Young middle schoolers in the Oaks 1 class (ages 10 to 12), are at the height of childhood. As robust students, they find that the academic tools at their disposal have the power to take them beyond their own time and space. This is a time of personal growth, embracing causes, and finding inspiration everywhere. Students use sturdy reading and writing skills to become voracious researchers, eager to pursue topics in depth and share knowledge with classmates, teachers, and families. Respect for different people and ideas is encouraged in a collaborative learning environment. The teacher is not the only resource in the classroom—students support each other. Each child is guided to achieve at a very high level in an atmosphere of cooperation and optimism.