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 have established 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, socially, and in all the ways that count, 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.”
Middle School Highlights
Half Group Instruction: In Sheridan's middle school, we move to a subject matter specialist teacher model, and academic and departmental instruction happens in half groups so that teachers are able to provide focused attention and differentiated instruction to our learners.
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.
Advisory: Our middle school students start and end each day in Advisory, the middle school version of Responsive Classroom morning and closing meetings. They form strong connections with their adult advisor and a small group of peers. In Advisory, we might review the day or week to come; discuss current events; talk about ways in which we might be helpful to others; or just begin the day with lighthearted positive connections. 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.
Advisory: Our middle school students start and end each day in Advisory, the middle school version of Responsive Classroom morning and closing meetings. They form strong connections with their adult advisor and a small group of peers. In Advisory, we might review the day or week to come; discuss current events; talk about ways in which we might be helpful to others; or just begin the day with lighthearted positive connections. It is a tool to make our small community even smaller, and even more personal.
Performance Arts: 7th and 8th Graders can participate in the Fall Play as actors, crew, or other technicians. They can also join the marimbas ensemble, which performs throughout the year at school and community events. In the Spring, we stage a popular musical, and 6th-8th Graders are eligible to try out for starring roles, while 4th and 5th Graders can be part of the chorus. Every student who is interested can be a part of the musical as either cast or crew.
No-Cut Sports: Our Athletics program prepares our young athletes for life ahead. The structure of the program promotes independence, resilience, teamwork, sportsmanship, accountability, and fun! 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 offering 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:
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Supporting the admissions team and welcoming new students in the Student Ambassador program;
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Running for a seat on Student Council in order to serve as a voice for their fellow students;
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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.
Read our Program Guide for more information about our curriculum.
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.
