What makes our Middle School unique?
• Rolling schedule with five of seven scheduled classes daily
• Grade-level deans who serve as liaisons between students, teachers and parents
• Several drama productions each year including an annual Middle School musical
• Experiential learning trips at every grade level to create deeper connections with classmates and teachers including a signature eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C.
• Built-in opportunities each quarter for students to get together in social environments
• 30 minutes for lunch and 30 minutes of recess everyday
• Opportunities for students to get support from teachers before, during and after school
• Upper School/Middle School department chairs in every subject to ensure vertical alignment throughout the curriculum in grades 6-12
• Robust club and clubtivities both during the school day and after school
• Over 50 Middle School and Upper School athletic teams offering both competitive
“Walker is built on community. We want our student body to reflect the world around us with individual strengths that are encouraged and celebrated. It means something to be part of the Walker family and we strive to make sure families have individualized attention from teachers and administrators.”
Dr. Greg Chalfin, Head of Middle School
Middle School is a time of transition. Students begin to discuss who they are and develop good habits and strong character. Walker’s Middle School program is designed to provide students with the freedom to explore their interests while preparing them with the study and organizational skills they need to succeed.
The Walker Middle School is fun! We support academic, as well as social-emotional progress. Students are encouraged to try new things and participate in a variety of athletics and after school activities in the arts and technology.
At Walker, we are built on relationships. Students have multiple layers of support and are known by many trusted adults including their teachers, small group advisors, grade level deans, learning specialists, coaches and administrators. We build community in the Middle School by creating teams of sixth, seventh and eighth graders that work together throughout the year. Our high standard of expectation for our students and small class size provide students with the opportunity to learn
Sixth Grade
Sixth-grade students kick-off their Middle School experience with Field Day during the first week of school. Teams are divided by advisory class, giving students a chance to get to know the core group of students they will be with all year in a non-academic setting.
All sixth-grade students study English grammar and composition, literature, global studies and current events, mathematics, Earth science and world languages, including one quarter each of Latin, Spanish and French. Students also take one quarter of a course on wellness with our counselors, learning how to care for themselves and others.
During the first two weeks of school, sixth graders experience all of the arts – fine art, drama, chorus, orchestra and band – before selecting which elective they want to pursue for the year. Students also take one full semester each of physical education and digital media.
All incoming sixth graders are invited to attend a weeklong summer onboarding camp that gives them a chance to meet classmates and teachers and become familiar with our campus.
Seventh Grade
Seventh-grade students study English grammar and composition, literature, U.S. history (to 1877), life science, math and one full year of Latin, Spanish or French.
Students choose a fine arts elective from a list of options including band, orchestra, or a rotation of drama, chorus and art. All seventh-grade students also take one full semester of technology (digital media, intro to engineering and robotics, or computer science principals) and one full semester of physical education.
Eighth Grade
Eighth-grade students study literature, U.S. history (1877 to present), mathematics and physical science, while continuing their study of Latin, Spanish or French.
Students select a fine arts elective for the year from a list of options including band, orchestra, drama, chorus or visual arts. All students also take one full semester of technology (digital media, intro to engineering and robotics, or computer science principles) and one full semester of physical education.
Mathematics
In Middle School, math is taken in chronological order and based on teacher recommendations and placement tests. Math courses in Middle School include Math Foundations, Pre-Algebra, Intro to Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (and first year world languages) are Upper School courses requiring final exams. Students may earn Upper School credit for these courses.
Advisory Program
Beginning in the sixth grade, students are part of an advisory group that meets regularly. In addition to a study hall, this unique program provides time away from academics for students to engage in conversation around topics such as mental health and drug and alcohol awareness. To help students prepare for Upper School, each Middle School advisory is paired with a group of Upper School students whom they meet with once a month.
Athletics
More than 70 percent of our Middle School students participate in athletics. The Middle School has 26 teams spanning 14 different sports. At the Middle School level, the focus of athletics is on fundamentals and growth through practice and competition. This is a time to help student athletes develop a love for the game and the necessary skills required to compete at the varsity level.
Fine Arts
Students participate in a wide range of electives including fine art, drama, chorus, orchestra and band throughout their time in Middle School. In addition to drawing, painting and sculpture, students can also learn to play traditional wind and percussion instruments in band and stringed instruments in orchestra. Students have an opportunity to participate in several drama productions each year including an annual Middle School musical.
At Walker, we believe in the infinite worth and dignity of the individual, and students are encouraged to develop a perspective that embraces diversity and global awareness.