Middle Division Academics

In Middle Division (sixth to eighth grade), students grow comfortable in who they are and gain confidence in their potential. Our supportive, close-knit community surrounds students with every imaginable opportunity to discover and explore current and emerging talents, create meaningful friendships, and perform at their academic best. 

The Middle Division academic program is designed to help students develop executive functioning skills, cement study habits, strengthen their writing, increase problem-solving abilities, and grow into well-rounded, successful learners. Throughout the three years, they will read and comprehend complex texts, research advanced topics, practice public speaking in front of their peers, and more. For detailed descriptions of our classes, please see the Middle Division Curriculum Guide.

In Middle Division, Students Gain:

• academic acumen through a challenging and engaging curriculum

• artistic inspiration through classes like Design Arts, Studio Art, Theatre, and Music (a choice of Band, Orchestra, Bagpipes, or Choir)

• language acquisition in their choice of Spanish, French, Latin, or Mandarin Chinese

• advanced STEM knowledge through mathematics and science courses

• global perspectives on international community-service trips to the Dominican Republic or the Bahamas, and self-discovery through class trips to space camp, Savannah, and more

• guidance through weekly advisory, plus personalized counseling and academic support

• community service experience through year-long service projects focusing on sustainability, food insecurity, and homelessness, partnering with local organizations such as Metropolitan Ministries—and six full school days each year are spent doing community service activities

• collaborative opportunities within all subject areas, enhanced by state-of-the-art facilities such as the Smith Fabrication Studio, Stefanie’s Black Box Theatre, the Elder Digital Lab, and modern classrooms

• a weeklong orientation for all three grade levels (experiential class bonding to build character, grit, and resilience), including a trip to North Carolina for eighth graders

• the freedom to explore unique interests and passions through co-curriculars like student clubs and athletic teams

• opportunities to step up as leaders within their student clubs, athletic teams, Spiritual Life, and more

• access to the latest technology to enhance learning 

• opportunities to learn a new skill or hone a craft through electives like Debate, First LEGO League, Digital Design, Guitar, and Philosophy

• the chance to compete at exciting events such as Middle Division Field Day, Battle of the Books, and Cope/Mitre contests