Academics
TMI provides its students with a classic, fundamental college-preparatory education. In addition to the core curriculum, students are required to take one year of fine arts, and one year of religion. The Middle School program follows a similar track and includes a strong study skills component to prepare students for success in the upper grades.
The academic program is overseen by a committed faculty that includes a solid core of veteran teachers, augmented in recent years by several new appointments. TMI teachers are encouraged to develop close relationships with their students, a process that is facilitated by the 8:1 student-teacher ratio and an average class size of 15.
Additionally, each student is assigned a faculty advisor (8-10 students per adviser) who monitors academic progress, assists with course and activity choices, represents the student in academic or disciplinary situations, and communicates regularly with parents.
Testing
The objectives of our testing program are to estimate the potential for academic success of students applying for admission to TMI; to assess the academic progress of our students; and to measure the effectiveness of our teaching. We have selected tests that will produce adequate information without overwhelming our students with a large quantity of tests. We currently use the following:
- ISEE — administered to students applying for admission to TMI
- CTPIV — administered in April to students in grades 6-9
- PSAT — administered in October to students in grades 10 and 11
- WRAP — administered in January to students in grades 8 and 10
- SAT — required for students in grades 11 and 12
- AP — administered in May to students who have taken Advanced Placement courses
In addition, TMI students are required to pass the Assessment of Basic English Skills (ABES) in order to receive a TMI diploma. The initial opportunity to pass the ABES occurs at the end of the 8th grade. There are additional opportunities offered, as well as remediation classes, every year.
