our Middle School student Experience
At SCH Academy, Middle School is a time of transformation—a journey in which students deepen their understanding of themselves, their community, and the wider world. Through meaningful and experiential learning, our students develop the thoughtfulness, care for community, empathy, and resilience that are needed to authentically live out SCH’s mission to “effect positive change” in the world.
ADVISORYOur advisory program empowers students to build close-knit communities and explore their identities within a supportive single-sex environment. Each year, students are paired with a faculty advisor, who serves as a trusted advocate and mentor. Advisors help students wrestle with important questions during this developmental stage: Who am I? What are my values? How do I learn best? What am I willing to stand up for and against? This program bolsters students’ sense of self and serves as the foundation for their continued social and emotional growth.
SINGLE-SEX EDUCATIONServing as a bridge between our single-sex Lower School and coed Upper School, our Middle School offers a best-of-both-worlds experience: single-sex academic learning paired with a vibrant coed social environment. During this pivotal developmental stage, single-sex core classes empower students to build academic confidence and pursue their passions free from social pressure. We balance this focused classroom experience with coed opportunities in languages, arts, recess, and community service—ensuring students thrive academically while building lasting friendships across our entire school community.
AEIOU
As one of our core values, we care deeply about celebrating diversity in all its forms. We recognize the importance of teaching students to consider perspectives other than our own to cultivate a sense of belonging for all people and identities.
AEIOU, which is both a program and a mindset, stands for Awareness, Empathy, Inclusion, Opportunity through differences, and Understanding. Students engage in regular advisory and classroom lessons that enable them to explore diverse backgrounds, values, identities, and perspectives in order to build empathy and awareness. These conversations are the foundation for deeper engagement and authentic learning.
AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENTGrade 5 students are invited to participate in after-school enrichment opportunities offered by our After Care & Enrichment (ACE) program. There are additional opportunities for 5th-grade students to participate in the Middle School Robotics and/or Limelights theatre programs. Students in grades 6-8 are required to participate in an after-school enrichment activity during 2 out of the 3 trimesters. Activities include Athletics, Robotics, and Spotlights theatre troupe.
WIN (WHAT I NEED) PROGRAM
WIN is a dedicated daily block designed to nurture students’ academic passions and social-emotional growth while strengthening their sense of belonging. At the start of each week, students have an extended advisory session, during which they engage in lessons and discussions tailored to the unique developmental needs of their age and gender.
The other four days each week are based on student choice. Faculty offer WIN sessions each day within three major categories: support (extra help in academic subjects), enrichment (challenge work, competitions, and clubs/activities), and recharge (sports, arts and crafts, mindfulness). The WIN program empowers students to explore interests, deepen passions, and shape their academic identities.
COMMUNITY-BUILDING ADVENTURES
At SCH, learning doesn't stop at the classroom door. Middle school students explore the rich resources of Philadelphia and beyond to bring their studies to life in a powerful way. Our Middle School trips and experiences are more than memorable; they are transformational. Each fall, students embark on team-building trips that feature ropes courses, boat-building, the “amazing race,” and many other activities that promote collaboration, resilience, and leadership. Destinations often include Camp Green Lane, College Settlement Camp, Outward Bound Philadelphia, and Riverbend Environmental Center.