Middle School (Gr. 5-8)
Our students find their voice, join the conversation, lead, and make change.
Our Middle School provides a bridge between the foundational years of Lower School and the transition to secondary school. Grounded in our motto, Improve Both Mind and Heart, the program balances rigorous academics with a deep focus on character development and social-emotional growth. Students grow as critical thinkers and collaborators who learn the value of strong self-advocacy and organizational skills.
Signature Programs in the Middle School
Middle School Advisory
In the Middle School, students are placed in small advisory groups, led by one or two faculty advisors. In addition to helping students manage their academic and athletic pursuits, advisors serve as advocates for their students and lead them in lessons from our social-emotional learning curriculum.
Advisory Program Highlights
- Life Skill Building: Advisors lead students as they develop self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills.
- Executive Functioning: Through our use of the SMARTS program, students grow confidence in their academic abilities and further develop time management, prioritization, checking their work, thinking flexibly, and goal setting skills.
- Digital Citizenship: Students learn about technology and digital citizenship through the online program #WinAtSocial and its interactive, social-media-driven lessons.
- Relationship Building: Connecting with Lower School Students in our Pals program, learning from our penpals at Malawi Children's Mission in Malawi, Africa, and bonding with therapy dogs, are just a few examples.
Middle School Highlights
- Advisory Program
- Secondary School Counseling
- Outdoor Ed Trips
- Student Admission Ambassadors
- Pals
- AISNE Diversity Workshop
- Electives: Vector Design, 3D Printing, Model Rockets, Musical Theater, Woodshop, Sewing
- Student Affinity Groups
- Winter Term
- AMC8 and AMC10 Math Exam
- GOALS
- Comprehensive Public Speaking Opportunities
- Grade 5 Intramural Sports Program
- Grade 6-8 Interscholastic Athletics Program
- Recess 3 times per day
Terry Library
With an impressive collection of digital and print resources, Middle School students are able to expand and build on the research skills introduced in the younger grade levels. A hub of activity for the Middle School grades, the Terry Library is a collaborative and welcoming space where reading and writing flourish.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM
Advisory
monday-wednesday-friday
Students start their morning by engaging in meaningful discussions with their faculty advisors.
Morning Meeting
tuesday & thursday
All Middle School students and faculty gather to start their day together and discuss curriculum, school events, or meaningful topics.
8:15 AM
Academic Block
Our students learn by doing. Cross-disciplinary projects in STEM, history, world languages, and English foster the essential skills of innovation, critical-thinking, collaboration, and a lifelong passion for learning.
9:10 AM
Academic Block
There is no back row at Derby. Our small class sizes create a hands-on learning environment where students can engage with the curriculum, creatively problem-solve, and develop a deeper understanding of their coursework.
10:10 AM
Snack & Recess
A short break in the academic schedule gives students a chance to recharge, catch-up with friends, and enjoy a healthy snack.
10:25 AM
Academic Block
Our faculty lead with mind and heart. Relationships between our students and faculty are a cornerstone of our school.
11:00 AM
Grade 5 Sports
Throughout the week, Grade 5 students participate in one-hour formal sports practices. Students have the ability to select the sport in which they wish to participate each season.
12:00 PM
Projects/GOALS
Grades 5 and 6 students utilize our Makerspace and Innovation Center to dive deeper into project-based learning, while passions are discovered during seventh and eighth grade students’ GOALS (Get Out And Learn Something) period. Offerings such as Coding, Model UN, Stagecraft, or Greenhouse and Gardening allow students to explore different subjects and pursue their interests.
1:00 PM
Recess
All students Pre-K to Grade 8 enjoy at least two recess periods per day. Derby values this time for students as much as the academic time spent in the classroom. There are various spaces on campus where students spend their recess time including three playgrounds, a basketball court, a Gaga Pit, and an expansive field.
1:15 PM
Lunch
Our mixed-grade level lunches feature students at assigned tables with a faculty member, bringing our community together to enjoy a healthy meal over meaningful conversation.
1:45 PM
Resource
Resource periods provide students the time to meet with faculty for one-on-one or small group instruction.
2:40 PM
Athletics (Grade 6-8)
Students learn what it means to be part of a team and experience the thrill of competition with a variety of sports and athletic clubs.
2:40 PM
Grade 5 Arts Block
Students bring their creativity to life through our extensive art programs in visual, performing, and applied arts classes.
4:00 PM
Dismissal
Students head home after a full day of learning, sports, and fun. Grades 5-8 dismissal is at 1:00 PM on Fridays.