A Pre-K to Grade 12 Independent Quaker Day School Serving the Greater Durham-Chapel Hill Area

Our Middle School Program

Strongly rooted in our philosophy and recommended best practices, we offer a unique experience for pre-adolescents and adolescents.

Here students grow academically and personally through a process of active exploration and problem solving, taking on increasing responsibility for themselves and their learning. The experience offers a thoughtful balance of required and elective classes based on recommended best practice for middle level education.

We do not group our students by grade level, but our first through fourth year students cover an age range equivalent to 5th through 8th grade.

The heart of our Middle School lies in our strong social curriculum, building community and fostering authentic interpersonal relationships among students and staff.

What Do Our Students Love About Our School?

Trial, Error, and Exploration

A race car's wheels spin as it careens down the hall. Students cheer until it veers to the side and bounces off the wall. The two 14 year-old engineers switch off the motor, wiggle the car's axles, and poke at the drive gears as they analyze what went wrong. This engineering and design challenge illustrates what's at the heart of our Middle School — inquiry, challenge, exploration, discovery, and delight.
David Chottiner

David Chottiner

Middle School Head Teacher