Intermediate/Middle School
Welcome to Heathwood Hall's I/MS
Having survived three Middle school children of my own, I understand how they are straddling childhood and the teen years. They look as awkward as they feel and they are so intensely social at this stage that it is hard to get them quiet long enough to learn anything. Their moods and energy levels, pushed and pulled by the conflicts in their changing bodies, make them unpredictable and even occasionally difficult to love.
The Intermediate/Middle School at Heathwood Hall is comprised of grades 5-8 and designed to meet the unique needs of this age group academically, physically, socially, and emotionally. The curriculum builds on the basics learned in the lower school and prepares and equips students for the rigors of a college prep curriculum in the Upper School. Our program emphasizes hands-on experiences and integrated studies designed to awaken and instill passion, curiosity, and growth in a safe, nurturing environment.
Class sizes are small, ensuring personal attention and our knowledge of the students. Students are provided a sound base of instruction in the core courses of English Math, Science, and History. (In the 5th and 6th grades, a Humanities program combines the classes in English and History). Enrichment classes expose students to music, art, drama, skills, writing, and technology. Middle school science classes are laboratory and activity-based. Students explore a rotation of Latin, French, and Spanish in the 6th grade prior to choosing one of the three languages for focused study in the 7th and 8th grades. Students who show strong math ability are encouraged to take more challenging courses where they may receive high school credits.
Our school has commitment to community service and an awareness of environmental concerns. Students coordinate a recycling program, organize food drives, work with a variety of social agencies, and participate in environmental field trips. All grades participate in a multi-day class trip through our PEAK program.
An Honor Code and Code of Civility form the core values of our Intermediate/Middle School. In Middle School Advisory Groups, teachers work with small groups of students to address issues important to adolescents. Topics such as learning styles, organizational skills, diversity, problem solving, anger management, bullying, peer pressure, and test anxiety are discussed during Advisory. Students have the opportunity to ask questions about the tough issues they face during these emotional years. The Middle School counselor also plays an important role by facilitating advisory sessions and communicating with students, parents, and teachers on key issues.
Donnie Bain
Intermediate/Middle School Head
Academic Overview
In the Intermediate and Middle Schools, teachers direct a program that engages students intellectually, physically, and emotionally and prepares them for the challenges of college preparation in the Upper School. Humanities courses integrate language arts, social studies, and religion while challenging courses in math, science, and foreign language -many for Upper School credit -- complete the core curriculum sequence through the eighth grade.
In addition to the rigorous academic program, enrichment for all students includes classes in art, music, drama, physical education, Skills for Adolescents, writing, and outdoor education. The focus at this level is to provide students with opportunities to discover their strengths and talents and build on them. Academic competitions, Odyssey of the Mind, concert and pep bands, community service opportunities, student leadership council, and the Middle School play complete a full range of activities for these students. Typically, an astounding 50% of the eligible students in the Intermediate/Middle School qualify for Duke University's Talent Identification Program (TIP), allowing them to take the SAT in the seventh grade.
Columbia, SC 29201