MEC Programming

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 At MEC, we nurture a love of learning in our youngest students through developmentally appropriate approaches tailored for ages 3-5. Our curriculum blends play-based learning with structured activities, ensuring that children develop foundational skills in a fun and engaging way. We focus on fostering curiosity, creativity, and social skills, creating a warm and supportive environment where each child feels valued and excited to explore the world around them. It is also during this age group that a heavy emphasis is placed on phonics and the science of reading. Through interactive experiences and hands-on activities, we lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of school and learning. 

 We are dedicated to ensuring that students aged 6-7 continue to develop a solid foundation in reading and math. Our curriculum is designed to strengthen essential literacy and numeracy skills through engaging and interactive activities. We use a variety of hands-on and experiential learning methods to make these critical subjects come alive, helping students grasp fundamental concepts and build confidence. Our supportive environment encourages each child to progress at their own pace while consistently challenging them to achieve their best, while continuing to build lifelong friendships in their PODs.   

 At MEC, students aged 10-11 engage in an even more highly differentiated and stimulating educational experience. They delve into complex literature, advanced mathematical concepts like algebra and geometry, and hands-on scientific inquiry. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent research across all subjects, including literary analysis and global perspectives in social studies. Students continue to develop leadership skills through group projects and community service, fostering social responsibility and empathy. This approach ensures they are challenged and supported, preparing them for future academic success and personal growth as they will soon begin to explore their individual internships and chose their first personalized focus area (PFA). 

Students aged 12-14 build upon foundational skills while introducing even more advanced concepts and opportunities for personal and academic growth. Students enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills through rigorous coursework in literature, mathematics, science, and social studies, music, art, technology, international languages, and nutrition and fitness. They engage in deeper literary analysis, advanced writing techniques, critical essays, higher-level math concepts, and advanced scientific investigations. In-depth study of historical events, cultural studies, and current global issues also form a key part of their learning. It is during these years where MEC students really bridge in their own direction, while still maintaining the POD community theyhave come to rely on over the years. 

At this age, students begin weekly internships, gaining real-world experience in their chosen fields and exploring specialized areas of interest through personalized focus areas (PFAs). This allows them to dive deeper into subjects they are truly passionate about, whether it’s the arts, music, sciences, technology, or humanities, among others. They also embark on a unique leadership program, developing essential leadership skills through hands-on projects, team-building activities, and community service. Additionally, they gain access to dedicated academic coaches who will guide and support them until high school graduation, ensuring they stay on track with their goals and academic progress. This comprehensive approach ensures that students aged 12-14 at MEC not only build upon their existing skills but also gain new experiences and insights that prepare them for high school and beyond.