Middle School

Middle School is Shipley’s program for students in 6th through 8th grades, specifically designed to excite and challenge students at this age and developmental level. Our students participate in a balanced college-preparatory curriculum with experienced teachers who recognize each student as an individual and encourage physical, social, and intellectual exploration.

Our Middle School program:

• Provides a strong academic foundation.
• Focuses on the whole child, with attention to arts, athletics, and character development, as well as academic disciplines.
• Encourages students to identify and maximize individual talents and strengths.
• Prepares students for future success in school, in college, and in life.

Curriculum – The Shipley Middle School curriculum, building on the Lower School program, balances rigorous academics with arts and athletics. The program includes:

• English, math, history, science, and foreign languages (French, Spanish, and Latin) as core subjects.
• Skill development in computer, studio art, and theater.
• General music class, grade-level chorus, and hand bell choir as part of the curriculum. Instrumental ensembles and private music lessons in an exceptional array of instruments are offered.
• Athletics program combining physical education and interscholastic competition in a variety of sports.
• Courses on time management and study skills and careful decision-making.

Character Development – Our character education program is unique among non-denominational schools in the region. Because it’s fundamental to our mission, it’s interwoven throughout school life, encouraging respect and responsibility in all of our students. Life in the Middle School is governed by three important principles:

Respect yourself
Respect others
Respect your environment

Service Learning – At Shipley, we emphasize compassionate participation in the world. In our service learning program, Middle School students participate monthly in a variety of carefully planned activities suited to their ages and interests. The experience incorporates time for discussion and reflection.

Our Middle School program features:

• Small classes that allow for personalized attention.
• Talented, experienced, and committed faculty.
• Advisors who coach students on personal and academic progress.
• Technology as a tool for learning and expression.
• Field trips and optional overseas travel-study opportunities.

Middle School Highlights

• Middle School Latin students perform Latin plays adapted by their teachers and regularly win awards in the annual Philadelphia Classical Society competition.
• The Shipley School’s First LEGO® League Team, the Gatorbots, received a grant from LEGO to participate in a Robotics Education Pilot Program.
• Each year, Shipley students win awards in the Gladwyne Library League’s Junior Author Contest.
• The Middle School Cycling Service Group rides many miles to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.