Middle School Curriculum

In Middle School, every student belongs to a small advisory group of 8-10 students led by a trusted teacher from their grade—creating a built-in support system that feels like family.

The Middle School Advisory program is designed to nurture both academic growth and personal connections. Advisors help students set goals, celebrate strengths, and reflect on progress each quarter, ensuring they feel seen and supported. Beyond academics, Advisory fosters friendships and a sense of belonging, with each grade enjoying a one or two-day retreat focused on teamwork, building relationships, and class bonding.

At Bryn Mawr, the visual arts allow students to explore realities, relationships and ideals. Through hands-on exploration, students develop visual literacy, express ideas with confidence, and engage in critical thinking and problem-solving. From painting to drawing to sculpture,  students learn to apply artistic principles while discovering their own unique voices. Along the way, they gain a deeper appreciation for aesthetics and culture, collaborate with peers, and build skills that extend far beyond the studio.

In sixth and seventh grade, students explore the elements of art through drawing, portraiture, and color theory using acrylic and watercolor paint, culminating in a three-dimensional work of art. Eighth grade students can elect to explore printmaking and ceramics in the fall, and painting and drawing techniques in the spring.

Students begin to study the origins of Western society through Latin language and Roman culture in the seventh grade, continuing into eighth grade. These courses are taken in addition to their Spanish or French courses and emphasize the influence of the Roman Republic and Empire on the language and culture of the West. Students also learn how to use diverse academic skills in order to understand the language and culture of Ancient Rome. By the end of their Middle School experience, students will complete a Latin I program in addition to their Spanish or French studies. If a student desires, they may continue their study of Latin in the Upper School.

Technology and computer science skills are an important part of the Bryn Mawr curriculum, as well as the general school environment. Technology is integrated into all aspects of the school, and the Middle School has a one-to-one Chromebook program. In Computer Science, students hone their skills in digital citizenship, media literacy, computer design, computational thinking, and programming. Students focus on programming using text-based languages such as JavaScript, Python, HTML and CSS. Class projects utilize tools for digital fabrication such as the laser cutter and our collection of 3D printers.

Every Middle School student takes dance in preparation for the annual Gym Drill, a longstanding Bryn Mawr tradition. An exhibition of cultural dance and rhythmic exercises, Gym Drill is a much-beloved rite of passage for all Middle and Upper School students. In addition, the Middle School has its own Dance Company, which performs an annual concert of ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop and musical theater pieces.

Middle School students are introduced to the skills of performance and creative dramatics. Physical theater exercises such as mime and improvisation provide students with opportunities to work together in a creative group process and build confidence in using their entire body for dramatic expression.

The Middle School English Department’s dynamic curriculum emphasizes composition, literature, oral expression, vocabulary, and grammar. Throughout their English classes, students explore a range of genres, including drama, mystery, historical fiction, and poetry. A diverse mix of classic and modern texts exposes students to global voices and challenges them to think critically about the world in which they live. Students practice their writing skills using a variety of writing activities like analytical essays, creative pieces, response journals, and oral speeches.

The Middle School history curriculum introduces students to broad political, social, economic and intellectual developments throughout the world. Students develop critical reading, analytical writing and historical thinking skills. They study topics in world history ranging from ancient history to modern global history, as well as American history. Each history course includes a range of perspectives and encourages students to be active participants in their learning by studying a range of primary and secondary sources. This wide variety of sources deepens students' understanding of historical events and helps them to develop their critical thinking as citizens of the world.

The Middle School math curriculum is designed to build confidence and mastery by introducing, practicing, and extending mathematical concepts in a structured sequence. Typically, students progress from learning mathematical operations in sixth grade, pre-algebra in seventh grade, then algebra in eighth grade, gaining a solid foundation for the Upper School math program. Our program also offers the appropriate support and challenge in each course, preparing students for success in high school mathematics and beyond.

The modern language program in the Middle School is designed to provide a hands-on and engaging learning experience for all students. An authentic, communication-based curriculum prepares students for meaningful expression in the target language through reading, writing, speaking and listening. Through world language study, students develop sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic heritage of others and prepare to participate in a society characterized by linguistic and cultural diversity.

Students may extend their Lower School studies in French or Spanish, or choose a different three-year journey in sixth grade in either of these languages. Middle School Modern Language curricula include traditional level I and II vocabulary and grammar in the context of cultural proficiencies.

The Middle School general music courses, rooted in Orff-Schulwerk methods, provide a foundation for theory and composition while emphasizing creativity, innovation and improvisation. General Music students engage with music from a wide variety of genres and cultures and build their independence and confidence as lifelong musicians through hands-on project-based learning. Middle School performing ensembles include choirs at every grade level, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and a String Orchestra. Students also have access to private lessons on campus for dozens of instruments (including voice) through the Music School at Bryn Mawr.

Physical education is an essential part of the Bryn Mawr experience, designed to promote the importance of a physically active and healthy lifestyle. During Middle School, emphasis is placed on the four growth and development phases: physical, motor, cognitive, and social. Students participate in a variety of activities that foster skill development and cooperation while learning the basic skills and strategies of various sports. The health-related components of fitness, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance are incorporated into the curriculum through traditional and non-traditional sports, yoga, cardiovascular, and muscular strengthening exercises.

In Middle School science, students are engaged in hands-on activities and laboratory experiences intended to make science relevant and engaging. Students participate in discovery activities as they develop their scientific and critical thinking skills and endeavor to build a strong fundamental scientific knowledge base. Throughout Middle School, students will study topics in earth science, life science, and physical science. Additionally, all students have the opportunity to participate in other STEM-based activities such as Tower of Power and Science Fridays.

In this foundational course, sixth graders develop the tools they need to become confident, independent learners. Through engaging lessons, they explore their own learning styles, discover how the brain processes information, and build resilience with a growth mindset. From organization and time management to note-taking and test preparation, students gain practical strategies that set them up for success. With a focus on active learning and memory techniques, they develop skills that will support them throughout their academic journey—and beyond.

Wellness courses in sixth and seventh grades help students develop essential life skills, from managing stress and building healthy relationships to understanding identity and self-care. Through age-appropriate discussions, students explore physical and mental health, effective communication, and conflict resolution.Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is woven throughout Bryn Mawr’s Middle School experience—through advisory, peer education, special assemblies, and guest speakers. Additionally, lessons addressing sexual health and education are taught in all three grades by the school nurse in partnership with our Student Support Services team.

The Voice and Vision Seminar is designed to be a capstone leadership journey for our 8th grade students as they complete Middle School. By the end of the course, each student will have created something for someone else. What they choose to create—a service, a product, a piece of art or writing—will address the authentic needs/desires of their client, and it will be anchored in a personal strength, goal, or interest of the student.

Students will be led through a human-centered design process in which they will practice introspection, empathy, risk-taking, iteration using authentic feedback, resilience, collaboration, and creativity. Students will be assessed on their completion of the deliverables assigned for each step of the design and presentation process, and ultimately on whether they were able to create something that was needed and/or appreciated by their client. Self-reflection, persistence in meeting deliverables, and client feedback will form the majority of a student’s final grade. The journey is the destination.