Highland’s Middle School is comprised of grades 5-8 and exemplifies a safe, nurturing environment in which students are supported as they master not only the somewhat difficult transitions between lower and upper schools, but also the onset of adolescence. Students’ needs are met academically, athletically, socially, developmentally and artistically in the “school within the school” concept, where the program goals are linked with the needs of the students.

The homeroom teacher is the first point of contact for students and parents in grades 5 and 6. Students begin and end their school day with their homeroom teachers, who provide academic guidance and who also conference with parents. Grades 7 and 8 are advisory based. There are nine students per advisory, which meet each morning for attendance and announcements, and once during the week for an advisory period. The advisor serves as the point of contact for both students and parents, as well as conducts conferences with parents and students in the fall and spring.

All Middle School students gather together at the beginning of each week for assembly. Each homeroom or advisory serves as the service unit each week. The service homeroom or advisory presents a poem or highlights a class trip. In addition, one student interviews the homeroom teacher or advisor in a 2 minute segment known as “Spotlight.” In addition, seventh and eighth grade students are responsible for escorting the PK and Kindergarten students to the Chilton Building every morning and cleaning the tables after lunch each day.

The students in grades 5-8 have a weekly wellness class taught by the guidance counselor. Topics in this class focus on conflict resolution, positive peer interactions, drug and alcohol awareness, and smoking. Students also have a computer class (one class period for 5th grade and 2 class periods for grades 6-8). In 5th and 6th grade, Microsoft Office topics are taught as is typing. 7th graders review these topics and learn additional skills including Excel and PowerPoint. In 8th grade, the students complete a robotics unit that teaches basic programming.

Students in grades 5 and 6 intermingle for physical education, recess and lunch. They also have a weekly library class period taught by the school’s librarian. Topics include research skills, finding books and sources, and plagiarism. Students in grades 5 take math (ability grouped), science, language arts, social studies (ancient China, Ancient India, and Africa), and French or Spanish. Students in grades 6, take math (ability grouped), life science, language arts, social studies (Ancient Greece and Rome), and French or Spanish. Students in grades 5 & 6 take 2 class periods each week of art and music.

Students in grades 7 and 8 are combined for sports, lunch, fine arts and recess.  Students in grades 7, take pre-algebra (ability grouped), earth science, language arts, social studies (world geography and cultures), Latin, and French or Spanish. Students in grades 8, take either Algebra or Algebra 1, part 1(both ability grouped), physical science, language arts, American history, and French or Spanish or Latin. In grades 7 & 8, students select one semester of a visual and one semester of a performance art. This year, the visual arts include two different art classes (ceramics and drawing or painting and 3D projects) or digital photography. The selection for performance arts is beginner or advanced handbells, chorus, violin or cello.

A daily physical education program for 5th and 6th graders focuses on units designed to teach basic skills, reinforce the ideals of fair play and sportsmanship, and exposes students to a variety of sports including soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and field hockey. Competitive sports begin in the 7th and 8th grades for boys and girls for soccer, lacrosse, basketball and conditioning. Field Hockey and dance are available for girls.

In each Middle School grade there is an overnight field study program designed to challenge the students to take risks and to work collaboratively. Field study trips for the 2006-2007 school year include the overnight 5th grade trip to Camp Highroad in Middleburg, VA and the 6th grade visit to the Chesapeake Bay. The 7th graders pursued a “Journey” theme on their trip to Calleva in Poolesville, MD, while the 8th grade concentrated on the themes of “Leadership” on their outing to Adventure Links in Paris, VA.

There are also many age appropriate leadership opportunities for Middle School students at Highland. The National Junior Honor Society is open to 7th and 8th graders, as is Student Council. Battle of the Books is available to all students in grades 6-8. Blue and Gold captains are chosen by faculty and students each spring from the rising eighth grade class.

Please click here for page 1 and click here for page 2 of the Middle School course offerings.

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