami Herald Spelling Bee for Broward County students. She was among the top 25 spellers in Broward who passed the written test in February and advanced to the final spelldown.
Mikaila Ulmer, founder and CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade, inspired, encouraged, and empowered our future social entrepreneurs by sharing her entrepreneurial journey and how her passion for bees drove her to create a successful business with a purpose-based brand. A former Shark Tank contestant, Mikaila is a dynamic leader, businesswoman, and published author who is committed to biological diversity and the ability to make a positive impact on a local and global scale.
More than 30 Middle and Upper School French students competed in the annual Congrès de la Culture Française en Floride and brought home numerous awards for their individual and group competitions in the following categories: poetry recitation, impromptu speaking, reading comprehension, project, singing, and short skit.
Three of our exemplary students – Irie Gowen, Cora Rodriguez, and Gabriella Egozi – were named Pinnacle Award winners by the Broward County Non-Public School Association.
Our award-winning robotics teams at all three levels earned the title of tournament champions and will go on to compete at the worlds championship event. The Lower, Middle, and Upper School teams brought home several championship banners, trophies, and awards including the Excellence Award (the highest award presented), Skills Champion Award, Amaze Award, Design Award, and Innovate Award.
During our Career Connections event, eighth grade students met with experienced professionals in various career fields to learn more about and gain exposure to the vast array of career possibilities that await them.
Five Middle School students won first place in the Broward Regional Science and Engineering Fair and will go on to compete in states.
Sixteen students on our Speech and Debate team qualified to compete at the Varsity State Championship tournament after their success at the FFL Region Qualifier. Students also earned top recognition at the Stanford Invitational where they competed against students from schools across the country.
