Oxbridge Middle

Welcome to Oxbridge Academy Middle

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey of growth, personal development, and endless discovery! Serving grades 6-8, Oxbridge Middle nurtures young minds, instills core values, and fuels curiosity through immersive instruction, exploration, and experiential learning. By embracing students earlier, we can lay a robust academic foundation, foster critical thinking skills, and cultivate well-rounded global citizens poised for success in the upper school and beyond. Join us at Oxbridge Middle and embark on a transformative educational journey that unlocks unlimited potential.

Oxbridge Middle is dedicated to delivering a world-class education in an enriching atmosphere. Students experience the same academic opportunities as in the upper school while being empowered to create clubs, engage in community outreach, and seamlessly immerse themselves in our Culture of Kindness. Fueling passions, students can try out for selective athletic teams and use a state-of-the-art health & wellness center to foster a holistic approach to education. Discover Oxbridge Middle where exceptional experiences, compassionate connections, and a vibrant school community await.

Rainey Wyatt

Middle School Director

CONTACT

Bio

Education:

B.S., History, Minor, Medieval Studies, Indiana University

M.L.S., Young Adult Literature/ Archival Studies, University of Kentucky

Brief Background:

Before joining Oxbridge Academy in 2013, Mrs. Wyatt spent four years as a middle and upper school librarian and teacher at Louisville Collegiate School. Prior to that, she spent five years at the Louisville Free Public Library as a librarian, managing a teens-only library and creating outreach and in-house programming at a number of public and private schools. With her advanced knowledge of literature, history, technology, and adolescent development, she was a regular guest lecturer at Spalding University and the University of Louisville Young Adult Literature classes.

Oxbridge Middle is a unique and stimulating space for young people. At Oxbridge, each student has multiple interests, talents, and abilities to be discovered and explored. We also believe success combines character development, confidence, lifelong curiosity, and academic achievement. Our carefully crafted middle school curriculum encourages and empowers self-discovery, covers a broad range of electives, and allows students who excel in subjects like math to take courses that challenge them. The curriculum, combined with a culture that actively values kindness and community, helps young students explore their passions and build foundational skills that will allow them to excel in our Upper School and the world beyond. Oxbridge is a fantastic place where students enthusiastically interact with their peers, the faculty, and the staff and enjoy attending school daily! When our students graduate from Oxbridge, we know they are prepared to meet the world boldly.

RAINEY WYATT - MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR

About Our Curriculum

Unlocking Boundless Potential

At Oxbridge Academy Middle, we integrate age-appropriate teaching methods with the resources of our Upper School to deliver an exceptional learning environment. Through an innovative approach, we offer distinctive opportunities that set us apart.

Humanities courses intertwine English and History to provide a captivating interdisciplinary approach. Students delve into historical figures and the creation of art and literature and receive lessons in civics, philosophy, geography, and more, offering a 360 perspective that transcends traditional standalone courses.
In Science classes, unit-based offerings leverage chemistry, physics, and biology labs, along with our vast campus and the great outdoor spaces of Florida.
Math classes align with our Upper School's curriculum, enabling students to excel beyond their grade level and challenging them with higher-level coursework.
Elective options, interdisciplinary projects, experiential learning, and enriching field trips help foster a deep understanding of possibilities and the interconnectedness of knowledge.

Complementing academic programs is a robust advisory program and character education, forming the bedrock of academia and student life to nurture well-rounded individuals who are academically engaged.

Grade 6 Curriculum

Grade 6 curriculum sets the foundation and expectations for success in middle school and beyond. Students can explore an array of subject matter in a broad and deep custom curriculum.

Grade 6 Courses:

Humanities: Ancient & Classical
Mathematics: Algebra*
Earth Science
World Languages: French AND Spanish
Performing & Visual Arts Wheel
Essential Skills: Latin & Technology
PE & Health

* Advanced Mathematics courses are available to those students who demonstrate aptitude and proficiency.

Grade 7 Curriculum

Grade 7 builds on the foundation of the previous year, giving students additional autonomy in their studies and more exposure to all the opportunities provided by Oxbridge Academy.

Grade 7 Courses:

Humanities: Medieval & Exploration
Mathematics: Algebra*
Life Science
World Languages: Choice of French OR Spanish
STEM Wheel
Essential Skills: Art & Study Skills
PE & Health

* Advanced Mathematics courses are available to those students who demonstrate aptitude and proficiency.

Grade 8 Curriculum

Grade 8 challenges students to expand their horizons and engage with the world. Students are able to choose electives based on their passions, and take on service projects that will prepare them for upper school and beyond.

Grade 8 Courses:

Humanities: United States
Mathematics: Geometry*
Physical Science
World Languages: Choice of French OR Spanish
Choice of Performing/Visual Arts OR STEM Specialty Elective
Entrepreneurship & Personal Project
PE & Health

* Advanced Mathematics courses are available to those students who demonstrate aptitude and proficiency.

Advisory Curriculum

Oxbridge Advisory is a place students can call home. Students will experience an age-appropriate balance of physical activity, leadership curriculum, study skills, and social and emotional guidance at each grade level. This is where faculty advisors get to know students holistically and act as the first point of contact for parents.

Clubs & Activities

Clubs and activities are where our mission has the opportunity to shine! Entirely student-created, every year, the club offerings reflect the students' interests. Student clubs like The Robotics Club show that letting students take the reins in some areas can benefit everyone involved.

Middle School Athletics

Oxbridge offers state-of-the-art facilities and competitive teams. Depending on the sport, middle schoolers can try out for a middle school, JV, or varsity team (not all levels are available for all sports). Our middle school students have found success in sports from basketball to equestrian and sailing! Middle schoolers have been key players on the varsity girls’ softball, cross country, track & field teams, and the boys’ tennis team.

The Oxbridge Academy admission team is available to answer your questions and help you through our streamlined application process.

Contact a team member at admission@oapb.org or 561-972-9826..

About Our Faculty

Errol Putigna

Middle School Spanish & Essential Skills Teacher

Bio

Education:

B.A., Spanish, Florida State University

Brief Background:

Born in Toronto to Italian parents, Mr. Putigna spent three years studying Spanish and classical/flamenco guitar in Spain. He also worked in Spain for the American Institute for Foreign Studies. Mr Putigna has traveled to 40 countries, and is passionate about teaching and sharing his experiences with his students. A member of the Oxbridge Academy faculty since 2012, he wants to invest in the future through education.

Mary Judith

Middle School Science Teacher

Bio

Education:

B.S., Biology, University of St. La Salle, Philippines

Brief Background:

Before joining Oxbridge Academy in 2021, Ms. Judith taught science to students in grades five through eight at the IDEAL School in Royal Palm Beach; grades seven and eight at Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach; AP biology at Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School in Dallas; IB science courses at the Independent Schools Foundation Academy in Hong Kong; and various science courses at schools in South Carolina.

Brenda Hatter

Middle School Art Teacher

Bio

Education:

B.A., Anthropology, University of South Florida

M.Ed, University of North Texas

M.Ed, Art Education, Pennsylvania West University (pending)

Brief Background:

After receiving an undergraduate degree, Ms. Hatter embarked on an artistic journey, honing her skills as a decorative artist for a renowned Italian-American ceramic company, splitting her time between Nove, Italy, and Tampa, Florida. She has always loved teaching whether it was while volunteering for a fine arts outreach program or here at Oxbridge Academy. She’s taught all levels of visual art and maintains an art studio in Palm Beach Gardens. Her work has been showcased nationwide and at The Orlando Museum of Art in various venues nationwide.

Christelle Monawar

Middle School French Teacher

Bio

Amanda Goldberg

Middle School Math Teacher

Bio

Jonathan Stellman

Middle School Humanities Teacher & Head Football Coach

Bio

Education:

B.A., English Literature, Florida State University

M.Ed., Educational Leadership, American College of Education

Brief Background:

Mr. Stellman has taught English and Social Science in the greater South Florida area for more than fifteen years, including stops at South Fork High School, Royal Palm Beach High School, Oxbridge Academy and The Greene School. In addition to teaching English, Mr. Stellman is Oxbridge Academy's head football coach.

Jason McCleod

Middle School Humanities & Essential Skills Teacher

Bio

Education:

B.S., Political Science, University of Pennsylvania

M.A., Communications, Sacred Heart University

Brief Background:

Mr. McCleod, a University of Pennsylvania and Sacred Heart University graduate, stands as the second Oxbridge Academy alum to join the faculty full-time at Oxbridge. His role encompasses teaching middle school humanities and serving as the defensive backs coach for the Oxbridge ThunderWolves football team.

At the University of Pennsylvania, Mr. McCleod showcased his athletic prowess, achieving star status on the football field. He made notable achievements, including three interceptions, 15 pass breakups (leading the Ivy League), and 18 passes defended (also leading the Ivy League and ranking him second in the country in passes defended per game), earning him All-Ivy League Second Team honors.

During his junior year at Oxbridge Academy, Mr. McCleod was named to the first All-County football team and a second-team All-State selection. He was also honored as a scholar-athlete and served as the class vice president during his senior year.

Shayla Smith

Middle School Humanities & Essential Skills Teacher

Bio

Education:

B.S., Environmental Studies,
Minor, Peace & Conflict Studies,
Swarthmore College

Brief Background:

Ms. Smith, a native of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is an accomplished educator and environmentalist with international experience, having studied environmental humanities in South Africa and East Asia. She showcased her expertise at the 2021 Association for the Study of Literature and Environment (ASLE) Conference. Her career in education began at Swarthmore College as a teaching assistant in Environmental Studies, followed by roles as a college counselor and Club Director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Additionally, Ms. Smith contributes her leadership skills as the assistant varsity cheerleading coach, demonstrating her commitment to youth development and team spirit.

Virginia Flannery

Middle School Spanish Teacher

Bio

Education:

B.A., Communications, University
of North Florida

State Teaching Certification, University of South Florida,
Florida Atlantic University

Brief Background:

Hailing from Jupiter, Florida, Ms. Flannery earned her B.A. in Communications from the University of North Florida.Her teaching career began unexpectedly when she taught English in Spain, a role that helped her discover her passion for education. Prior to joining Oxbridge Academy’s faculty, she served as a distinguished faculty member at Dwyer High School and Cardinal Newman High School.

Victor Concepcion

Middle School STEM Teacher

Bio

Education:

B.A., Digital Sound Design, SUNY Binghamton

M.S., Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology, SUNY Albany

Brief Background:

Mr. Concepcion is an experienced educator who brings two decades of pedagogical expertise to Oxbridge Academy. Having taught CompSci, Stem and Robotics at New York’s Independent Schools, Mr. Concepcion brings an indefatigable energy that fosters positivity and an engaging classroom environment.

He holds a Master of Science in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from The State University of New York. Here at Oxbridge Academy, Mr. Concepcion teaches a variety of classes, including Middle School STEM, Web Development, Python and Java. We are glad to have him onboard, and we enjoy his enthusiasm for all things STEM.

Ariel Chimelis

Middle School PE Teacher

Bio

Education:

B.S., Physical Education, Hunter College

M.S., Health Education, Hofstra University

Brief Background:

Mr. Chimelis brings a wealth of experience and passion for physical education to Oxbridge Academy as the Middle School PE teacher. With a dynamic background spanning various educational institutions, he has honed his skills and expertise in fostering student growth and athletic development. He previously served as a PE teacher, Assistant Athletic Director, and Lower School Dean of Students at The Pine School before transitioning to roles at Fort Pierce Central High School, where he instructed leadership and first-year seminar classes while coaching volleyball and softball. Prior to that, he held positions at Allen Stevenson and Palmer Trinity, where he excelled as a PE Department Chair and coach for baseball, basketball, and volleyball. His multifaceted experience showcases his dedication to physical education and underscores his commitment to student engagement and holistic development.

Tori Hodge

Middle School PE & Health Teacher

Bio

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply? Is there an application deadline?

Is the middle school separate from the upper school and have its own events and activities ?

Oxbridge Academy's Middle School, located in the North Building, houses classrooms, common areas, and the Dining Hall. Middle School students enjoy almost all Oxbridge Academy facilities and services, including state-of-the-art health and wellness programs, the math center, the writing center, and learning support services for students.

Middle school students can participate in school-wide activities, including spirit weeks and pep rallies. They will also have middle school-specific events, celebrations, and days of service.

Middle Schoolers do not participate in specific events, such as homecoming or prom. Additionally, college counseling is only available to upper-school students.

Is a student be able to take advanced, upper-level classes if they excel in a certain subject?

What electives are available to students?

Do you have a school nurse?

What does the schedule look like for middle school students?

Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders will have 80-minute block classes that alternate every day, except for Humanities, which students have every day. These 80-minute blocks allow for differentiated instructional methods and organically build in the potential for larger interdisciplinary projects. Students also have a daily advisory with a weekly rotation through study hall, advisory curriculum, and recess.