“The goal is to expand horizons, build curiosity, and provide formative experiences that linger long after Middle School.”Erin Cerezo, Director of Lower and Middle School
Summit to Success: Elevating Curiosity and Exploration in Middle School at CSS
At The Colorado Springs School, Middle School Passion Classes spark curiosity by giving students seminar-style experiences that broaden learning beyond traditional academics.
“The goal is to expand horizons, build curiosity, and provide formative experiences that linger long after Middle School,” said Erin Cerezo, Director of Lower and Middle School. “What began as an experiment in student-driven learning has quickly become the highlight of the week, and the foundation is now set to grow future offerings.”
Launched this year after gathering input from students and teachers, the vision was simple yet powerful: a twice-weekly class where students could dive into a current passion—or try something completely new. Guided by surveys and discussions, faculty shaped the offerings by blending student interests with teacher expertise and enthusiasm.
On Mondays and Fridays, the mornings are filled with energy and creativity in classes such as Outdoor Skills, Mountain Biking, Games & Strategy, Miniature Architecture, Weights & Sports Nutrition, and Global Sports.
“These semester-long courses allow students to engage in two passion classes per year—six throughout their Middle School journey—ensuring exposure to experiential learning, unique skills, and unexpected avenues of interest,” Ms. Cerezo said.
Outdoor Skills gives students hands-on experience with practical wilderness techniques they can apply on CSS trips—and beyond. From building tarp shelters and coiling ropes to learning knots and anchor systems for rappelling, students practice essential outdoor skills.
“The goal is to teach them skills they can use on our outdoor trips—and in everyday life,” said Teacher Amos White, citing examples like securing furniture or setting up booths for school events. Safety is a key focus, with lessons on altitude illness, lightning, and wilderness first aid, alongside fire building, Dutch oven cooking, backpacking, and river navigation.
Eighth grader Ellie B. chose the class to prepare for Walkabout, a 10-day expedition through Utah’s canyon and river country that emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and personal growth for 8th graders. She's already applied skills she’s learned. “I used it for tying up stands at the Carnival and for posters when volunteering for the Humane Society,” she said. “The class is fun because we get to do it hands-on.”
In Weights & Sports Nutrition, students meet twice a week in the weight room to lift, learn, and explore the science of fueling their bodies. They practice strength exercises—bench presses, curls, pull-ups, and push-ups—while learning how proper nutrition supports movement, builds muscle, and provides long-term energy.
“We’re looking to see students gain a greater body of knowledge of nutrition and their understanding of their own body and how it grows,” Teacher David Hillman said. “Hopefully, their energy levels increase as well, and their ability to focus.”
Over the semester, students track their personal records, seeing measurable growth in strength, energy, and focus. “I’m learning really good form for curls and bench presses,” said 8th grader Milo K. “I like how we can set goals. My goal is to get 12 reps on the bench press. I’m at eight right now, but I’m getting there.”
In Games & Strategy, students explore game theory, strategy, and real-world applications through interactive games like Jeopardy, Werewolf, and Sardines. The class emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and calm decision-making.
Teacher Deedle Murray encourages students to connect lessons from games to academics and life. After a recent Jeopardy game, she explained, “When you’re taking a test, you need a strategy: look over the whole thing, breathe, and get a sense of the questions. Answer the ones you know first, then come back to the others. The most important thing is to remain calm and really see what’s being asked.”
Murray also highlights collaboration: “There’s strategy in working together—whether you’re playing a game or navigating life.”
Global Sports introduces students to a wide variety of athletic games from around the world, combining hands-on play with lessons in rules, strategy, and cultural context. Students begin with accessible sports like basketball, tetherball, and four-square, learning not only how to play but also how these games are approached in different regions.
The class also explores the global reach of sports, from fan bases in India and Europe to major international competitions such as the World Cup and the Olympics. Students discuss sports history, including ancient games in the Coliseum, and examine how games have evolved over time.
“The idea is to introduce them to a wider range of what they’re probably exposed to, really introducing, exposing, and understanding different sports around the world,” Teacher Andrew Stevick said.
Miniature Architecture challenges students to put basic engineering principles into practice. Each week, Teacher David Hillman presents a new task: building bridges and structures that span gaps and support increasing weights, starting with generous materials and gradually working with less. Materials range from cardboard and straws to tape, hot glue, spaghetti, marshmallows, and even candy.
“He’s teaching us about bridges and how they should be built to carry a lot of weight,” 6th grader Emma Jay P. said. “We’re learning how triangles are the strongest shape to build the bridge work, so we’re making bridges out of triangles. It’s very fun. I love the class.”
Mr. Hillman encourages experimentation and creative problem-solving, emphasizing design, structural integrity, and collaboration. “They start with lots of material,” he said, “and then we ask, ‘Can you do the same thing with less? How would that change the design?’”
In Mountain Biking, students combine hands-on practice with academic learning. Theory lessons on Mondays cover bike components, including their names, the purpose of shocks, and the importance of safety gear such as helmets and gloves.
“They’re learning about the whole sport, but with an academic touch,” said Teacher Alfonso Jimenez. Students recently created bike safety posters that are displayed around campus.
On Fridays, students put their knowledge into practice, such as riding safely, practicing ascending and descending on both campus trails and the nearby neighborhood. "We're learning how to be safe on a mountain bike and how to ride properly," said 6th grader Adithya E. "He's a really fun teacher, and we get to ride with him."
Through these diverse offerings, Middle School Passion Classes at CSS nurture curiosity, skill-building, and experiential learning, giving students the freedom to explore, create, and grow in meaningful ways.
Save the Dates for Upcoming Summit to Success Events in the Trianon
October 8, 8:00-9:00 a.m.: Elevating Student Wellness at CSS
October 15, 5:00-6:30 p.m.: Elevating Academic Excellence in Upper School
November 6, 8:00-9:00 a.m.: Elevating STEM & Innovation at CSS
