Middle School Viewbook 2019-2020

Middle School GRADES 6–8

www.rabungap.org 339 Nacoochee Drive, Rabun Gap, GA 30568 706-746-7720 • admission@rabungap.org

WE ARE RABUN GAP independent, coed boarding & day school SERVING STUDENTS IN PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE

75%

OF STUDENTS RECEIVE

financial aid & scholarships

Global community of 600 students from

50+

COUNTRIES AND 15 STATES

100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE TO INSTITUTIONS IN THE U.S. AND AROUND THE WORLD

12:1

STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO

1400 ACRE CAMPUS

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School combines its strong academic program, mountain setting, and Presbyterian heritage to inspire young people eager to learn and grow.

At Rabun Gap, diversity is more than a catchphrase – it’s a way of life.

A fourth-grader spends time with his Reading Buddy from the Bahamas. In an Upper School history class, students from Asia, Europe, The Caribbean, and the mountains of Northeast Georgia discuss the American Revolution. A group of middle school students have dinner in the dining hall with a faculty member and her family from New York.

The Rabun Gap community is the world in one place. Our unique community is a space where everyone is valued and respected. At Rabun Gap, you’ll encounter people from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds living, working, worshipping, and learning together.

OUR UNIQUE A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Students at Rabun Gap have the unique opportunity to experience interactions with their peers from all walks of life. Our diverse and vibrant campus sets us apart from most independent schools in the United States.

With a population including students from 50 countries and 15 states, Rabun Gap is

Cross country runners write “Run Fast” in their native language before a meet.

COMMUNITY a special place where people come together. But it’s not just that. We’re empowering community that embraces our differences.

Students from all divisions interact and learn about each others’ cultures at Rabun Gap.

Students in Lower, Middle, and Upper School gain global perspective through cultural education and experiences. It’s all about preparing our graduates for life outside the idyllic mountain community of Rabun Gap, where they will LEAD THE WAY in college and beyond.

SOCIOECONOMIC DIVERSITY When Andrew Ritchie founded Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in 1903, his main goal was to offer an exceptional educational experience to all students, regardless of ability to pay. Today, we remain committed to this central pillar of our mission.

20%

Full & Partial Assistance to Incomes Below Poverty Line

35% Income of

10%

< $50,000

Income of

$126,000$200,000+

20% Income of

Unlike most independent schools, the majority of our students (75%) receive need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. This commitment creates a unique community of students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

$76,000-$125,000

15% Income of

$51,000-$75,000

Family income range breakdown of the 75% of students who receive need-based financial aid or merit scholarships.

OUR FACULTY Our more than 100 faculty members across three divisions are a vital part of the Rabun Gap community. Hailing from all around the world, these teachers and mentors are a second family to our students. Our faculty do more than just teach -- theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re involved in all aspects of a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, from the classroom to the playing fields and the stage. More than 80% of faculty live on campus, so they are always here for our students.

home away from home civility

FAMILY

belonging culture

“At Rabun Gap, the opportunities are endless, academically and physically.

I get to play soccer and basketball, and run track. I have so many new friends here!”

‒ Georgia

HIGHLANDS, NC

“It’s great to have friends from so many countries. We are all close to each other, like a big family.“

‒ Jennifer

CHINA

“Before I came here, I thought I wouldn’t fit in, but everyone treated me so well. Every boarding student is my friend. We get to go on fun trips together on the weekends.

And my teachers are so easy to talk to.”

‒ Justin

NEW YORK CITY

“I love our community at the Middle School.

Everyone here respects each other.”

‒ Alex

VIRGINIA

WASHINGTON, DC

ACADEMICS engage and explore

• Holistic approach to learning focuses on experimentation and growth in a supportive environment.

• Experiential learning in indoor and outdoor laboratories and through partnerships with local universities and research organizations, integrated technology, and cross-disciplinary projects.

• Students develop design thinking skills in dedicated Makerspace classroom.

• Travel study trips provide immersive experiences beyond the classroom.

• Global curriculum promotes cultural awareness and global undersanding • Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) program • Students host annual science capstone symposiums and seminars.

• Outdoor Classroom space.

AT H L E T I C S get in the game

• Coaches who value academics, character, teamwork, safety, and high-level competition.

• Baseball, basketball, cross country, football, lacrosse, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball, wrestling.

• Teams compete in the Tri-State Athletic Conference.

OUR ATHLETIC FACILITIES •

13 acres of Bermuda grass fields

•

6-lane rubber-surfaced competition track Golfing green and tee boxes 4 lighted tennis courts Lighted baseball field 3 gymnasiums Indoor pool Fitness center

• • • • • •

find your passion

INSPIRATION

A RT S

• Classes in chorus, handbells, drama, dance, and visual arts.

• Music room, art studio, and dance studio on campus at the Middle School. Students also have access to Arts & Technology Building on Upper School campus.

• Cirque skills workshops offer the opportunity to prepare for Upper School Cirque.

• Regular performance showcases, including the annual Middle School Musical, open to parents and the community.

• After school classes and private lessons in music and dance are available through The Studio at Rabun Gap.

RESIDENTIAL LIFE make lifelong connections

• Separate junior boarding program with full-time dorm supervision.

• Junior boarding program builds responsibility for personal, academic, and social growth under the nurturing guidance of Rabun Gap residential faculty.

• Dorm amenities include computer access, kitchens, laundry facilities, fitness center, vending machines, and common areas.

• Weekend fun includes swimming and canoeing on our own Indian Lake, on campus games and movies, and off campus mall, theater, and sporting event outings.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT make a difference

• The Rabun Gap Honor Covenant, signed annually by all students, promotes integrity.

• Middle school students collect donations and give time annually to support a local children’s home.

• Chapel and advisory programs promote character development, living in community, self-discovery, and the concept of global citizenship.

• The Student Leadership Council helps plan spirit weeks and works with school administrators to advocate for students.

• Skills taught include interpersonal communication, leadership, citizenship, and organization.

THE RABUN GAP

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE • Family-style, seated lunch. Students set, serve, and clean tables, learning responsibility.

• Tutorial time is built into the school day for academic support as needed.

• Mobile Chromebook carts provide access to laptop computers for each student.

• Enrichment classes include student publications, outdoor education, and STEAM.

BUS SERVICE Our safe and affordable bus service makes life easy for busy parents. We service three counties with our buses, which run in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings following afternoon programs. Stops include: • • • •

Clayton, GA Clarkesville, GA Highlands, NC Franklin, NC

Asheville

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

Greenville

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, just two hours from Atlanta, Ga., Greenville, S.C., and Asheville, N.C.

SCHEDULE A VISIT Call us at 706-746-7720 to set up your on campus visit at Rabun Gap!

ON THE ROAD Atlanta

Rabun Gap Admission staff travels across the U.S. and around the globe to meet families. Check our website to see when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re visiting a town near you!

www.rabungap.org 339 Nacoochee Drive, Rabun Gap, GA 30568 706-746-7720 â&#x20AC;˘ admission@rabungap.org