The Leading Edge Program was founded in 1993 and has earned a reputation for academic excellence, maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment and having a faculty of outstanding teachers. Our small program size offers the opportunity to develop strong academic relationships in which students can thrive. Once accepted, Leading Edge students are expected to work at their most advanced levels, make decisions, and direct their own learning. In return, the Leading Edge gives back what few middle schools today can offer. It gives its students a comprehensive education focusing on student responsibility and academic preparedness. Trained to meet the specific needs of young adolescents, Leading Edge teachers are committed to nurturing and developing the intellectual, physical, emotional, and moral capacities of each child. They go above and beyond to offer an exciting curriculum that involves students in hands-on learning experiences and encourages creativity and exploration.

Academic Standards: High academic standards in alignment with the California state and national standards are expected in all courses. Students attend 7 classes per day with the option to attend an 8th period elective or club. Students will have as much as two hours of homework each night. Small Class Size: Class size averages 24 to1. After a transitional year in the 6th grade, students have the same teachers for their remaining two years in the program. Our small program size offers the opportunity to build strong academic relationships in which students can thrive. Community Service and Job-Shadowing: Our 6th and 7th grade students perform community service, sometimes cleaning parks, planting trees or aiding in other site restoration projects. Our 8th grade students participate in a job shadow program. Click here for more information. Family Involvement: Parents in the Leading Edge Program agree to volunteer 30 hours of service per school year. Emphasis on Technology: Students are trained in the following programs and equipment: Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, digital movie production using iMovie and Final Cut Pro, digital arts including PhotoShop, web page design using HTML and Dreamweaver, desktop publishing using MS Publisher, Internet safety, ethics, navigation and research skills, keyboarding, using peripherals such as scanners, digital cameras, and video equipment to create or enhance presentations and web pages, presentation skills using portable computers and projectors. At the end of three years, students take a Microsoft Proficiency Core Certification Test. Since the test has first been administered, Leading Edge students have averaged an 81% passing rate. In addition, students may take the Microsoft Professional Lifetime Certification. On this test, Leading Edge students have averaged a 91% passing rate.		Upcoming Events NEW THIS YEAR: LATE START WEDNESDAY Click here for the 2007-2008 Bell Schedule May 6-7: New Student Math and Writing Assessments, 3:15 p.m., Multipurpose Room May 7: Class Managers Meeting, 6:00 p.m.; LEAP Meeting, 7:00 p.m. May 14: Spring Sports Banquet, 6:00 p.m. May 15-16: 8th Grade San Jose Trip May 19-23: 8th Grade Portfolios May 26: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day May 27-30: Final Exams (Minimum Days) June 2: Student Check-Out, All debts must be paid and books returned June 4: Talent Show; Leadership Elections; Yearbook Distribution June 5: 6th grade An Evening in Rome, 6:30 p.m. June 6: Grade Level Trips June 9: Charter Cup, Minimum Day June 10: Minimum Day; Last Day of School for 6th/7th Grades; Trimester 3 Awards Assembly, 8:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room; Carnival; Dance June 11: 8th Grade Promotion; Future Freshman Breakfast; 8th Grade Picnic and Swim Party See the Sports Page for information about upcoming athletic events.

Individualized Assessment: Leading Edge students document their academic growth in 6th, 7th and 8th grade by developing an ongoing content portfolio. As part of their promotion criteria, students make presentations of these portfolios in which they demonstrate they have met the Leading Edge Requirements and are ready to attend high school.

Expanded Physical Fitness Program: Students attend Natomas Racquet Club on Fridays for four week sessions. They rotate through classes such as volleyball, tennis, swimming, Ti Kwon Do, circuit training, racquetball, and self defense. In addition, students attend off campus mini-units such as orienteering or rock climbing.

After School Sports: The Leading Edge Program offers an after school sports program which includes: basketball, volleyball, and the state's first middle school rowing team. Depending on student interests, the staff is always ready to add a new sport to our program. In addition, intermural games are offered after school.

Expressions Class: Students attend one period of Expressions class every day as part of the LE curriculum. Expressions develops leadership skills, promotes team building, and cultural literacy through the arts.

To learn more about the Leading Edge Program, read our Mission and Vision Statements.