Illuminate the Possibilities
Middle schoolers are in a constant state of becoming, and this process is neither predictable nor smooth. In the midst of this time of great change resides unlimited possibility, and for this reason, middle school is an opportunity to be seized, not a time to be endured. Middle schoolers need learning that is both spontaneous and intentional, playful and challenging, timely and lasting. They thrive when teachers truly understand and value the particular moment they are in, can prioritize getting to know their whole selves, and help them illuminate the potential within.
Our mission:
“We wish our students to become strong in body, broad of mind, tender of heart, responsive in soul.”
— Mary Hyde DuVal, Founding Headmistress
Statement on Inclusive Excellence
St. Anne’s-Belfield School believes that exemplary citizenship and visionary leadership are best nurtured in a welcoming School community based on equity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of excellence. Our School provides a well-balanced educational experience that affirms the richness and diversity of humanity, creates an expectation of belonging based on shared human dignity, and encourages a desire to learn about and from each other.
Our vision: to inspire and prepare the next generation of exemplary citizens and visionary leaders.
Our Portrait of a 2036 Graduate articulates the habits, mindsets, and skill sets we believe are essential for our graduates in the present and the future. Learn more about it at portrait.stab.org
Meet the Division Head
Marie Reed, M.A., P. ’27 & ’30
“We love middle schoolers. We think they are remarkable and have a special capacity for joy, flexible and creative thinking, questioning and wonder. They more often than not bring a special hopefulness that the world desperately needs. We love them so much that we learn from them and with them. Our goal isn’t to turn them into little high schoolers. It is to help them seize the remarkable potential of the moment they are in.”
The Saints Community
At St. Anne’s-Belfield School, we are first and foremost a community. The best way to help children flourish is to support and partner with our families. Our community reaches beyond the classroom to build strong, intentional relationships with the whole family. This connection begins even before our students arrive with Parent/Guardian Partnership Meetings between family caregivers and faculty, and continues throughout the year with our Wednesday Wellness family education webinars, Meet in the Middle programming, and volunteer opportunities on and off campus. Within our age 2 to Grade 12 community, relationships form between students of all divisions. Your middle schooler will meet and interact with students from all divisions of the School. We want all our students to know and genuinely feel that they belong to a caring and vibrant community.
Highlights:
• 60+ Parents’ Association volunteer positions in all divisions
• 86 all school parent/guardian volunteers
• 7 Wednesday Wellness webinars
• 4+ Meet in the Middle parent/guardian enrichment programs
“During Fall Family Picnic, everyone is so close, watching the football game or having pizza with a group of friends. It is such a fun and exciting tradition even if we don’t win. I know that everyone who goes to the FFP has a great time (especially the little kids with candy in their mouths.) It is so much fun and you can feel the community around you.
— Asher J. ’29
Chapel
Chapel has existed at St. Anne’s since our founding in 1910. While today’s Chapel is non-denominational, it remains one of the sacred traditions of the School. In the Middle School, students begin to emerge as Chapel leaders as planners, musicians, and speakers in group or individual Chapel talks. These provide time for students and faculty to gather in fellowship and reflect on what it means to be a member of a larger community.
Parent/Guardian Partnership Meetings
Our Parent/Guardian Partnership Meetings, the first of which is prior to the start of school, enable faculty and family caregivers to form an important connection between home and School life for middle schoolers at St. Anne’s-Belfield.
Community Events
Cheer on our Saints athletes at a game, bring the family to an arts performance or gallery opening, attend a speaker lecture, come decked in maroon and white for our Fall Family Festival or Maroon & White Party, roll up your sleeves and volunteer alongside a local organization during Saints Serve Saturday — the School community loves to come together.
Parent/Guardian Programming
Wednesday Wellness Webinars connect child and teen development experts to our parents and guardians; Curriculum Night gives parents and guardians insight into the Middle School curriculum; and regular Meet in the Middle gatherings with the head of the Middle School focus on aspects of our program.
The Parents’ Association (PA)
The Parents’ Association welcomes volunteers. We provide many opportunities for families to become involved. In the Middle School, parents and guardians act as grade level reps, serve on PA committees, assist as athletic team parents, help at events, and more.
Interaction Across Grade Levels
From their first day of school through the time they are initiated into our expansive, global alumni network, all Saints know they are part of a caring and vibrant community. With students from age 2 to Grade 12, representing 25 countries, your student will have the opportunity to interact with students of all ages and backgrounds through programs like the Lower School Intern Quest, Chapel Buddies, and volunteering.
“I first truly felt like part of the community when, in my first year I was selected to speak during Lessons and Carols. I had been feeling nervous about it ’cause it was in front of the whole school. As I expressed how I was feeling about it I got a tremendous amount of support from all my teachers and friends.” — Colin M. ’29
Academic Highlights
At St. Anne’s-Belfield’s Middle School (MS), we design our program with the unique needs of middle schoolers in mind. Specific to our Middle School program, Impact Block and the Quest program are strategically planned to meet the central needs of the Middle School years: belonging, exploring and discovering, and developing a sense of self.
Curricular Requirements for Grades 5 – 8
Humanities: English — 4 years
Humanities: History — 4 years
World Languages — 4 years
Science — 4 years
Math — 4 years
Visual & Performing Arts — 4 years
Quest — 2 years
Our Advisory Program
Every student in the Middle School is assigned to an advisory group led by a teacher who serves as that student’s adult advocate and also a liaison between the School and parents/guardians. Our advisory program anchors student learning in a strong relationship with an adult. It prioritizes time and space for the development of key life skills and habits. Everything from typing, organization, and time management — to digital citizenship and reflection and goal-setting. The smaller teacher-tostudent ratios provide a setting where students can feel free to voice their questions and curiosities. All topics are revisited throughout the Middle School years in different and developmentally-appropriate ways. For our Grade 8 students, there is also a special emphasis on community leadership.
“We moved to St. Anne’s when our three kids were entering the seventh and third grade. We worried the kids might have trouble finding friends, but the St. Anne’s-Belfield community was incredibly welcoming! What impresses me the most is that the teachers, administrators and coaches know each and every child deeply, and they are absolutely tireless in their efforts to identify the specific opportunities and challenges each child needs to evolve into their best self.” — Brandy Bridges, P. ’28, ’32 & ’32
“Each of our children are thriving despite each being so different from the others. St. Anne’s-Belfield teachers and team make it a welcome home for all students and personalities, caring for them and nurturing the best out of each. Every year, we have new ‘wow moments’ with the teachers — the faculty is incomparable.” — Chas Cocke, P. ’25, ’28 & ’31
Math
Grade 5 and 6 students learn math through a Singapore Math curriculum called Primary Mathematics. The Singapore Math approach equips students with a strong foundation in math by covering topics in depth and teaching to mastery. The concepts taught in fifth and sixth grade continue to lay the foundation and prepare students for the content they will learn in Grades 7 and 8. In Math 7 and 8, students have the option to earn advanced credit through either an earned-advanced option (Math 7) or a separate Advanced Math 8 class. All MS students learn to monitor their own thought processes, explore alternative methods for solving problems, and maintain a growth mindset in their mathematical thinking.
Computer Science
Computer Science (CS) is distinguished from other technology-related curricula that focus on how to use computer technology because CS is focused on understanding why it works and how to create it. Knowing why and how computers work (i.e., computer science), provides the basis for a deep understanding of computer use and the relevant rights, responsibilities, and applications. Learning computer science involves problem-solving, logical reasoning, and design skills that can be meaningfully integrated into every discipline. During Middle School, all CS learning is project-based and integrated into other disciplines. New CS skills are learned based on the needs of the projects students create.
World Languages
Students have the option to take French or Spanish and make a commitment to sustain language study in the chosen language for the four years of Middle School. Spanish and French 7 & 8 is equivalent to the Upper School French or Spanish I course. Newly enrolled Grade 8 students may select an Introduction to Spanish course, or, with the successful completion of a placement test, be placed into Spanish 8 or French 8.
Impact Block
Impact Block is a four-year scaffolded experience focused on building the skills that support academic independence and engagement beyond the Middle School years. Four days per week for 30 – 45 minutes each day, Grades 5 – 8 students engage in academic skill-building and choice-based experiences designed to help them articulate the support they need, identify and implement the strategies that work best for them, and extend learning beyond the classroom in areas that excite, empower, connect, and engage.
Making an Impact: A sample week at each grade level
Grade 5
Advisory Getting ready for Middle School
Academic support, extension, and skill building Advisory time Academic support, extension, and skill building
Grade 6 Advisory The Becoming Notebook and goal setting for the week
Grade 7 & 8
Academic support, extension, and skill building
Grades 7 & 8 Advisory Study Hall
Students meet with advisors to develop a personalized plan for academic support and extension.
Advisory Time
Academic support, extension, and skill building
Academic support and extension: Offerings include a range of study halls (silent, collaborative, and guided) and workshops (reading, writing, math, and assignment-specific support).
Choice Day
Examples: Help Club Woods Walking Math Strategy Games Board Game Group
Choice Day Examples: History’s Mysteries Library Interns Writing Workshop Science Extended
Club Day Examples: Chess
Creative Writing Outdoor Math Drama
NBA Fantasy Data Analysis
Trout In the Classroom Saintly Scholars Homework
7 & 8 Quests
The St. Anne’s-Belfield School Quest program is a unique time where Grades 7 & 8 students are in the driver’s seat of the learning. Meeting twice per week, in this electives-based program, faculty facilitate groups as students learn and practice how to learn, how to lead, and how to serve.
Quests are student driven in both choice and content. Students can choose to participate in and/or lead a Quest that is project based, problem based, product driven, skill specific, service oriented, or one that evolves with them. With new course options each trimester, students have the opportunity to explore multiple topics outside of the traditional curriculum or follow one project through three courses with each building upon the last.
Sample of Recent Quest Topics
• Want to be a Lower School Intern?
• What does it take to overnight in the Shenandoah National Park?
• Monster Squad: Why do we like being scared?
• How can we reduce our stress?
• Can we compete in the First LEGO League Robotics competition?
• How can we promote our sports teams?
• How do we grow the library intern program?
• How can we partner with the Special Olympics?
• What can you paint?
• Stranger Quests: How do we roleplay a story...together?
• Can knitters give back?
• Can we create our own podcast episode?
• Why archery?
• What are the ins and outs of athletic development?
• How can we get to know each other better?
• What props can we make for the play?
• Can you escape?
• How does calligraphy help us make sense of our thoughts and promote critical thinking?
• How can we improve the Middle School garden?
• Can we improv?
• How can we support the Charlottesville community?
How do you make a camera? Then what should we do with it?
“St. Anne’s-Belfield has a wide range of activities for all students. They have robotics, Mathletes, clubs, different Quests, and many other activities. Every student attending St. Anne’s will find something they’re interested in.”
— Ella V. S. ’29
Curricular Progression
Grade 5 Grade 6
Humanities: English 5 and Social Studies 5
“The Journey”
All students are enrolled in all of the following arts courses:
Humanities: English 6 and Social Studies 6
“Identity, Community, and Belief”
Grade 7
Humanities: English 7 and History 7 “The American Story”
Grade 8
Humanities: English 8 and History 8
“Global Perspectives on Human Connections”
All students take all — one class of each per week.
Students select either orchestra or choir as a primary focus: Haydn Orchestra OR Choir
In addition to orchestra or choir, all students take Visual Arts 6 and Theatre 6.
“All courses are designed to challenge but allow room for each student to learn as well. The teachers are also very flexible in helping you out or adding more challenging work for individuals if needed. Every teacher at St. Anne’s-Belfield strives to help each individual student succeed and puts forth effort into a relationship with every child.” — Gincy K. ’29
Students choose an art elective for the year: Mozart Orchestra 7 & 8
Arts 7 & 8
& Film 7 & 8
Additional art courses are available through the Quest Program.
Students choose an art elective for the year. They may repeat their Grade 7 choice or make a new selection:
Orchestra 7 & 8
Arts 7 & 8 Saintly Voices 7 & 8
& Film 7 & 8
Additional art courses are available through the Quest Program.
Quests 7 & 8
Saints Athletics
All students in Grades 7 & 8 must participate in two seasons of physical activity (PA) per year, with at least one of the two seasons being a PA offered by the School. The time for Grade 7 & 8 athletics is built into the school day. In sports where a 7 & 8 grade team is not offered, Grade 7 students may try out for JV teams, and Grade 8 students may try out for JV and/or varsity teams.
2024-25 Competitive Teams
Boys
Fall
Varsity Football
7 & 8 Football
Varsity Cross Country
7 & 8 Cross Country
Varsity Soccer
JV Soccer
7 & 8 Soccer
Winter
Varsity Basketball
JV Basketball
7 & 8 Basketball
Varsity Squash (co-ed)
JV Squash (co-ed)
7 & 8 Squash (co-ed)
Varsity Swimming
Varsity Diving
Spring
Varsity Lacrosse
JV Lacrosse
7 & 8 Lacrosse
Varsity Tennis
JV Tennis
Varsity Golf (co-ed)
Varsity Baseball
JV Baseball
7 & 8 Baseball
Varsity Track
7 & 8 Track
MS - Middle School, Grades 7 & 8
US - Upper School
Girls
Fall
Varsity Field Hockey
JV Field Hockey
7 & 8 Field Hockey
Varsity Cross Country
7 & 8 Cross Country
Varsity Volleyball
JV Volleyball
7 & 8 Volleyball
Varsity Tennis
JV Tennis
Winter
Varsity Basketball
JV Basketball
7 & 8 Basketball
Varsity Squash (co-ed)
JV Squash (co-ed)
7 & 8 Squash (co-ed)
Varsity Swimming
Varsity Diving
Spring
Varsity Lacrosse
JV Lacrosse
7 & 8 Lacrosse
Varsity Soccer
JV Soccer
7 & 8 Soccer
Varsity Golf (co-ed)
Varsity Track
7 & 8 Track
Non-Competitive Options
Strength & Conditioning (MS)
Fitness (US)
Yoga (US)
Bike Club (US) Squash (MS)
St. Anne’s-Belfield School
At A Glance
located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, VA
55 acres of land between two campuses around the corner from University of Virginia
Middle School
248 Middle School students
12 average advisory size
100% MS faculty members lead clubs, co-curricular activities, or teams
25 countries represented in the student body
11 countries and 10 U.S. states in the Residential Life Program
Quick Facts
4911 living alumni from 49 states and 48 countries
54 competitive sports teams
21
Advanced Placement (AP) exams offered on campus
667 family households
107 U.S. zip codes represented schoolwide
100% Middle School students participate in arts and physical activity
Class of 2024 College Success
88% Class of 2024 enrolled in their first or second choice college
1314
average SAT vs. 1028 national average
71% UVA in-state admission rate vs 25.5% global rate
27
average ACT vs 19.9 national average
980 students age 2 – Grade 12
38% UVA out-ofstate admission rate vs. 13% global rate
1 in 2 will enroll in a very selective (<25% admit rate) college
The School admits qualified students of any race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, sex, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or any status protected by applicable law, and extends to them all the privilege to participate in the educational programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or any status protected by applicable law in the administration of its admission or its educational programs.
799 Faulconer Drive | Charlottesville, VA 22903
admission@stab.org | www.stab.org | (434) 296-5106
