Get a Jump on Middle School
Every year we have several openings in our 4th and 5th grade classes. Entering MTS a year or two before middle school is an excellent time for students to make the transition. Returning MTS students are excited to welcome new peers into their classes. New students benefit from easing into our departmentalized structure with stand-out, subject-specific teachers, the focus on social-emotional learning as part of the learning process, and the myriad ways we build community on a daily basis.
The 4th/5th Winter Play
A hallmark of the 4th and 5th grade year is the full-scale production performed by both classes before winter break. The 4th grade begins their journey as the chorus in the show and every 5th grader has a role in the show. When the new school year begins, the performing arts department offers coaching to help students prepare for the audition process, encouraging them to stretch into roles they may not have considered and support one another as they create their very own show. The individual and collective growth for 4th and 5th graders during this process is something that only a large-scale performance can provide.
Family Experiences
We asked MTS families to share about their experiences when transferring into MTS. Below are their responses:
Keely & Adrian Fadrhonc
The grade your child entered MTS: 5th
Where you live: Mill Valley
What prompted you to consider MTS? As middle school slowly started approaching, we decided to look at independent schools for Charlie as we knew he would benefit from a smaller, more hands-on school environment during the critical pre-teen years. While originally we were not committed to making the transition in 5th grade, once we started our search and learned about MTS, it was clear that moving him a year earlier would only benefit him. By enrolling Charlie in 5th grade, he was able to get his footing at a new school so that he was better prepared to hit the ground running come 6th grade. The foundation he built in 5th grade at MTS, both in terms of learning and relationships, provided him with an extra layer of confidence in what may otherwise be an intimidating transition into middle school.
What did you or your child worry that you would miss by making the transition to MTS? Is this true now? After attending the same public school from kindergarten through 4th grade, Charlie was worried that he would “miss out” on some of the 5th grade milestones that he had been looking forward to. And while he was sad not to graduate with his longtime classmates, MTS does a fantastic job of truly positioning the 5th graders as the leaders of the lower school. There were so many special 5th grade traditions that he was able to experience in his first year--the 5th grade play and his end of the year speech were two of his favorites.
What has been one of your favorite unexpected parts of MTS? By far the most surprising and reaffirming parts of MTS has been how well the teachers and administration have gotten to know and understand Charlie as a student and a person in such a short period of time. Our first parent-teacher conference blew us away—not only in how robust of an education that Charlie is getting but also just how well they "get" him. There is truly nothing better as a parent than having your child felt seen and appreciated for who he is as a person and also what drives him at school.
What part(s) of your child came to life after coming to MTS? Charlie has always been a happy and social kid but his brain has ignited after just one year at MTS. He’s more engaged and curious than ever. Instead of prying information out of him about his school day, he’s eager to share what he’s learned and accomplished each day. I’m still surprised when he throws out random facts or answers to questions and when I ask, “Where the heck did you learn that?!” he’ll reply, “At school, of course!” We couldn’t ask for anything more.
Whitney Lee & Paul Falzone
The grade your child entered MTS: 5th
Where you live: Belvedere
What prompted you to consider MTS?
Our daughter loves to learn and to set new challenges for herself so MTS, which celebrates the joy of learning and a growth mindset, seemed like an ideal school to explore. When we attended the STEM Saturday Family Event, we were blown away by the quality and character of the teachers. From programming robots with Trish, playing Rochambeau math with Rob, and participating in chemistry experiments with Toni—each teacher’s passion and enthusiasm was contagious and inspiring. We also loved the breadth of education MTS offered, from traditional academic subjects to physical education, music, and visual and performing art classes.
What did you or your child worry that you would miss by making the transition to MTS? Is this true now? Before joining MTS in fifth grade, our daughter attended our local school and had developed close relationships with her friends and teachers. We were all worried that she’d miss her friends and the comfort of familiar faces. However, our concerns were quickly assuaged. Our daughter and family were welcomed warmly by her classmates, teachers and the MTS community the minute she walked in the front door.
What has been one of your favorite unexpected parts of MTS? Hands down, it is the wonderful MTS families we’ve met. It takes a village to raise smart, resilient, kind children and we feel very lucky to be part of the MTS community.
What part(s) of your child came to life after coming to MTS? We had hoped that MTS would help our daughter develop confidence in who she is and who she can become, but we never expected her to become so interested in athletics. Amazingly, that’s something she developed at MTS. She had rarely participated in team sports before enrolling at MTS, but even before school started, she was invited to join the volleyball team. While she was reluctant at first, it turned out to be the best decision she could have made. After a thoroughly enjoyable volleyball season, she proceeded to join basketball in the winter and track and field in the spring. She absolutely loved each experience, and we loved watching her and her friends compete. They were all so supportive of each other, kind throughout and had fun above all else. Go Bears!
Interested in learning more? Join us for an upcoming Admissions Event!
Thank Goodness They're Almost in Middle School
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 6:00-7:00 PM
Join Head of School, Andrew Davis, and Head of Middle School, Nick Wilsey, as they share insights on the transition to upper elementary and middle school. Topics include shifting friendships, digital well-being, growing independence, and parenting through change. Current families who joined MTS in 5th and 6th grade will also offer their perspectives. This is an adult event and ideal for families exploring 3rd-7th grades.
Join us for an upcoming Tour.
- September 26
- October 3
- October 17
- October 24
- November 21
- December 5
- January 9
- Thursday, January 15 (5th-7th grade applicant families only)
- January 23
- February 6
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