The WCDS Middle School: “Every student, our focus.”

At age 87, Michelangelo stated: “I am still learning.” The Wayne Country Day Middle School is committed to helping each student in grades 7 and 8 thrive in an atmosphere that focuses on learning in an environment that celebrates inclusiveness and belonging. Personal faculty advisors help middle schoolers thrive in this transitional division between Lower and Upper school; class advisors emphasize embracing individual uniqueness while enjoying being a valued member of the class as a whole. Students in Middle School quickly learn that every person is a teacher, and each experience, from art to athletics and everything in between, is a lesson. Each student is  encouraged to “walk with the dreamers, the doers, the successful people . . . let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave the world better than you found it,” (W. Peterson).

Along with the privilege of attending Wayne Country Day School comes responsibilities, respect, compassion, and “Charger” spirit. The WCDS Student/Parent Handbook guides each student regarding these responsibilities and expectations with total transparency. The WCDS Middle School faculty work closely to assure each student’s well-being and safety. Teachers work with students and parents providing emotional and educational support while creating a positive learning experience and caring environment. An African proverb reminds students:  “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” Students in the Middle School navigate classes in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Composition, Art, World Language and are encouraged to seek after school tutorials and conferences with each teacher when needed. Weekly enrichment classes in the STEM Center teach the soft skills of collaboration and teamwork while offering students creative opportunities involving critical thinking and decision-making. Following Middle School, students matriculate to the upper school. Middle School teachers understand, as Rachel Wolchin, writer, explains: “If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet!” Perhaps the one thing that does “stay in one place” is the WCDS legacy of excellence of which each and every student becomes a part--one year, one class, at a time!