Middle School

List of 4 items.

• Grade 5

  Fifth grade is an exciting time for experiential learning and important traditions! History and literature come to life as students celebrate Zeus’s birthday, compete in the Greek Olympics, visit the magical world of Narnia, and feast at a medieval banquet. The hands-on activities continue in science and math, where students develop fundamental concepts while expanding their problem-solving skills.

   

  The annual overnight class trip to Birmingham, Alabama, is a favorite among students and features visits to the McWane Science Museum and the 16th Street Baptist Church which complement classroom lessons. This shared time among students and teachers yields personal rewards for the children as they develop friendships and become more independent.

• Grade 6

  As independent learners, sixth graders are encouraged to manage their classroom responsibilities and time. Group activities like the two-night trip to Savannah in the spring combine sixth graders’ growing academic and social skills. Students and teachers step back in time as they explore museums, military forts, beautiful downtown Savannah, and more.

   

  Special sixth grade traditions include the trial of Johnny Cade, based on their reading of The Outsiders, and a fun day of outdoor adventure on Explorers Day as part of their study of American history. During their sixth grade year, students are paired with a second grade buddy for whom they will write and illustrate a special book starring the younger buddy as the main character.

   

  As they continue to develop into responsible young adults, students serve their school and community—cleaning their classrooms and the lunchroom, and volunteering in the community on the Sixth Grade Service Day. A year of sixth grade at Athens Academy leads to increased self-reliance and confidence and further develops relationships with classmates and faculty.

• Grade 7

  Seventh graders take on increased accountability for their school work and accept leadership roles in service, athletics, and fine arts. They can participate on Athens Academy athletic teams, perform in the annual Middle School play, and attend their first Middle School dances.

   

  Seventh grade traditions include Coming to America Day, when students spend the day immersed in the Ellis Island immigrant experience as part of their study of American history. In the early spring the language arts classroom is transformed into a Poetry Café, complete with hot cocoa, snacks, and jazz music, as each student shares their original poetry with classmates.

   

  Continuing their core curricular studies of language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science (detailed on back), seventh graders spend the year exploring world languages, choosing to begin their study of Spanish or French. Students also have the opportunity learn about a variety of topics during their rotation through two “special” classes each quarter including Robotics, Essential Life Skills, Woodworking, Creative Writing, and more. Special emphasis is placed on the development of executive functioning skills throughout the year and across the curriculum.

   

  A highlight of the year is the week-long trip to Washington, D.C., in the spring, which offers students the opportunity for independence and personal growth while bonding with classmates and faculty.

• Grade 8

  As the student leaders of the Middle School, eighth graders pursue their interests in team sports and the arts, lead community service projects, and organize the talent show. In their final year of Middle School, students further develop their academic and study skills under the close guidance of faculty. They work to develop analytical thinking, research, and presentation skills across the study of English, mathematics, social studies, science, and foreign language.

   

  Students also have the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics during their rotation through special Quest classes each quarter including the American Heroes Research Project, Personal Finance, and more. Special emphasis is placed on the development of executive function skills throughout the year and across the curriculum.

   

  A fall retreat on campus and a three-day outdoor retreat in the spring give the students opportunities to focus on building personal relationships within the class while working together as a cohesive team. In the spring, students apply their knowledge of geography and social studies for the annual Model UN simulation, when they work closely with students from the Upper School Model UN team to prepare to debate and vote on international resolutions. Eighth grade is a year of growth and transition as the faculty guides students toward the next step in their educational experience: the Athens Academy Upper School!