Middle School

At King, students in middle school Spanish classes are diving into language learning with a focus on cultural understanding and social issues. In Spanish 2, they began the year by exploring how languages shape identity and connections through the "World Languages in My World" project, conducting research and presenting their findings. Spanish 3 students investigated influential leaders, learning how these figures inspire action in Spanish-speaking communities. Through these projects, students enhance their language skills while developing empathy and a deeper awareness of global issues, preparing them to be informed, compassionate global citizens.

The annual Grade 7 and Grade 8 bonding trips are action-packed adventures that foster connections with peers and teachers and energize the community for the year ahead. This year, Grade 7 embarked on an outdoor journey to Camp Jewell, tackling challenges like rock climbing and team-building activities that pushed their problem-solving and collaboration skills to the limit. Meanwhile, Grade 8 students dove into history in Philadelphia, exploring iconic sites like the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution, adding an educational twist to their bonding experience. Both trips set the stage for a year of growth, friendship, and adventure, sparking energy and enthusiasm for what's to come.

For the third consecutive year, King School's Middle School University (MSU) welcomed Grade 6 students to the new year with a comprehensive two-week program introducing critical skills to help them successfully transition into Middle School. The 2024 edition of MSU retained its core components — materials management, metacognition, risk taking, and technology and communication — and incorporated new instructional techniques to further engage students.

King’s commitment to Global Education extends beyond the classroom. Yearly travel opportunities enrich middle and upper school students' knowledge and broaden their worldview. This summer, international experiences brought rising ninth graders to Costa Rica, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and environment and participated in service-learning activities supporting the Orphaned Starfish Foundation. Upper school students embraced art, history, and culture on the Global Art traversing across multiple European cities.

Amid the applause of proud families, faculty, and staff, Grade 8 students celebrated the conclusion of middle school and the commencement of their high school journey at the Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony on June 7.

At the annual Middle School Prize Day ceremony on June 6, students were celebrated for their impressive achievements across the division. Students received awards for significant academic growth, exceptional athletic performance, exemplary conduct, and leadership. The final Class Prizes were awarded to one student in each grade who best represented the school's core values.

In a vibrant showcase of curiosity and critical thinking, the Grade 7 Science Fair at King demonstrated the power of inquiry-based learning. Following the earlier science fairs of the upper school and Grade 5, this event on Thursday, May 30, reaffirmed King’s commitment to research-driven education across all divisions.

In the two years since its launch, the Grade 8 Research, Experience, Action, Designed by You (R.E.A.D.Y.) Projects have proved to be an incredible catalyst for deep inquiry-based learning in King’s Middle School. On Monday, May 20, students who completed projects in their second semester shared work with friends, faculty, and family. Presentations spanned the middle school atrium and Main Commons, where crowds gathered to learn about topics of student interest in science, athletics, engineering, and more.

King Middle School's fabulous production of the classic tale “The Little Mermaid” marked the final theatrical show of the academic year. The play marks the first students-chosen script, an episodic piece that required full cooperation among the 21 actors, 10 student crew members, and four backstage adults to make the magic happen.