We Are
a Team
In our Middle School, students support and accept one another as they discover and grow. As our director says, "The most important thing is how we treat each other."
To help students develop the interpersonal and social skills required in high school (and life!), team-building and friend-making are built into the Middle School schedule. The fun begins in the fall with an orientation trip to a wooded ropes course at Springfield College and continues at school with team-building assemblies and socials held throughout the year, capped off with our annual field day.
Come see for yourself
If you have questions about our programs—or if you would like to schedule a day for your child to come visit our classes—please contact Director of Middle School Admission, Allison Marsland.
Orientation Trip
During the first week of school, the entire Middle School travels to Springfield College’s 57-acre wooded outdoor learning laboratory, where students work together to complete tasks and overcome obstacles. In the process, they come to see their peers and their teachers as multidimensional people, find new friends, and bond as a school community.
Weekly Assemblies
Throughout the year, students and faculty gather as a group each week to discuss school issues and upcoming events—and have a few snacks together, too! Every few weeks, we have special guests who present on important Middle School topics, such as personal development and online safety.
Field Day
The school year concludes with a day of spirited competition between advisory groups, which includes sack races, balloon toss, tug-of-war, and more. Win or lose, we are all Wildcats.
Socials
Middle School advisory groups help plan our socials each trimester. Events range from lip sync contests in Whitaker-Bement to games and dodge ball in the Sabina Cain Family Athletic Center. Students don’t have to attend, but almost all do because they are just plain fun. At the end of eighth grade, students have a special semi-formal event with a fancy dinner, dancing, music, and a dress-up photo booth.
We’ve Got a Club for You
Middle Schoolers have uncommon opportunities to join Upper School clubs. That means they can explore a range of options, from having a voice in the country’s oldest continually published student newspaper, The Willistonian, to joining affinity groups, to teaching robots how to pick up objects.
A Sampling of Clubs:
- Robotics club
- The Willistonian
- Janus, our literary magazine
- Gender and Sexuality Alliance
- Affinity groups
- Why Not Speak Day
- Community Service Club
- Music groups/lessons
- Math club
- Multicultural Student Union
"Our teachers are exceptionally supportive and collaborative. Together we strive to shape compassionate and successful citizens of the world by challenging our students academically and caring for their personal growth."
—Jorge Rodríguez, Director of the Williston Theater
Join a Community of Learners
“The Middle School is a rare place where there is support everywhere you look and I’m grateful I got to be a part of it.”
Fiona, Bowdoin College
“Everyone is so welcoming and the environment fosters the idea of pushing yourself to be the best you can be. It is so easy to try something new because of the extensive support from teachers and peers.”
Sally, Providence College
“For me, the Middle School was a supportive and welcoming environment where I was able to meet new people while challenging myself in and out of the classroom.”
Tim Fay, Gettysburg College
Follow Us on Instagram!
Keep up on all the latest Middle School fun by following the Middle School Instagram (@willistonmiddleschool). Did we mention there will be lots of group selfies?
