The new schedule will allow for meaningful changes to the Middle School program. Next year, each semester will have seven periods instead of six, and there will be one intensive rather than two. These shifts mean students will engage in deeper, more focused study in the core classes each semester and will also have more opportunities to take Fine Arts and elective courses. Beginning next year, those not enrolled in a full year of Orchestra and Band will be able to complete 10 Fine Arts and elective courses over three years. Those enrolled in a full year of Orchestra and Band will be able to complete four additional Fine Arts and elective courses over three years; previously, they could complete only two additional Fine Arts and elective courses.

In anticipation of these opportunities, I’ve worked closely with Ed Billingslea, assistant head of school for academics, and our Instructional Leadership Team to enhance Fine Arts and elective offerings. Next year, we are expanding access to Computer Science I and Robotics by hiring a full-time Middle School computer science teacher. This strategic hire will allow Computer Science I and Robotics to be offered every semester. Additionally, a new course called Creative Construction will provide students with an interest in design and fabrication opportunities to use the Makerspace and engage in creative design practices. We’ve already purchased a small loom and are exploring ways to include it in the course.  

This summer, we will complete a light renovation of the Stagecraft area to make better use of the space. Here, a new Engineering and Design Lab semester-long course will introduce students to basic tool use, improve their understanding of planning complex projects, and emphasize the importance of precision. This course is not designed to produce a flashy end product. Rather, the course will focus on the importance of the fundamentals. The course development was guided by the carpenter’s adage “measure twice, cut once.” Students will learn how to plan projects and use hand tools and some power tools. They will also delve into the history of logging in Washington state. Similarly, an intensive course called Introduction to Woodworking will provide students with a brief introduction to the basic principles of woodworking and use of hand tools. 

UPrep’s Middle School has one of the most comprehensive physical education programs in the area. Its semester courses in physical education focus on wellbeing, physical fitness, and social-emotional development. Last year, PE for Life, a nod to the Lifetime Activities course in the Upper School, was added to our winter intensive offerings. Next year, we will add Performance Prep as a semester elective for our 8th graders interested in playing junior varsity and varsity sports in the Upper School. Athletes will learn the value of rest and recovery plus master peak performance psychology, which is about managing pressure, enhancing focus, recovering from disappointments, and breaking through barriers. 

In English, we will revive Graphic Novel and Creative Writing as winter intensive courses. Graphic Novel will be taught as an interdisciplinary class led by an English teacher and a professional expert artist. In both courses, students will learn how to yield excellent results through patience and the power of revision. 

As a firm believer in place-based education, I’ve worked closely with Brian Gonzales, director of innovation and experiential education, and Isabelle Rio, our World Languages Department chair, to develop a winter intensive course called Roots and Routes: Seattle. This course will teach students about the cultural and linguistic development of Seattle, and students will participate in many full and half-day field trips. Think of it as Global Link: Seattle. 

Finally, 8th graders will have an opportunity to take a free period during semester two. In an effort to teach students balance, we’re offering them an opportunity to experience taking a free period. This will be an opportunity for students to demonstrate responsibility, time management, and independence. 

Our Middle School students are encouraged to explore new interests, as these years are the perfect time to develop passions and try a wide range of activities. I encourage all families to help their child to take advantage of our course offerings and to stretch their idea of what they’re interested in. Together, we can create a Middle School experience that does more than check boxes or complete sequences.

6th Grade

*PE is required in 6th grade.

7th Grade

*One PE class and one Health class are required in 7th grade.

8th Grade

*One semester of PE is required in 8th grade.

Click here to see the 2026–2027 Program of Study.