Willows
Students learn to support ideas with evidence while strengthening organization, research, writing, discussion, and sustained work. Teachers provide structure as students take greater ownership of their learning.
Treehouse · Grades 5–8Think deeply.
Think deeply.
Question boldly.
Make something that matters.
Middle school at First Pres helps students develop ideas of their own—and learn how to support them. Small classes and meaningful relationships give students room to grow in confidence, responsibility, and independence.
Schedule a Tour
Growing Through Treehouse
More independence at every step.
Sequoias
Students evaluate information, defend and revise conclusions, manage longer projects, and contribute through leadership. Increasing responsibility helps prepare them for high school and the world beyond our campus.
Academics at Treehouse
Knowledge put to work.
Direct instruction, discussion, independent practice, inquiry, and hands-on learning build strong skills across subjects.
Humanities
Explore civilizations through geography, survival, belief, community, legacy, power, character, and beauty. Research becomes artifacts, museum writing, and student-curated exhibitions.
Reading & Writing
Literature connects with history and unit studies. Grammar, discussion, creative writing, research, and essays help students read closely and communicate clearly.
Science
Students observe, develop hypotheses, investigate, gather evidence, and explain conclusions—including questions about ecosystems and declining pollinator populations.
Mathematics
Instruction, practice, models, and real applications build reasoning. Students explain which mathematics applies and use it to make decisions, such as planning an Arctic rescue.
Teachers follow growth through daily work, discussions, and projects, alongside NWEA MAP Growth three times a year to guide individual support.
From Questions to Action
Make learning visible.
Dedicated Project Time gives students space to plan, investigate, divide responsibilities, create, receive feedback, and revise. Community projects, Marketplace, the Musical, and Art Show connect learning with real audiences.
Students practice listening, thoughtful disagreement, meeting commitments, and taking responsibility for their contributions.
Beyond the Desk
Discover strengths. Practice responsibility.
Explorations & Music
Theatre, art, athletics, and show choir offer opportunities to create, move, and collaborate. Band and orchestra build musicianship and confidence.
Making & Entrepreneurship
Classroom makerspace work—including sewing, woodworking, and stained glass—builds practical skills and persistence. Entrepreneurship connects ideas with planning, problem-solving, and an audience.
Community Business Internship
Eighth graders experience professional expectations and see how communication, responsibility, relationships, and work connect beyond school.
Legacy Trip
The seventh- and eighth-grade Legacy Trip offers a shared experience as students prepare for their next chapter.
Come Experience Treehouse
See Middle School Differently.
Meet our teachers and discover a community where students are known, challenged, trusted, and given meaningful work to do.
Schedule a TourExplore Our SchoolA Morning in Willows (Grades 5-6)