Middle School Academics
High Expectations. Purposeful Growth.
Middle School at Hancock is where students learn to think for themselves.
Our Grades 6–8 program challenges students academically while guiding them toward independence, responsibility, and confident self-expression. Through rigorous coursework, integrated executive functioning, and strong faculty mentorship, Hancock Middle School students are prepared not just for high school, but for what comes next.
Rigorous Academics
Executive Functioning
Advisory & Support
Arts & World Language
Explore Our Academic Programs
English Language Arts
Students engage with challenging, meaningful texts while exploring enduring themes such as Identity and Belonging, Cultural Perspectives, and Consequences of Choice. Instruction includes novel studies, analytical writing workshops, and collaborative projects that demand evidence.
By 8th grade, students:
-
Write with clarity, purpose, and voice
-
Defend ideas using textual evidence
-
Participate confidently in thoughtful, respectful discussions
Mathematics
Our math program develops confident problem-solvers who can think flexibly and explain their reasoning. Students progress through a rigorous sequence, from 6th Grade Math to high school–equivalent Algebra I and Advanced Algebra, with placement designed to meet students where they are and push them where they need to go.
Key priorities include:
-
Showing all steps
-
Building precise mathematical vocabulary
-
Encouraging self-advocacy and perseverance
Science
Science at Hancock is hands-on and grounded in real inquiry. Students study Earth, Life, and Physical Sciences through labs, investigations, and STEM projects that emphasize questioning, data analysis, and problem-solving.
-
6th Grade: Earth systems, climate, and foundational lab skills
-
7th Grade: Cells, body systems, evolution, and living organisms, including dissections
-
8th Grade: Chemistry and physics principles with real-world applications
History
History is taught as a story worth understanding—not memorizing. Students explore world and American history chronologically while learning to analyze sources, evaluate perspectives, and think critically about how the past shapes the present.
-
6th Grade: Ancient civilizations
-
7th Grade: Early American history through the Civil War
-
8th Grade: Reconstruction through the 21st century
Spanish
Spanish is a core academic subject in Middle School and builds seamlessly on the Lower School foundation. By graduation, students complete the equivalent of high school Spanish I, preparing them for advanced language study in high school.
Students develop:
-
Conversational fluency
-
Cultural understanding
-
Strong listening, reading, and writing skills
Visual Arts
All Middle School students participate in visual arts electives that balance technical skill with personal expression. The program progresses intentionally:
-
6th Grade: Foundational techniques and elements of art
-
7th Grade: Expanding skills and exploring art history
-
8th Grade: Independent expression and portfolio development
Middle School Service Requirement
All Hancock Middle School students are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service each school year. These hours are intended to foster responsibility, empathy, and leadership.
Guidelines:
- A minimum of 10 hours per year is required
- Must be completed with a non-profit organization
- No payment may be received for service
- Chores at home do not count
- Hours must be documented using the HDS Community Service Log
- Submit hours to the Middle School Administrative Assistant by May 1
If you're unsure whether an opportunity qualifies, please check with your Division Head.