Students choose from a variety of fun, focused, and in-depth courses.

Did you know that for the past 25 years, our Middle School students embark on exciting adventures during the week before spring break for the much beloved annual mini-courses? Students choose from a variety of fun, focused, and in-depth courses that combine hands-on field trips and classroom discussions. Courses give students the opportunity to delve deep and learn about their topic in a unique, unforgettable way.

Each year, the mini-courses evolve to fit current trends and students' interests. Our teachers offer something for everyone, reflecting their own skills and interests in art, technology, global cultures, music, science, the outdoors, sustainability, service learning, and more. In the past couple of years, we have added both domestic and international overnight trips too. See what's in store for 2020. Take a look!

Students explain how the schedule provides them freedom to manage their homework, social life and clubs at school.

The Middle School schedule was developed using five guiding principles: quality learning time, healthy pace for students, access to program, collaboration time and community time.

Our schedule was designed with the interest of our students at the center, and includes exciting features such as 60 minute class periods and four classes in a day, an hour for lunch and recess, and time for collaboration with classmates and teachers. How does this transform the school experience for a middle schooler?

Teacher recommendations are a key component of most independent school admission decision making.  While grades provide a mark of actual achievement in a class, teacher recommendations provide the context and the insight a simple grade cannot.  

Imagine two scenarios.  The student has a B+ in math, which seems perfectly respectful.  In one scenario, the recommendation helps the admission committee realize that the student has missed some homework assignments and the teacher feels they are capable of much more but that the student has ‘settled’ for the B+.  In the second scenario, the admission 

Maybe you noticed that this blog hasn’t been updated in a few weeks? Just asking for a friend. This is the time of year when it is very hard for me to stay focused. It seems the busier I get, the harder it is for me to actually accomplish important tasks. I’m seeing (and fearing) the same for my kids too. If I can’t get away with mailing it in until the end of the year, neither can they. As a focused school employee—and motivated parent looking for ways to support my less than motivated student—I consulted with our Upper School Learning Specialists Anne Sellon and Kathryn Roessler, on how to survive thrive through the end of the school year.