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
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.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
Country Day Welcomed Special Guest Speaker, Mrs. Vera Hoffman
As part of their continued study of World War II—highlighted by a class-wide discussion of the novella Address Unknown—eighth-grade students once again had the profound honor of hearing from Mrs. Vera Hoffman, the last living Holocaust survivor in Savannah. Mrs. Hoffman shared her powerful testimony of resilience during one of history’s darkest chapters and took time to meet individually with students following the assembly. “Living in the past is not healthy; remembering the past is essential,” she told them—words that left a lasting impression. We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Hoffman for returning to campus and for the wisdom and perspective she continues to offer our students.
Middle School Fine Arts Night
Congratulations to our Middle School students and faculty on another outstanding Fine Arts Night! The evening took place across numerous campus buildings and featured gallery showings, drama, and band performances. This wonderful installment of Fine Arts Night was an exciting display of hornet talent.
Middle School Golf SPAL Champions
Congratulations to our Middle School golf team for winning the SPAL Championship, and to Sahaj Patel for winning the Individual Championship!
Mathcounts Competition
The Middle School Math Team proudly represented Savannah at the Mathcounts competition in Atlanta on March 24. These hornets competed against 200 students from 59 schools across Georgia, placing an impressive tenth place overall. 8th grader Grant Umbel achieved a remarkable feat, finishing among the top 40 students in the state! Students who qualified for the state competition included Grant Umbel, Anthony Kim, Hayes Culver, Charlie Cox, Gaul Polansky, Olivia Kang, Olivia Jeong, and Matt Thieu and Shan Desai .Congratulations to all our Hornet mathletes!
6th Grade Volcano Project
Mr. Wiley's 6th grade Earth Science class wrapped up their volcano unit with impressive hands-on projects. Students researched iconic volcanoes like Mount Etna, Mount Sakurajima, and Mount Damavand, creating detailed models to demonstrate their formation and eruption processes. They also delivered engaging presentations, exploring topics such as tectonic plate movement, eruption patterns, and the environmental impact of volcanic activity. Their work showcased both their scientific knowledge and creativity!
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.