Middle School (5-8)

From the Director of the Middle School

In the Middle School, we cultivate each student's curiosity and encourage him to stretch his boundaries as he builds skills that will serve him well in high school and beyond.

Our boys work hands-on, get out of their seats, and move around the room, and study and play outside. They collaborate to explore math concepts at a deep level and reflect and debate about real-world issues. They compete in academic and athletic competitions, take the stage for theater and musical productions, build projects in our STEAMworks innovation lab, and develop an entrepreneurial spirit. At US, boys have the freedom to be who they are and who they want to become.

Our impressive faculty serve as caring mentors and forge strong bonds with our students. They give their time when extra help—or just a conversation—is needed, and they relish in facilitating experiential learning during our fall and spring trips. So many opportunities await! I invite you and your family to visit our school and experience first-hand our vibrant community.

Sincerely,

Lindsay Arnoult
Director of the Middle School

Academic excellence

We pique boys’ curiosity by creating the optimal environment for how they learn best.

Students in the middle school (grades 5–8) are empowered to become more independent as they start to question the world around them. The academic program is increasingly challenging as boys are now ready to tackle more abstract concepts. They explore new ideas, delve more deeply into topics, and consider other perspectives. Our middle school is a place where boys can begin to discover who they are and what makes them tick. Teachers provide a structured yet supportive environment in which each boy can build confidence as he identifies his own passions and talents.

Inclusive and active curriculum

Our curriculum focuses on rigorous skill building in reading, writing, mathematics, applying the scientific method, and speaking world languages. Creative writing, essay composition, and public speaking are emphasized. Boys learn to organize their own academic work to become independent learners. Students connect with the local and global community in a variety of ways. They experience a camping trip designed to stretch them beyond their comfort zone. They visit Dearborn, Michigan to examine Henry Ford’s vision and innovation that helped transform the United States. They participate in field studies to research urban issues and explore Cleveland’s neighborhoods. They visit local companies to consider how emerging technologies are shaping the digital age and participate in their own design-thinking challenges. And they examine the concepts of leadership and engaged citizenship as they tour Washington, DC. Optional global travel programs are also offered as another way for boys to explore the world.

Engaged faculty and ample resources

Caring and dedicated mentor-teachers in the middle school are attuned to every boy’s unfolding maturity. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor to oversee his academic and personal progress and to serve as a liaison between the school and the family. Teachers inspire students to strive for excellence, capitalize on their natural curiosity and energy and encourage them to demonstrate kindness and responsibility. The middle school is designed to meet adolescent boys where they are in their development. They have their own science labs, library, student commons, ping pong table, basketball hoop, and outdoor courtyard. Conway Hall contains a state-of-the-art theater and auditorium, music classrooms, and a student art gallery. Middle school students also have access to STEAMworks, our campus maker space, where they design, build, tinker, and iterate.