Middle School

Rising to the Challenge

The Middle School years are when young minds hone their critical thinking and analytical skills to make strong connections between their knowledge and the world around them. Middle schoolers question, debate, explore, invent and engage with more depth while taking on more rigorous academic challenges and responsible leadership roles in preparation for the final leg of The Summit journey – Upper School.

Our Five Pillars

Our mission is to develop leaders of character across five pillars: spiritual, academic, physical, social and artistic.

girl in the chapel — The Spiritual Pillar
Through grade-level spiritual retreats, Summit students reflect on themselves and their relationship with God. These unique, off-campus experiences provide an opportunity to reinforce aspects of our Leaders of Character program and support students on their spiritual journeys.

"The time for reflection and the activities we did [at the retreat] reminded me how lucky and thankful I am to God for the talents that He gave me. I use these talents every day but don’t always remember to be thankful to God for them.”
**– Stefen Karageorges '29**

*"The Leaders of Character program, focus on God-given values, and overt emphasis on developing good people to go out into the world is fantastic."*
**– Middle School Parent, 2022-23**

teacher and student in classroom — The Academic Pillar
Teachers work closely to design academic growth opportunities for students that help ensure all middle schoolers can reach their full potential. Children learn executive functioning skills and strategies to become more independent in completing their assignments and meeting classroom expectations. The challenges increase across all subject areas, and students are supported all along the way.

*"Summit does a better job than other schools of achieving rigor without needless busy work and tasks. The deliberate nature of the assignments maximizes the value gained.”*
**– Middle School Parent, 2022-23**

boy shooting basketball — The Physical Pillar
Children who play team sports develop physically, socially and emotionally – growth that carries forward to a more competitive sports model in the second half of middle school. Up to Grade 6, athletes are coached by parent volunteers. Some of our Upper School coaches also coach middle school athletes in Grades 7-8, bringing their expertise to the game. With a no-cut policy, every child gets playing time while enjoying a fun introduction to the lifestyle of an athlete.

"I’m most proud when a family shares that their child didn’t want to participate but once they did, they had a great experience and made new friends. That’s what it’s all about. Making it enjoyable while developing young athletes.”
– **Chris Woodard, K-6 Athletics Coordinator**

students preparing to zip-line — The Social Pillar
Serving in leadership roles is one way for students to contribute to their community. The Knights of the Round Table, or KORT, is an opportunity for student leaders to have a part in planning and executing activities for other students. These experiences build confidence and help students discover their passions in a safe and supportive environment.

"We feel the education our girls receive at Summit is truly next level. It’s intentional and strives to ensure each child is educated to become a well-rounded person, not merely academically challenged. Our children have never been more engaged than they have since we’ve been at Summit.”
**– Middle School Parent, 2022-23**

students playing instruments — The Artistic Pillar
Middle schoolers find a second home in Summit’s performing arts program. With musicals, theater productions, band and chorus, students take center stage as they explore their creative sides. Summit musicians have additional opportunities to perform during the year at all-school masses, concerts and hosted events such as the annual United States naturalization ceremony.

*"The school provides many creative opportunities for the students and allows them to excel in many areas of interest with encouragement."*
– **Middle School Parent, 2022-23**

*"This program is designed to foster self-confidence and self-love. My hope is that each student goes out of their comfort zone to explore what they are truly capable of in this world."*
– **Amy Batchelor, Theater Director**

Meet The Teachers

Highly-trained faculty, state-of-the-art resources and innovative curriculum have resulted in distinctive programs that make The Summit Country Day School's opportunities unique.

Kim Perlman

Middle School Director

Kevin Bissmeyer

Social Studies Teacher, Coach

Bob Browning

Director of Instrumental Music

Cary Daniel

Physical Education Teacher

Larry Dean

Latin Teacher

Laura Dennemann

Religion Teacher

Samantha England

Art Teacher

Allie Hadley

Math & Religion Teacher

Brendan McEachern

Language Arts Teacher

Joy Parker

Science Teacher

Robert Schaaf

Math & Social Studies Teacher

Cooper Schreibeis

Social Studies & Religion Teacher, Coach

Greg Williams

Music & Religion Teacher

Questions & Answers

What ages are served by Summit’s middle School?

What clubs and extracurricular activities are offered?

Is tuition assistance available?

Does Summit provide music lessons?

how does summit develop leaders of character?

what do summit parents and teachers say about the Middle school?

"There is a strong value placed on diversity, inclusion and character. It is a school where we are all challenged in our daily lives to use our God-given gifts and talents through hard work, service and acceptance."
– Laura Dennemann, religion teacher

“It is an incredibly special place. Students have the opportunity to explore academically and socially and they are exposed to many areas of interest.”
– Middle School Parent, 2022-23

“The Summit’s Five Pillar mission to develop leaders of character who value and improve the world they inherit perfectly encapsulates not only the path I pursue as an educator, but as a parent as well. It has always been my passion to establish children’s lifelong interest in and love of science by sparking curiosity, exploration, and deeper understanding of their environment.”
– Joy Parker, science teacher

“I didn't see the value of the character development piece until our children reached the middle school. This, combined with the college prep curriculum, sets the school apart."
– Middle School Parent, 2022-23

"As a teacher at The Summit, I value the opportunities to individualize instruction and help students grow as a whole person in an academically stimulating school."
– Katy Gallagher, language arts & social studies teacher

“Summit creates an established road map for the students for the entire year and regularly measures progress against the road map. It's not just a a day-to-day experience."
– Middle School Parent, 2022-23

what are capstone projects?

A capstone is a process-oriented, cross-curricular, action-research based experience involving student choice and four or more successive component parts which build upon each other and deepen over the course of study (usually 3-6 months). Each capstone focuses on one of the domains of the Leaders of Character program by growing community partnerships, exploring personal passions and skills, and serving the community.

Examples are developing skills to lead a book drive, learning financial literacy skills and taking CPR. The sky's the limit to students' choices and creativity.

What type of lunch is offered in Middle School?

Middle School students enjoy lunch in Knights Café and purchase food through PayPAMS, a cashless point-of-service system.

Daily breakfast is offered from 7:30 to 8:10 a.m. with items such as English muffin or croissant sandwiches with bacon or sausage, egg and cheese, assorted cereals and yogurts, fresh fruit, Nutrigrain bars, bagels, hot chocolate, milk, and juices.

Plate lunches include an entrée, fruit, vegetable, bread and milk, chocolate milk or spa water for approximately $5 daily, or students can purchase à la carte options at stated prices.

Please note, Summit does not participate in the National School Lunch Program.

The Summit Difference

Admission

Email us to request a call from Lower and Middle School Admissions Counselor Meghan Byrne.

View opportunities to visit the Middle School.

Learn more about the Middle School Application Process.

Request more information.