Middle School
A place to belong, learn and lead.
When your child enters Middle School at HSC, they step into an enriched learning environment where inquiry is always encouraged and possibilities are limitless.
Students in Middle School continue their personalized learning , with our engrained focus on developing the whole child who is nurtured by a team of dedicated teachers, staff and enthusiastic peers. Middle School is an equally exciting transition for students from our Junior or Montessori Schools, or for new students.
Daily learning time allows for flexible student groupings, which change in size and composition according to the needs and goals of the students. Those who grasp concepts can engage in extension opportunities, while students who need additional time and support will get it.
Your child will be taught by a strong team of teachers who set high standards for behaviour, citizenship and academic excellence. Most Middle School faculty have specialized education in the subjects they teach. At this stage, students will progress academically while being introduced to service and leadership opportunities, which will help them develop into active, engaged citizens.
“Middle School is an exciting journey of growth and discovery for HSC students. Guided by expert educators, they explore their interests, embrace new challenges, and develop independence in a supportive, close-knit community. Through House activities, leadership opportunities, experiential learning, and a vibrant co-curricular program, our students build lasting connections, a strong sense of belonging, and a joy for learning as part of the HSC family.”- Kimberly Kniaz, Middle School Principal
A glimpse into the Middle School
Middle School
at a Glance
17
students
is the average class size
50 +
co-curriculars
ranging from activities in the arts, athletics, service and leadership
25 +
real-world
academic pursuits
including project-based learning, robotics, STEM, experiential learning and sustainability research
100 %
student participation
in specialized SEL programming
14
athletic fields
and outdoor courts support physical literacy
50 +
acres
of outdoor campus to explore
Curriculum
Students in Grades 5 through 8 are active learners in a curriculum that includes English, math, science, social studies, music, visual arts, French, and HPE. Students make meaningful and hands-on real world connections through the integration of leadership, service, technology, sustainability, and outdoor education.
“Seeing the spark of students when they find an after-class activity that fills their heart with joy is what makes HSC such a special place.”- Mme Gutauskas, Middle School Faculty
Middle School Program Highlights
Inquiry-Based Learning and Project-Based Learning (PBL)
The Middle School strongly emphasizes inquiry and project-based learning. Students are encouraged to explore their passions, research scenarios, and delve into their own interests, fostering deep understanding and problem-solving skills.Specialized Subject Teachers
Our Middle School faculty have specialized education in the subjects they teach, ensuring high standards for academic excellence and in-depth instruction across the curriculum.Service and Leadership Opportunities
Students are introduced to various service and leadership opportunities through House activities and student-led committees, helping them develop into active, engaged, and community-minded citizens.Dedicated Physical Literacy Program
HSC's Middle School integrates physical literacy across various activities, including physical education, active recess, House intramurals, and athletics to enhance students' physical, social, and emotional development and foster a lifelong positive attitude towards physical activity.Robust Co-curricular Program
Students have a vast array of co-curricular options in arts, athletics, and community-minded clubs – including everything from Vex Robotics and newspaper club to various sports teams and creative arts clubs.Personalized Learning Approach
Flexible student groupings allow for enrichment opportunities for those who grasp concepts quickly, and additional time and support for students who need it, ensuring all students are appropriately challenged.
Movement
Middle School is when physical literacy becomes connected through the Physical Education curriculum, active recess, house intramurals and athletics programs. These connected opportunities improve your child’s physical, social and emotional development in active environments. From unstructured outdoor play at recess to friendly competition among teams at house intramurals, students learn to apply both physical and mental strategies in athletics. This boosts your child’s competence, confidence and motivation to participate in physical activity throughout life.
Inquiry and Inovation
HSC’s Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach provides students the opportunity to explore areas of passion in ways that make learning an engaging experience at every age and stage. Students have input into their personalized learning pathway and learn through inquiry and problem-solving—they are presented with scenarios to research, or, given the opportunity to delve into their own interests. The learning goals are the same for each student, but the process of exploration is as unique as the learner. From outdoor education to overseas exchange trips, authentic and experiential learning opportunities allow students to find, engage and seek solutions for real-world scenarios.
Real-World Discovery
In Middle School, experiential learning opportunities such as E-Week, project-based learning and solutions-thinking bring classroom lessons to life while fostering critical thinking, teamwork and resilience. Through hands-on challenges and time beyond the classroom, students build confidence, strengthen social and leadership skills, and develop a sense of responsibility to their communities and the environment, growing into well-rounded, engaged global citizens.
Assessment
There are four reporting cycles in Middle School. In November and April, you will receive progress airports on your child, with full reports including personalized comments in February and June. Student-involved conferences take place in November, February and April. The final report includes a home form comment where your child reflects on their year-long goals, achievement and growth.
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