The division between the Middle and Upper School is more than a classification according to grade. The seventh and eighth grade curriculum is based on a middle school philosophy responsive to the developmental needs and learning styles of younger students.

The courses in grades seven and eight are intended to develop cognitive and study skills necessary for effective entry into high school. Williams places an emphasis in the Middle School on the development of effective communication, writing skills, and analytic skills as it exposes students to a wide range of courses.

In grade seven, students take English, American History, Math (Prealgebra), Life Science, French or Spanish (the first half of Level I), Physical Education, and Enrichment (Arts and Life Skills). In grade eight, students take English, Geography, Algebra I (students placed by the department), French or Spanish (the second half of level I), Physical Science, Latin I, and Enrichment (Physical Education, Arts, and Life Skills).

Band and Chorus are available as elective courses for students in grades seven and eight. Students in the eighth grade who participate in Band will postpone their study of Latin until the ninth grade. Students entering Williams in the eighth grade will take only Latin if they have not had a comparable seventh grade French or Spanish course. These students will join an appropriate French or Spanish course in the ninth grade.

Gayle Holt
Interim Middle School Coordinator