Students undergo a tremendous change in the intervening years between fourth and ninth grades, perhaps more than during any other four year period in their academic lives. This development is marked by significant cognitive, affective, physical, and social growth. Our goal is to have a Middle School in which grades five through eight are each taught in accordance with the differing needs of each successive age group. These pedagogical differences are articulated in terms of levels of difficulty, expectations of responsibility, and opportunities to exhibit independence, the purpose of which is to transform, as smoothly as possible, incoming fifth graders into outgoing ninth graders.

During the first two years in the Middle School, for example, fifth and sixth grade students have the security of homerooms. They have the guidance and protection of a homeroom teacher, who oversees their progress and is the main source of reporting to their parents. Students keep their books and personal belongings in their own desks and cubbies. Yet there are differences between the fifth and sixth grades, as well, including, in the sixth grade, more independence on long-term assignments; more exams, more heavily weighted; and greater emphasis on science and music.

The seventh and eighth grades are fully departmentalized, with the mentor role played by an advisor. Final exams count more toward the course grade than do the periodic exams in the fifth and sixth grades, although we de-emphasize final exams considerably in the seventh grade compared to eighth grade and the Upper School. Students keep their personal effects in lockers and backpacks and are responsible for getting themselves to and from classes on time on their own.

Assemblies, field days, and some special events are held for grades five through eight, but social events such as parties and dances are generally separated into grades five/six and seven/eight groupings.

Uniforms are not required in the Middle School, but students are required to adhere to strict dress requirements intended to avoid creating any interference with effective learning. 

Laguna Blanca School believes strongly in the value of a well-rounded education, one which exposes students to fields of study they might not explore on their own. All Middle School students receive instruction in the five core academic subjects (language arts, mathematics, science, foreign language, and social studies), as well as physical education/athletics, art, and computer. Fifth and sixth graders take instrumental music and seventh and eighth graders choose a performing arts elective (Beginning Band, Middle School Band, Chorus, String Ensemble, Guitar, Hip Hop Dance, Drama, Capoeira, Advanced Video Production). Fifth and seventh graders study health and related issues. Seventh graders take a study skills and grammar course. Eighth grade students study media literacy and take a ceramics class.