6th Grade - Maclay School

6th grade is more than a transition. It is a launch.

With a purpose-built curriculum, intentional daily scheduling, and dedicated faculty, the 6th Grade Academy meets students exactly where they are and builds the confidence they need to thrive.

Dr. Rikki Overstreet Director of the 6th Grade Academy

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Before the First Day

Course selection for continuing students will begin April 23 and close May 1. Dr. Turner, the Middle School Dean of Academics, will email parents instructions and will meet with students to provide directions on the process. Students will make course selections on Veracross to indicate their two preferred World Languages and their desired electives. Questions about course selection should be directed to Dr. Turner (melacynturner@maclay.org). Electives chosen are based on the type of course and how long it runs.

Robotics (quarterly)
Visual Arts (quarterly)
Musical Theater (semester)
iThinkers (semester)
Film (quarterly)
Orchestra (semester)
Theater Makers (quarterly)
*Semester classes can be chosen twice

PE, World Language, Wellness, and Electives rotate on the 8-day schedule.

The Summer Bridge Program: July 20-24, 2026

Middle School Bridge Camp July 20-24

The Middle School Summer Bridge Camp is a one-week camp that prepares rising Maclay 6th graders for middle school at Maclay. The camp simulates the middle school schedule and blends courses in study skills, humanities, and STEAM to create a bridge from lower school and prepare rising Maclay 6th graders for their first year of middle school.

Students will be introduced to the middle school campus, schedule, policies, and routines, and will review key skills in executive functioning, math, science, social studies, and language arts through engaging in hands-on experiences, collaborative learning, and individualized support. In the humanities and STEAM courses, the camp will support students with their summer reading and math assignments and goals. Each camp day will conclude with Community Time, where students will engage in community-building games and activities.

To register, visit this link.

What’s New

The Framework

With the goal to create more confident, capable learners, the Sixth Grade Academy provides a developmentally responsive schedule, curriculum, and support system for beginning middle schoolers. Sixth grade students will engage in learning through 55-minute daily core classes with a focus on math, reading, writing, and speaking skills as well as the development of critical thinking skills and real-world learning through an integrated Earth Science and Geography course. Additionally, the Academy builds a foundation for future academic success by teaching learning habits and holistic wellness. Students are coached to build resilience, confidence, and healthy habits while learning to persist through challenges, communicate effectively, and use technology intentionally as a tool that supports growth, well-being, and responsible learning. 

6th Graders with 7th & 8th Graders

During Community Time, sixth graders will have the opportunity to engage with seventh and eighth graders as well as other middle school faculty and staff. This common time will also provide a chance for cross-grade clubs and practices.

Additionally, sixth graders will have the same opportunities as other middle schoolers to participate in after school sports and programs.

Nutrition

The Parent Education Series

Sixth grade parents and guardians are invited to participate in the Sixth Grade Parent Academy which educates caregivers on important skills which encourage a healthy and balanced academic life for their sixth graders. The Parent Academy consists of regular communication with the faculty, a resource repository for common questions and concerns, and a parent education series focused on equipping caregivers to support their learners.

What happens in Homeroom?

Students will begin and end each school day in homeroom with their homeroom advisor, where they will collect and return their laptops and will learn how to prepare for their day by checking their email, Schoology, and gradebook, and filling out their planner.

Additionally, students will participate in community-building activities, attend grade-level town hall meetings, and celebrate each other through merit recognition.

What is Community Time?

A Day in 6th Grade

6th Graders will open and close each day with a Homeroom block to give students the opportunity to organize and prepare.

The day continues with five CORE classes each day, a Community Time, and a rotating Launch Wheel class.

Core Block Courses

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Earth Science and Geography

The image depicts a silhouette of a human head with two gears or cogs inside, representing the concept of cognitive function or problem-solving.

Foundations of Learning & Speech & Communications

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Language Arts

Math

Community Time is held each day and will be a rotation of activities including clubs, guest speakers, advisory, and special programming for Grades 6th - 8th.

The Launch Wheel

The Launch Wheel is a block on the schedule every day, but the classes rotate so students have each class twice a week. One of those classes is a 9-week elective, giving students the opportunity to explore the Arts, STEM, and Humanities. Some classes, such as Orchestra, can be taken consecutively.

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Meet the Team

Dr. Rikki Overstreet

Foundations for Learning & Director of the 6th Grade Academy

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Dr. Overstreet is a native of Tallahassee and received an M.A. in English and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from FSU. Teaching since 2011, Dr. Overstreet began working at Maclay in 2018 as the seventh-grade language arts teacher. She is excited to begin a new chapter in her story as the director of the Sixth Grade Academy.

“What excites me most about the Sixth Grade Academy is the chance to walk alongside students during a pivotal time in their development, offering support and guidance as they learn to be independent thinkers, learners, and doers who are equipped to not only pursue the rest of their secondary education but to chart whatever future course they desire."

Christine Herzog

6th Grade Math

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Ms. Herzog has over nineteen years of experience teaching both computer science and mathematics at the elementary and middle school level. She has taught algebra at Maclay and is excited to teach Sixth Grade Mathematics for the Academy.

“I recognize sixth grade as a highly formative year, both academically and socially. As a math teacher, I am eager to help create a supportive learning environment where students build strong mathematical foundations, grow in confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed during this important transition.”

Matt Morales

Speech & Communications

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Mr. Morales is a native of Tallahassee and a Maclay alumnus (Class of 2012). He attended the University of Central Florida and then moved to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida for postgraduate education, which nurtured his enthusiasm for teaching. Mr. Morales has taught fourth grade at Maclay and is excited to begin his journey as a middle school teacher.

“What excites me most about the Sixth Grade Academy is the prospect of encouraging these new middle-school students to not just accept but embrace a new level of autonomy and accountability. An increase in expectation also allows these students to reach new heights in their academic abilities.”

Meghan Everett

6th Grade Language Arts

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Mrs. Everett began her career in education in Miami, where she was recognized as MAST Academy’s Teacher of the Year and named one of six district-wide finalists in 2008. She also taught abroad in Kumamoto, Japan through the prestigious JET Programme and has served at Florida State University’s Learning Systems Institute.

“I’m particularly excited about the interdisciplinary approach of the Sixth Grade Academy. Designing cohesive learning experiences across content areas creates powerful opportunities for relevance, engagement, and deeper understanding for students.”