Ferndale Middle School

Serving Grades 6-8

Ferndale Middle School is incredibly unique. FMS offers the small-community feel and personalized attention that Ferndale Schools is famous for, with unprecedented opportunities that come with being located on the Ferndale High School campus.

The mission of Ferndale Middle School is to challenge its school community to attain its highest levels of achievement while providing an environment that is safe, orderly, and respectful of individual and cultural differences.

A Welcome from new FMS Principal Seth Petty

I appreciate the chance to serve as the new Ferndale Middle School principal. Before coming to Ferndale Middle School, I have been working as a building principal for the last five years. I am bringing with me a track record of improving student achievement and reducing suspensions, with experiences ranging from a National Blue Ribbon School to schools previously on the State of Michigan’s priority list and state’s school closure list before making some dramatic turn arounds. At the heart of this success is my dedication to developing strong relationships with families, students, staff and community partners. 
 
Superintendent Bazzi has a vision that inspired me to accept this position. I look forward to both supporting and implementing this vision at FMS. Ferndale Middle School has a strong foundation in place, and I look forward to working with vigor to improve upon student achievement while creating a positive school climate and a safe and nurturing environment for students. Finally, I look forward to meeting with you all on January 31st at 6:00 pm during our scheduled Meet and Greet.

Let’s Get It Started.

Points of Pride 

• Opportunities for advanced students to take high school classes and compete in high school band
• 3 years of Spanish
• 25% of student body in National Junior Honor Society
• 6th grade Overnight Camp
• 8th grade trip to Washington D.C.
• Student Activities: SAFE Night, Green School, charities, athletics, clubs

Academic Excellence

Nearly 25% of FMS students are inducted into the FMS National Junior Honor Society for high academic achievement. FMS also offers many honors classes to its students. FMS students interested in extra homework and studying help can participate in after-school tutoring sponsored by the Ferndale High School National Honor Society and Ferndale Youth Assistance.

Electives 

Ferndale Middle School offers more elective classes than any other middle school in Southeast Michigan. These electives allow students to customize their education to what interests them.

World Languages

Beginning in the fall of 2018, Ferndale Middle School will offer Spanish classes for all three years, from 6th-8th grade. Students completing three years of Spanish in middle school at a satisfactory level will be able to enroll in AP Spanish when entering Ferndale High School.

STEM (Science, Technology, Mathematics, Engineering)

PLTW provides engineering and biomedical science curricula that challenges and inspires middle school students. Students get rigorous and relevant experiences through activity-, project-, and problem-based learning. They use industry-leading technology to solve problems while gaining skills in communication, collaboration, critical-thinking, and creativity. 

PLTW is the nation's leading STEM solution and is taught in over 6,500 schools across the country. Ferndale Middle School is the only middle school in the area to have PLTW and is currently offering two foundational units: designing and modeling, and automation and robotics. 

Cambridge Program

The Cambridge approach aims to develop learners who are:

• confident in working with information and ideas - their own and those of others
• responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
• reflective as learners, developing their ability to learn
• innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
• engaged intellectually and socially, and ready to make a difference in the world.

Beginning in 2017, Cambridge ELA curriculum will be used to deliver ALL middle school ELA course content.

Cambridge Curriculum for all students:

Honors Classes offered for those who qualify:

Performing Arts

One of the hallmarks of a Ferndale Schools education is the opportunity to participate in the district’s award-winning fine arts program. FMS students are offered opportunities to participate daily in Wind Ensemble; Symphony and Jazz Band; Symphony, Concert and Fiddlers Orchestra; and Advanced, Concert and Jazz Choir. All ensembles participate in concerts and large group festivals, where they consistently receive superior and excellent ratings.

Educating the Entire Child 

Ferndale Schools is dedicated to educating the entire child. That is why we offer awesome athletic electives like Gym and Swim, but also encourage students to leave their comfort zones and be leaders in electives like Speech and our Peer-to-Peer class, in which a mentor student is matched with a special education student for one-on-one support.

After-School Programs

Ferndale Middle School school provides an active after-school program that includes additional opportunities to participate in sports. All sports are available for both 7th and 8th grade students who are eligible.