The middle school faculty consists of dedicated educators who are specialists in their fields of study. Teachers are as committed to nurturing and inspiring their students on the same level of furthering their education. By having the same students for three consecutive years, teachers truly know each student and understand how they learn best, as well as how to meet their unique needs for optimum academic and
personal growth.

The Middle School building consists of open and collaborative learning spaces. With innovation at the forefront, each classroom is designed to foster inquiry, discussion, and flexibility. Middle school students have access to the art studio, fabrication and innovation lab, black box theater, and barn facilities to further support the unique learning experiences of Country Day World School.

Country Day World School graduates can take up to two high school math credits with them through advanced coursework in algebra and geometry. The curriculum focuses on deep study of mathematics, where mistakes and questions are a valuable part of the learning experience. Math is about making connections, between both concepts and applications to the broader world. The Middle School math program offers the perfect balance of rigorous learning opportunities paired with personalized support.

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Course Sequence:

• 6th Grade: 6th Grade Math or Pre-Algebra

• 7th Grade: Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1*

• 8th Grade: Geometry* or Algebra 1*

*Course eligible for High School credit

Our 6th-8th graders advance their practice of reading and writing through seminar style classes and collaborative group work. Literature studies focus on developing analytical skills through socratic discussion and student-led learning. Students write creatively and analytically with integrated grammar studies that both meet each student's individual needs and are covered on the ACT. 

The three year science sequence focuses on an in depth understanding of the world from the global environment to the molecular level. Through authentic scientific inquiry, students delve deep into the cellular and molecular world while collecting evidence and drawing their own inferences.

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Course Sequence:

• 6th Grade: Environmental Science

• 7th Grade: Life Science

• 8th Grade: Physical Science*

*Course eligible for High School credit

Discussion based classes in humanities infuse lessons on history, humanities, geography, economics, civics, government, current events, and beyond. The curriculum eliminates the study of topics in isolation, allowing students to truly understand the history of the world, the foundations of government, the responsibilities of individual citizens, and the significance of interaction in the global community.

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Course Sequence:

• 6th Grade: Late Middle Ages
  to the American Revolution 

• 7th Grade: Foundations of
  U.S. to Civil War

• 8th Grade: Reconstruction
  to the Millenium

The world language program promotes not only linguistic proficiency but also cultural awareness through the study of both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. As one of the only three-language schools in the Tampa Bay Area, students learn to read, speak and write through real world context and collaboration.

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Course Sequence:

• 6th Grade: Spanish 1a* & Chinese 6

• 7th Grade: Spanish 1b* & Chinese 7

• 8th Grade: Spanish 2* & Chinese 8

*Course eligible for High School credit

Students rotate through enrichment courses to explore areas in the arts and STEM. Advanced study in visual arts, performing arts, computer programming, and animal science complement the in-depth studies of the core curriculum and expose students to a variety of specialized fields of study.

The Middle School elective program not only recognizes the importance of student choice during this developmental period, but also allows students to delve deeper into passions and interests. Elective offerings are offered in all curriculum areas.

Example Courses:

• STEM: Video Game Design, Vex Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Wood Shop, Functional Arduino Programming, 3D Printing, Bridge Building

• Visual Arts: Ceramics, Advanced Drawing and Painting, Pop Portraits, Graphic Design, 2D Animation, Architectural Rendering, Chinese Brush Painting, Animals: Anatomic Technique

• Music & Performing Arts: Songwriting, Filmmaking, Improv, Character Development, Monologue Study, Playwriting, Music Theory, Vocal Ensemble

• Other: Entrepreneurship, Model United Nations, Stock Market Games, Creative Writing, Genius Hour

Each student has a faculty advisor to support their academic, social and emotional growth. Advisors serve as the point person between parents, the student and faculty as the social and physical changes of middle school are navigated.

Middle school students have PE multiple times a week, with flexibility during that time to ride at CDS Equestrian. The PE curriculum focuses on the development of teamwork, collaboration, and athletic skills. The interscholastic athletic department offers both boys and girls volleyball, soccer, basketball, flag football, track and field, and pickleball.

As leaders of the CDWS community, Middle School students help guide their peers through the Four Pillars of Wellbeing: mindfulness, community, self-curiosity, and contentment & balance. Through the Contentment Foundation, this research backed curriculum is integrated into all aspects of a student’s day to guide their social emotional wellbeing. Middle schoolers also demonstrate their leadership through participation in global and local travel. Whether it be at the yearly spring international trip or representing CDWS at the global Model UN conference in NYC, students not only demonstrate their leadership skills, but continuously collaborate as a community.

Equally as important as the depth of content and understanding are the skills students build through each learning experience. Executive functioning, critical thinking, social skills, and work habits are woven through each element of the curriculum to develop the whole child.

As a 1:1 chromebook school, technology is used as a tool for learning in a variety of ways in the classroom. Each classroom is equipped with Apple technology to aid in whole class lessons and instructions. Interactive teaching tools complement the inquisitive nature of the curriculum. The chromebook allows students to learn how people would work in the real word, truly preparing them for the next stages of life.