At Saddle River Day School, middle schoolers aren’t just learning—they’re discovering who they are, what they care about, and how to make an impact. As part of SRDS’s commitment to developing ethical global citizens, the school’s innovative, four-year Middle School Capstone Program blends academic rigor with real-world purpose, helping students build essential research, writing, and presentation skills from 5th through 8th grade.
This intentional, scaffolded experience aligns closely with SRDS’s core values, giving students the confidence and tools to explore personal interests, solve real-world problems, and prepare for future success. What does this look like in action?
• In 5th grade, students learn the foundations of research, from sourcing to note-taking to organizing information. Projects culminate in a creative design challenge—like building a science-inspired board game based on Mars exploration.
• In 6th grade, students explore a topic or skill they’re curious about—from photography to coding to entrepreneurship—and present their learnings via websites, videos, or even virtual reality.
• In 7th grade, it’s all about impact. Students identify community or global issues—think accessibility tools, bullying, or water shortages—and propose data-driven solutions using presentations, graphs, and multimedia storytelling.
• By 8th grade, students are ready to tackle a UN Sustainability Goal through mission-driven inquiry. They research a global challenge, ask what kind of world they want to help create, and present thoughtful, actionable solutions with real-world relevance.
The result? Confident, capable young people who know how to think critically, communicate clearly, and show up for what they believe in. Capstone isn’t just about mastering academic skills—it’s about developing a deep sense of self and purpose that sets SRDS students apart for life.
To learn more about Saddle River Day School’s Capstone Program and to schedule a visit, go to: https://www.saddleriverday.org/admissions/visit
Saddle River Day School
147 Chestnut Ridge Road
Saddle River, NJ 07458
