Middle School
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Students navigating through the early teen years develop best in a school with teachers who appreciate the unique delights – and challenges – of that age group, savvy mentors with a sense of humor. Growing adolescents need the freedom to explore new ideas, new interests, and new dreams and the structure to feel safe while doing so. That’s what they find at the Rowland Hall Middle School.
“We look for chemistry and charisma when hiring teachers,” explains Stephen Bennhoff, Principal of the Middle School. “We want people who are right to work with kids at this season of life.” By all accounts, Mr. Bennhoff makes excellent choices. As he reports, “One parent will call and say, ‘The teacher listened, and I noticed the change in my daughter.’ Another will ask, “How in the world did you put together such a team of teachers?’” Mr. Bennhoff, himself, thrives upon what he terms the positive collegiality and professionalism of Rowland Hall. “This is fantastic work on so many levels. I love this school.”
A Time for Exploration
The Middle School provides a bridge between the child-centered approach of the Lower School and the curricular emphasis of the Upper School. In addition to core courses (math, English, social science, science and one of four world language offerings), students explore courses in other areas, such as fine arts and music. Throughout these critical development years, the Middle School teachers focus on sparking curiosity, building confidence and honing communication and organizational skills.
Parents as Partners
As is the case in the beginning and lower schools, our Middle School teachers and administrators view parents as partners in the educational process. The parent-school-student dynamic is especially important, however, during a time when boys and girls are finding their footing on the path to young adulthood.
An Ethos of Service
The concept of service is embedded into the very fabric of the Middle School. Throughout the school year, sixth grade students teach science to Lincoln Elementary first graders; seventh graders assist recently resettled refugees through Horizonte School and the International Rescue Committee; and eighth graders share stories and learn history from those who experienced it first-hand, senior citizens. Students collect cans of food each October, a time of year when local food pantries struggle to keep their shelves stocked, and initiate projects throughout the year to respond to on-going community needs.
Going Places
Each year Middle School students participate in class trips, which often extend the school curriculum outside the classroom, help students and their new teachers to know each other better, and allow new students to become better integrated into the class. Examples of class trips include a four-night stay at Crow Canyon Archeology Center in Cortez, Colorado, a five-day stay at Teton Science School in Jackson, Wyoming, and a four-night stay at Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria, California (on the central coast).
Winter Sports
Middle School students participate in the Winter Sports program, which begins in mid-January and continues for six Friday afternoons. Students and faculty participate in downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and other activities such as bowling, tennis, archery, ice-skating, Dek Hockey, ice hockey, rock climbing, dancing, swimming, or participate in community service. (Offerings subject to change.)
Rowmark for Passionate Young Skiers
Rowland Hall is home to one of a handful of pre-collegiate ski academies: Rowmark. It’s mission is to help develop the young people who have a passion for ski racing to develop their athletic potential while also being engaged students and positive role models. Members of the Rowmark Jr. Team ranged from fourth to seventh grade and spend 40 to 49 total days on the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort, home of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The Rowmark B Team for qualified students in grades six through nine train on snow three to four days per week, up to 60 days a year. Preseason dryland conditioning and competition in the United States Ski Association’s Youth Ski League (YSL) round out the experience for aspiring student-athletes. Accomplished older B Team athletes are recommended for Rowmark Ski Academy at the high school level.
Playing the Game
Rowland Hall offers a full slate of athletic opportunities to Middle School students designed to hone skills, impart lessons and enrich the school experience. At this level, Rowland Hall does not have tryouts and no players get cut, yet Middle School teams fare very well in competition, having racked up several championships in the Middle School Wasatch Athletic Conference (WAC).
