Grades 7-8

Group of Middle School boys walk across the quad

Grades 7-8

During boys’ transition into adolescence in the Middle School, teachers are role models whom the boys respect and admire.

In Middle School, we focus on increasing boys’ aptitude for challenge in all areas, broadening their interests, and fostering their social-emotional growth. We accomplish these goals by cultivating close relationships between teachers and students, which may be glimpsed by a high-five in Spanish class or a conversation during recess. As our teachers come to know each boy, they can draw the most effort and success from him and vary their instruction, coaching, and mentorship accordingly.

Mark

parent

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Micah '28

student

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Dijon

Form I Dean and Middle School Math Teacher

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During these middle years, its expected and appropriate for boys to experiment with different ways of doing things, from organizational skills to time management to writing creatively and thinking analytically.

Whether the road is straight and smooth, or circuitous and full of potholes, each step is essential to your sons growth.

- erin duffy, Head of middle school

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Average Class Size

100

Movement Minutes per Day

41%

Students of Color

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Academics

Students play games in Sapnish class

Our Middle School curriculum equips boys with the tools to thrive in our challenging Upper School courses.

Teachers collaborate across disciplines to present an integrated academic experience that mimics learning in the real world. They also design lessons that are active, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. As they progress through the Middle School, boys hone the skills that make them deep thinkers, proficient writers, and strong public speakers. 

Student and teacher discuss artwork

 

Rotating Schedule

Middle School boys have schedules that rotate each day. This rotation ensures students experience their classes at different times during the week when they feel most engaged in learning.

 

Movement Breaks

Boys need to move in order to focus and process. Multiple breaks during the day rejuvenate boys’ brains, boost cognitive development, and contribute to overall wellness.

Students conduct slinky experiment

 

Science Labs

Landon's three science labs have state-of-the-art equipment, such as the wave machine, which allows students to visualize concepts from storm surge flooding to radio waves.

10

Students per Advisor

3

Science Labs

4

Languages Offered

Teacher talks with students at lunch

Teacher-Coach-Mentor

Boys work harder and achieve more when they respect and connect with their teachers.

Landon faculty members are experts in boys’ education and know that boys will only fully open themselves to intellectual challenges and inspirational ideas when they trust that their teachers genuinely care about their well-being and success.

Dijon Anderson, for example, serves as the Grade 7 dean, a math teacher, as well as a soccer and basketball coach.

This is the basis of our entire educational approach—what we call teacher-coach-mentor. Our teachers get to know your son not only in the classroom but also in the chorus room, on the playing field, and in ethics discussions. See how below!

How we learn

Members of the MS Math Team pose for a photo. 

Two new Lower and Middle School programs aim to inspire students and deepen their mathematical understanding. 

Middle School students smile for a photo in the library

A new project in the Middle School encourages self-reflection, personal growth, and mutual respect. Find out how students used Ethics and Community time to reflect on and embrace their core values and character. 

Students construct their egg protection devices for the egg drop challenge

Grade 7 science students look to crack the code and construct an effective egg protection device. Will their designs withstand the egg drop?

Young authors book a trip around the world

A writing challenge expands world geography knowledge for Grade 7 students and fosters a spirit of collaboration and mentorship. Find out how Grade 3 boys helped their fellow Bears reach a final draft.

Fueled by resilience and creativity

Design, creativity, and problem-solving skills went into overdrive with the latest Middle School STEM challenge. Find out how students are strengthening their resolve and their eye for engineering.

Grade 7 students pose with their straw tower creations

Grade 7 earth science students learn about the magnitude of structural integrity. Watch how they use straws, tape, and their design skills to build a structure strong enough to survive a simulated earthquake.

Grade 7 students work on their Bill Nye inspired videos on the Earth's interior.

Grade 7 science students take inspiration from Bill Nye, the Science Guy as they learn about the Earth’s interior. Find out how they use their research skills, creativity, and personalities to captivate and inform their audience.

Grade 8 students visit the NMAAHC

Grade 8 history students leave campus for a day of experiential learning. Find out how their thoughtful approach to a museum visit helped take their learning to the next level. 

Students read Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in with Mr. Sorge

Grade 8 English students bring stage presence to their study of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Find out how students read, watch, and perform the play for deeper understanding.  

MSSportsAnalytics2023

Middle School students tackle the numbers behind the sports they love in a Sports Analytics club through our LEAP afterschool program. 

Students pose for a photo on the catwalk of the PAC during Theater Arts class

Middle School Theater Arts students step off the stage to learn about the technical side of putting on a production. Find out how they use skills and knowledge from other subjects to bring their ideas to life. 

Student works on his drawing

Grade 7 students take their art skills to new depths with one-point perspective drawings. Find out how the new look of campus is inspiring projects in multiple classes.

Daily Schedule

Landon’s daily schedule for Middle School begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:40 p.m., with aftercare options until 6 p.m. 

Landon's developmentally appropriate, rotating daily schedule maximizes students' most attentive time periods. There are also multiple movement breaks during the day so boys can feel refreshed and ready to refocus on learning. This daily schedule is one example; other days could include:

  • advisory
  • ethics
  • diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • health and wellness
  • digital citizenship and research
  • study halls
  • office hours with teachers

Top Row

Head of school greets student on arrival

7:50-8:00 a.m.

Arrival

Students perform Shakespeare in woods

8:00-8:50 a.m.

English

Student work on biology project

8:55-9:40 a.m.

Science

Students runs with football

9:45-10:05 a.m.

Recess

Middle Row

Teacher works with student on math

10:10-10:55 a.m.

Math

Students drawing art

11:00-11:40 a.m.

Art

Students and teacher laugh at lunch table

11:40 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Lunch

Student speaks at school meeting

12:15-12:40 p.m.

School Meeting

Bottom Row

Teacher shows history lesson on board to students

12:45-1:30 p.m.

History

Student plays French game

1:35-2:20 p.m.

French

Student throws pitch on baseball field

2:25-3:40 p.m.

Athletics

Each spring, every Middle School student chooses to participate in one of 15 Mini-Mester classes—a two-day experiential learning program designed by faculty that includes programs like Appalachian Trail overnight, big city/small trees, DC history and art, digital photography, and the ancient art of barbeque!

2023 Mini-Mester

Students sit in boat at beach

A visit to Annapolis and the Bay!

Students visit a meat market

Learning about cuts of beef for bbq!

Students stand in front of wall mural in DC

The DC murals are mind-blowing!

Students look at mountain view

Hiking the Appalachian Trail...

Students take photos in DC

Students tour DC as photographers!

Student looks at art

A closer look at the DC art scene!

Portrait of a Graduate 

Landon students are offered a unique experience. Our goal is that they will do something with it, that they will make a positive difference in their communities and the larger world, in ways big and small.  

Our goal is that they will become virtuous and well-rounded men who contribute and give back to the common good out of both a sense of personal responsibility and an awareness that much has been given to them. Our ambition is that Landon graduates might be described individually and collectively – and throughout their lives – as persons who live into these characteristics and mindsets.

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Arts

Student plays handbells

Middle School students take courses in studio art and performing arts every year.

While we continue to introduce a range of arts offerings to Middle School boys, we also encourage them to identify their talents for specific disciplines and instruments. In the performing arts, boys can choose between theater, band, chorus, handbells, or strings.

Student plays cello

 

Music

Music choices in the Middle School  include band, chorus, handbells, and strings—and the Jazz Ensemble, which includes Upper School students. These groups perform in concerts at school seasonally and around Washington, D.C., at the Kennedy Center and D.A.R. Constitution Hall. They also score top marks at competitions, such as the Music in the Parks Festival in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  Boys pursuing band, strings, or jazz attend group practices during the day and individual lessons at Landon after school.

Student works with clay

 

Studio Art

Middle School students start with the basic techniques of drawing and design in Grade 6, where they experiment with pencil, pen, colored pencil, charcoal, paint, and sculpture. In Form I (Grade 7), boys learn painting techniques and color theory. Projects become more complex, including one that is based upon a global style of art called aboriginal dot painting. By the time boys finish their three large, multi-step projects in Form II (Grade 8), boys have developed a mastery of the foundations of drawing, painting, and design.

Students sing Fame

 

Theater

Our theatrical arts class teaches on-stage acting, as well as behind-the-scenes skills such as lighting, sound, and set design—and students perform for the entire Middle School at various times throughout the year. Even if they are not enrolled in the theatrical arts class, boys can participate in the Middle School’s annual productions in conjunction with our sister school, Holton-Arms. Recent productions include High School Musical Jr., Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, and Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach.

100%

Of Students Participate in Performing and Studio Arts

12

Instruments to Choose From

22

Courses in Music, Studio, and Theater Arts

Middle School art students demonstrated creativity and attention to detail in the Getty Challenge: to find a painting they liked from a museum and use items in their home to recreate it!

Getty Challenge

MS art challenge submission
MS art challenge submission
MS art challenge submission
MS art challenge submission
MS art challenge submission

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Athletics

Wrestler pins opponent

Because athletics represents a great way to develop invaluable skills like resilience, teamwork, and leadership, every boy in Landon’s Middle School participates in an interscholastic or intramural sport every season.

We know that boys who learn physical wellness in Middle School are more likely to carry their healthy habits throughout their life. As boys begin to compete against other schools, our teacher-coach-mentors guide boys in their development as athletes and as young men of high character.

Athletic Facilities

Bordley Stadium

Turf field, track, and stadium

Armstrong Field

Armstrong Field 

Jacoby Tennis Courts

Jacoby Tennis Courts

Barton Alumni Athletic Center

Barton Alumni Athletic Center

Riddleberger Gym

Riddleberger Gym

Perkins Gym

Perkins Gym

Landon School's state of the art gymnasium facilities and strength and conditioning room

Weight Room

Goddard Field

Goddard Field

Landon students wrestle

Boehly Wrestling Room

Student playing water polo

Dixon Pool

Landon students playing street hockey

Sport Court

Prindle Field

Prindle Field

student playing ice hockey

Bears' Den, Rockville Ice Arena

Landon Bear

Go Bears!

 

Season Sport
Fall Cross Country
Football
Soccer
Water Polo 
Winter

Basketball
Ice Hockey 
Squash
Strength and Conditioning
Swimming 
Wrestling 

Spring

Baseball
Golf 
Lacrosse
Rugby
Tennis 
Track and Field

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Health, Wellness & Fitness

Student drives to the basket

Our work with boys around health, wellness, and fitness is found in every facet of the Middle School experience.

Using the teacher-coach-mentor model, our teachers develop deep and meaningful relationships with the boys and address larger issues like empathy, self-esteem, sportsmanship, and humility in a one-on-one capacity.  We also instill in the boys that being active isn't only about athletics. It can be fun and good for you!

In health and wellness classes, we provide students with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions and control their own well-being. Boys learn how to make proper food choices, develop a good sleep routine, and handle stress and anxiety. They learn about their changing bodies and proper hygiene as well as relationships, communication, and consent. Other topics include: marijuana, tobacco, alcohol, technology, and bullying.

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    Ethics, Service & Leadership

    Students sign character pledge

    Character Pledge

    Character development is central to all we do.

    Our ability to advance this goal is dependent on the willingness of individual community members to agree to and embrace the principles of good character outlined in our Character Pledge. This Pledge serves as an overarching standard for daily ethical conduct and includes three parts: an Honor Code, a Civility Code, and our Core Values. Each year all Landon students, teachers, and staff are asked to read and sign a document pledging themselves to these principles.

    Honor Code

    I will not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate others doing so.

    Civility Code

    I will regard and treat all people – whether in word or deed – with respect and dignity. I will treat my relationships, school, surroundings, and myself similarly. I will not tolerate behaviors by others that run counter to the principles of respectful behavior and decency.

    Core Values 

    Respect – Honesty – Teamwork – Responsibility – Perseverance – Kindness – Inclusivity – Courage – Gratitude – Humility – Service

    The Middle School Ethics, Service, and Leadership program provides boys with a foundation for exploring what it means to be an ethical person who grounds his decisions and attitudes in our Mission, Philosophy and Core Values.  Boys use critical thinking skills to examine ethical theories and build vocabulary that informs decision making, such as the difference between an ethical dilemma and a moral temptation, and the approach needed for each. 

    Grade 8 Purpose Summit

    Students find purpose in a capstone project.

    Grade 8 students reflect on past experiences to prepare to write their capstone “This I Believe” speeches to the entire Middle School. Watch how the Form II Purpose Summit helps them learn not only about themselves but also their place in the world.

    Ethics

    After intentional work around identity and belonging, Grade 8 students write and present “This I Believe" speeches. They share their ideas with peers, and learn the value of being vulnerable, speaking in public, and writing persuasively.

    Advisory

    Boys express their thoughts, views, and emotions with peers and a trusted faculty advisor in small-group advisory sessions, where boys  discuss ethical dilemmas, evaluate lessons learned,  and bond with classmates.

    Leadership

    On the Student Council, the Honor Council, and in our Admissions Student Ambassador program, boys are chosen by their peers and faculty members to lead the Middle School and represent Landon. 

    Service

    Students feel empowered to address community needs through hands-on experience by participating in service activities with organizations such as A Wider Circle, Iona Senior Services, and Special Olympics.

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    Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

    Respect is a core value of a Landon School education. And respecting others means respecting and celebrating their different journeys, backgrounds, and identities.  Landon is committed to promoting supportive and welcoming traits like inclusivity and appreciating diversity and how it enriches the tapestry of the community.  We seek to develop in our students the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to value differences, encouraging both speaking and acting with integrity and compassion and developing an informed and respectful worldview.

    This work is supported by round table discussions, school assemblies, and events based on cultural celebrations.

    They include Lunar New Year, and schoolwide events to honor Black History Month, Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month.  Students are at the center of this work, as they share their own stories and become presenters at these events. 

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    Afterschool Programs

    Landon offers an AfterCare program from 3:30-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays when school is in session that includes study hall, snack break, and recess time.

    The Landon Enrichment and Afterschool Program (LEAP) expands the learning experience beyond the school day in creative, dynamic, and fun ways while supporting Landon’s core values. Classes are offered in six to eight-week sessions throughout the year, and they include topics such as fishing, robotics, and chess. Each class meets for 60 or 90 minutes after school, until about 5-5:45 p.m. There is an additional charge for this program.

    Teachers also offer free clubs after school that include the Strategic Games Club, Math Club, and the Multicultural Student Alliance. 

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