What Makes SLS Middle School Unmissable?
“My teachers want me to talk!” exclaimed one Middle School student. At SLS, your unique voice and insights are valued as you learn more about yourself. You’re encouraged to ask questions—What matters to me? What am I naturally good at and where do I have to apply myself more?
By engaging students in their learning, we shift the mindset from school as a chore to seeing each day as an opportunity to discover what you are capable of achieving. You can tackle challenging academics and love learning. You can speak up in class, deliver a public Declamation, and be in a play and on the soccer team. You can help others in your community. This is how confidence builds and how a deep love of learning begins. Middle School is a big deal. It’s when you start building important skills like reading, writing, math, and critical thinking (figuring out how to solve problems and make decisions). Research shows that 9th grade performance can predict your future success. That’s why SLS Middle School makes sure you have the core skills and strong foundation to thrive in Upper School.
Will Be Prepared to Thrive
SLS also wants you to succeed in a future that will be high-tech, collaborative, and globally connected. Respect for diverse people and opinions is essential to your ability to thrive into the future as is experience with leadership and emerging technologies. SLS was one of the first schools in our area to offer a required Emerging Technologies curriculum. Our vision is for students to leave SLS as ethical leaders and skilled conscientious creators and users of technologies shaping the world.
“We strive to inspire every student, teacher, and community member to discover their Big Selves—the person you become when you begin to unlock all the potential within you.” HeadofSchool, MaryHalpinCarter,Ph.D.
As an SLS Middle School student, you’ll have a whole team focused on your success now and into the future. This includes your teachers, your advisor, your coaches, Grade-Level Deans, and a Well-Being & Academic Support team. Extra help is available before school, during dedicated free time, and after school. You’ll also be guided by our extraordinary library, learning & technology, and designLab teachers. As you move into Upper School, you will connect with our stellar College Counseling team who will already know you and your family.
In 8th grade, you’ll create a customized Compass Map for success in Upper School and beyond. Compass is a 1:1 Mentorship Program created by SLS to help you launch really well in high school.
Unmissable Fact: 14 of our last 20 Valedictorians and Salutatorians started their SLS journey in Middle School.
An Unmissable Day in the Life
Start the day with a warm welcome from Head of School Dr. Carter and Head Dog Hefty.
Go to your award-winning French program (one of 3 MS world languages). Today your class is working in our 3,000 square foot designLab to fabricate a jukebox that plays French music.
Embrace your creative side in band, choir, and art class.
Begin to learn and practice what it means to be an ethical leader in your Leading with Humanity class.
Free time? Meet with teachers for extra help or pop by a student club meeting like chess or animal care.
Become a skilled, conscientious creator and user of the technologies shaping the world in classes like Ethical AI and Robotics.
Head to class where you’ll discover your inner poet, make factor trees in math, discover Native American artifacts, or erupt a volcano in Earth Science.
Hang with friends in the commons during lunch, then go outside to play. Spikeball anyone?
Head to Advisory where you’ll connect in a small group with peers and teachers to help navigate your academic and social life.
When the academic day is over, afterschool activities begin—sports, theater, debate, art, or STEM. There’s something for everyone!
Unmissable Co-Curricular Activities
SLS Middle School students have so many afternoon activities and athletic opportunities to choose from. These experiences help build character, develop leadership and resilience, and are really fun! We’ve made extracurriculars a core part of the student experience by requiring participation.
Fall Activities:
Art Studio
Blues Band
Combat Robotics
Cross Country
Debate Team
Field Hockey
Flag Football
Makers with designLab
Soccer
Squash Fundamentals
Tennis Fundamentals
Theater Fundamentals
Volleyball
Winter Activities:
Art Studio Basketball
Combat Robotics
Debate Team
Ice Hockey Fundamentals
Makers with designLab
Musical Theater Production
Ski Team
Squash
Technical Theater
Quiz Bowl
Spring Activities:
Art Studio Baseball
Combat Robotics
Cross Country
Debate Team
Lacrosse
Makers with designLab
Softball
Squash Fundamentals
Technical Theater
Tennis
Theater Production
Advice from SLS Alumni: Explore as many programs as you can. You’ll discover new interests, build friendships, and grow in ways you never expected.
“Potential is the hardest thing to see bottled up in your kids. You believe in them, but maybe they don’t believe in themselves. Then, they meet that teacher who sees the spark of interest in something new, or that coach who quietly recognizes their potential and throws them into the deep end—that is the essence of the SLS experience. Through a thousand little leaps, choreographed and spontaneous, you suddenly find your child finding themselves, finding their voice, and finding purpose.”
SLS Parent
SLS Mission — Our Promise To Families:
An exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead.
At SLS, we transform lives through academic excellence and an unparalleled commitment to kindness, community and character. Our students thrive in a warm, supportive environment where they discover their unique strengths, learn to Lead with Humanity, and make meaningful contributions to the world. Discover your potential, discover you.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious) day school for grades 5-12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Discover Your Potential at SLS.