What Makes SLS Middle School Unmissable? SLS Helps Unlock Your Potential “My teachers want me to talk!” exclaimed one Middle School student. At SLS, your unique voice and insights are valued as you learn more about yourself. You’re encouraged to ask questions—What matters to me? What am I naturally good at and where do I have to apply myself more? By engaging students in their learning, we shift the mindset from school as a chore to seeing each day as an opportunity to discover what you are capable of achieving. You can tackle challenging academics and love learning. You can speak up in class, deliver a public Declamation, and be in a play and on the soccer team. You can help others in your community. This is how confidence builds and how a deep love of learning begins. You Will Be Prepared to Thrive Middle School is a big deal. It’s when you start building important skills like reading, writing, math, and critical thinking (figuring out how to solve problems and make decisions). Research shows that 9th grade performance can predict your future success. That’s why SLS Middle School makes sure you have the core skills and strong foundation to thrive in Upper School. SLS also wants you to succeed in a future that will be high-tech, collaborative, and globally connected. Respect for diverse people and opinions is essential to your ability to thrive into the future as is experience with leadership and emerging technologies. SLS was one of the first schools in our area to offer a required Emerging Technologies curriculum. Our vision is for students to leave SLS as ethical leaders and skilled conscientious creators and users of technologies shaping the world.
“We strive to inspire every student, teacher, and community member to discover their Big Selves—the person you become when you begin to unlock all the potential within you.” Head of School, Mary Halpin Carter, Ph.D.
Dedicated Mentors and Motivators As an SLS Middle School student, you’ll have a whole team focused on your success now and into the future. This includes your teachers, your advisor, your coaches, Grade-Level Deans, and a Well-Being & Academic Support team. Extra help is available before school, during dedicated free time, and after school. You’ll also be guided by our extraordinary library, learning & technology, and designLab teachers. As you move into Upper School, you will connect with our stellar College Counseling team who will already know you and your family. In 8th grade, you’ll create a customized Compass Map for success in Upper School and beyond. Compass is a 1:1 Mentorship Program created by SLS to help you launch really well in high school. Learn More: 5th Grade Academics
Emerging Technologies
Compass
Middle School Academics
Unmissable Fact: 14 of our last 20 Valedictorians and Salutatorians started their SLS journey in Middle School.