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
Middle School Postcard
Every student knows how intimidating it can be to transition to new grades or divisions. To combat this, our Middle School Ambassadors collaborated to create a giant post card to make the 5th graders feel welcome while shadowing 6th grade classes. They wrote their peers a message about how excited they are to have them visit their classes, and decorated the postcard with notes about what makes middle school like X-period, Mini-mester trips, advisories, and more!
Veterans Day Tribute
On Veterans Day, Country Day came together to honor those who have served, through a series of meaningful events to learn, share, and reflect. All day long there was a "Walk to Honor" tribute set up around Saunders Stadium, where photos and stories of veterans from our school community or their families were displayed. Both Middle and Upper School assemblies followed, including a performance of the National Anthem by the Upper School Choir, as well as a presentation by Mr. Moyer, third-grade assistant teacher, who shared his personal experiences in the armed forces. Additionally, there was a collaborative performance by vocalist Daniel Bosch and the Upper School Orchestra. This heartfelt observance not only celebrated the bravery and dedication of veterans but also reminded our community of the importance of showing respect and gratitude to those who have served, both past and present.
GMEA Honor Orchestras
Eight Country Day orchestra students were invited to participate in GMEA District 1 Middle and High School Honor Orchestras. They rehearsed for two days and performed on Saturday, November 9. Their clinician conductors, Carl Rieke and David Metrio, were impressed with their skills, and our students joyfully advanced their musical expertise. We are so proud of their accomplishments. Oskar Johnson-Liu ‘28, cello, Ryan Lin ‘28, viola, Keating Taylor ‘28, viola, Walker Anderson ‘30, cello, Mark Choi, ‘31, violin, Sam Bettag ‘31, bass, Dylan Gensheimer ‘28, violin, and Alyn Kim ‘28, violin.
Studying Plant Taxonomy
Seventh graders took their life science skills to the Pangaea Garden, where they got hands-on experience with plant taxonomy and classification. They explored both living and non-living organisms, making real-world discoveries that brought classroom lessons to life. From examining leaf structures to identifying species, students observed nature up close and gained a deeper understanding of the complex systems that shape our environment. It was an exciting day of exploration, sparking curiosity and a love for science!
Learning about Diwali
Students across grade levels explored the rich cultural traditions of Diwali on November 1st. Lower School students engaged in hands-on activities like creating intricate rangoli sand designs and decorating diyas. Middle School students expanded their palettes by sampling different Indian foods. This experiential approach helped enhance our students' cultural awareness and appreciation for different global traditions.
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.