• Middle
  • School
  • Middle
  • School
  • Middle
  • School
  • Middle
  • School
  • Middle
  • School
Middle School is all about discovery and trying things on–from clothes and identities to attitudes and worldviews.
 

At the GDS Middle School, we cultivate a safe, inclusive environment where students are supported in taking positive risks during this critical intellectual and social phase of development. Our coursework and extracurricular activities encourage students to be curious, engaged, and productive. Students are challenged to develop their intellectual power and natural gifts as they connect what they learn in the classroom with their experience in the wider world.

By the Numbers

300

Students in Middle School, grade 5-8

7:1

Student to Adult Ratio

1:1

MS students are issued their own Chromebooks

100%

participation in 28 different team sports

40

hours spent on community service projects during Middle School

Signature Programs

Performing Arts
One quarter of the student body participates in the musical, as it offers opportunities for connection across grades, leadership, and engagement across various interests, including theater tech, performing arts, studio arts (props, sets, and costumes), and musical theater.
UNDERSTANDING ISSUES
As part of their study of constitutional issues in history, 8th Graders participate in Hill Day, an annual visit to Capitol Hill and local think tanks to meet with lawmakers and lobbyists to discuss policy, and understand both sides of an issue.
STEAM
Students engage in real-world, hands-on learning through projects such as our annual STEAM Day, which brings together members of our community for a day devoted to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
Social Justice
Every February, our students participate in—and often lead—activities to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. during our Social Justice Teach-in Days.
MS Family Box Project December 2022
TELLING THEIR STORY
Sixth graders present their Family Box Project every December, showcasing curated family stories represented through priceless artifacts including recipes, letters, photos, clothing, and awards tucked in unique boxes.
Student Voices
Student voice is treasured at the Middle School. From spring student-led parent-teacher conferences to the dozens of student-generated clubs, opportunities exist across the year.
innovation & Computer Science

CS&I introduces fabrication tools and design thinking in 5th-6th grades with 3D printers, laser cutters, and graphic design tools. In 7th-8th grades, students can join FIRST LEGO league and/or pursue an independent study project.

Power Project
After a year-long study of revolutions, 7th grade students demonstrate their knowledge in The Power Project, presented through art, dramatic performances, and written projects.

Academic Highlights

  • Each student benefits from a small group advisory, where they develop connections with students and their advisor. The advisor serves as the point person for the student and family for all matters.
  • All students take a language with a choice of Spanish, French, or Mandarin.

  • The arts play a big part in a GDS Middle School education. All Middle School students have a chance to develop their skills or deeply pursue their artistic passions, whether in music and dance through our award-winning programs, in our exceptional theater productions, or in our unbeatable visual arts courses (follow LMS Visual Arts on Instagram)

  • All 7th and 8th Graders participate in interscholastic athletics as part of their academic day.

  • CEEL is built into the Middle School curriculum.
  • All Middle School students take multi-day grade-level overnight trips that build community, cultivate confidence, and extend learning beyond the school walls.
Two students smiling at each other.

Important Dates

The Latest on Instagram

Meet the Middle School Office

Kelsey Schroeder

Middle School Principal

John Barnes

Middle School Assistant Principal

Sankalp Khanna

Middle School Dean of Students

Kelly Morris

Middle School Office Manager