Middle School

6th-8th Grade

How are we all connected and what forces shape our world today?
How do we define community and what are our responsibilities to one another?
How do we come to know who we are and what matters to us?

These compass questions provide a set of essential and guiding questions for the work we do as the Germantown Academy Middle School community. Middle School at GA is a three-year journey, during which students learn about who they are and what matters to them. Through academics, arts, athletics, theatre, advisory activities, grade-level activities, student-led conferences, service learning, and more, students learn about and explore the world, their communities, and themselves. They develop self-awareness and acquire the skills to engage meaningfully with school life and grow into independent, confident, compassionate, collaborative, and honorable human beings.

The engine of the GA Middle School is the faculty, a group of 40+ amazing educators who all believe that, despite what many people think, middle schoolers are actually some of the coolest people on the planet. GA Middle School faculty members are committed to helping adolescents grow into great citizens and students. We work hard to know our students as people first and inspire them to be curious, engaged, and leaders of their own learning whenever possible.

I invite you to read more about the Middle School at GA and how we work alongside GA's Mission and Community Commitments to provide an exceptional Middle School experience for each student and family.

Sincerely,

Jonas Jeswald
Head of Middle School

How to Apply

In This Section

Middle School Team

Jonas Jeswald
Assistant Head of School
Head of Middle School

Dion Lehman
Dean of Students

Sarah Zimmerman
Academic Dean

Kate Cassidy
Director of Student Life

Julie Marley
Assistant to Head of Middle School

The Middle School experience seamlessly blends the joys of childhood with the realities of emerging adolescence. Students complete rigorous academic work, receive guidance from expert, yet nurturing, faculty, and learn time management by participating in what seems like an unlimited array of co-curricular opportunities. At every turn there is something that forms core memories—ski trips, phone-free field trips to Boston and DC, dances, and competitive traditions like Greek Day.

Diana R. P'31 '36 '37Chestnut Hill

Signature Programs

A key part of our Middle School experience is learning to lead. Whether problem-solving with their peers, planning a course of study with their parents, or crafting a persuasive argument for their teachers, GA Middle School students build leadership traits that will serve them long after they complete these formative years.

Grade Level Trips

Learning doesn't just take place in the classroom; yearly grade-level trips to Philadelphia (6th Grade), Boston (7th Grade), and Washington DC (8th Grade) allow students to practice team-building and witness history come to life.

Middle School students on a trip to Washington DC

Flex

Flex meets daily from 2:20-3:00pm when students might have music sectionals, club meetings, study group, music lessons, individual teacher meetings, advisory programing, or simply a study hall. We have found this to be a productive and positive way to end each school day.

Two middle school students showing what they made during LEGO club

Greek Day

Greek Day is a day of class bonding where Middle School students compete as city-states in a series of mental and physical challenges. Three teams—Athens, Sparta, and Persia—each comprised of a mix of 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders, compete in philosophical debates, team cheers, individual and relay races, plus six different field games, none more exciting than the epic Tug of War!

8th Grade Electives

Rising 8th Graders are presented with several elective options during the spring of their 7th Grade year. These optional electives are meant to be a passion project of sorts for both students and faculty. The electives meet once a rotation for either a semester or the entire year. Some recent examples include Finance 101, Character and Leadership in Sports, Fashion Design, Community Service, and Paleontology.

8th grade students in the finance 101 elective

7th Grade Buddy Project

In this partnership between 7th Grade art classes and Kindergarten, students create, play, and form strong bonds. The 7th Graders read a book about monsters to their buddies, who find inspiration and draw their own monster. 7th Graders take their buddy's drawing back to the Middle School art studio and bring it to life by creating a 3D ceramic sculpture. Play is incorporated into each meeting to help students connect with one another and have fun!

Middle School student working on a project with a Lower School student

Well Block

WELL Block (Wellness, Exploration, Leadership, & Life) is a year-long 6th and 7th Grade course to facilitate connections among topics, alignment with the grade-level compass questions, maximize learning, and provide space for instruction in the areas of mental health, executive function, and study skills.

Middle School students on the bridge to the Preserve

Middle School Curriculum

The Germantown Academy Middle School experience builds upon the solid educational foundation laid by the Lower School. It is an exciting, fun, and challenging three-year journey that prepares students for the rigorous and diverse experience of the Upper School.

Middle School Advising

The advisory program serves as the backbone of the Middle School experience. Each student is assigned an advisor along with 10 or 11 of their classmates. A student's advisory offers a small peer group and an adult who knows them well and can offer support and guidance.

The advisor serves as the point person for each student, coordinating communication between school and home, and supporting each advisee toward academic and social success. Each student's advisor will also be one of their teachers. During advisory time, students engage in team-building activities and conduct important community conversations. Advisors also spend this time monitoring each student's academic progress, preparing them for student-led conferences, and helping them develop good academic skills, organization, and time management.

Middle School Academic Program Guide 2025-26

Visual Arts

CORE GUIDING QUESTIONS

How do you utilize the Elements of Art/Principles of Design to best communicate your ideas visually?
Do you/how do you consider the work & style of artists/movements we study when producing your artwork?
How does experiencing different materials influence you when looking at or making art?
When reflecting about your art experience in the MS, can you identify areas of personal growth?

PHILOSOPHY
Our Middle School Art program revolves around the bigger picture of what happens during the act of creating. Taking time to explore a medium, discuss ideas, think about possible solutions, and work through obstacles is vital to not only making art, but also to creating a well-rounded, confident individual. Through the development of these crucial skills, the Middle School art program enhances every student’s development using exploration, active learning, and self-reflection.

CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS

In 6th Grade, students explore printmaking and clay, and each student creates a miniature art museum that reflects their interests and who they are.
7th Graders work on their drawing skills, use oil paints, create sculptures out of wood, and complete a buddy project with GA Lower School students.
8th Graders focus on perspective, complete a pen & ink self portrait, create a copper bird project, and explore color theory through water color painting.

English

CORE GUIDING QUESTIONS

Why do stories matter?
How do we understand ourselves and others?
How do we communicate our perspective and understanding effectively?

PHILOSOPHY

In the Middle School, students grow and develop into competent readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. We encourage students to become lifelong readers and writers. Students combine openness to new ideas and cultures with intelligently-formed preferences based on the breadth and depth of their reading. We reinforce basic reading and writing skills and offer age-appropriate strategies to help students open their minds to experiences beyond their own, form thoughtful opinions, and develop imaginations.

CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS

Explicit and scaffolded formal writing instruction in each year of Middle School.
The exploration of more than ten literary genres including fantasy, dystopian, graphic novels, historical fiction, memoir, science fiction, mystery, poetry, Shakespearean drama, and short stories.
A Writing Center where students can get writing support and encouragement on a 1:1 basis from the English teachers.
Romeo & Juliet monologue performances.
A poetry portfolio.
An 8th Grade memoir project.

Health & Wellness

CORE GUIDING QUESTIONS

How do my own identity and values impact my influences daily?
Why is the journey of being an adolescent hard to navigate?
How does the connection between social, emotional, mental, and physical health correlate to my quality of life?
How does puberty affect my body, brain chemistry, and social interactions?

PHILOSOPHY

The Middle School Health and Wellness Department focuses on providing students with an opportunity to understand the changes that occur during the Middle School years. As students begin to gain more independence throughout adolescence, they start to make decisions by themselves on a more frequent basis. Throughout the course, students learn how to handle peer pressure, changing friendships, developing and understanding their own identity, as well as the challenges of puberty. The main goal of Middle School Health and Wellness is to provide students with the knowledge and confidence to live a healthy lifestyle.

CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS

Students learn how to make good decisions, communicate effectively, and understand their development.
Students interview members of the GA school community to learn about their teen years and the development of their self-esteem.
7th Grade students participate in an week-long drug and alcohol awareness and prevention program with Pathways for Prevention.
Students explore and learn how to engage in healthy relationships with peers and adults and consider topics such as the influence of social media, importance of consent in relationships, emotional well-being, and gender roles.

HISTORY

CORE GUIDING QUESTIONS

What skills does a history student need?
How can students engage with different perspectives and voices to get the whole picture of history?
How do societies, cultures, and civilizations develop and interact?
To what extent has the United States lived up to its founding ideals?

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that only through the study of history can we understand our world, and only by understanding our world in its historical context can we make informed decisions about its future. History is the tool by which we make these connections. It is a logical study of the dynamic interaction among people, geography, economics, customs, and politics. It is the sum of the past and determines the direction of the future.

CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS

All grades have student-led Socratic discussions where students are prepared to respond to questions such as:
- “How have Americans sought to expand rights, and in what ways have those efforts succeeded or failed?” (8th Grade)
- “To what extent has the United States lived up to its founding ideals?” (7th Grade)
- “What elements are crucial for a civilization’s success?” (6th Grade)
6th Graders mummify apples in connection with learning about ancient Egypt.
7th Graders learn about a single North American British colony and explain why people lived there.
8th Graders write a research paper using primary and secondary sources on a topic of their interest relating to U.S. history between the 1890s and WWII.

CLASSICAL AND MODERN LANGUAGES

CORE GUIDING QUESTIONS

How do I embrace the linguistic and cultural unknowns when they challenge me?
How do I come to understand who I am and express myself in a new language?
How do I take ownership of my learning when acquiring a new language?
Why is it important and valuable to learn about my school and community in the target language?
Why does exposure to the target cultures help me make better connections to the world and enable me to see myself as an active, global citizen?

PHILOSOPHY

The study of a world language is fundamental to the education of every student because it develops attitudes and skills essential to living with empathy, curiosity, and an awareness of our role as global citizens. The study of another culture cultivates an understanding of and ability to appreciate difference and empowers learners to engage others with a sense of cultural competency and sensitivity. Further, the skills of proficiency we sharpen in the language classroom prove valuable within and beyond the school community and prime learners to be successful communicators. Knowledge of a new language also enhances students' appreciation for and understanding of their own language and cultural heritage. We strive to develop in our students a love and appreciation for languages other than their own, a command of the skills and confidence to broaden and deepen their ability to communicate, and a desire to become life-long learners.

CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS

A proficiency-minded, acquisition-driven program with diverse language offerings to reflect student interests and personalities.
Across the entire program, students discover curricula that prioritize creativity, collaboration, and connection.
Students are encouraged to meaningfully shape and contribute to the curriculum, with routines and activities that are student-centered and that reflect the students’ ideas, interests, and realities.
Experiential learning opportunities via virtual exchanges with students in the target language and culture. The curriculum intentionally centers an inclusive, comprehensive global perspective, exposing students to the diversity and range of the target cultures.

MATH

CORE GUIDING QUESTIONS

How do we develop critical thinking abilities, logical reasoning, and quantitative literacy?
How are properties of Algebra used to manipulate and simplify mathematical expressions?
How are algebraic equations used to model and solve real world problems?

PHILOSOPHY

The Middle School mathematics curriculum is designed to prepare students for a rigorous Upper School program that includes the study of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus. The arithmetic, algebraic, probabilistic, and geometric foundation for this work is built during the middle school years. Our program emphasizes process, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the joy of discovery. We want our students to appreciate the intrinsic beauty of mathematics as well as understand how mathematics serves as a way of making sense of the world.

CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS

A variety of courses designed to challenge and support each student appropriately.
A two-year algebra sequence that emphasizes depth of understanding over speed.
Math Center where students can meet with teachers outside of the classroom.
Desmos activities which help students investigate new concepts and practice previously learned material.

Click here for the Math placement policy.

Performing Arts

CORE GUIDING QUESTIONS

How is literacy developed and implemented?
How is student identity cultivated and empowered in performing arts?
What are the key values to build individual character and community appreciation for the performing arts?

PHILOSOPHY

Education in music and theatre is an essential part of the Middle School curriculum. Experiences in music and theatre help students develop an understanding of how to communicate emotions to others and create aesthetic experiences that have coherence and value to themselves and their audiences. Experiences in music and theatre connect students to our shared cultural heritage and help students develop the ability to expand their horizons while enriching their lives and the life of the community.

CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS

Each student participates in String Ensemble, Band, Choir, or Classroom Music all year for each year of Middle School.
All Middle School students take Public Speaking and Drama classes.
Students in String Ensemble, Band, and Choir present two concerts each year.
Students in the performing ensembles participate in Music in the Parks at the end of the year.
Many students choose to participate in the annual fall play and/or winter musical.

Physical Education

CORE GUIDING QUESTIONS

What are the core elements of social-emotional learning and lifelong fitness?
What is healthy competition and engagement through play?
What is the value of physical fitness in an inclusive and healthy environment?

PHILOSOPHY

Students participate in activities designed to help them understand the value of physical fitness and its contribution toward a healthy lifestyle. Students receive sequential instruction in a wide variety of team and individual activities, giving each student an opportunity to discover fun through movement, develop teamwork through play, and hone social emotional learning experiences. Students are invited to learn to lead, follow, and embrace challenges while developing higher levels of individual skill.

CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS

Multicultural Games Unit offers a comparative study of youth games in America with other cultures.
Students use the Jordan Center to create individual fitness workouts involving cardio, core, and upper and lower body routines using kettlebells, dumbbells, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises.
Students are exposed to a wide variety of MS sports encouraging non-specialization during the MS years. Sports include tennis, soccer, volleyball, flag football, field hockey, softball, swimming, golf, water polo, diving, wrestling, cross country, track and field, and lacrosse.

Science

CORE GUIDING QUESTIONS

How do we as scientists collect credible information and communicate what we’ve learned?
How do we use a framework of mental tools to help us engage in and understand phenomena from a scientific point of view?
What is our role as informed citizens of the natural world?

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that students learn science by doing science. To that end, we strive to provide students with the tools required to engage in authentic inquiry and the time and skills to reflect upon their work and communicate it in a meaningful way.

CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS

6th Grade is a study of ENERGY through:
- Energy transformation labs about how potential energy can become kinetic, thermal, or electrical.
- Solar Cars – an engineering project in which students design, build, and race a solar-powered car.
7th Grade is a study of LIFE through:
- Inquiry-based case studies in cell growth and healing, genetics and natural selection, and body systems and metabolic processes.
- Healing from a broken metatarsal bone in the foot.
- Heavily-muscled cattle and their genes.
- Pedro, the 6-foot-tall ancient penguin.
- Diagnosing a digestive illness by examining doctors’ records and endoscopy images.
- Art integration using sketchbooks to develop observational and diagramming skills.
8th Grade is a study of MOTION through:
- Labs about the way things move - from tiny atoms to everyday objects.
- Earth Science models to understand motion on a planetary scale.
- Independent science research project in which they choose, research, and design a controlled experiment. After collecting data and analyzing results, findings are shared and celebrated at a Science Fair Open House.

Technology

CORE GUIDING QUESTIONS

How do we use technology in effective and responsible ways, both in classes and outside of school?
What are the essential technological tools the Middle School community uses and how do they fit together to encourage our students to be independent, creative, and active learners?

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that our lives and our students’ lives are growing more and more intertwined with technology and computer science. While it has been stated that this generation and future generations are “digital natives,” we believe that students need guidance and thoughtful preparation for a world in which their personal and professional lives will be a blend of the digital and physical worlds.

CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS

6th Grade: Video recording and editing in Canva; Researching tech innovations.
7th Grade: Navigating digital dilemmas; Are you using tech or is tech using you?
8th Grade: A CompSci Innovations class that introduces students to innovative and computer science concepts, principles, and programs as well as providing an environment where students are able to learn-play-create.

Academic Support

Clubs

The variety of clubs offered in Middle School gives students the chance to pursue interests they already have and develop new ones. The club experience also allows students and teachers to engage around common enthusiasms outside of the classroom.

Clubs are a great way for students to develop their leadership skills, as student input is significant. In fact, many clubs are formed at the initiation of a student.

Clubs meet at flex period or lunch and run the gamut in terms of goals and participation levels. Students are highly encouraged to get involved and find a good fit!

Middle School students on a ski club trip to the Poconos

Example of Club Offerings

Art for Community
Chess/Math Club
Community Service Organization (CSO)
Ethical Dilemmas
Fandom
Fishing Club
Green Ambassadors
In Our Own Write (Literary Magazine)
Middle School Memories
POC Safe Haven
Robotics
Rocks and Ropes
Reading Olympics
Rubix Cubing Club
Spanish Club
Student Government Association (SGA)

Affinity Groups

Throughout the year, GA offers student affinity group opportunities to support and affirm the positive identity development of underrepresented community members. Affinity groups are spaces for people with common identifiers to participate in discussions and activities that build connection, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

African American/Black
Asian American
Jewish
Hispanic/Latino
LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and more)
Girls Group

Facility Highlights

Art rooms

Students explore their ideas, work through obstacles, and grow their art skills in areas like printmaking, clay, drawing, painting, creating sculptures with wood, and color theory.

The Preserve

Students are immersed in hands-on experiences that help them connect with nature, understand environmental challenges, and contribute to solutions. Students are engaged in both science and art projects in our nature preserve.

Science Labs

Students participate in exciting labs, engage in authentic inquiry, and explore energy, life, and motion throughout their middle school years.

Learn More About Our Campus

Middle School FAQ

What is the Middle School dress code and uniform policy?

All students wear uniform items in GA colors – solid navy, black, gray, red, or white. Options include collared short or long-sleeved polo shirts embroidered with the GA logo, GA sweatshirts with our without hoods, crewneck sweaters, or fleece jackets/vests, pants and shorts in navy, khaki, white, or black, and GA kilt, navy or khaki kilt with opaque shorts, leggings or tights. Uniform items are available from multiple vendors. There is “foot freedom” in Middle School – students can wear the shoes and socks they choose. The Parents' Committee opens the Second GeAr Shop several times throughout the year where gently-used uniform items can be purchased.

Middle school gA GeAr

How often do Middle School students receive grades and teacher feedback?

How much homework do Middle School students typically have each night?

In general, students and parents can expect time spent on homework to vary based on the following factors:

Effectively using in-class and study hall time allotted for homework
Spending focused time on the work without frequent interruptions or distractions
Effectively planning (chunking-out) long-term assignments
Establishing a habit of daily review or preparation as opposed to “cramming“ for major tests, quizzes, projects, and presentations at the last minute

Students report spending between thirty minutes and one and a half hours daily on homework, depending on the factors listed above.

How does the Middle School advisory program support students?

Advisors serve as the primary point of contact for each of their advisees. Advisors monitor and support the social and academic progress of students in their advisory. Parent conferences are held biannually with the advisor, with the conferences being student led in the spring. A student will receive a new advisor each year, and all Middle School advisors teach their advisees. Head Advisors Lead the entire grade level and follow the class for all three years of Middle School to ensure a consistency of experience. There are typically 10 to 12 students in an advisory.

Do Middle School students participate in sports, arts, or extracurricular activities?

How can I volunteer or get involved on campus as a parent?

The Parents’ Committee offers many ways to get involved at events and activities throughout the school year, including monthly Parents’ Committee meetings. Each grade level has several parent Co-Chairs who support community building with families at their grade level and encourage volunteers. There is a volunteer form where you will be able to express your interest. Learn more about our community.

Does Germantown Academy provide technology devices for Middle School students?

Can Middle School students use cell phones or Smartwatches during the school day?

How does middle school drop off and pick up work?

Can Middle School students stay after school if not participating in a school sport or activity?

How does Germantown Academy help students transition from Lower to Middle School?

How are new students welcomed and supported in Middle School?

What support is available for organization, study skills, and executive functioning?

Middle School faculty incorporate the teaching of organizational, study skills, and executive functioning skills into their lessons on a regular basis. Additionally, advisors have weekly routines embedded in the advisory curriculum to support these skills. All 6th and 7th Graders are taught several units focused on these skills in their WELL Block class. Learn more about our Middle School Academic Support Program and additional supports for students with diagnosed learning disabilities and learning plans.