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Middle School

Middle School at Berkeley Carroll is a dynamic four-year progression where students experience extraordinary growth—intellectually, socially, and personally. 

Our program is grounded in hands-on, minds-on learning that invites students to question, create, collaborate, and connect.

Guided by essential questions and rooted in our Portrait of a Learner, middle schoolers build the habits of critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and joyful discovery that carry them forward into Upper School and beyond. They learn to use both their “I” and “we” voices—honoring their individuality while engaging thoughtfully with the perspectives and needs of others.

As they move from Grade 5 to Grade 8, learners explore who they are, who they are becoming, and how they can contribute meaningfully to their community. This is a time of expanding curiosity, deepening skills, and increasing agency, all supported by teachers who know each student well and challenge them with purpose.

Paul McElfresh
Middle School Director

A smiling man with a bald head and a beard, wearing glasses and a light blue button-down shirt, stands against a plain white background.

Paul McElfresh

Learning in full motion

Classrooms, studios, labs, and performance spaces buzz with energy as students tackle interdisciplinary projects, develop communication skills, and take on new challenges—from crafting an argument in debate to interpreting Shakespeare, composing music, or experimenting in science. Strong relationships with advisors and faculty give students the support and confidence to stretch themselves, try new things, and embrace complexity.

The result is a Middle School experience that is rigorous, empowering, and deeply connected to the world—preparing students not just for high school, but for a lifetime of learning with purpose.

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Explore our Middle School Signature Experiences

The 5th Grade Egyptian Tomb

A beloved rite of passage at Berkeley Carroll, the 5th Grade Egyptian Tomb brings ancient history to life through immersive learning, creativity, and collaboration.

The 7th Grade Math Fair

This keystone event exemplifies what makes BC’s academic experience so distinctive—student-led inquiry, collaborative problem-solving, and the belief that mathematics is both beautiful and accessible to all learners.

The 8th Grade Living Wax Museum

A cherished Middle School tradition, the 8th Grade Living Wax Museum invites students to bring history to life through research, creativity, and performance.

Beyond the Classroom

The Chewonki Trip is a highlight of the 8th-grade year and a foundational rite of passage, taking students to the renowned Chewonki Foundation on the coast of Maine. This five-day immersive experience is designed to strengthen class bonds, build independence, and teach responsible environmental stewardship.

Students engage directly with nature, focusing on ecology, sustainability, and outdoor leadership skills outside the traditional classroom setting. As the final collective Middle School experience, the trip is celebrated for its shared "campfire moments" and community-building activities, ensuring students transition to Upper School as connected, confident, and prepared young leaders.