Middle School is a time of tremendous growth. It’s a time when curiosity deepens, independence takes root, and new ideas begin to shape how students see themselves and the world. At BWL, we believe this journey should be fueled by excitement, not pressure, and guided by teachers who both challenge and care for their Middle School students.
Here, learning is about more than academics Our students are encouraged to question assumptions, to take intellectual risks, and to develop their own voices. They learn not just to think critically, but also to listen generously, as these are the skills that prepare them to thrive in high school and far beyond
What families value most is the sense of belonging our community provides. In these formative years, when confidence and friendships matter so deeply, BWL offers a place where students are known and celebrated as individuals. It is a community anchored in respect and kindness, yet alive with the innovation and opportunities of NewYork City
We are honored to partner with parents through this important chapter of your child’s education, and I look forward to the possibility of welcoming your family to BWL.
Warmly,
Bill Kuhn Head of School
"Our daughter is thriving in Middle School! She is challenged academically while also being supported by teachers who truly know her and care about her. She is finding her independence, has a great group of friends, and is excited for school every day. As her parents, we also appreciate that she has access to unique opportunities like the Billion Oyster Project, and we are really looking forward to her participating in the Middle School Entrepreneurship program. We deeply value the balance of strong academics, creativity, and community that defines BWL. We couldn’t ask for a better school for our children!"
Parent of Middle School Student
Dear Future Middle School Family,
Welcome to the Middle School at Birch Wathen Lenox These years are a time of tremendous growth for young people, and our program is designed to guide students through this important stage with purpose, care, and excitement.
In our classrooms, learning comes alive through open inquiry and constructive dialogue. Students are encouraged to questio thoughtfully, debate respectfully, and listen generously, develo and empathy. They tackle rigorous academics in ways that than pressured, learning to stretch themselves while discovering their individual passions intellectual, creative, and personal.
Beyond the classroom, students take part in community-building trips, service projects, and extracurricular activities that strengthen confidence and friendships They learn to work together, to speak up respectfully, and to listen with empathy. These are essential skills for success in high school and beyond.
What makes BWL truly distinctive is the community our families and students find here In the midst of a big city, our Middle School feels personal and close-knit Teachers know their students well, guiding them with care while also encouraging independence. Parents often tell me how meaningful it is that their children are both celebrated as individuals and held to high expectations.
I look forward to welcoming your family and showing you how Birch Wathen Lenox Middle School helps students thrive as learners and as young people finding their place in the world.
Warmly,
Guido Sanchez Director of Middle School
At BWL, Middle School is a place where students build confidence, explore their passions, and thrive in a community that values every child.
It is a time of discovery that inspires them to dream big, embrace challenges, and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
BalancingAcademics, Enrichment, and Community
Our Middle School schedule creates the right rhythm for learning and growth Each day balances focus and productivity with opportunities for joy, curiosity, and connection
Advisory & Community
ExtendedAdvisory gives students more time to connect, build stronger relationships, and practice communication and constructive dialogue In these moments, students are finding their voices and stepping boldly into courageous conversations that carry into their classrooms and friendships
Clubs & Electives
With an expanded Clubs program, students now have the chance to explore more interests many even participate in two extracurriculars during the school day Elective classes add to this sense of discovery, sparking curiosity and giving students the opportunity to stretch themselves and uncover new talents
Recess & Recharge
Adaily midday break with recess anchors the day and ensures that every student has the chance to recharge For our 7th and 8th graders, a dedicated tutorial period provides weekly one-on-one time with teachers, offering individualized support, enrichment, and encouragement
Writing Lab
Our Writing Lab opens new doors for students to refine their skills Through enrichment projects and personalized guidance, they strengthen their writing, gain confidence, and grow into literary scholars ready to share their voices
Supporting the Whole Child
Every part of the Middle School experience is designed to nurture students academically, socially, and emotionally Our Middle Schoolers are embracing these opportunities with energy and optimism, while our teachers bring fresh creativity, deeper care, and renewed joy to the classroom
210 East 77th Street, NY, NY 10075
212.861.0404 www.BWL.org K–12 | Admissions@gbwl org A Week in the Life of Our
Sample Schedule
6th Grade
Time 8:15–8:55 9:00–9:40 9:45–10:2
10:30–11:1
11:15–11:5
11:55–12:1
12:15–12:3
12:35–12:5 1:00–1:40 1:45–2:25 2:30–3:10
210 East 77th Street, NY, NY 10075 212.861.0404 www.BWL.org K–12 | Admissions@gbwl org
At BWL, learning doesn’t stop with core subjects. Our Middle School Electives program encourages students to dive into areas of curiosity, build real-world skills, and discover new passions. Each Elective is a year-long, project-based course full of creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. These classes complement the academic program, offering experiences that help students grow as independent thinkers and engaged learners.
Electives are designed to be both rigorous and inspiring—whether students are experimenting with technology, exploring culture, or taking on community challenges. Along the way, they gain confidence, sharpen problem-solving skills, and learn the value of committing to a longterm project.
Constructive Dialogue is one of BWL’s core pillars, shaping how we teach, learn, and live together as a community. In Middle School, this means guiding students through the crucial early years of adolescence with opportunities to question, reflect, and exchange ideas in safe, supportive ways. Whether in advisory, classrooms, or community life, dialogue is woven into their daily experiences, helping them to develop not only as learners but as citizens of a diverse and complex world
Learning to Listen and Respond
Middle School is a time when students begin forming stronger opinions and testing their independence. At BWL, we show them how to express their views clearly while also listening with respect and empathy Teachers encourage students to challenge ideas and sometimes their own assumptions through Socratic discussions, literature circles, and current events projects These conversations help students practice balancing curiosity with confidence, learning that disagreement can be a starting point for deeper understanding
DialogueAcross the Curriculum
Constructive Dialogue is not confined to humanities classes In science labs, students debate the implications of medical discoveries In history, they analyze multiple perspectives on pivotal events In art, they reflect on how creativity can spark conversations about identity and meaning Across subjects, dialogue sharpens critical thinking and reminds students that there are often many ways to approach a single question
Growing Confidence in Community
Our advisory program plays a central role in helping students navigate the social and emotional dimensions of dialogue Through guided discussions, students learn to articulate feelings, resolve conflicts, and practice empathy with peers Role-playing exercises, mindfulness practices, and collaborative projects build confidence in expressing themselves while respecting the perspectives of others
Learning to Lead with Respect
Middle School is a pivotal time when students begin to step into leadership roles within their community Through advisory conversations,
peer mentoring, and collaborative projects, students guiding discussions, listening actively, and balancing their own perspectives with those of others. These experiences prepare them not only to be thoughtful participants in dialogue but also respectful leaders who can help shape the tone of a group.
By the time they reach Upper School, BWLMiddle Schoolers are already experienced in leading conversations, asking thoughtful questions, and weighing multiple perspectives. Constructive Dialogue equips them with the intellectual courage and interpersonal skills they need to thrive in more advanced academic settings and in the broader world.
ACulture That Lasts
The habits students develop in Middle School become the foundation for how they navigate dialogue as they mature into thoughtful, engaged young adults By normalizing constructive conversations, our Middle School students carry forward the confidence to speak up, the humility to listen, and the resilience to grow through challenging conversations
Our Partners
To enrich our work, BWLpartners with national leaders in dialogue and education, including:
The Social Institute equips students to navigate social media, tech, and well-being in ways that strengthen dialogue and community
The Constructive Dialogue Institute trains faculty and peer leaders in practices that promote deep inquiry and respectful exchange
ConnectED supports critical conversations on history, antisemitism, and global issues with empathy and media literacy
The Mill Institute provides resources that help schools foster open, rigorous discussion on today’s most challenging topics
Upper School Entrepreneurship: A Four-Year Journey of Innovation
Our Upper School Entrepreneurship Program is a signature offering and a true differentiator among New York City’s independent schools. Structured as a four-year sequence, students progress from foundational skills in Level 1, to product development in Level 2, to launch and growth strategies in Level 3, and finally, the Level 4 Accelerator—a capstone year dedicated to scaling a fully operational business.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
PROGRAM
Students gain unparalleled access to mentorship and real-world opportunities They hear from inspiring guest speakers, visit both startups and established companies, and work closely with industry experts who provide feedback and guidance Competitions, showcases, and pitch events create authentic opportunities to test their ideas while honing the durable skills of communication, adaptability, and ethical decision-making
From the very first project, students are treated as emerging entrepreneurs and leaders They learn to spot opportunities, assess risks, and turn ideas into actionable solutions Coursework blends creativity with practical business knowledge in finance, marketing, and leadership all anchored in BWL’s values of integrity and purposeful action.
By graduation, BWL entrepreneurs don’t just imagine what’s possible they’ve built, tested, and scaled it. Whether continuing their ventures, pursuing new ideas, or entering college and careers, they leave with the confidence, experience, and practical tools to make an impact.
The college process takes shape during junior year Students participate in weekly seminars that prepare them for the application and selection process At the beginning of 11th grade, juniors visit three colleges that represent institutions with different settings, sizes, and programs. Junior year culminates with a case study workshop for students and parents led by admissions representatives from selective colleges.
During senior year, students meet dozens of college representatives who visit BWL each fall Family meetings, individual counselor chats, and a college fair round out the experience By these latter years in the Upper School, our students have embraced the opportunity to learn more about themselves This self-awareness becomes a key component to finding their best-fit colleges
BWL Class of 2025 College Decisions
Bard College (2)
Boston College Massachusetts
Bowdoin College
Brown University
Case Western Reserve University
Chapman University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Elon University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University
Fairfield University
Fordham University
George Washington University
Hamilton College (2)
Howard University
Lehigh University (3)
Miami University Oxford
Middlebury College
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
Pennsylvania State University
Roberts Wesleyan College
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rutgers University
New Brunswick (2)
Sarah Lawrence College
Stonehill College
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Tufts University (2)
University of Arizona (2)
University of Chicago (2)
University of Colorado
Boulder
University of Florida
University of Maryland
College Park
University of Ottawa
University of Southern California
University of Wisconsin
Madison
Vassar College
Villanova University (3)
Wake Forest University (2)
The BWLCollege Counseling and the Office ofAlumni Relations proudly share that in the past several years, BWLstudents have been admitted and chosen to attend (bold) the following colleges and universities:
Adelphi University
American University
American University of Paris
Amherst College
Babson College
Bard College
Bates College
Bennington College
Binghamton University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brandeis University
Brown University
Bryn Mawr College
Bucknell University
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Chapman University
College of Charleston
Clark University
Colby College
Colgate University
Colorado College
Colorado State University
Columbia University
Cornell University
CUNY Baruch College
CUNY Hunter College
Dalhousie University
Denison University
Dickinson College
Drew University
Drexel University
Duke University
Eastern Connecticut State University
Eckerd College
Elon University
Emerson College
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emory University
Fairfield University
Fashion Institute of Technology
Fordham University
Franklin and Marshall College
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Gettysburg College
Hamilton College
Harvey Mudd College
Haverford College
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Hofstra University
Howard University
Imperial College London
Indiana University
Ithaca College
Johns Hopkins University
Kenyon College
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Lesley University
Lewis & Clark College
LIM College
Loyola University Maryland
Loyola Marymount University
Manhattan College
Marist College
Marymount Manhattan College
McGill University
Miami University Oxford
Michigan State University
Middlebury College
Mount Holyoke College
Muhlenberg College
The New School
New York University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
Occidental College
Ohio State University
Olin College of Engineering
Pennsylvania State University
Pratt Institute
Purdue University
Quinnipiac University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Roberts Wesleyan College
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rollins College
Rutgers University
Santa Clara University
Sarah Lawrence College
Skidmore College
Smith College
Southern Methodist University
Spelman College
St John’s University
Stonehill College
SUNY Albany
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY New Paltz
SUNY Plattsburgh
SUNY Purchase
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Towson University
Trinity College
Tufts University
Tulane University
Union College
University College London
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of California Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Chicago
University of Colorado
University of Connecticut
University of Delaware
University of Denver
University of Edinburgh
University of Florida
University of Guelph
University of Maine
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Mississippi
University of North Carolina
University of Ottawa
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Richmond
University of Rochester
University of South Carolina
University of Southern California
University of St Andrews
University of Tampa
University of Texas
University of Tokyo
University of Toronto
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin
Vanderbilt University
Vassar College
Villanova University
Wake Forest University
Washington University in St. Louis
Webb Institute
Wesleyan University
Wheaton College
Williams College
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
B LEARNING PARTNERS
AND
COLLABORATORS
Extending Learning Beyond Our Walls
Classroom oysters give our Middle School students hands-on learning experience with marine life
Education doesn’t stop at the classroom door Through partnerships with leading hospitals, universities, cultural institutions, and nonprofits, our students connect with experts who add real-world knowledge to their learning These collaborations enrich our curriculum, expand perspectives, and prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world and to lead with knowledge, empathy, and confidence
“I started at BWL in 6th grade, and it was the best decision. My parents think so too. I feel so much happier here, and there are lots of clubs, and sports, and volunteer opportunities to get involved in—things I never thought of doing. I definitely feel like I belong. My teachers really know me, and I feel like people care about what I think and how I feel. I don’t know I’m just really happy here!”
“My son is very motivated to do well and sees the results when he puts in the effort. He has much more willingness to seek out help for his work within school from his teachers and out-of-school resources. He also appreciates having time in the school day and during the week to review and work on assignments and strategies.”
—Parent of 10 Grade EXCEL Student th
Middle School Activities and Clubs
d activities that s are added regularly e day, while others take place before or after school.
Physical Education, Sports, andAthletics at BWLempower students to lead healthy and active lifestyles and hone valuable skills, including sportsmanship, teamwork, and physical fitness, in PE classes, intramural sports, and interscholastic competitions. Students also have access to BWL’s new on-campus Fitness Center
Middle School
Beginning in 6th grade, students can participate in afterschool intramural sports, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, and racquet sports, increasing their skill set and encouraging future participation in competitive sports. Students also participate in PE classes three times a week, along with extracurricular athletic activities. For the more competitive student-athlete, interscholastic competition through the Independent SchoolAssociation League (ISAL) is introduced in 7th grade, with teams including soccer, volleyball, cross country tennis (8th), swimming (8th), and baseball (8th).
Upper School
Upper School PE classes emphasize the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle with lessons on cardiovascular health, weight training, aerobic fitness, and more, with instruction that encourages positive habits and physical health for a lifetime. Upper School student-athletes compete in the Independent School Athletic League (ISAL). Sports include Boys and Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys and Girls Basketball, coed Swimming, coed Squash, Boys and Girls Track and Field, Boys and ennis, coed Golf, and Boys Baseball. The school also participates in state-level competitions through the Association of Independent Schools
The BWLParentsAssociation is an enthusiastic force that supports the mission, efforts, and goals of the administration, faculty, staff, and student body.
BWLis fortunate to have the involvement of dedicated and committed parents who enhance the relationship between home and school Upon enrollment, all parents are granted membership in the ParentsAssociation With membership comes the opportunity to serve in parent leadership positions, such as committee chairs, class representatives, or event volunteers The ParentsAssociation strengthens the school in many ways by hosting and supporting these efforts:
Athletics
Bake Sales
Community Service
CulturalAlliances
Faculty and StaffAppreciation
MulticulturalActivities
New Family Liaison
Parents inAction (PIA) Liaison
PerformingArts
Robotics
Spirit Shop
Spring Fair
Spring Benefit
Volunteer Coordinator Visit www.bwl.org/pa or scan the QR code for more information.
“As a senior about to graduate, I can honestly say that BWL has prepared me for what’s next. I was accepted to my top-choice school, and I feel so ready for college. I’m grateful to my teachers and everyone who helped me reach my goals and who had a part in creating the incredible experience I had at BWL.”
