Step Up to Middle School
Welcome to the Middle School! We're thrilled to have your student join us next year.
Our program is designed to embrace middle schoolers' unique developmental needs — we even built a new building with input from the students. The curriculum is complemented by a broad range of extracurricular and social activities that encourage collaboration, leadership, service, and self-expression. We'll prepare your student for the Upper School, college, and beyond.
From navigating course selection to understanding overall logistics, this page is your one-stop resource for everything Middle School. Our faculty and staff will help you and your student make this transition seamless!
STEP UP EVENTS: CLASS OF 2032
Here are the events and dates you'll want to keep in mind as the parent of an 6th grade student. Check the newsletter for registration links and more information!
Student Tours
Wednesday, April 1
6th graders will tour the Peterson Middle School during school hours. Parents who wish to visit the Middle School may contact Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont to arrange a date and time.
Course Selection
Monday, April 6
Mr. Lamont will send complete information about course selection, including the Middle School Program Guide and placement recommendations for English and math.
Rising 7th Grade Parent Orientation
Wednesday, April 8, 8:15-9:00 a.m.
Rising 7th & 8th Grade Course Selection Info Session
Wednesday, April 8, 9:00-9:45 a.m.
Mr. Lamont will host these two events for parents at Peterson Middle School.
Student Session
Thursday, April 9
Mr. Lamont and some current 7th graders will meet with the entire 6th grade to discuss course selection and the transition to Middle School.
CHANGES: WHAT TO EXPECT
Students Change Classes
In Lower School, students might have switched classes for math or science. Now they'll be changing classes every time the bell rings. Don't worry — Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont says it only takes him about 60 seconds to walk from one end of the building to the other, and the students have five minutes!
Advisory Program Begins
Our Advisory Program fosters a sense of belonging and personal development for each student while building a community within the advisory group. This is an extension of the Lower School's Morning Meeting. There are 10-13 students per advisory. We aim to create a mix of students, both new and returning, to balance the class. Your child will connect with new friends while seeing some familiar faces!
More Academic Options
Students have more language choices (French, Latin, or Spanish) and elective options such as A/V Production, Creative Writing, Makers, Robotics, and Theater.
Athletics: Part of the Daily Schedule
Instead of twice-a-week P.E. classes, students will take part in team sports most days of the week. They play one sport per season (three seasons per school year). From track and field to basketball, there are many athletics options for our middle school students.
Food: Hot Lunch, Snacks
Middle School students have the opportunity to eat a buffet-style lunch every day. They also have a mid-morning break where they can buy healthy snacks.
Dress Expectations
Our dress code relaxes a bit once students hit 7th grade. See our Middle School Dress Expectations for more information.
A Focus on Learning, Growing, and Preparing for the Next Step
Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont shares how we create an environment where middle schoolers can be themselves.
A Focus on Learning, Growing, and Preparing for the Next Step
Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont shares how we create an environment where middle schoolers can be themselves.
FAQS
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
The careers our youngest Huskies will someday pursue may not even exist yet. But what will always matter are the human skills that endure: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and integrity.
As a middle school parent, your role is not to be completely hands-off and let them fend for themselves in every way, nor is it to do work for them to prevent anxiety and “ensure” a good grade.
Students learn more deeply when engaging in productive struggle versus traditionally defined ‘rigor’
Flint Hill Middle School Math Teacher Erin Mahony likes to tell her students, “Do whatever makes your brain happy.”