Middle School

A Middle School Parent

"As a family who came into Sanford in the middle school years we were all quickly welcomed into the friendly community. Sanford combines very strong academic skills, nurtures confidence in individual creativity, creates a sense of community awareness, and fosters empathy in all of their students. We are thrilled to have discovered such a wonderful place, with such a beautiful campus that serves as an amazing backdrop for social and academic growth."

Transforming as Learners and Individuals in 5th–8th Grades

Sanford’s Middle School provides a supportive, rigorous, and respect-filled environment in which students learn and grow while being themselves. As in each of Sanford’s divisions, we challenge students at levels consistent with their current abilities and impel them to stretch themselves further. Middle School's Honor Code grows with them. With caring, committed teachers as their guides, students assume responsibility for their work, their behavior, and their community.

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Transformative years

Our developmentally appropriate and thoughtfully planned Middle School curriculum fosters individual growth as children evolve from concrete thinkers to more abstract problem solvers—a transformation at the core of adolescent development and one that prepares them for high school.
Learning Together

While exploring academic subjects, athletics, music, visual arts, and personal interests, our students learn to be independent young people who trust one another, advocate for themselves and others, and enjoy being together in social situations. Every grade goes on a week-long class trip, during which students learn as much about themselves, their teachers, and one another as they do about the content they study.
Getting involved

Middle schoolers possess a natural determination to make an impact, so they get the chance every day. Many of the clubs students join during their activity period are service oriented, and more than one of Sanford’s campus-wide environmental initiatives have roots in an idea that germinated in Middle School.
Life Lessons

Mistakes are inevitable. We help students learn from them because that is when life’s most important lessons happen. Supported and trusted, students evolve into self-assured, well-educated, confident young people who then begin to trust their own judgment and act more independently as they transition to high school and then to college and beyond.

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Middle School Curriculum Guide 24-25

Class Trips

Valuable learning experiences lie at the heart of the Middle School program. Faculty-led trips allow students to gain knowledge of subject matter on a whole different level while reinforcing class unity, teamwork, and personal growth.

Students often share that these experiences are lifelong highlights, while parents reflect on their child's increased confidence and independence.

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5th Grade

Fifth graders take local day trips that are connected to their curriculum. For example, last year, the fifth grade visited the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation in Ridley Creek State Park. They learned about life on a colonial farm by participating in hearth cooking, blacksmithing, spinning wool, and colonial chores.

The following day, they visited the Museum of the American Revolution and visited nearby historical landmarks in Philadelphia.

On day three, they visited Lenape village and learned about traditional hunting skills, pottery making, fire making, and traditional foods and cooking methods.

They concluded the week with a trip to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Students had the opportunity to experience all the interactive exhibits in small groups and visit the planetarium.
6th Grade

This year, the Sanford sixth graders embarked on an incredible journey exploring the captivating landmarks of Washington, D.C., the scenic beauty of Cape May, NJ, and the vibrant energy of NYC.

From trolley tours and monument visits to the wonders of the Natural History Museum, zoo excursions, and exhilarating Tree-to-Tree adventures, they also paid homage to history at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, marveled at the city skyline from an observation tower, and delved into maritime history at the Battleship NJ and Aquarium.
7th Grade
Seventh-grade students experience individual and group challenges while team building overnight.

This year, seventh graders enjoyed a week of:
- Teambuilding
- High Ropes Course and "The Big Swing"
- Archery
- Canoeing
- Outdoor education activities
- Free time games (Capture the Flag, Gaga, ping pong, soccer)
- Campfire and s'mores
8th Grade

Exploring the Past, Embracing the Future: Sanford 8th Graders embarked on an unforgettable journey to Washington, D.C., immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of museums, national parks, memorials, and the captivating world of STEM and history.

Fifth and sixth graders perform at the Spring Concert
The annual cardboard boat regatta puts students’ engineering skills to the test.
Eighth graders celebrate at graduation
Students practice public speaking as they courageously recite poetry at a coffee house event.
Seventh graders practice axe throwing as part of their week long class trip
Fifth graders immerse themselves in Native American culture.