STUDENT LIFE MIDDLE SCHOOL
We believe that asking thoughtful questions is the engine that drives curiosity, putting you on a path that can lead anywhere. In middle school, students can find the appropriate level of academic challenge as they build a foundation for rigorous study in high school and beyond. Core academic classes (math, world language, English, history, and science) are supplemented by electives and explorations in the arts, speech and debate, computer science, and more.
Campbell Hall is a community of inquiry committed to academic excellence and to the nurturing of decent, loving, and responsible human beings.
CAMPBELL HALL MISSION
Academics
Rotating Block Schedule = More Engagement
Our 75-minute rotating block schedule is designed to allow more time for students to engage in research, lecture, discussion, group work, and project-based learning that prioritizes depth and quality. Rotating blocks mean that classes meet every other day, providing students with workload balance and flexibility to complete assignments and projects.
Go Beyond Exploration Courses & Electives
Through exploration course offerings including visual arts, performing arts, and computer science, as well as a year-long human development course in 7th grade, our middle school offers an extensive educational experience beyond the core curriculum. The 8th grade program expands on these offerings with semesterlong electives focusing on a wide range of topics such as Storytelling Through Photography, Acting, Filmmaking, Television Production, Do You Wanna Build a Spaceship?, Steel Drumming, and more.
Study Hall
Every middle school student has study hall as one of their rotating block courses. Students who elect to take an exploration class spend approximately 50% of their time in the exploration class and 50% in regular study hall.
Homework with a Purpose
Campbell Hall faculty assign homework to complement classroom learning and strengthen skills. While the homework load varies from class to class and week to week, it usually averages 1–1.5 hours per night.
Science-Backed Late Start
In response to medical research that noted teenagers need more sleep in the mornings, Campbell Hall was among the first schools in the nation to implement a late-start model for grades 7–12. Weekday classes start at 8:50 a.m. with the exception of Wednesdays which begin at 9:30 a.m.
The IDEA (Inquiry, Democracy, Equity, Agency) Center
Recognizing the creativity, ingenuity, and innovation within our community, combined with a deep commitment to nurturing caring global citizens, Campbell Hall established a system for incubating and launching mission-driven projects and programs. The IDEA Center gives K–12 students agency and support to actualize enterprises that tackle current challenges and make a difference in the lives of others. The IDEA Center empowers individuals to become change-makers.
Arts
Visual Arts
The visual arts program in middle school engages students in self-motivated inquiry, intuitive problem solving, and creative risk-taking. Along with technique, students develop their critical and abstract thinking skills. The curriculum emphasizes visual literacy and personal expression in both required and elective studio courses that include: drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and filmmaking. Regular exhibitions in the Campbell Hall Gallery reflect visual art students’ remarkable talents and inspired passions.
The Spielberg Family Arts and Education Center is an ideal creative space and includes a TV production studio with green screen, photography darkroom, music recording studio, chorus room, visual art studios including a ceramics kiln, art gallery with screening room, dance studios, and more.
Performing Arts
Middle school students, whether new to the arts or with years of experience, have many opportunities to explore, expand, and showcase their artistic talents. Classes include acting, theater tech, TV production, filmmaking, ballet and contemporary dance, choir, world drumming, steel drums, orchestra, and jazz ensembles. In addition to regular curricular concerts and performances, extracurricular productions include the Middle School Play, the Middle School Musical, Gospel Concert, The Nutcracker, and the Spring Dance Concert.
Athletics
The Campbell Hall Athletics program develops the skills and mindset that student-athletes need to compete at the highest level. We believe that through engaging in a competitive athletic program and working collaboratively on a team, athletes build character and gain valuable life skills including leadership, self-discipline, and resilience.
FALL SEASON
Flag Football
Girls’ Volleyball
Girls’ Tennis
Cross Country
Cheer
Equestrian (year-round)
WINTER SEASON
Track and Field CAMPBELL
Boys’ Basketball
Girls’ Basketball
Boys’ Soccer
Girls’ Soccer
Cheer
SPRING SEASON
Baseball
Boys’ Volleyball
Boys’ Tennis
Golf
Student Life
Middle School Houses
All middle school students are grouped into Houses. Each House has its own identity and is associated with a meaning, heritage, color, animal, and even chants that the students can take pride in. During the school year, students can earn points for their House by engaging in acts of kindness, good deeds, and community events. All middle school students are celebrated for their collective efforts with a fun activity at the end of the year, with the winning House receiving a trophy and special prize. The Middle School House system strengthens class bonds, encourages altruism, and enhances the student experience as students work together for a common goal.
Advisory Groups
Advisory groups meet twice weekly to ensure that every student’s academic and personal development is guided by an adult advocate. Advisory also creates a safe space in which each student experiences a sense of belonging while building connections with peers. Advisory programming includes team-building activities, community service, social-emotional learning, study skills, and opportunities to build confidence in both individual and group identity.
Free Dress Fridays
Secondary students wear uniforms Monday through Thursday with free dress on Friday. Spirit weeks are fun ways for students to participate in themed dress days and show off their Viking spirit!
Chapel Program
Campbell Hall is a school of faith and reason rooted in the rich tradition of Episcopal education, which means we place spiritual development at the heart of all we do. We welcome people of all faiths, and our student body’s religious identification is reflective of many traditions. Chapel takes place twice weekly and gives students the opportunity to gather with friends, hear stories from the world’s various religious faiths and traditions, enjoy performances and presentations, and explore questions of the heart and mind.
Experiential Education
The 7th-grade trip to Washington, D.C. and the 8th-grade trip to San Francisco are unforgettable experiences during which students explore two of America’s great cities and create lasting bonds with classmates and faculty.
Community Service
Community Service is an integral part of a Campbell Hall education. Middle school students have opportunities to engage in service throughout the school year as part of their advisory program and during optional lunchtime activities. 7th graders are asked to complete five hours of community service during the school year, and 8th graders complete ten hours. The 8th grade ‘Make a Difference Day’ is another special offering where our students go off-campus to support multiple organizations.
CH Community Sunday is open to the entire K–12 community to engage in a day of service and fundraising activities that support local nonprofit organizations.
Student Life
Technology
While we encourage the use of technology for educational purposes, we also understand the importance of unplugging. Every middle school student is required to have a Mac laptop computer for their coursework and is guided in the appropriate use of technology. The use of cell phones is limited to before and after school.
Activities
Clubs are an important part of the middle school experience, reflecting the interests of students and faculty, and vary by year. Affinity groups create opportunities for students who share a common identity to come together in a more intimate space within the larger community. Clubs and affinity groups meet during lunch.
Family affinity groups are safe spaces in which K–12 students and their families along with faculty and staff can affirm their identities, hold joyful celebrations, and build community. There are currently eight such organizations with an open invitation to the community to create additional groups based on interest.
Student Council plays a vital role in making sure that student voices are heard and represented. Student chaplains participate in chapel readings, and student activities coordinators help plan fun events throughout the school year.
Events
Homecoming Carnival is a K–12 schoolwide event where the whole family can enjoy carnival rides and games, indulge in delicious food and treats, connect with the community across all grade levels, and show our Viking pride!
Middle School Parties are held twice a year and are a great way for students to get to know classmates in a social setting.
Halloween is an exciting time at Campbell Hall. The campus is spookily decorated and middle school students celebrate with a parade and costume contest. Middle school students can also participate in an eerie production of Catacombs featuring dance and choral performances.
7th Grade Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day is a heartwarming event for guests to enjoy lunch, middle school performances, speakers, and fun activities with their students.
The Nutcracker is an annual favorite of the CH community featuring dancers in grades 4–12.
World Cultures Chapel & Luncheon enables students to learn about and taste the cuisine of the cultures taught in our world language courses.
The Gospel Concert is a beloved and unique CH extracurricular event for students in grades 5–12, where they come together in joyful songs of praise.
The Middle School Talent Show showcases students’ gifts and skills.
7th Grade Mock Trial lets students jump back in time to take a role in the simulated trial of the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.
7th Grade Diversity Day encourages and inspires new thinking around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. This day also allows students to work with faculty in multiple workshops on unique topics not covered during traditional classes, such as “Tinikling: The National Dance of the Philippines” or “African American Storytelling in Quilts.”
