About Eastern Middle School

    growAt Eastern, we believe


                        • Every student and staff member will grow.

                        • Students from all backgrounds and in each of our programs deserve the challenge of rigorous thinking through high-quality instruction.

                        • Strong relationships between students, staff and families will inspire each to exceed expectations and journey beyond what they once thought possible. 

    "Strong vibes. Bold minds. Real growth, every day."

     

    Special Programs

    Eastern has many special programs designed to enhance our instructional offerings and meet the diverse linguistic, academic, cultural, and socio-economic needs of our students and community.

    • The Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) program provides support for English Language Learners who have had limited and/or interrupted education. It offers the linguistic, academic, and cultural supports they need to facilitate articulation to non-sheltered classes.
    • The  Humanities and Communication Magnet Program serves motivated students who typically exceed middle school academic measures and are selected through the lottery process. This program welcomes students from a geographic area that spans half of Montgomery County.
    • The Social Emotional Special Education Services (SESES) program supports students with an IEP who have emotional disabilities..
    • The Learning and Academic Disabilities (LAD) program serves students with an IEP who require academic support to achieve success
    • The Linkages to Learning program is a community school partnership that focuses on health, social services, mental health, and community engagement to support student learning, strong families and a healthy community.
    • The Montgomery County Career Advising Program (MOCOCAP) helps MCPS students develop the skills needed to manage their careers throughout their lifetimes.

    Eastern is a special place that transcends labels, where students receiving services often thrive in classes across the school and participate in multiple programs that address the full complexity of each learner.

     

    Building History

    Eastern Jr. High School, as it was originally named, was built in 1951. Westland Jr. High School was built that same year. Together, they were the third and fourth middle schools in Montgomery County with only the Takoma-Silver Spring School and the Takoma Park Jr. High predating them. Both Eastern and Westland were named for the geographic areas of Montgomery County that they served.

      

    Physical Environment

    Though our foundation is aging, our physical environment still represents the culture of our students, staff, and community. There is a circle that welcomes parents and students outside the front of the building adorned by a beautiful garden that is maintained through a partnership with local gardeners and our student volunteers. Eastern is a two-story building with an “H” shaped structure. The top open space of the “H” holds our courtyard that provides a sanctuary for our students and staff, as well as, a haven for our science explorations. The student generated and funded mural decorating our hallway was completed by artist Helina Metaferia last year and depicts 100 years of work and play as a middle school student. Even our media center is furnished with large plush chairs and stools to create a warm, comfortable, and inviting area for learning. These little oasis-like areas create places people want to be. However, there are a number of barren walls and institutional hallways. Most of Eastern’s classrooms boast Smart Boards to engage students in the learning process.