Middle School
At Gill St. Bernard’s Middle School, we offer a welcoming, caring, and academically challenging experience designed to complement the developmental strengths of preteens and adolescents.
Our Middle School, which utilizes several buildings on our campus, comprises students in grades 5-8. Contributing to a vibrant environment centered on nurture and academic rigor, our team of teachers strives to appropriately challenge students both in and out of the classroom.
STREAMS Program
A hallmark program at Gill, STREAMS (Sustainability, Technology, Research, Engineering, Agriculture, Math, and Service) is a year-long comprehensive course that also uses Home Winds Farm as a landscape for studying sustainability.
Clubs & Activities
Middle School is the perfect time developmentally to explore, and Gill’s wide-range of clubs and activities allows students a rich menu of opportunities from which to select.
After School
Our after-school programs extend the school day with academic, enrichment, and interest-based activities such as fine arts, community service, music, theater, science, and much more.
Recent Middle School News
![GSB Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680028720/gsbschoolorg/vmy03olrsxjvjfzztrj3/2023-03-28-middle-school-dc.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680028720/gsbschoolorg/vmy03olrsxjvjfzztrj3/2023-03-28-middle-school-dc.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680028720/gsbschoolorg/vmy03olrsxjvjfzztrj3/2023-03-28-middle-school-dc.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1680028720/gsbschoolorg/vmy03olrsxjvjfzztrj3/2023-03-28-middle-school-dc.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1680028720/gsbschoolorg/vmy03olrsxjvjfzztrj3/2023-03-28-middle-school-dc.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1680028720/gsbschoolorg/vmy03olrsxjvjfzztrj3/2023-03-28-middle-school-dc.jpg","width":2200}])
![GSB Irene Mortensen]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1679931454/gsbschoolorg/k4u6l0rztfgrkijyvid5/news-2023-03-27-irene-mortensen-nais.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1679931454/gsbschoolorg/k4u6l0rztfgrkijyvid5/news-2023-03-27-irene-mortensen-nais.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1679931454/gsbschoolorg/k4u6l0rztfgrkijyvid5/news-2023-03-27-irene-mortensen-nais.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1679931454/gsbschoolorg/k4u6l0rztfgrkijyvid5/news-2023-03-27-irene-mortensen-nais.jpg","width":1078}])
![GSB Community Celebrates Black History Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1677938112/gsbschoolorg/duann9dixl7h7ksgvmne/BlackHistoryMonth2023NewsRotation.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1677938112/gsbschoolorg/duann9dixl7h7ksgvmne/BlackHistoryMonth2023NewsRotation.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1677938112/gsbschoolorg/duann9dixl7h7ksgvmne/BlackHistoryMonth2023NewsRotation.jpg","width":800}])
![GSB Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1676404559/gsbschoolorg/yxsr1gwj86cbu2cpkz61/2023-02-14-bingo-night-thumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1676404559/gsbschoolorg/yxsr1gwj86cbu2cpkz61/2023-02-14-bingo-night-thumbnail.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1676404559/gsbschoolorg/yxsr1gwj86cbu2cpkz61/2023-02-14-bingo-night-thumbnail.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1676404559/gsbschoolorg/yxsr1gwj86cbu2cpkz61/2023-02-14-bingo-night-thumbnail.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1676404559/gsbschoolorg/yxsr1gwj86cbu2cpkz61/2023-02-14-bingo-night-thumbnail.jpg","width":1269}])
Academics
Our curriculum is broad-based, academically challenging, and child-centered. At every turn, the program is designed to foster a love for learning in our students. In combination with our core values and emphasis on character education, the Middle School program engages and motivates young people to be their very best and discover who they might become.
Some highlights include:
- Lab-based science five days per week
- Language arts instruction seven periods per week in grades seven and eight
- Singapore math into sixth grade; algebra and geometry offered in grades seven and eight
- A choice of French, Latin, or Spanish beginning in sixth grade
- Offerings in the fine and performing arts
- Required physical education/athletics built into the school day
- A unique, week-long experiential education experience in May for every student
- Regular Makerspace and wellness classes for every middle schooler
- The STREAMS Science Program for grades four through six
Athletics & Physical Education
Our young student-athletes develop the skills to create a healthy lifestyle and to value balance as part of their education.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Middle School.
Our Campus
See our 208-acre campus for yourself.
Student Feedback & Assessment
Teacher Spotlight: Dr. Montana Vasquez-Grinnell
"I love creating a safe space where my students can explore the concepts or ideas that make them curious. The best teaching days are when my students ask me tons of questions that are seemingly unconnected, but we are able to trace the thread back to our original starting point related to what we are learning about in class.”
Middle School Director Kyle Armstrong
Kyle Armstrong serves as the Director of Lower & Middle Schools. He holds more than 20 years of experience working in independent schools.
Prior to joining GSB, he was Associate Head for Academics for a K-8 independent school. He also has experience as a history teacher, baseball and basketball coach, and eighth-grade team leader.
Mr. Armstrong holds an M.A. from Lesley College in Massachusetts, and a B.A. in History from Trinity College in Connecticut. Kyle’s wife, Kristen, is GSB’s Upper School Librarian. They have two children at Gill.
Explore Our Middle School Curriculum
Filter By Subject
Algebra 1
Depending on their readiness, students take this course over a single year (accelerated) or over two years (enriched).
Character Awareness/Social and Emotional Learning
In the words of one of our Middle School science teachers, “There is an unspoken code at Gill: work hard, be joyful, and help one another.”
Community Service
Community service is a natural extension of our emphasis on character awareness, citizenship, inclusion, kindness, and respect.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
This class introduces students to the world of drawing three-dimensional objects using computers.
Grade 5 and the STREAMS Program
Students journey through the earth’s systems, investigating the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, and geosphere.
Grade 5 French
This class is designed to introduce and expose all students in the grade to the sounds, structure, and basic use of the French language.
Grade 5 Health & Wellness
Students attend weekly health and wellness classes throughout the school year.
Grade 5 Language Arts
Fifth-grade language arts is studied within the context of a greater humanities course.
Grade 5 Latin
This introductory course develops and strengthens good vocabulary and grammar skills while teaching students the fundamentals of a classical language.
Grade 5 Makerspace
This class focuses on introducing design thinking and engineering, allowing students to tinker, collaborate, craft, and build.
Grade 5 Mathematics
This year-long course continues the Singapore Math program from earlier grades, introducing new topics and concepts.
Grade 5 Social Studies
Fifth-grade social studies is studied within the context of a greater humanities course.
Grade 5 Spanish
The goal of this class is to expose and foster topical and functional communication and to raise cultural awareness of traditions and daily life in countries where Spanish is spoken.
Grade 5 Technology
Students learn a range of computing skills, including keyboarding, word processing, working with spreadsheets, and creating presentations.
Grade 6 and the STREAMS Program
Students become more aware and curious about science in the world around them.
Grade 6 French
This is the first of three consecutive years in the Middle School language program, corresponding to the Upper School Level I French course.
Grade 6 Health & Wellness
Students attend weekly health and wellness classes throughout the school year.
Grade 6 Language Arts
Students study a range of literary genres, including historical fiction, science fiction, and non-fiction (memoir), as well as short stories and poems.
Grade 6 Latin
This is the first of three consecutive years in the Middle School language program, corresponding to the Upper School Level I Latin course.
Grade 6 Makerspace
Sixth-grade Makerspace class focuses on teamwork and advancing individual design skills and techniques.
Grade 6 Mathematics/Pre-Algebra
This year-long course continues the Singapore Math program, building pre-algebra skills, and focusing on conceptual understanding and application of skills to solve problems.
Grade 6 Social Studies
Students investigate the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China.
Grade 6 Spanish
This is the first of three consecutive years in the Middle School language program corresponding to the Upper School Level I Spanish course.
Grade 6 Technology
Much of the focus of computer instruction at this level is on the Google Apps for Education, with additional projects requiring the use of Apple apps, such as iMovie and iPhoto.
Grade 7 Algebra
This is the first year of the enriched course.
Grade 7 English
As they learn to discuss and write about increasingly complex literature, students develop critical-thinking skills in seventh-grade English.
Grade 7 French
This is the second of two consecutive years in the Middle School language program, corresponding to the Upper School Level I French course.
Grade 7 Health & Wellness
Students attend weekly health and wellness classes throughout the school year.
Grade 7 History
Students continue to investigate early civilizations by exploring Greece, Rome, Europe during the Middle Ages, and Islamic culture.
Grade 7 Latin
This is the second of two consecutive years in the Middle School language program, corresponding to the Upper School Level I Latin course.
Grade 7 Makerspace
Seventh-grade students continue their engineering and design skills and build on their previous experiences in the Makerspace.
Grade 7 Science
This hands-on course helps students develop a thorough understanding of scientific concepts.
Grade 7 Spanish
This is the second of three consecutive years in the Middle School language program, corresponding to the Upper School Level I Spanish course.
Grade 7 Technology
Projects in this class connect with academic subjects and are designed in collaboration with core subject teachers.
Grade 8 Algebra
This is the second year of the enriched course.
Grade 8 English
In eighth grade, students become more independent in their reading, writing, and thinking skills.
Grade 8 French
This is the third of three consecutive years in the Middle School language program, corresponding to the Upper School Level I French course.
Grade 8 Geometry
This is the highest-level math course offered to Middle School students and is open only to eighth-grade students who successfully completed a full year of Algebra I.
Grade 8 Health & Wellness
Students attend weekly health and wellness classes throughout the school year.
Grade 8 History
This course is based on a thematic approach to civics rooted in the history of American government.
Grade 8 Latin
This is the third of three consecutive years in the Middle School language program, corresponding to the Upper School Level I Latin course.
Grade 8 Makerspace with Tech Ed
Projects in this class are hands-on learning opportunities that incorporate circuitry, robotics, and electronics, as well as using a variety of materials and devices to design, build, collaborate, and tinker.
Grade 8 Science
Exploration of physics, chemistry, and evolution frames this course, with hands-on activities that challenge students to design and build, analyze, evaluate, and draw valid conclusions from data.
Grade 8 Spanish
This is the third of three consecutive years in the Middle School language program, corresponding to the Upper School Level I Spanish course.
Grades 5-6 Studio Art
Fundamental skills, techniques, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to produce and understand visual art are covered in this course.
Grades 5-6 Studio Music
This yearlong, required class gives students a deeper understanding of music, while engaging them in a choral setting.
Grades 5-6 Woodworking
Beginning with formal instruction of proper safety procedures and with basic drawing and design to elicit creativity and to build confidence, students discover how to use a variety of materials in different ways.
Grades 5-8 Physical Education and Athletics
A variety of physical activities and sports are introduced in physical education classes that emphasize fitness, skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and cooperation, in addition to strength and conditioning.
Grades 7-8 Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
CAD introduces students to the world of drawing three-dimensional objects using computers.
Grades 7-8 Drama
Drama class meets weekly and offers students the opportunity to study all facets of theater, from theater games and acting, to history and stagecraft.
Grades 7-8 Music
This one-semester elective class is designed to give students a deeper understanding of music, while continuing to engage them in a choral setting.
Grades 7-8 Studio Art
We cover fundamental skills, techniques, knowledge, and the attitude necessary to produce and understand visual art.
Grades 7-8 Woodworking
Woodworking projects consider the developing nature of each student’s skills.
Grades 7 Ceramics
Seventh-grade ceramics teaches the basic skills of working with clay while focusing on sculptural projects and hand-building techniques.
Grades 8 Ceramics
Eighth-grade ceramics explores how we interact and utilize clay and pottery within our daily routine by utilizing foundational ceramic techniques to create functional pottery pieces.
Homeroom Teachers/Advisors
Every student is assigned an advisor who is the homeroom teacher. Homeroom teachers oversee and support each student’s academic progress,...
Makerspace Classes
Stocked with art supplies, building materials, several 3-D printers, Arduino boards, and other technology resources, the Makerspace hums with activity before, during, and after the academic day.
Middle School Athletic Offerings
Fall Sports – Winter Sports – Spring Sports
Middle School Building Bridges
Building Bridges is designed to facilitate discussion around choices in communities.
Research and Presentation
At each grade level, students undertake research projects.
Room to Grow
Middle School at Gill St. Bernard’s fosters students’ growing independence, understanding that preteens and adolescents are naturally driven to explore and experience the larger world.
Spring Unit Program
Held at the end of May, the Middle School Spring Unit Program allows students to immerse themselves in a subject outside of the core curriculum.
STREAMS
Students in fourth through sixth grade take part in STREAMS, a yearlong program that brings together work in sustainability, technology, research, engineering, agriculture, math, and service.
Apply
GSB welcomes applications from students who demonstrate academic potential and who are deemed likely to benefit from and contribute to the GSB community.
Tuition
We are committed to building a community of talented, passionate, creative, and thoughtful students from a diverse range of backgrounds independent of financial circumstances.
Visit Us
Schedule a campus or join us for an upcoming admission event.