Middle School

In an effort to develop well-rounded students who will be productive citizens and lifelong learners, our Middle School offers seventh and eighth graders the opportunity to flourish in academics, extracurricular activities, and social skills. Grounded by a school-wide belief in holistic teaching, the Middle School faculty encourages critical and creative thinking in an overall advanced curriculum that is technologically enhanced by wireless laptops, interactive white boards, multimedia materials, and a state-of-the-art computer lab. This rigorous curriculum, aimed at high school preparation, includes grammar, vocabulary, composition, mathematics, pre-algebra, algebra, world history, American history, civics, literature, science, physical education, technology, and a foreign language choice of French or Spanish. Eighth graders may earn high school credits in algebra and foreign language.

To ensure mastery in all academic subjects, teachers provide weekly extra-help sessions. Furthermore, through membership in the South Carolina Independent School Association , students participate in annual state-wide academic competitions such as SCISA's Spelling Bee, Quiz Bowl, Math Meet, Geography Bee, Drama Meet, and the Literary Meet. Also, in support of academic achievement, membership in the National Junior Honor Society recognizes students for outstanding scholastic performance, meritorious character, and community service.

In accord with a holistic approach, Middle School students participate in a variety of non-academic programs. Thanks to a strong emphasis on community service, Middle School students enjoy numerous opportunities to be involved, particularly at a leadership level. The top two leadership positions in our student government are held by middle school students. After-school sports range from volleyball and golf to basketball and tennis. Students may also cultivate their interests and talents in a daily exploratory period, an ungraded period that offers options such as yearbook, art, music, drama, public speaking, quiz bowl, career choices, wellness, and Bible studies. Daily study halls are also scheduled during this non-academic time.

To promote the development of healthy social skills, students enjoy special class trips . While seventh graders participate in an autumn class trip to the mountains of North Carolina, eighth graders take a springtime trip to our nation's capital where they visit many historic and cultural sites. Other activities that draw high interest are student government, City Council, dances, our intra-school pen pal program, and participation in the weekly school-wide KNI-TV broadcast.

Middle School is the bridge to high school and higher education. We believe that bridge is best built outside the shadow of a high school. In this way, our Middle School students can stand in their own light, not eclipsed by high school adolescents. Both transient and transformative, Middle School is a unique bridge that connects a child's formative years to the future.