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"We want Middle School to be an experience in which kids can try out all their different
interests. These activities open doors for students to explore who they are and
establish an identity."
— Middle School Director Deb Sampey |
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The Middle School occupies its own separate floor atop the School building at Clark Street and North Avenue. From the wide expanse of windows in each classroom appear the fields and trees of Lincoln Park, the shores of Lake Michigan, and a sea of possibilities beyond.
That view, in many ways, symbolizes the Middle School years. Just like the landscape, Middle Schoolers move from the concrete to the abstract, from the palpable memories of childhood to the unknown expanse of the teenage years. And during this period of dramatic change, Latin offers its students a steady path to get from here to there.
To the outsider, that path can seem awfully bumpy, full of noise and energy, full of students whose greatest talents are to argue, debate, inquire, challenge, and explore. But to our faculty—professionals who are committed to the Middle School student—it is a rewarding journey. Our teachers believe that when students are appropriately challenged, they can do
really challenging work, that when students are treated with respect, they will learn to respect themselves and others, and that when students are given opportunities
to uncover talents and interests, they will discover themselves, and be happy with
the discovery.
To that end, Middle School teachers set in place a demanding curriculum. Each student takes a core set of courses in mathematics, English, science, social studies, fine arts, and physical and affective education. Latin is required of all sixth grade students. Older students then may choose to continue with their Latin study or begin another language: French, Spanish, or Chinese. Computer and technology skills are taught throughout the Middle School years.
This academic load is balanced by a wide array of outside opportunities to play sports; be in the Middle School play; participate on a competitive math, science,
or chess team; work on the student newspaper; perform in the band or chorus; be a member of student government; do community service; or participate in any number of other activities.
The Middle School is an active, energetic place that supports the development of each individual student. From the nurturing small homeroom groups that meet every day, and the counselors, teachers, coaches, nurse, and grade level deans, to the director of the Middle School, students know that they are part of a community that cares about them.
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