The Agnes Irwin School Core Values
Our Core Values are the guiding principles that shape our decisions and define the character of The Agnes Irwin School community.
LEAD WITH CHARACTER
We are courageous leaders who model empathy and compassion. We embody honesty, kindness, and personal integrity in all that we say and do.
FOSTER TRUST AND COMMUNITY
We build trust through openness and understanding fostering supportive relationships, deep connections, safe risk-taking, and the space to be our best selves.
STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
We encourage and support each other to tenaciously reach our fullest potential as we demonstrate resilience and champion greatness in all our pursuits.
NURTURE PASSIONS AND WELLBEING
We nurture a love of learning and academic success by cultivating individual passions and the pursuit of our own unique path, supporting the whole person in wellness and wellbeing.
RESPECT AND CELEBRATE ALL
We treat all with dignity and respect, welcoming differences in backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone is valued, contributions are celebrated, and community is cherished.
GET TO KNOW
Director of Middle School
COREY WILLINGHAM began her teaching career with Teach for America, where she taught Composition and Ancient History, as well as Advanced Placement Comparative Government. In 2016, Corey joined the Agnes Irwin Middle School history faculty, was named 7th and 8th Grade Dean of Students in 2018, and appointed Director of Middle School in 2023. “Agnes Irwin Middle School equips girls with the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind essential for thriving. In an all-girls environment, we are uniquely positioned to normalize girlhood and its transitions — creating a space where students are seen, supported, and empowered to grow with confidence,” said Corey. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Education from Elon University and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
What to Expect in Middle School
Highlights
of a
Middle School Day
Students begin to arrive at 7:45 a.m.
Parliament begins at 8 a.m. During the week, each student participates in a daily Parliament, a MS Assembly, a values-based lesson, and other community-strengthening activities.
Mid-Morning Break. Research shows girls learn best when they can have a snack at this time of day. This break also allows time to meet with teachers.
Study hall. During the school day, Middle School students are offered study hall time to connect and collaborate with teachers and peers
School day ends at 3:30 p.m. Students who play sports will have practices or games that extend beyond the school day.
After School Study. For families who need to pick up their daughters after 4 p.m., 5th, 6th, and 7th graders who are still on campus attend “After School Study,” a study hall monitored by a member of our staff until 6 p.m. Girls in 8th grade may stay on campus to attend After School Study, a work period monitored by a staff member, up to 6 p.m.
Backed by Research, Designed for Girls
A 2020 study published in Learning Environments Research found that singlesex environments can lead to increased self-confidence and leadership skills, as girls are empowered to take risks and engage in activities that might traditionally be dominated by boys in coed settings.
Parliament
Agnes Irwin’s mascot is the Owl, and a group of owls is called a parliament — which is why our Middle School homerooms are named “Parliaments.” Led by a “ParliaMentor,” each Parliament is a small group of students who meet every morning to check in, prepare for the day, learn important Agnes Irwin core values, and explore Middle School themes such as positive relationships, kindness, and intellectual curiosity.
THE POWER OF ALL-GIRLS
SPORTS: KEEPING GIRLS ACTIVE AND ENGAGED
Athletics, physical fitness, and wellness are foundational to an AIS education. While studies point to evidence of girls’ participation in sports dropping off at the middle and high school levels due to decreased confidence, fear of not being good enough, and body changes, a 2020 study found that all-girls athletics can incentivize girls to stay in the game longer:
“Results of this study show that girls spend significantly more time … [engaged] in a single-gender PE environment and that the majority prefer to take part in games when boys are not present.”
Athletics in the Middle School
All 7th and 8th graders are expected to participate in three seasons of a school sport or fitness activity.
Fall: Cross Country, Field Hockey, Fitness, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball Winter: Basketball, Fitness, Squash, Swimming, Dance Spring: Fitness, Lacrosse, Learn to Row (8th grade only), Run Club, Softball, Developmental Squash
Leadership Keys
This signature program for Agnes Irwin Middle School students helps girls develop the skills necessary to lead and use their voices with confidence. Assemblies, discussions, and activities aim to teach the definitions, mindsets, and behaviors associated with each Key.
AGENCY
Leaders know what they can control and use their skills and abilities to positively impact their communities.
INCLUSIVITY
Leaders accept, celebrate, and make space for all people and new ideas.
CONFIDENCE
Leaders know their strengths and are driven by a sense of purpose.
Leaders push themselves to take on someone else’s perspective and find ways to be supportive.
Curriculum Overview
GRADE 5 GRADE 6 GRADE 7 GRADE 8
Progressive English Literature Program: A four-year sequence focused on reading, writing, oratory, and literary analysis with increasing complexity and nuance. The program fosters purposeful and passionate engagement with texts across time, culture, and genre.
Numbers, Expressions, and Equations
Grade Level and Accelerated
Physical Science, Engineering
French, Spanish, or Latin (Beginning with Class of 2031: French, Spanish, Latin, CS)
Basic Geometry, Units of Measure, Ratios, Rates and Proportions, Analyzing Data
Pre-Algebra, Algebra Part 1, Algebra Algebra IA, Algebra Part 2, Geometry Honors
Grade Level and Accelerated
Human Biology Human Biology, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering Astronomy, Sustainability, Chemistry, Intro to Physics
French, Spanish, or Latin
(Beginning with Class of 2031: French, Spanish, Latin, CS)
and
*Beginning with the Class
Art, Music, and Theater**, Chorus (optional) Grace Notes Choir (optional)
PE/Wellness 4x/week
Fifth Grade Musical
Art, Music, and Theater**, Chorus (optional), Grace Notes Choir (optional)
PE/Wellness 4x/week, can try out for school teams
French, Spanish, or Latin (Beginning with Class of 2031: one language plus CS)
Art, Music, and Public Speaking**, Chorus (optional), Grace Notes Choir (optional)
French I, French 8, French 8 Honors, Spanish I, Spanish 8, Spanish 8 Honors, Latin I, Latin 8, Mandarin I (Beginning with Class of 2031: one language plus CS)
Choose Elective: Music, Theater, Art, Piano Lab
Expected to participate in three seasons of school teams or fitness Expected to participate in three seasons of school teams or fitness
Medieval Day Washington, D.C. trip New York City trip
