ACADEMICS
"A child's early years lay the foundation for all that is to come."

We as a school board feel blessed to serve a community that strives to provide access to opportunity both in and out of the classroom for our students.
The Spirit Lake Middle School, in conjunction with The University of Iowa, gives students a week-long outdoor education experience called School of the Wild. School of the Wild is an immersive program that allows students to experience the outdoors with small group sizes and experienced naturalists and teachers. Spirit Lake Middle School partners with Lakeside Labs, Camp Foster YMCA, The Methodist Camp, DNR, The Nature Center, Iowa State Extension, as well as a host of other volunteers. Students were able to experience hiking, biking, high ropes courses, fishing, water quality testing, kayaking, outdoor cooking and art, and other great activities. It is a great opportunity to educate students about their local environment and all that it has to offer. Â
Watch this video to learn more about School of the Wild
Each spring our Middle School engages in an entire week of Project-Based Learning entitled Spring Academy. Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational approach where students actively explore real-world problems and challenges through hands-on projects. This method encourages learners to investigate and solve complex questions, often integrating multiple subjects, such as science, math, and social studies. For middle school students, PBL is particularly beneficial because it fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity during a pivotal stage in their cognitive and social development. By engaging in meaningful projects, students connect classroom learning to practical applications, making lessons more engaging and memorable. Additionally, PBL builds essential skills such as teamwork, time management, and self-directed learning, preparing students for future academic and professional success.