Middle School

List of 4 items.

• Grade 5

  Fifth grade is an exciting time for experiential learning and important traditions! In social studies, history comes alive as students celebrate Zeus’s birthday, compete in the Greek Olympics, visit the magical wonder of Narnia, and feast at a medieval banquet. The hands-on activities continue in science and math, where students build rockets and kites while developing fundamental concepts and expanding 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 allot time and dedication to homework. 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, during 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 with the younger buddy as the main character.

   

  As they continue to develop into responsible young people, students serve their school and community—cleaning their classrooms and the lunchroom, collecting gifts for the Salvation Army, and volunteering in the community on the Sixth Grade Service Day. A year of sixth grade leads a child 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 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 English classroom is transformed into a Poetry Cafe, complete with hot cocoa, snacks, and jazz music, as each student shares their original poetry with classmates. 

  
  

  Continuing their studies of English, mathematics, social studies, and science, seventh graders spend the year exploring world languages, including Spanish and French. 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, organize a talent show, and more. 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.

   

  A fall retreat on campus and a three-day outdoor retreat in the spring give the students opportunities to focus on personal relationships within the class while working together as a cohesive team. In the spring, students apply their knowledge of geography and social studies during the annual Model UN day, 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 closure and transition as the faculty guides them toward the next step in their educational experience.