Middle School

Welcome to Sayre's Middle School. The Middle School years are a time of exploration, a time of discovery, and a time of questioning.  Yet before children can explore, discover and question, they must feel safe. Therefore, at Sayre's Middle School, we facilitate the creation of positive relationships and solidify those bonds through open communication, free discussion, and a nurturing environment. Students and their families develop a rapport with each other, with our teachers and with the administration, and it is this united vision that best serves our students as they embrace their education and meet their potential.

Sayre is dedicated to the development of the whole child. We seek to challenge our children academically, while sparking their creativity and curiosity, adapting a program appropriate to their age, and attending to the development of their character, sense of citizenship, and sense of identity and self worth. Therefore, we are committed to providing a curriculum that includes not only the traditional academic core courses (English, Social Studies, World Language, Mathematics, and Science), but also the fine arts, character education, technology, physical education, and co-curricular opportunities in athletics, the arts, and academics.

Kristin Seymour
Middle School Director

Highlights of the Middle School Program

• Students develop skills in time-management, organization, collaboration and self advocacy.
• Our average class size of 14 students and a Student-to-Faculty ratio of 8:1 provide unique opportunities: open class discussions, a focus on both creative and expository writing, individual help from teachers, before, during, or after school.
• 100% of the Middle School classrooms are equipped with SmartBoards and projectors and students are welcomed to bring a tablet or a laptop.
• Online assignment calendar and report cards, faculty webpages, and online library resources available 24/7.
• 95% of students are engaged in the targeted study of French or Spanish throughout their tenure.
• Each student is a member of a multi-age advisory group which is comprised of 8-10 students and 1-2 faculty members.
• 100% of students take Visual Art, Drama, and Music classes each year.
• A daily schedule designed specifically for the needs of adolescents. Students participate in 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours of Physical Education classes each week, daily recess and morning breaks, and wrap-up sessions at the conclusion of every day.
• Middle School students have multiple opportunities to present publically the results of their research and original work.
• An Elective period provides opportunities for exploration in drama, community art, chorus, Quick Recall, videography, and "app" creation.
• A weekly Flex Period affords time within the schedule to conduct All School programs, grade level meetings, and division-wide celebrations.
• 3-day, 2-night grade level trips facilitate bonding among students and between students and their teachers.
• Our proximity to the Upper School allows students to take classes at the Upper School level in Modern Language and Mathematics.
• 95% of Middle School students were involved in one or more school-sponsored co-curricular activities during the 2010/2011 academic year.
• Achievement testing (SAT) is formally administered to all 6th and 8th grade students and language and reading screenings are done for all 6th, 8th, and students new to Sayre.
• Between 40 - 60% of our 7th grade students annually qualify for Duke's Talent Identification Program.
• Over 75% of students are involved in one or more school-sponsored athletic team.
• All students participate in specific Community Service projects organized through affinity groups.

Middle School Handbook

Middle School Art 2011-2012

Middle School Media Library