Middle School

In the Middle School, University Prep teachers and administrators know that early adolescence is a time of enormous physical, intellectual, and emotional change. Our strong academic curriculum provides the framework for nurturing independence while promoting organizational and leadership skills. The integrated service learning component and the focus on the world beyond familiar boundaries develops the students' sense of social responsibility.

We guide students through these years by cultivating their talents, encouraging good habits, and insisting on personal integrity. Students are never far from an adult’s steadying hand, but the training wheels are coming off. There’s fun and laughter, challenge and support as our Middle School students learn to pedal forward independently.

 

Social Life
Age-appropriate social activities are scheduled throughout the school year. Students often select their own events, which include such activities as attending athletic events, bowling and dances. These school activities occur either at school or off-campus and are chaperoned by faculty and parent volunteers. Many of our dances are held in conjunction with nearby independent schools. In addition, students may invite friends from other schools to attend University Prep dances.

Anime Club
Students meet weekly during lunch to view and discuss Japanese animation, usually in the original Japanese. Outside activities have included additional viewing parties and a trip to a local annual anime convention.

Book Club
Book Club meets every other Thursday after school to discuss books that we have read together. Occasionally we have visits by authors, librarians from the Seattle Public Library, and others who can recommend wonderful, new books for us to investigate. Tea and cookies are usually served.

Chess Club
Chess club is an after-school program that allows students to socialize, sharpen their chess techniques, discuss strategy, and participate in chess matches against other schools in the Seattle area.

Friday Night Ski Club
Weather permitting, students from all grades go to Stevens Pass on Friday evenings in winter. Students may bring their own skis or rent equipment. The program is well chaperoned by faculty and parents. Financial aid dollars are available.

Knitting Club
Knitting club is a time for students and teachers to get together and enjoy the company of fellow knitters. The club is held during Friday lunch and encourages a casual atmosphere where students can eat, knit, and talk about their knitting projects. Faculty and staff also drop in to knit.

Math Club
Math Club explores a variety of mathematical patterns, applications and nonroutine problems. It also prepares for and participates in math competitions such as MathCounts and Math Olympiad.  We meet Mondays during Middle School lunch in the Commons. Math Club also sponsors "Recite Pi for Pie" Day every year on March 14.

Middle School Student Government
Student Government provides a forum for Middle School students to discuss division issues and to promote learning leadership skills. MSSG also plans many social and other activities for the Middle School.

Movie Club
Appropriate movies are selected and shown during lunch in Mr. Neal's classroom on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They are run as a serial until finished.

Multicultural Student Alliance (MSA)
The MSA is a group of socially responsible citizens whose mission is to celebrate cultural diversity within and beyond the U Prep community and to encourage social activism through a multicultural education. This club is open to all middle schoolers.

Spanish Club
Spanish Club meets every other Thursday in Ms. Andrade’s classroom right after school. Some of the activities include cooking and doing art projects. We also learn about different Latin American countries and their cultures.

University Prep Student Ambassadors
Eighth graders may sign up to host prospective students by educating them about classes and after-school activities; give guided tours; and share positive experiences and knowledge about University Prep. Participants must attend mandatory training and be available on all visit days from October-February.