Middle School - Grades 5-8
The Middle School helps each student discover and develop their own special talents while refining the essential skills needed to function in a challenging academic environment.
The academic program is supplemented with daily physical education classes, a full performing and fine arts curriculum, trips of many kinds and explorations into co-curricular activities. We emphasize effective and compassionate communication, consideration and tolerance of others, the development of teamwork and the strengthening of one's value system.
The school program is a full and busy one. All students take classes in the fundamental academic disciplines, as well as art, music, computer, physical education, character development, keyboarding skills and a wide range of short-term elective courses. The program is supplemented by a diversified assembly program; interesting day and overnight trips; major dramatic productions; special math, social studies and science competitions; internal and external community service projects; and an energetic student council program. The After School Program is available at the end of the day.
Classes are small, each student has an advisor, and the reporting system allows for specialized narratives at narrowly spaced intervals—all of which help assure parents that the progress of their child is being closely followed. A strong counseling program reinforces the work of the advisor and Class Dean and provides parents with additional resources within the school.
We believe passionately in the right of each student to take advantage of every aspect of the school program. We therefore hope to create an educational environment in which each person is genuinely valued, respected, included and feels a sense of belonging.
Timothy B. Weymouth
Head of Middle School
Handbook
The Middle School Handbook outlines the student experience and expectations for families—and it is also helpful for prospective parents in understanding life in the Middle School.
Middle School Highlights
98%
of seventh and eighth graders participate in band, strings or chorus
20+
Middle School student clubs are built into the academic schedule
38
faculty members
65%
advanced degrees
3
learning specialists
Advisory program starts in Middle School
Building excursions for the team and leadership
Class Trips to Cape Henlopen, Washington, D.C., French Trip to Quebec and Spanish Trip to Puerto Rico
Rich extracurricular: Art, woodshop, technology and theater classes
Gym every day for fifth and sixth graders
Three season Middle School athletes starting in 7th grade
2
school psychologists
3
Middle and Upper School learning specialists at the Teaching and Learning Center
Academic coaching, study skills, test taking tips and writing are built into the schedule
Curriculum
The Middle School curriculum is designed to cultivate each student’s unique interests and talents, as well as to prepare them for future academic success. Our rigorous academic program is supplemented with a full fine arts curriculum, physical education classes, service learning projects, co-curricular activities and numerous student leadership opportunities. Small class sizes and a dynamic advisory system ensure that our students’ academic and developmental needs are carefully accommodated as they tackle increasingly challenging course loads. Upon entering the ninth grade, our students share an enthusiasm for learning; they are highly literate, able to compute easily and accurately, and are independent thinkers and enthusiastic collaborators.
