MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle School is a time for discovery, growth, and courage—a chance for students to take big leaps, become their authentic selves, and stretch their potential in ways they never imagined.
Years of Bold Discovery
At Shipley, we embrace that grades 6–8 are years of bold discovery, where students figure out who they are, what excites them, and how they want to engage with the world. We don’t ask them to play it safe; we encourage them to explore, stumble, reflect, and try again.
But what makes the Shipley Middle School experience so unique is how we live our mission. That means blending academic excellence with character education and creating a culture where students are challenged, supported, and known. We see Middle School as a launchpad: not just for Upper School, but for life.
Our Curriculum
Made to Inspire Middle Schoolers
Shipley’s Middle School curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. Here, students dive deep into subjects through hands-on, inquiry-driven projects that encourage critical thinking and personal connection.
In science, students explore physics as early as 6th grade and work through experiments that emphasize creativity and reasoning. In English and history, they tackle high school-level texts and lead class discussions on powerful works like Macbeth, Fahrenheit 451, and Warriors Don’t Cry. They write with purpose, research using primary sources, and learn to question deeply and think independently.
We offer leveled, non-track math courses and a rich selection of world languages, ensuring each student is both challenged and supported. Whether it’s building robots, creating capstone projects, or exploring interdisciplinary connections, students don’t just learn content—they learn how to learn.
Co-Curriculars
Everyone Plays, Everyone Shines
At Shipley, students do more than go to class—they get to explore what lights them up. Every student participates in sports, arts, music, STEAM, and more, which are all integrated into the school day.
With a no-cut policy across athletics and the arts, every student finds a place to thrive. Want to try squash or join the school play? You can. Prefer track, fitness, or backstage crew? We’ve got your spot ready.
Students participate in after-school activities like Science Olympiad or Gardening, join service projects, and lead clubs. There’s room for every interest and ability. Because when students feel safe to explore and express themselves, they grow in ways that last well beyond middle school.
Exploration Everywhere
In Shipley's Middle School, opportunities to explore abound, and mentors to guide students are eager to open up worlds of possibility.
| Athletics |
With the chance to try a new sport every season, Middle School athletes experience the joy of being on a team, developing skills and confidence as they compete against other schools.  |
| STEAM |
Through hands-on projects in design, coding, robotics, and engineering, Middle Schoolers gain confidence as makers and problem-solvers. Using tools from 3D printers to laser cutters, they learn to dream, create, and inspire.  |
| Music & Drama |
From choir and band to orchestra, percussion, and theater, students bring their talents to life through performance. With concerts, productions, and private lessons, they discover confidence, collaboration, and joy on stage.  |
| Art |
All students explore their creativity through art, building skills in drawing, painting, and design. The program culminates in a vibrant Middle School art show each spring, celebrating imagination and expression.  |
| Friday Clubs |
Weekly Friday Clubs spark curiosity and camaraderie, with options ranging from drawing and coding to Dungeons & Dragons and service projects.  |
| After-School Clubs |
Beyond the school day, after-school clubs give students more ways to explore their passions—whether in the arts, academics, or hands-on activities.  |
| Winter Musical |
Each year, students bring the stage to life in a full-scale musical, discovering the joy of performance, teamwork, and creative expression.  |
| Languages |
Middle Schoolers study French, Mandarin, Spanish, or Latin, developing a strong foundation in communication and culture. By grade 9, most advance to second-year language study, prepared to thrive in global conversations.  |
Advisory
Support & Connection, Every Day
One of the most noteworthy things about Middle School at Shipley is our Advisory Program. Every student is part of a small group that meets twice a day—morning and afternoon—with a dedicated advisor who knows them, guides them, and becomes their biggest supporter.
Advisory is where students check in, slow down, and connect. It’s a time for honest conversations, encouragement, and community-building. Whether celebrating a win, working through a challenge, or just needing someone to listen, students know they have a trusted adult in their corner.
More than Homeroom
Shipley’s Middle School Advisory Program anchors each student’s experience, providing daily connection, guidance, and support that extend far beyond a traditional homeroom.
| Community & Belonging |
Advisories foster a close-knit crew where students build trust, share experiences through Shipley Circles, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.  |
| Guidance & Growth |
Advisors serve as the primary point of contact, supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being while partnering with families.  |
| Leadership & Reflection |
Through student-led conferences and meaningful recognition at 8th Grade Closing, students take ownership of their learning and celebrate personal growth.  |
Our Community
A Place of Compassion & Connection
At Shipley, students are never just a face in the crowd. We believe in compassionate participation, where every person has something to give and something to learn. And that’s important, because Middle School can be a whirlwind of emotions and changes.
Our weekly assemblies celebrate student work and milestones, and our “Five Minutes of Wisdom” moments from teachers and peers bring honesty, humor, and inspiration to all. Gator Games—our yearlong, grade-spanning competitions—build community, spirit, and friendly rivalry.
Students here form real bonds with each other and with the adults who guide them. They’re part of something bigger, and they know it.
Be Part of Something Bigger at Shipley
In Middle School, we’re not just preparing students for the next academic step—we’re helping them grow into the people they’re meant to be. Find out how: schedule a tour to explore what it’s like to be a Shipley Middle Schooler!
THERE'S MORE TO DISCOVER. |
| Your Shipley journey starts with a conversation. Learn about what makes us more than a school. |