Middle School Viewbook 2024-25

Illuminate the Possibilities Middle schoolers are in a constant state of becoming, and this process is neither predictable nor smooth. In the midst of this time of great change resides unlimited possibility, and for this reason, middle school is an opportunity to be seized, not a time to be endured. Middle schoolers need learning that is both spontaneous and intentional, playful and challenging, timely and lasting. They thrive when teachers truly understand and value the particular moment they are in, can prioritize getting to know their whole selves, and help them illuminate the potential within.

Our mission: “We wish our students to become strong in body, broad of mind, tender of heart, responsive in soul.”

— Mary Hyde DuVal, Founding Headmistress

Statement on Inclusive Excellence

St. Anne’s-Belfield School believes that exemplary citizenship and visionary leadership are best nurtured in a welcoming School community based on equity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of excellence. Our School provides a well-balanced educational experience that affirms the richness and diversity of humanity, creates an expectation of belonging based on shared human dignity, and encourages a desire to learn about and from each other.

Our vision: to inspire and prepare the next generation of exemplary citizens and visionary leaders.

Our Portrait of a 2036 Graduate articulates the habits, mindsets, and skill sets we believe are essential for our graduates in the present and the future. Learn more about it at portrait.stab.org

Philosophy

Meet the Division Head Marie Reed, M.A., P. ’27 & ’30 “We love middle schoolers. We think they are remarkable and have a special capacity for joy, flexible and creative thinking, questioning and wonder. They more often than not bring a special hopefulness that the world desperately needs. We love them so much that we learn from them and with them. Our goal isn’t to turn them into little high schoolers. It is to help them seize the remarkable potential of the moment they are in.”

The Saints Community At St. Anne’s-Belfield School, we are first and foremost a community. The best way to help children flourish is to support and partner with our families. Our community reaches beyond the classroom to build strong, intentional relationships with the whole family. This connection begins even before our students arrive with Parent/Guardian Partnership Meetings between family caregivers and faculty, and continues throughout the year with our Wednesday Wellness family education webinars, Meet in the Middle programming, and volunteer opportunities on and off campus. Within our age 2 to Grade 12 community, relationships form between students of all divisions. Your middle schooler will meet and interact with students from all divisions of the School. We want all our students to know and genuinely feel that they belong to a caring and vibrant community.

Highlights: • • • •

60+ Parents’ Association volunteer positions in all divisions 86 all school parent/guardian volunteers 7 Wednesday Wellness webinars 4+ Meet in the Middle parent/guardian enrichment programs

“During Fall Family Picnic, everyone is so close, watching the football game or having pizza with a group of friends. It is such a fun and exciting tradition even if we don’t win. I know that everyone who goes to the FFP has a great time (especially the little kids with candy in their mouths.) It is so much fun and you can feel the community around you.

— Asher J. ’29

Chapel has existed at St. Anne’s since our founding in 1910. While today’s Chapel is non-denominational, it remains one of the sacred traditions of the School.

In the Middle School, students begin to emerge as Chapel leaders as planners, musicians, and speakers in group or individual Chapel talks. These provide time for students and faculty to gather in fellowship and reflect on what it means to be a member of a larger community.

Parent/Guardian Partnership Meetings

Our Parent/Guardian Partnership Meetings, the first of which is prior to the start of school, enable faculty and family caregivers to form an important connection between home and School life for middle schoolers at St. Anne’s-Belfield.

Community Events

Cheer on our Saints athletes at a game, bring the family to an arts performance or gallery opening, attend a speaker lecture, come decked in maroon and white for our Fall Family Festival or Maroon & White Party, roll up your sleeves and volunteer alongside a local organization during Saints Serve Saturday — the School community loves to come together.

“I first truly felt like part of the community when, in my first year I was selected to speak during Lessons and Carols. I had been feeling nervous about it ’cause it was in front of the whole school. As I expressed how I was feeling about it I got a tremendous amount of support from all my teachers and friends.”

— Colin M. ’29

Parent/Guardian Programming

Wednesday Wellness Webinars connect child and teen development experts to our parents and guardians; Curriculum Night gives parents and guardians insight into the Middle School curriculum; and regular Meet in the Middle gatherings with the head of the Middle School focus on aspects of our program.

The Parents’ Association (PA)

The Parents’ Association welcomes volunteers. We provide many opportunities for families to become involved. In the Middle School, parents and guardians act as grade level reps, serve on PA committees, assist as athletic team parents, help at events, and more.

Interaction Across Grade Levels

From their first day of school through the time they are initiated into our expansive, global alumni network, all Saints know they are part of a caring and vibrant community. With students from age 2 to Grade 12, representing 25 countries, your student will have the opportunity to interact with students of all ages and backgrounds through programs like the Lower School Intern Quest, Chapel Buddies, and volunteering.

Community

Chapel

Academic Highlights At St. Anne’s-Belfield’s Middle School (MS), we design our program with the unique needs of middle schoolers in mind. Specific to our Middle School program, Impact Block and the Quest program are strategically planned to meet the central needs of the Middle School years: belonging, exploring and discovering, and developing a sense of self.

Curricular Requirements for Grades 5 – 8 Humanities: English — 4 years Humanities: History — 4 years World Languages — 4 years Science — 4 years Math — 4 years Visual & Performing Arts — 4 years Quest — 2 years

Our Advisory Program

Every student in the Middle School is assigned to an advisory group led by a teacher who serves as that student’s adult advocate and also a liaison between the School and parents/guardians. Our advisory program anchors student learning in a strong relationship with an adult. It prioritizes time and space for the development of key life skills and habits. Everything from typing, organization, and time management — to digital citizenship and reflection and goal-setting. The smaller teacher-tostudent ratios provide a setting where students can feel free to voice their questions and curiosities. All topics are revisited throughout the Middle School years in different and developmentally-appropriate ways. For our Grade 8 students, there is also a special emphasis on community leadership.

“Each of our children are thriving despite each being so different from the others. St. Anne’s-Belfield teachers and team make it a welcome home for all students and personalities, caring for them and nurturing the best out of each. Every year, we have new ‘wow moments’ with the teachers — the faculty is incomparable.” — Chas Cocke, P. ’25, ’28 & ’31

Math

Grade 5 and 6 students learn math through a Singapore Math curriculum called Primary Mathematics.

The Singapore Math approach equips students with a strong foundation in math by covering topics in depth and teaching to mastery. The concepts taught in fifth and sixth grade continue to lay the foundation and prepare students for the content they will learn in Grades 7 and 8. In Math 7 and 8, students have the option to earn advanced credit through either an earned-advanced option (Math 7) or a separate Advanced Math 8 class. All MS students learn to monitor their own thought processes, explore alternative methods for solving problems, and maintain a growth mindset in their mathematical thinking.

Computer Science

Computer Science (CS) is distinguished from other technology-related curricula that focus on how to use computer technology because CS is focused on understanding why it works and how to create it. Knowing why and how computers work (i.e., computer science), provides the basis for a deep understanding of computer use and the relevant rights, responsibilities, and applications. Learning computer science involves problem-solving, logical reasoning, and design skills that can be meaningfully integrated into every discipline. During Middle School, all CS learning is project-based and integrated into other disciplines. New CS skills are learned based on the needs of the projects students create.

World Languages

Students have the option to take French or Spanish and make a commitment to sustain language study in the chosen language for the four years of Middle School. Spanish and French 7 & 8 is equivalent to the Upper School French or Spanish I course.

Newly enrolled Grade 8 students may select an Introduction to Spanish course, or, with the successful completion of a placement test, be placed into Spanish 8 or French 8.

Learn more about the MS curriculum at stab.org/academics

Academics

“We moved to St. Anne’s when our three kids were entering the seventh and third grade. We worried the kids might have trouble finding friends, but the St. Anne’s-Belfield community was incredibly welcoming! What impresses me the most is that the teachers, administrators and coaches know each and every child deeply, and they are absolutely tireless in their efforts to identify the specific opportunities and challenges each child needs to evolve into their best self.” — Brandy Bridges, P. ’28, ’32 & ’32

Impact Block Impact Block is a four-year scaffolded experience focused on building the skills that support academic independence and engagement beyond the Middle School years. Four days per week for 30 – 45 minutes each day, Grades 5 – 8 students engage in academic skill-building and choice-based experiences designed to help them articulate the support they need, identify and implement the strategies that work best for them, and extend learning beyond the classroom in areas that excite, empower, connect, and engage.

Making an Impact: A sample week at each grade level Monday

Tuesday

Grade 5

Advisory Getting ready for Middle School

Thursday

Friday

Academic support, Advisory time extension, and skill building

Academic support, extension, and skill building

Grade 6

Advisory Academic support, Advisory Time The Becoming extension, and skill Notebook and building goal setting for the week

Academic support, extension, and skill building

Choice Day Examples: Help Club Woods Walking Math Strategy Games Board Game Group Choice Day Examples: History’s Mysteries Library Interns Writing Workshop Science Extended

Grade 7 &8

Grades 7 & 8

Advisory Study Hall Students meet with advisors to develop a personalized plan for academic support and extension.

Wednesday

Academic support and extension: Offerings include a range of study halls (silent, collaborative, and guided) and workshops (reading, writing, math, and assignment-specific support).

Club Day Examples: Chess Creative Writing Outdoor Math Drama NBA Fantasy Data Analysis Trout In the Classroom Saintly Scholars Homework

The St. Anne’s-Belfield School Quest program is a unique time where Grades 7 & 8 students are in the driver’s seat of the learning. Meeting twice per week, in this electives-based program, faculty facilitate groups as students learn and practice how to learn, how to lead, and how to serve.

Quests are student driven in both choice and content.

Students can choose to participate in and/or lead a Quest that is project based, problem based, product driven, skill specific, service oriented, or one that evolves with them.

With new course options each trimester, students have the opportunity to explore multiple topics outside of the traditional curriculum or follow one project through three courses with each building upon the last.

• • •

How can we promote our sports teams?

• •

What can you paint?

• • • •

Can knitters give back?

Sample of Recent Quest Topics

• • • •

How can we get to know each other better?

•

How can we improve the Middle School garden?

• •

Can we improv?

•

How do you make a camera? Then what should we do with it?

• •

Want to be a Lower School Intern?

• • •

Monster Squad: Why do we like being scared?

What does it take to overnight in the Shenandoah National Park?

How can we reduce our stress?

Can we compete in the First LEGO League Robotics competition?

How do we grow the library intern program?

How can we partner with the Special Olympics?

Stranger Quests: How do we roleplay a story...together?

Can we create our own podcast episode?

Why archery?

What are the ins and outs of athletic development?

What props can we make for the play?

Can you escape?

How does calligraphy help us make sense of our thoughts and promote critical thinking?

How can we support the Charlottesville community?

“St. Anne’s-Belfield has a wide range of activities for all students. They have robotics, Mathletes, clubs, different Quests, and many other activities. Every student attending St. Anne’s will find something they’re interested in.”

— Ella V. S. ’29

Academics

7 & 8 Quests

Curricular Progression Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Humanities: English 5 and Social Studies 5 “The Journey”

Humanities: English 6 and Social Studies 6 “Identity, Community, and Belief”

Humanities: English 7 and History 7 “The American Story”

Humanities: English 8 and History 8 “Global Perspectives on Human Connections”

Science 5: Introduction to Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

Science 6: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

Science 7: Earth Science

Science 8: Life Science

Math 5

Math 6

with an earned-advanced option

Spanish 5

Spanish 6

Spanish 7

French 5

French 6

French 7

Physical Education/Health 5

Physical Education/Health 6

Middle School Athletics/ Health 7

Middle School Athletics/ Health 8

Students choose an art elective for the year:

Students choose an art elective for the year. They may repeat their Grade 7 choice or make a new selection:

All students are enrolled in all of the following arts courses: Strings 5 Music and Movement 5 Visual Arts 5 Theatre 5 All students take all — one class of each per week.

Students select either orchestra or choir as a primary focus: Haydn Orchestra OR

Math 7

Advanced Math 8 Spanish 8 Introduction to Spanish French 8

Mozart Orchestra 7 & 8 Visual Arts 7 & 8

Mozart Orchestra 7 & 8 Visual Arts 7 & 8

Saintly Voices 7 & 8

Choir

Theatre & Film 7 & 8

In addition to orchestra or choir, all students take Visual Arts 6 and Theatre 6.

Additional art courses are available through the Quest Program.

“All courses are designed to challenge but allow room for each student to learn as well. The teachers are also very flexible in helping you out or adding more challenging work for individuals if needed. Every teacher at St. Anne’s-Belfield strives to help each individual student succeed and puts forth effort into a relationship with every child.” — Gincy K. ’29

Math 8

Saintly Voices 7 & 8 Theatre & Film 7 & 8 Additional art courses are available through the Quest Program.

Quests 7 & 8

All students in Grades 7 & 8 must participate in two seasons of physical activity (PA) per year, with at least one of the two seasons being a PA offered by the School. The time for Grade 7 & 8 athletics is built into the school day. In sports where a 7 & 8 grade team is not offered, Grade 7 students may try out for JV teams, and Grade 8 students may try out for JV and/or varsity teams.

2024-25 Competitive Teams Boys

Fall Varsity Football 7 & 8 Football Varsity Cross Country 7 & 8 Cross Country Varsity Soccer JV Soccer 7 & 8 Soccer Winter Varsity Basketball JV Basketball 7 & 8 Basketball Varsity Squash (co-ed) JV Squash (co-ed) 7 & 8 Squash (co-ed) Varsity Swimming Varsity Diving Spring Varsity Lacrosse JV Lacrosse 7 & 8 Lacrosse Varsity Tennis JV Tennis Varsity Golf (co-ed) Varsity Baseball JV Baseball 7 & 8 Baseball Varsity Track 7 & 8 Track

MS - Middle School, Grades 7 & 8 US - Upper School

Girls

Fall Varsity Field Hockey JV Field Hockey 7 & 8 Field Hockey Varsity Cross Country 7 & 8 Cross Country Varsity Volleyball JV Volleyball 7 & 8 Volleyball Varsity Tennis JV Tennis Winter Varsity Basketball JV Basketball 7 & 8 Basketball Varsity Squash (co-ed) JV Squash (co-ed) 7 & 8 Squash (co-ed) Varsity Swimming Varsity Diving Spring Varsity Lacrosse JV Lacrosse 7 & 8 Lacrosse Varsity Soccer JV Soccer 7 & 8 Soccer Varsity Golf (co-ed) Varsity Track 7 & 8 Track

Non-Competitive Options Strength & Conditioning (MS) Fitness (US) Yoga (US) Bike Club (US) Squash (MS)

Athletics

Saints Athletics

St. Anne’s-Belfield School At A Glance located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, VA

55

acres of land between two campuses

Top Schools & universities

around the corner from University of Virginia

Middle School

248

Middle School students

12

average advisory size

100%

MS faculty members lead clubs, co-curricular activities, or teams

25

countries represented in the student body

11 countries and 10 U.S. states in the Residential Life Program

Quick Facts

4911

21

107

54

667

100%

living alumni from 49 states and 48 countries

competitive sports teams

Advanced Placement (AP) exams offered on campus

family households

U.S. zip codes represented schoolwide

980

students age 2 – Grade 12

Middle School students participate in arts and physical activity

Class of 2024 College Success 71% UVA in-state

88% Class of 2024

admission rate vs 25.5% global rate

enrolled in their first or second choice college

1314

average SAT vs. 1028 national average

27

average ACT vs 19.9 national average

38% UVA out-ofstate admission rate vs.

13% global rate

1 in 2

will enroll in a very selective (<25% admit rate) college

The School admits qualified students of any race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, sex, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or any status protected by applicable law, and extends to them all the privilege to participate in the educational programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or any status protected by applicable law in the administration of its admission or its educational programs.

799 Faulconer Drive | Charlottesville, VA 22903 admission@stab.org | www.stab.org | (434) 296-5106

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