2019 Middle School Brochure

findyourself in Sanford’s Middle School

Experience.

Acceptance.

Growth.

What sets Sanford apart?

Sanford’s Middle School

is a community where students find themselves—discovering who they are, developing a love of knowledge, exploring their talents, stretching their skills and broadening their ambitions.

Learning at Sanford is about more than acquiring the academic skills to succeed. Sanford Middle School students are challenged and inspired, gaining the knowledge and experience to become critical thinkers, adept problem-solvers, independent learners, and involved leaders.

That’s why you may see students connecting with each other on the playground before school, or laughing together in the dining hall while sharing memories of their week-long class trip. You may watch them step on stage with confidence in band, chorus, acting class or even a live poetry coffee house.

And you may cheer for them on the field as they compete in soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, or a number of other sports.

You may be amazed to see Middle School students exploring so many opportunities with courage, poise, and each other’s support—but Sanford students eagerly engage in our community every day.

Welcome to Sanford’s Middle School.

As a Sanford Middle School student, you’ll have endless opportunities to...

challenge yourself • The

middle school curriculum

is designed to transform students as learners and individuals, helping them evolve from concrete thinkers to abstract problem-solvers who are prepared for high school.

• Homeroom

teachers and advisors

closely monitor each student’s academic and social growth, working to develop self-advocacy, study, organization, and time management skills.

• World

language classes focus on interactive projects, speaking skills, and cultural appreciation; most students complete one Upper School language level by the end of eighth grade.

• Elective

classes begin in seventh grade, allowing students to dive further into an interest such as Electrical Engineering, History of Pop, or Philosophy.

express yourself • Our prestigeous

arts program gives students the opportunity

to unleash their creativity and hone their skills in music, visual arts, and theater.

• Special

projects, such as the fifth-

and sixth-grade play, seventh-grade Cardboard Regatta, and eighth-grade Mousetrap Car 500 allow students to showcase their learning in creative ways.

• Overnight

annual trips help students gain deeper subject-matter knowledge while reinforcing class unity, teamwork, and personal growth.

• Interscholastic

athletics strengthen

the connection between growing bodies and developing minds.

be yourself • Community is at the heart of

Sanford’s Middle School, where students, teachers, and administrators form meaningful and supportive relationships with each other.

• Sanford’s

honor code—built upon the principles of honesty, trust, and respect—guides our Middle School students as they take on new levels of responsibility.

• Personal

growth defines the Middle School years, with students entering 5th grade as children and leaving 8th grade as teenagers. Our caring Middle School teachers help them navigate this transformational period with minimal stress and maximum courage.

Grades 5&6

Highlights • Students connect across grade levels in regular community meetings.

• Musicians, singers, actors, and dancers all find their place in Sanford’s performing

arts program. The 5th- and 6th-grade play allows younger students the opportunity to shine on stage before auditioning for the school-wide musical starting in the 7th grade.

• Expert faculty engage students more rigorously in world language pursuits while

injecting fun and games through interactive projects and cultural exploration.

• 5th grade classes immerse themselves fully in Native American week — when they

engage in the interdisciplinary study of Sioux, Inuit, and Algonquin cultures.

• 6th grade students round out their poetry unit by memorizing and performing a

poem of their choice to the Sanford community during the Poetry Coffee House.

Grades 7&8 Interscholastic Sports All 7th- and 8th-grade students participate in three seasons of sports rather than attend a Physical Education class. Sports schedules are built into the school day.

fall winter spring

BOYS

GIRLS

Cross Country Soccer

Cross Country Field Hockey Volleyball

Basketball Dance Swimming (8th grade) Winter Track Wrestling

Basketball Dance Swimming (8th grade) Winter Track

Lacrosse Baseball Tennis

Lacrosse Soccer Tennis

Highlights Grade 7& 8 Electives (Examples)

Examples of Art Electives

Elective courses are designed to balance Sanford’s rigorous core curriculum with class offerings driven by students’ interests and talents.

• Amazing American Women • American Presidents • Creative Writing • Design Thinking • Health & Wellness • Household Arts • Maker Workshop • MS Yearbook • Nursing 101 • Outdoor Adventures • Perfect Pollinators • Programming • Robotics • Sports in Society • STEM Exploration • Team Building • Tech in Marketing • Woodworking • YA Fiction: Novel vs Film • Zoology

• Photography • Ceramics • Art Sensory • Collage • Drawing • Painting • Printmaking • Mixed Media

Examples of Performing Arts Electives • Concert Band • Concert Choir • History of Pop • Introduction to Guitar • Music Technology • Intro to Acting and Improv • Steel Drum

“Sanford is that school where all three of my children have grown academically, culturally, socially and in other ways we never expected. Most importantly, Sanford’s commitment to citizenship and self-awareness is helping my children develop into genuinely good citizens by truly being an extension of our home. Best decision we’ve made!”

– Jackie, Middle & Upper School parent

Ready to find your place at Sa

Find out more at www.sanfordschool.org/admission/ disc

at Sanford’s Middle School?

ion/ discover-sanford-school

Preschool to 12 . College Prep 6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707-0888 302.235.6503 www.sanfordschool.org

FIND YOURSELF

SANFORD SCHOOL