What Does Success Look Like? Redefining Achievement for Middle School Students.

Success Is Personal Growth

We believe success is unique to each student. For some, it means stepping out of their comfort zones—whether speaking up in class for the first time, learning to collaborate on a group project, or discovering a new passion for the arts. For others, success may involve confidently tackling a challenging subject or taking their writing to the next level. Every achievement, big or small, is celebrated as a step forward in each student’s journey.

Communication and Collaboration

Success here is also about becoming skilled communicators and strong community builders. At Explorer West, we place a strong emphasis on helping students learn to express themselves clearly and to listen thoughtfully to others. Through group projects, discussions, and community-building activities, students learn how to share ideas, value diverse perspectives, and work together toward common goals. These communication and collaboration skills prepare students to be thoughtful, engaged participants in any setting, giving them the confidence to navigate complex social and academic situations.

Embracing Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

We foster a love of learning that goes beyond grades. In fact, our sixth and seventh-grade students do not receive letter grades. This approach allows them to focus more on learning instead of a numerical score. To prepare them for high school,  eighth-grade students receive letter grades.  Transitioning to letter grades at this stage prepares students for the grading systems they will encounter, where letter grades are the norm. It also allows teachers, students, and families to set clear academic expectations and goals, making it easier to identify areas where students may need additional support before advancing to more challenging coursework.

Throughout their time at Explorer West, students are encouraged to question, think critically, and explore new ideas. Success is about nurturing an innate curiosity sparked through hands-on projects, outdoor education, and creative exploration. This approach makes learning engaging and instills a lifelong love of discovery, preparing students to approach future challenges with an open mind.

Building Resilience and Self-Confidence

Middle school presents its own challenges, and we see these as opportunities for growth. When students face a complex problem, an unexpected setback, or a moment of self-doubt, our teachers are there to model and help them build resilience and self-confidence. Success here means learning that setbacks and mistakes are part of growth and that perseverance and self-belief are the foundations of achievement.

Valuing Emotional and Social Growth

Explorer West also views success as a balance between academic and social-emotional growth. Through character education, students learn the importance of empathy, respect, and understanding—qualities that shape them into compassionate community members. Success isn’t just about individual achievement; it’s about learning to positively impact others, work through conflicts, and build meaningful relationships.

Preparing for a Lifetime Journey

By redefining success to include personal growth, effective communication, teamwork, and resilience, Explorer West prepares students for far more than just the next test. When students leave Explorer West, they do so with the academic foundation, advocacy skills, and emotional intelligence to define and pursue success on their own terms, ready to positively impact the world.

At Explorer West, success is about growing into the best version of yourself and understanding that real achievement is built on curiosity, collaboration, and community.