A Message from the Director of the Middle School

Dear prospective middle school families, 

Thank you for considering Chartwell School for your middle school student. Choosing the right school is a significant decision, especially when your child has unique educational and social-emotional needs. At Chartwell, we specialize in serving neurodiverse students through small classes, individualized programming, and a supportive environment where we guide them in accessing their full potential. As I step into my expanded role as Director of the Middle School, I want to serve as a trusted partner in your family’s educational journey. I can assure you that we are committed to making this a positive, personalized experience for your student. 

Chartwell Middle School offers a uniquely authentic middle school experience - our students are celebrated for their strengths and supported in their stretches. 

We offer individualized classes that group students by their learning profiles and needs, enabling tailored facilitation and instruction distinct to each grouping. These groupings are never stagnant, as they are evaluated throughout the year to ensure students’ needs are continuously supported.

Our strength-based programming helps students build confidence and explore their interests. Many students joining us from other schools haven't had their strengths celebrated or the opportunity to explore them. We dedicate intentional time to help them dive into their passions, fostering confidence and self-esteem both in and outside the classroom.

Supporting students in developing their executive functioning (EF) skills is truly what sets Chartwell Middle School apart. We integrate EF skills - like time management, cognitive flexibility, and organization- into all aspects of our curriculum and programming, allowing students to consistently practice and refine them. Throughout the year, there is a release of responsibility, and the expectation in teaching these skills is that students will develop them towards self-sufficiency. Teachers dedicate time in their lesson plans to teach, explain, and support the development of executive functioning skills so that students don’t just learn them; they understand the “why” behind them. 

Classroom and/or social anxiety are common threads that tie many middle school students together. At Chartwell Middle School, we understand how debilitating this can be for a young learner and work with each student struggling, alongside their families and our student support team, to create a plan that ensures they feel supported and are making progress in their stretch areas. Every year, as the last week of school rolls around, I’m in awe as I watch students who used to struggle to speak up in class, participate in the talent show, or stand up confidently for their moving-up ceremony. Their transformation over the year is monumental and it’s always a shared moment of pride amongst teachers.  

My goal as I step into this role is to prioritize the foundational pieces of Chartwell’s programming that make this school so impactful for young learners - understanding student profiles, building individualized strength-based programs, and providing tailored curriculum. When students are promoted from Chartwell Middle School, they will have a toolbox of transferable skills that will support them in their high school experiences, whether that be at Chartwell High School or another program, and beyond. 

As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to reach out and connect with me. I would love to learn more about your student and explore how Chartwell Middle School can make a positive impact on their educational experience. 

Warm regards,

Katherine Ramos
Director of the Lower and Middle School
Chartwell School