Academics
Middle School (Grades 7-8)
Director of the Middle School Erin Thayer
"Gilmour’s Middle School is intentionally designed to help students discover who they are, what they love, and how they can use their gifts in service to others. These formative years are a critical time when students learn to advocate for themselves, grow in responsibility, and develop resilience. Through a highly individualized learning environment that acts as a bridge to a more independent high school experience, our students enter ninth grade confident, capable, and ready for what the Upper School brings.”
Course Catalog
Academic Rigor
Gilmour is accredited by ISACS, the gold standard for independent schools. The distinction affirms both its independence and its commitment to the highest standards of academic excellence. Gilmour’s intentionally small class sizes foster strong student-teacher relationships. Middle School faculty work in lock step with one another and often teach students across both years, creating a consistent, supportive environment where every child is known and encouraged to explore their strengths. Students write more, discuss more and speak more — building confidence as they learn to articulate their ideas.
144-Acre Campus
Gilmour’s 144-acre campus features cutting-edge facilities, including the state’s only molecular genetics lab in a secondary school; a state-of-the-art performing arts center; a student commons that rivals any college dining hall; and a greenhouse, chicken coop, apiary and gardens.
Community
The moment you step on campus, you feel the strong sense of community that defines Gilmour. Students, faculty, staff and parents work together to create a family-like environment, and Middle School faculty are intentional about fostering belonging during this pivotal stage of growth. Students build connections through seventh-grade immersion experiences, a host of social gatherings and the eighth-grade Washington, D.C. trip. They also develop leadership skills through Middle School Student Council, which plans activities and leads schoolwide fundraising.
Community Block
Gilmour Academy’s Middle School offers a unique block in the middle of the school day. Twice a week, the Middle School holds Community Block in conjunction with the Upper School Community Block, greatly increasing the number of clubs and opportunities available for the Middle Schoolers. Additionally, students can use this time to participate in service, meet with teachers or pursue experiential opportunities. On the other three days of the week, students take either choir or band during this block.
Unmatched Athletic Facilities
Gilmour Academy has a world-class Athletic Center, two NHL-sized hockey rinks, an all-turf baseball field, a newly renovated softball complex and outdoor stadium, and a state-of- the-art swimming pool, which is home to our annual Boat Float. And Middle Schoolers even have the opportunity to take swimming and skating lessons as well as strength and conditioning instruction during PE.
Seamless Transition
Gilmour Middle Schoolers become involved with Upper School extracurriculars and comfortable with Gilmour’s block scheduling. With access to Upper School courses, many Middle Schoolers complete several high school requirements by the end of eighth grade, opening the door to a personalized curriculum and earlier opportunities for advanced and AP coursework. They are better equipped academically and socially for the rigors of high school, making the transition easier and allowing them to hit the ground running.
Faith
Middle School is a critical time for young people of all faiths to seek connections and find purpose. As an independent, Catholic school, Gilmour’s Holy Cross Mission provides a moral compass as we work each day to develop in students the competence to see and the courage to act in creating a more humane and just society.
Advisory Groups
Every Middle School student is assigned to an advisory group of 8 to 10 students. Advisories meet weekly and the setting fosters a dynamic relationship between the advisor and each of their advisees, adding another layer of academic and social support for students.
Performing Arts
Every Middle School student has the opportunity to choose between the choir and band courses and each participates in the annual Middle School musical, whether as a cast member or behind-the-scenes as a member of the technical theater crew. They are also invited to participate in Upper School productions.
Parent, Class of 2031
“Gilmour Middle School has been invaluable in the growth of our student from the inside out, supporting not only their academic development but also their confidence, character and sense of purpose.”
