The middle school instructional program provides a wide variety of opportunities for students experiencing rapid changes. Core and music classes meet for an entire year, while elective courses meet for a semester, all in an effort to provide age-appropriate learning experiences. All courses are taught in accordance with locally developed curriculum guides and Virginia Standards of Learning objectives. Middle schools also provide opportunities for students to participate in extra-curricular activities.

Each middle school is staffed by a principal, an assistant principal, and an instructional coordinator who are responsible for the supervision of the daily operation and instructional program of the school. Counseling programs are provided by two counselors who assist students in educational planning. Core academic teachers are provided to schools based on an average teaching responsibility of 125 students, and each school is provided teachers for the same elective classes. Band, chorus and physical education teachers are provided within the required ratio of the Virginia Standards of Accreditation.

The program is structured to provide a transition from the elementary school to the middle school while preparing students for high school. Schools operate on an eight period, alternate day schedule. Each class meets every other day for approximately 90 minutes. These longer blocks of instructional time are designed to facilitate differentiated learning activities that increase student engagement and promote critical thinking. Each student is assigned to a team of teachers. Teams range in size from three to five teachers at the sixth and enth grade levels, and four or more teachers at the eighth grade level. The team operates like a school-within-a-school. Each team provides academic instruction, sets aside time to meet with parents, provides special activities for their students, and establishes team practices within school policy.