Middle School
Except during infancy, there is no stage of life when young people undergo more changes in such a short time — and in every aspect of their lives. Our program is designed to develop students' specific knowledge and skills, yet it has a larger mission to inculcate healthy habits of mind, heart, and action. At Savannah Country Day, we offer our Middle Schoolers opportunities to grow confidently as individuals. We understand how important it is for our students to feel safe and have a sense of belonging or a place where they can openly express themselves without feeling exposed or embarrassed. We want our students to learn how to handle small setbacks and failures and celebrate humbly when they find great success. Students are encouraged to explore as many things as possible to discover their place and uncover their true passions.
Our faculty understand that interacting with such curious, energetic students requires patience, humor, and sensitivity. Middle School teachers must simultaneously challenge and nurture, encourage independence, provide structure, and reach curricular objectives while meeting each child’s needs. Essentially, the Middle School program must address the complex nature of adolescence in a supportive academic environment – one that makes the transition from Lower School to Upper School and from childhood to young adulthood as rewarding and productive as possible.In the Middle School at Country Day, we want to encourage your children to try new things and stretch their boundaries academically and socially—we want them to learn to be comfortable in their own skin and to celebrate who they are and what they are passionate about."jeremy hammond, head of middle school
A Day in the Life: Middle School
Middle School At a Glance
1:1 Apple macbook laptop program fosters collaboration, creativity and problem-solving. Middle School families purchase laptops for use in Upper school.Innovative, talented, and knowledgeable faculty. 65% possess master’s degreesTeacher-to-student ratio: 1:7Three full-time and one part-time Learning SpecialistsONE full-time school counselors supervise an extensive advisor/advisee program and help students adjust to adolescenceA diverse array of clubs from Beekeeping and Robotics to the Diversity Club and Quiz Bowl
Middle School News
Visit from Author Jeff Veley
Today our Middle and Upper School students had the opportunity to hear from author and United Nations Peace Ambassador, Jeff Veley. He delivered an engaging talk on navigating social dynamics and building emotional resilience. Veley shared concrete strategies for handling social pressures with strength and empathy, encouraging students to think critically about how they respond to challenges. His conversational style and real-world examples resonated deeply with the audience, offering practical insights students can apply in their daily lives. Tomorrow, Veley will continue his visit with a session for our Lower School students, bringing his message of emotional strength to our younger learners. We're grateful to have Jeff at SCDS, fostering important conversations across all grade levels.
Drama Students Workshop
Our drama students are over the moon! Last year, they had the unique opportunity to workshop Director of Fine and Performing Arts James Venhaus' newest play, So Rude!, with the MS drama teacher Laura Wild. Recently, Eldridge Plays and Musicals published the play, and now their names are featured on the dedication page of the published script! The excitement was palpable as they reunited this week to unbox the new scripts and see their involvement come to life.
Leadership & Organizations
The Middle School offers its students a wide array of co-curricular activities. Virtually every teacher sponsors some club, activity, or sport.
Before & After School Program
Students attending the After School Program will find a distraction-free environment in which to complete homework and possibly time to relax following a structured day.
Advisor/Advisee Program
Our faculty advisors serve as advocates to a small group of students assigned to him or her at the beginning of each school year. Each week, students meet with their advisors to discuss both personal and academic-related topics.
Mini-Mester
Mini-mester is an amazing week of learning without worrying about grades -- experiential learning at its best.
Outward Bound
Eighth grade students have the opportunity to participate in a five-day Outward Bound excursion in the Florida Everglades’ Ten Thousand Islands.
Social & Emotional Wellness
The Middle School Counseling Program nurtures and supports students during this transitional stage through a multifaceted program.