Welcome to the middle school!
Middle School is a time of growth, exploration and opportunities.
Our well-balanced curricular programs - superior academics, character development, and leadership challenges - are designed to equip girls to emerge from Middle School as independent thinkers who develop a profound sense of belonging and learn how to advocate for themselves and others. Within Roland Park Country School’s caring community, each student is seen, known and nurtured. Prepare to be astonished about the transformative process that happens for students in our welcoming and supportive Middle School community!
The Exceptional Academic Experience
Our outstanding Middle School faculty specialize in educating and supporting adolescent females. With access to three different world language options, a nationally recognized problem solving mathematics program, unique STEAM courses in each grade, and robust experiences in critical thinking, research and writing, our academic program challenges and inspires our girls. Student-centered learning results in experiences with analyzing literature, creating podcasts, choreographing original dance performances, utilizing the principles of design thinking, investigating the “why” behind a chemical reaction and so much more. All of these dynamic learning experiences establish a strong foundation for student success in the Upper School and beyond.
The Dynamic Journey
During this pivotal time in the girls’ lives, RPCS makes a concerted effort to meet their social emotional needs by framing each middle school year with a theme that also incorporates our core values.
- In 6th grade the theme is WAYFINDING, as girls learn study skills, develop independence, and navigate the expectations and responsibilities that come with being a middle schooler while aiming to live healthy and be well.
- In 7th grade, the theme is BELONGING, as the students examine identity and community within their humanities classes and think about who they are and who they strive to become while working together to build each other up and to seek and embrace diversity.
- In 8th grade, the theme is ADVOCATING, as the students are given opportunities to express their voice and choice by becoming student leaders who take their seats at the table and lead for the greater good.
Leadership in Action
Roland Park Country School provides unique opportunities for students to tap into their potential through the Gore Leadership Institute. The Institute encompasses a Wellness Leadership Workshop that empowers and exposes Middle School students to different leadership styles, as well as important topics in emotional intelligence and how to collaborate with others of differing strengths. In addition, eighth graders can participate in one of our many signature programs at RPCS, culminating in The Gore Leadership Institute Capstone Project where students engage in research, shadow a professional in their field of choice, reflect about their experience and showcase their learning. They truly learn by doing.
Overall, the Middle School years give students time to make mistakes, learn about their capacity for resilience, collaborate with others, strengthen their moral compasses, think beyond themselves, develop grit and learn how to give grace to themselves and others. Such profound self-actualization provides each student with a foundation of skills, confidence and empathy that will last a lifetime. Read more about our graduates and the outcomes that are a result of these incredible experiences at RPCS!
K-8 STEAM Program
At Roland Park Country School, STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math, is purposefully integrated into our school curriculum from grades K through 8 to expose our students to all of these concepts in a coordinated and meaningful way.
Middle School STEAM classes introduce students to the technology we have at our disposal to document and share learning. Individual projects will vary by grade level. Topics include digital citizenship, robotics and coding, design thinking, and digital media.
GLI Eighth Grade Capstone
The Gore Leadership Institute Eighth Grade Capstone is the first extension of our Gore Leadership Institute into the Middle School. This project provides eighth graders the unique opportunity to shadow a professional in the career of their choosing, which they then present to their peers, families, and RPCS faculty.
Health & Wellness
Wellness is a key component of the RPCS Middle School. In addition to a unique physical education curricula specifically engineered for girls ages 10-13, we offer 10 sports for our Middle School athletes, including basketball, track, squash, and more.
Social Justice Trip
To advocate for themselves, our students must first understand the injustices in our world, both past and present. Our annual social justice trip provides our students the opportunity to have hands-on learning experiences
Middle School Musical
Our spring Middle School musical is always a favorite event in our RPCS community. The talents of our students are showcased in the most amazing way, from creating sets and lighting sequences that transport us into the world on stage, to the singing, dancing and acting talents.