The philosophy of the Fine Arts Department is to nurture the creative instincts that already exist within each Middle School student. At this age, students are naturally curious and expressive, and the arts provide a space to explore those instincts with purpose and support. Through courses in visual art, theatre, and music ensembles — band, choir, and percussion — students are encouraged to try new things, take risks, and discover where their interests may grow. These experiences build confidence, creativity, and self-awareness while also offering a meaningful outlet for processing emotions and understanding the world around them. Within a full academic day, the arts serve as both an energizing and restorative space, helping students grow not only as artists but as thoughtful and engaged young people.      

The Science Department uses observation, problem solving, and project-based activities to teach Middle School students to think both independently and critically about the natural world. Students are introduced to the unique process and language of scientific inquiry and are encouraged to make connections between what they learn and the world around them. As students learn about the universe, their planet and life on Earth, they are set up for success, both in future science courses and as productive and compassionate global citizens.

Grade 7
Earth and Space Science

Grade 8
Life and Environmental Science

The History Department provides Middle School students the opportunity to understand their rights and responsibilities of citizenship and what it means to be a global citizen at the local, state, national, and international level through the study of United States history and contemporary world events. Critical thinking and writing skills are fundamental areas of growth as well as fostering curiosity and a passion for life-long learning. In addition, students engage in experiential learning by taking advantage of the vast resources the Washington, D.C., region offers. 

Grade 7
Themes in United States History
Current Events

Grade 8
World Cultures
Current Events

Middle School Innovation is about exploration and discovery. Students select from a collection of hands-on, project-based courses designed to unlock creativity, problem-solving, and trailblazing abilities. Classes may be a single-semester experience or a deeper multi-semester dive to provide students with the tools and resources they need to unleash their potential and pursue their passions. Whether it's learning how to code in our programming classes, building a robot in Robotics, creating a lightsaber in Makers, or producing a news segment in Audio/Video Production, Innovation classes provide a platform for students to unleash their creativity, collaborate with others, and develop skills that they will draw upon well beyond their middle school experience. 

Grades 7 & 8
Programming I
Programming II
Makers
Robotics I
Robotics II
Audio/Video Production

The Middle School Mathematics program capitalizes on the natural curiosity, imagination, intuitions, and lived experiences of adolescents. Grounded in concrete experiences that grow into more abstract concepts and ideas, the program is designed to foster the understanding of core mathematical relationships, vocabulary, and notation through the use of multiple representations and diverse approaches to problem-solving. In addition to developing foundational skills, students are challenged to reflect on their own ideas, critique the thinking of others, and develop an understanding of how they learn mathematics as they progress through the program. Multiple levels of each course provide students of all levels with opportunities to experience success, build confidence, and establish mathematical habits of mind that will prepare them to advance into the Upper School.  

Grade 7
Math 7
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra Honors
Algebra I Honors
MathCounts

Grade 8
Math 8
Algebra I
Algebra I Honors
Geometry Honors
MathCounts 

The Modern Languages Department aims to give Middle School students a strong base in languages and prepare them for future language studies. The interactive, hands-on approach includes speaking, listening, games, songs, videos, and cultural projects to develop language skills. The challenging curriculum encourages students to actively participate in their own learning. Language learning is a journey of growth and discovery. Students are provided with a positive, inclusive environment where they can feel comfortable taking risks. The focus is on providing a foundation for academic and linguistic growth. The goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in future language studies and to become confident communicators in a multilingual world. 

Grades 7 & 8
French I – Part 1
French I – Part 2
Introduction to Spanish
Spanish I – Part 1
Spanish I – Part 2
Spanish I – Part 2 Honors

The main focus of the English Department in the Middle School is maintaining student engagement in reading and writing. Students write in many genres, including essays, poems, stories, and podcasts. The writing program focuses on developing voice, analytical writing skills, grammar, and vocabulary. In an effort to develop lifelong readers, the English Department runs a robust, gamified yearlong Independent Reading Program and carefully curates a reading list of classic literary texts as well as high-interest books as core class texts.  

Grade 7
English 7
English 7 Honors
Creative Writing
Speech and Debate

Grade 8
English 8
English 8 Honors
Creative Writing
Speech and Debate

Middle School Latin students engage with language, history, and culture on a daily basis; they love solving puzzles and word games, learning how English words came to be, and discovering how history and mythology affect the world today. After completing the 7th and 8th grade sequence of Latin, students will possess a strong grasp of Latin and English vocabulary and will use their basic understanding of Latin grammar to improve their ability to read and write in English. Daily, they analyze and translate informative Latin passages, and they demonstrate their work process as they answer probing questions that guide them toward proving the statements they make. The Classics Department also strives to create and engage in extracurricular activities that allow students to challenge themselves and to interact with students nationwide.  

Grade 7
Latin I – Part 1
Latin I – Part 2
Latin I – Part 2 Honors
Certamen

Grade 8
Latin I – Part 1
Latin I – Part 2
Latin I – Part 2 Honors
Certamen