We know that no two students learn in the same way, so we individualize our program to help each student find success. In the classroom, teachers utilize creative approaches so that students not only learn conceptually, but they also learn how to learn effectively. Through our small class sizes, engaging teacher/student relationships, and genuine concern for each student, we emphasize social & emotional growth through personal relationships, academic excellence through critical thinking, and commitment to community through leadership and extra-curricular opportunities.
Classes are taught using different teaching techniques such as small-group discussions; lecturing/note-taking; or assigning and supervising collaborative, hands-on, independent study projects, all of which give students a well-rounded foundation upon which they can build successful futures. The Middle School has a 1:1 laptop program, which allows classes to integrate the use of technology for activities such as note taking, study skills, organization, presentations, and much more.
Our students are guided and supported to learn who they are and how they learn best. A healthy mix of academic challenges and personal growth opportunities keeps the students focused on reaching their personal best all the while being their best selves.
Curriculum Overview
Sixth Grade
Sixth grade is a year is full of creativity, curiosity, and endless opportunity. We have the pleasure to discover ancient civilizations that ruled our Earth thousands of years ago and devour literature that will expose us to complex and mesmerizing characters. Students not only learn about the past but experience it through real-life simulations, cultural art projects, and drama. The annual Egyptian skit and Greek Wax museum allow sixth graders to step back in time and transform into captivating historical figures! Science allows us to discover ecosystems, renewable energy, and the structure of our Earth. Our annual field trip to the Pali Institute is where our students get to see their science textbook come to life while learning about astronomy, geology, ecology, and leadership through various hands-on activities! Sixth grade mathematics is designed to be a bridge from elementary mathematics to more abstract mathematical reasoning. The mathematics curriculum is designed for students to hone their problem solving skills and solidify the fundamentals necessary for pre-algebra and algebra. Moreover, Sixth Grade is a year where students learn how to be independent thinkers and acquire the skills necessary to flourish and succeed throughout future school years.
Meet
Mrs. Mahoney
Teaching has brought an immeasurable amount of joy and happiness to my life. I believe every child is gifted and talented in their own way and it is an honor to guide them in achieving their full academic potential. I strive to teach the whole child not only cognitively, but socially, physically, and emotionally as well. I’ve taught for many years in the Redondo Beach Unified and Palo Alto Unified School Districts where I served on various committees including school leadership, textbook adoption, and Program Quality Review teams. I also have a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Language Development Specialist certificate. I am trained in Lindamood Bell and a Cogmed Working Memory coach.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jim, and my two daughters. I love to travel, cook, and am currently learning the game of golf…but I think that will be a life long challenge!
Sixth Grade Academics
Language Arts
Sixth graders build English and language arts skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Using the Teachers College Reading and Writing program, students are given a strong foundation in persuasive, informative, creative, and responsive writing assignments. There is an integration of grammar, spelling, and vocabulary skills in each unit as well as an interdisciplinary connection to the science and social studies curriculum. Mentor texts and book club novels vary each year and are selected according to students’ interests. It is the aim of this program to promote confident independent readers, thinkers, and writers.
Math
Sixth grade mathematics is designed to be a bridge from elementary mathematics to more abstract mathematical reasoning pertaining to the concepts of decimals, integers, fractions, and exponents. Students are introduced to algebraic equations and analyze graphs to solve problems involving rates and proportions. They deepen their understanding of geometric concepts and analyze statistical measurements for data sets. Students gain a complete body of math knowledge, not just a discrete set of skills, so they can comprehend the "why" behind the numbers and algorithms. The concepts are presented and explored through a combination of class examples, individual practice problems, small group oriented problem solving tasks, and projects.
Science
The middle school science program engages students in scientific practices as they experience, investigate, model, and explain phenomena while learning core ideas and engaging in concepts that cross disciplinary boundaries. Students build understanding by connecting ideas from lesson to lesson, from module to module, and across the middle grades. In 6th grade, students investigate four main questions: Why is weather so hard to predict?; How do humans impact the Earth?; What's going on inside of me?; Why do organisms look the way they do?
Social Studies
Sixth graders are introduced to ancient world history and study significant periods of time that have altered and shaped human society, such as the Agriculture Revolution and Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Asian empires. Students also analyze the formation of Jewish, Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist religions and their contributions to the world. In-depth simulations and hands-on projects provide opportunities to learn beyond the textbook.
Curricular Enrichment
The following subjects are integrated into the sixth grade schedule:
Spanish, Physical Education, Robotics, Visual and Performing Arts, Studio Art, Instrumental Music, Drama, Technology, Leadership, and Organizational Skills.
Outdoor Education
Sixth graders go on a trip to Pali Institute and visit the Getty Museum.
6th Blog
Our sixth grade class pitched their business ideas Shark Tank style! Each student came up with creative inventions and determined how much money they need to borrow from the “sharks” and how much equity of their company they were willing to give up. They had fun and learned about public speaking, entrepreneurship, valuations, equity, and more! Before their presentations, a former producer of Shark Tank, Ian Sambor, met with the class via Zoom to give advice and talk about the show!
6th Grade Sample Schedule
Seventh Grade
Middle school is a unique and exciting time of change. In the classroom, teachers utilize creative approaches so that students not only learn conceptually, but they also learn how to learn effectively. Through our small class sizes, engaging teacher/student relationships, and genuine concern for each student, we emphasize social and emotional growth through personal relationships, academic excellence through critical thinking, and commitment to community through leadership and extra-curricular opportunities. Classes are taught using different teaching techniques such as small-group discussions; lecturing/note-taking; or assigning and supervising collaborative, hands-on, independent study projects, all of which give students a well-rounded foundation upon which they can build successful futures.
We see Middle School as a great time of discovery. Our students are guided and supported to learn who they are and how they learn best. A healthy mix of academic challenges and personal growth opportunities keeps the students focused on reaching their personal best all the while being their best selves.
Seventh Grade Academics
Language Arts
Seventh graders build English and language arts skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Using the Teachers College Reading and Writing program, students are given a strong foundation in persuasive, informative, creative, and responsive writing assignments. There is an integration of grammar, spelling, and vocabulary skills in each unit as well as an interdisciplinary connection to the science and social studies curriculum. Mentor texts and book club novels vary each year and are selected according to students’ interests. It is the aim of this program to promote confident, independent readers, thinkers, and writers.
Math
This pre-algebra course bridges students’ thinking from basic mathematical applications to abstract problem solving. Seventh Grade mathematics focuses on algebraic expressions using integers and one step equations while manipulating exponents, fractions, decimals, and percentages. Students create scale models of every-day objects and work with two and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume. Seventh graders analyze data and communicate ideas in both oral and written form while evaluating alternative mathematical approaches and interpreting results. All mathematical concepts are presented and explored through a combination of class examples, individual practice problems, small group oriented problem solving tasks, and projects.
Science
The middle school science program engages students in scientific practices as they experience, investigate, model, and explain phenomena while learning core ideas and engaging in concepts that cross disciplinary boundaries. Students build understanding by connecting ideas from lesson to lesson, from module to module, and across the middle grades. In 7th grade, students investigate four main questions and topics: What makes up Earth's natural resources?; How can old substances become new substances?; What do I have in common with planet Earth?; What can cause population change?
7th Grade Outdoor Education
Seventh graders go on a trip to WOLF Camp where they learn about leadership and team building.
Curricular Enrichment
The following subjects are integrated into the seventh grade weekly schedule:
Spanish, Physical Education, Coding, and Music
Electives:
Robotics, Visual and Performing Arts, Studio Art, Instrumental Music, Digital Game Design, Technology, Leadership, Digital Music Composition, and Computer Programming
Social Studies
Seventh graders continue their journey through ancient world history where the left off after 6th grade. We cover the rise and fall of ancient civilizations such as Rome, China, Japan, Aztec, Inca, Maya, Islam, Africa, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era. Our seventh graders are also exposed to ancient lifestyles through simulations and many hands-on projects.
7th Grade Sample Schedule
Eighth Grade
Middle school is a unique and exciting time of change. In the classroom, teachers utilize creative approaches so that students not only learn conceptually, but they also learn how to learn effectively. Through our small class sizes, engaging teacher/student relationships, and genuine concern for each student, we emphasize social and emotional growth through personal relationships, academic excellence through critical thinking, and commitment to community through leadership and extra-curricular opportunities. Classes are taught using different teaching techniques such as small-group discussions; lecturing/note-taking; or assigning and supervising collaborative, hands-on, independent study projects, all of which give students a well-rounded foundation upon which they can build successful futures.
We see Middle School as a great time of discovery. Our students are guided and supported to learn who they are and how they learn best. A healthy mix of academic challenges and personal growth opportunities keeps the students focused on reaching their personal best all the while being their best selves.
Eighth Grade Academics
Humanities
Native American cultures, African kingdoms, European exploration, the War of Independence, and the foundation of American government are analyzed and related back to current events. Eighth Graders take part in social justice conversations, formal presentations, and hands-on projects which provide opportunities to learn beyond the textbook. It is the aim of the eighth grade humanities program to promote independent readers, thinkers, and writers.
Math
Students in the eighth grade have a few options to accommodate the various levels. We offer courses in Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2. Many of our students enter high school at well above Freshman expectations.
Science
Eighth grade science consists of four units each incorporating life, physical, and earth science as well as engineering within each unit. Each unit contains many different phenomena for students to investigate, explain, or problem-solve through project-based learning in which students work in teams to tackle complex, real-world issues through rigorous, long-term projects.
8th Grade Trips and Outdoor Education
The Eighth graders will embark on a couple of trips throughout the year. In the Fall, the students go to the Channel Islands National Park Sea Cave where there are the best coastlines for kayaking. In the Spring, the 8th graders finish the year with a trip to Washington D.C.
Curricular Enrichment
The following subjects are integrated into the eighth grade weekly schedule:
Spanish, Physical Education, Coding, and Music
Electives:
Robotics, Visual and Performing Arts, Studio Art, Instrumental Music, Digital Game Design, Technology, Leadership, Digital Music Composition, and Computer Programming
8thGrade Sample Schedule
Middle School Teachers
Mrs. Mahoney
Middle School Teacher
Teaching has brought an immeasurable amount of joy and happiness to my life. I firmly hold the belief that each child possesses unique gifts and talents, making it a privilege to accompany them on their journey toward realizing their full academic potential. I'm dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of every student, encompassing their cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. I love teaching at PHS and taught in the Redondo Beach Unified and Palo Alto Unified School Districts as well. I have a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and strive to be a lifelong learner both professionally and personally.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jim, and my two daughters. I love to travel, cook, and am currently learning the game of golf...but I think that will be a perpetual challenge!
Mr. Ahn
Middle School Teacher
In 1993, I began working as an associate teacher at Peninsula Heritage School. At that time, enrichment classes were introduced. Our former Head of School, Mrs. Cailler, and I taught enrichment Language Arts and Math respectively. I also offered tutoring sessions, ISEE test prep seminars, as well as after-school chess classes. I held this position for 11 years. After a decade of pursuing other endeavors, my heart led me back to PHS. I attended Marymount for a degree in Education but ultimately earned a Bachelor of Science from California State University of Long Beach in Electronic Engineering. Currently, I am the 8th Grade homeroom teacher.
In my free time, Lisa and I love raising our two PHS students, Kayden and Kylie. We enjoy traveling, camping, golfing, and fishing, as well as all that our beautiful South Bay has to offer.
Mrs. Judd
Middle School Teacher
Throughout my life, I have had a passion for teaching and coaching children and young adults. Everyone has a different and unique style of learning and that is the mindset I bring to the classroom. My goal is to differentiate the material to fit each individual enabling them not only to have success but also have fun while learning. Middle school is full of so many changes and I do my best to provide students with the support they need in all areas.
I was born and raised in the South Bay and I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration from California State University, Long Beach. Peninsula Heritage School has been a home to me a few different times over the years, as it was my very first place of employment right after high school in 2004. I also returned for a quick stay in 2012 before my daughter was born. I coached volleyball, both club and high school, for quite a few years before moving into the medical field as an Emergency Medical Technician. I returned to PHS in 2017 and blended my love of teaching and medical response background as an ALICE Certified Trainer.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband Mike, daughter Kinley, and the rest of my family. I love family barbeques and playing outdoor games, vacationing in Palm Springs and the Kern River, and playing and watching sports...GO COLTS!!!
Mrs. Banales
Language Arts Teacher
Watching my students thrive in the light of knowledge is one of my greatest joys. With over thirty years of experience in education, I still look forward with great anticipation to every September and the promise it brings. Giving my students opportunities to expand their skill acquisition through creative alternatives, while maintaining a high academic standard, is my constant endeavor in the classroom. My objectives are simple: inspire, explore possibilities, and employ acquired knowledge with joy and vigor. I possess a great love for the arts and pride myself in my ability to incorporate my talents within our academic curriculum. Continually striving to challenge myself, I expect no less from my students.
After receiving my education from Cal State Long Beach, I have taught in both public and private school settings; instructing children from preschool through sixth grade. In addition to my formal education, I regularly attend conferences to study and execute differentiated instruction practices within the classroom.
I currently live in Long Beach with my husband and my two talented daughters. In addition to teaching, I enjoy all that life has to offer. “History vacations,” attending the theatre, communing with nature, reading, and utilizing my creative talents are all activities that nurture my well-being.
Mrs. Wilson
Science Teacher
I have been teaching hands-on science in our Middle School science lab as a member of the PHS faculty. Previously I was involved with presenting science experiments in the classroom for nine years when both of my children attended Peninsula Heritage (graduated 2003 and 2006). I attended UCLA and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. At that time, I was interested in becoming a veterinarian or a medical illustrationist. I love animals and have had menageries of pets from snakes to chinchillas. I was even a breeder of stick insects and supplied the Natural History Museum with baby stick insects for their insect zoo.
When I worked as a lab technician in the histology lab at the UCLA School of Medicine for four years, I became interested in the field of dentistry and received my Doctorate in Dental Surgery from USC in 1981. After working for a couple of decades, I retired from dental practice and was fortunate to be offered a position at Peninsula Heritage School.
I love teaching our children and enriching their enthusiasm to learn about the wonders of science. Presenting scientific concepts in a fun and memorable way is very enriching to both the students as well as myself. I am a bit of a geek. I enjoy playing with gadgets that enhance scientific concepts (my home is full of them). I am addicted to Legos and building models. And I really enjoy playing board games with my family and friends - my favorite is Dominion.
Mrs. Behrens
Algebra Teacher
Following a wonderful childhood in Erie, Pennsylvania, I have spent most of my adult life in Palos Verdes. After earning a bachelor of science in business administration from Northwestern University, I continued with MBA courses while working at a major Chicago bank. The arrival of our four daughters and the move to California preceded my entry into the private school world. In addition to being part of a great administrative team as Director of Advancement at PHS, I also enjoy teaching algebra or geometry to our 8th graders, using the mathematics knowledge and training from my collegiate undergraduate and graduate courses. In the community, I am active in the Palos Verde Peninsula Rotary Club, The Circle of the Palos Verdes Art Center, and my church. I hold a graduate-level certification from UCLA in college admissions counseling and enjoy my extended family, researching our genealogy, reading biographies and histories, traveling abroad, and following professional golf and college football!
Ms. Allen
Spanish Teacher
My name is Adeline Allen and I feel extremely grateful to have the role of teaching Spanish at PHS. I am a Los Angeles native and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers!) to pursue a degree in Communication Arts and Spanish language. While in college I decided to go even further from home and study at the Complutense University of Madrid. I fell in love with the country and the culture so I decided to return to Spain after college to pursue my passion of teaching. I taught English at Collegi Lestonnac Tarragona to students ages one to fourteen. I returned home to California to teach First and Third Grade in San Jose. I have been at PHS for three years now and have loved absolutely every minute of it. I am constantly learning from my students and my coworkers. When I’m not teaching you can find me tasting foods and seeing other parts of the world - my latest endeavors took me to Greece! When I’m home I am always outside soaking up sun or spending time with my adorable pup!
Mr. Miller
Music Teacher
I was first exposed to music because my parents and other influential people encouraged me to try every instrument I could get my hands on, eventually finding out which instruments worked well for me. That's why music at PHS is a "hands-on" experience!
I received my B.A. in Music at Cal State Dominguez Hills and my B.S. in Organizational Leadership at Biola University. I joined PHS as a Music Teacher in 2006 and have loved every year of sharing the joy of music with these wonderful students.
Mr. Lechuga
Coding Teacher
I began working at Peninsula Heritage School in 2017 as an IT Associate. I have since become the Director of Technology and now teach 7th grade Geometry and 8th grade Algebra II, and have also taught Algebra I and Pre-Algebra.
Prior to working at PHS, I worked as a Computer Technician for PVPUSD for 4 years.
Teaching and working with technology is always fun and interesting, but also I enjoy spending my time at home with my wife Keelin and our 2 dogs. We love traveling and experiencing the wonderful variety of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes around the world. I also love to hike, visit friends and family, listen to music, and watch sports and movies.