Each large middle school is divided into teams. These teams include one teacher each in math, social studies and science and two in language arts and have adjacent classrooms. Approximately 150 students are assigned to each mini school. This creates a school within a school and fosters a sense of community because the students and teachers have the chance to get to know one another in a small setting. Interacting with a small group of students ensures that fewer students will go unnoticed.
Teachers are more aware of changes in student behavior and can offer assistance when needed.
Students usually come to know at least one adult well in this environment. This helps students in times of need or personal trauma feel confidant approaching an adult for assistance. Each team of teachers has a common planning period so that teachers can have team meetings, parent or student conferences, share ideas and materials and plan team goals and objectives. Exploratory courses are offered in addition to the core academic subjects. These exploratory courses emphasize career opportunities and enable the student to discover his or her particular talents and interests.