Middle School
The unmistakable energy of our Middle School—vibrant, joyful, and nurturing—encourages students to challenge themselves in academics, explore new interests, and take intellectual risks. During these years, our students become increasingly comfortable articulating their ideas and values as they begin to realize their immense capacity to contribute—not merely to the school, but also to the community and the larger world. Within this framework, we offer a comprehensive academic program that focuses on the mastery of core academic subjects: language arts/English, mathematics, science, social studies/history, and world language. In addition, a range of coursework in fine arts, performing arts, Makerspace, and technology provides a well-rounded school experience, allowing students to discover new interests and develop existing ones. Throughout the curriculum, students acquire essential skills for increasingly rigorous academic work—learning how to take effective notes, read and analyze complex texts, study for assessments, and organize their thoughts and their time. Complementing the academic program are after-school offerings in the fine and performing arts, in-school clubs, athletics, and community service. These activities are a vital part of the Middle School experience, allowing students to connect with others around a common interest, explore new interests, collaborate, and lead. The Middle School also offers a faculty-led study hall until 5:30 p.m. daily, where students can complete homework assignments, see teachers for extra help, or work on group projects. There is no additional fee for participation in study hall or most extracurricular activities in the Middle School.
Program Highlights Homeroom Teachers/Advisors - Every student is assigned an advisor who is the homeroom teacher. Homeroom teachers oversee and support each student’s academic progress, maintain regular contact with parents, teachers, and coaches, and assist students in all areas of school life. In addition to meeting with students during structured times, they informally check in with their students during classes, breaks, meals, and sporting events. Homeroom teachers serve as the first point of contact between a student’s parents and the school. Parents are encouraged to talk with their child’s homeroom teacher about questions or concerns and to share information that may affect the student’s life at the school. Character Awareness/Social and Emotional Learning - In the words of one of our Middle School science teachers, “There is an unspoken code at Gill: work hard, be joyful, and help one another.” During the Middle School years, our students increasingly recognize the critical roles they play—as individuals and in groups—in fostering and shaping the school community. The focus on community building is woven into every aspect of our program, founded on the understanding that thriving communities do not just appear; they require thoughtful work and a willingness to show consideration and respect for others. Through advisory and classroom discussions, community service efforts, Town Meetings, and everyday lunch-time conversations, students have opportunities to consider how their actions and attitudes may affect others. In Seminar, students also engage in social emotional topics. We also focus on one virtue each month, giving students a chance to thoughtfully consider what that virtue, or its absence, might look like—how it might be manifested in everyday life right here in our school community, and through the characters we study in history, literature, and the larger world. Teachers encourage students to learn from their mistakes and move forward. Along the way, teachers help students think through their behaviors and develop healthy strategies for resolving differences. Although the faculty guide the discussions, it is genuinely the students who take the lead, seeing themselves as ambassadors for, and contributors to, our wonderful Middle School community. Community Service - Community service is a natural extension of our emphasis on character awareness, citizenship, inclusion, kindness, and respect. While service is an integral part of the curriculum, during the Middle School years, students begin to take ownership of service activities: identifying a need and designing and implementing a solution. Several clubs, including Half the Sky Club, the Farm and Garden Club, and Reading Buddies, are centered around service activities. Whether organizing a food drive or weeding the garden, our students are committed to making the campus, the community, and the world a better place.
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