Academics

Middle School

Middle school is more than just a bridge between elementary and high school – it’s a time when students begin to think critically, act independently, and understand themselves, their communities, and their place in the world.
At Sheridan, we have created a middle school community where students can take risks in a safe environment, feel socially secure, and establish relationships with adults whom they can turn to as they begin to navigate the complexities of adolescence. Without older students on campus, Sheridan middle schoolers become the proud leaders of the school and compassionate older role models to younger students. 
Academically and socially, Sheridan’s middle school offers an environment that allows students to feel comfortable taking intellectual risks and empowers them to advocate for themselves and for others as creative, forward-thinking, socially-aware individuals. Our concept-based curriculum focuses on empowering students to make connections, recognize patterns, and analyze information in order to better understand themselves and the world around them.
Our recent recognition by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) as a School of Distinction offers further evidence of the way that our “thoughtful understanding of and responsiveness to young adolescence regularly positively impacts students.”

Click here to read more about our AMLE recognition from Head of Middle School Rob Bradford.

Middle School Highlights

Advisory: Every Sheridan middle school student starts and ends each day with Advisory: a small, consistent group of peers who meet with the same adult advisor all year long. Advisors get to know their advisees well and serve as their biggest advocates, supporting each student's academic, social, and emotional growth, and acting as the primary point of contact between home and school. It is a tool to make our small community even smaller, and even more personal. 

Gradual introduction of letter grades and homework: Official homework is rare before 6th Grade at Sheridan, and we introduce homework then in a gradual, developmentally-appropriate way. Letter grades also begin in the second term of 6th Grade. 
Performance Arts: Middle Schoolers have many ways to shine on stage throughout the year. In the fall, 7th and 8th Graders can join the Fall Play as actors, crew, or other technicians, and 6th-8th Graders can join our marimbas ensemble, which performs at school and community events throughout the year. In the spring, all middle schoolers can be part of the Sheridan Spring Musical: 6th-8th Graders are eligible to try out for starring roles, while 5th Graders can join the Children's Chorus. Every student who is interested can be part of the musical, whether on stage or behind the scenes.
No-Cut Sports: Our Athletics program prepares our young athletes for life ahead. Through healthy competition, we value the character growth of our athletes as much as the skill growth. With athletics being an important part of educating the whole child, we encourage all students to participate in sports at Sheridan with a “no-cut” policy. Read more about our athletic program here.

Leadership Opportunities: 7th and 8th Graders have many opportunities to serve as leaders in their school and in the wider community, including: 
  • Supporting the admissions team and welcoming new students in the Student Ambassador program
  • Running for a seat on Student Council in order to serve as a voice for their fellow students
  • Coordinating community partnerships with outside organizations, including our partner Families for Families, a DC-based nonprofit harnessing the power of young leaders to address food insecurity and basic needs nationwide
  • 8th Grade Leadership: Every 8th Grader takes part in a weekly leadership class, choosing a focus area they'll take ownership of for the year, such as assembly, the lower school library, experiential education, sustainability or community partnerships. This dedicated time lets each 8th Grader build real leadership skills in an area suited to their strengths and interests, culminating in a meaningful contribution to the Sheridan community by year's end. 

Experiential Learning: 
  • Mountain Campus: By middle school, students visit Mountain Campus in the fall and spring without parents for multiple nights.
  • Expeditions: In 7th and 8th Grades, expeditions are a 3-day, 2-night trip that takes students on adventures around the region based on their interests. Trips may include high-adventure elements and overnight camping. 
  • Sustainability Labs: This year-long program gives 7th and 8th Graders the chance to engage in learning around environmental issues, conduct labs to gather information, and then plan for action.
  • Minimester: Minimester is a week-long experiential learning program that gives students a chance to explore a topic or theme deeply. In multi-age groups of 5th-8th Graders, students visit museums, restaurants, cultural centers, community partners, and organizations, and learn from experts in the field, both at Sheridan and in the greater city and community. At the end of the week, students stage an exhibition of their learning with photo and text documentation, informal presentations, and Q&A sessions for their fellow students and parents/guardians. 
  • 8th Grade Capstone Trip: 8th Grade students end their year with a trip that makes their social justice learning come to life. In 2025 and 2026, our 8th Graders traveled to important sites of civil rights history and learning in Alabama. 
Read our Program Guide for more information about our curriculum.
If you are having trouble viewing the program guide above, click here. 
4400 36th Street, NW  |  Washington, DC 20008  |  (202) 362-7900
Founded in 1927, we are a vibrant K-8 progressive school with no more than 230 students, an engaged community, and a fierce commitment to both equity and diversity.