Middle School Leadership

At the Middle School level, leadership is integrated into all classes and subject areas, but is also taught as a separate class. The study of leadership is approached through five areas: traditional leadership, history, environmental science, adolescent psychology, and comparative religions. Students also learn the seven functional areas of leadership which allow both a quantitiative and qualitative evaluation of the leadership based content within the curriculum. The seven areas of functional leadership include self-awareness, academics, coaching, reading,adversity/challenges/opportunity, leadership observation, and leadership experience. Students will complete more than 320 hours of in class academic study related solely to leadership while in the middle school.

The Gerstell Academy Motto, Principles, and Attributes are the foundation of the leadership program. The Leadership Model is based on The Gerstell Academy Mission Statement, The Gerstell Academy Motto: Leadership, Honor, Courage, The 10 Gerstell Academy Principles, The Leadership Attributes, The Five Areas of Leadership Education, and The Seven Functional Areas of Leadership.

Middle School students study the Honor Code, public speaking, ethics, manners, social skills, negotiation skills, management skills, conflict resolution, and moral and ethical decision making. Portions of the three remaining leadership components, history, environmental science, and comparative religions and cultures will be introduced and integrated with other core courses.

The goal of the Leadership course is to have each student develop the specific skills required to be a leader of positive character who understands his/her responsibility as a citizen and member of the community.