Waverly’s Middle School intentionally builds on the strong foundation laid in our Elementary School. As students enter adolescence, they are ready for more independence, deeper intellectual engagement, and expanded opportunities for self-expression.
The Middle School years at Waverly honor this stage of development with a program that fosters curiosity, confidence, and community connection.
Students continue developing critical thinking skills as they explore increasingly complex ideas and questions. They learn to support arguments with evidence, express themselves clearly and compassionately, and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world. The core academic curriculum includes math, science, social studies, English, and Spanish. Students also engage in the arts, physical education, Farm, and a variety of electives that offer both breadth and choice.
A strong commitment to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) continues to be woven throughout the curriculum, including dedicated classes such as advisory, human development, and Flex Time.
Our goal is to prepare students not only for High School but for thoughtful, ethical, and engaged lives.
Middle school students begin the school day by meeting in their advisory groups. In advisory, students build relationships with their peers and teachers outside of the academic curriculum. Students learn to support and to be supported socially, emotionally, and academically. In addition, students meet weekly for a longer block to participate in activities that develop essential middle school skills. Topics include health and wellness, maintaining healthy relationships, cyber-citizenship, conflict resolution, study skills and time management, current events, and community awareness and service learning.
One of the primary academic goals at Waverly is that each student works to his or her highest potential. This is also true in sports, which enrich student life and the school community. We believe that participation in sports can contribute significantly to the physical, social, and emotional well-being of our students. Athletes are encouraged to develop their skills and ability to work as a team. As a result, our coaches focus on maximizing the participation of all team members. Success is measured in terms of personal development and the team’s overall progress.
The athletics program allows students to compete at the middle school level in fall, winter, and spring sports in the Foothill League. Sports include flag football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and tennis. Read more about athletics.
Middle School outdoor education takes form in annual two-night trips to one of two experiences: Astrocamp in Idyllwild and California Island Marine Institute at Toyon Bay. Students learn key science topics, teamwork, and collaboration skills, while enjoying the beautiful natural environment. Usually taking place in the fall, these trips bring students and faculty together away from the pressures of school.
Day-long field trips include visiting the California Science Center, watching dramatic performances at A Noise Within, and seeing local cultural exhibits or performances that fit in with the curriculum.
Our physical education program aims to equip students with the skills and enthusiasm to maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. Activities are designed to promote physical fitness, to develop motor skills, to instill knowledge and understanding of rules, concepts, and strategies, and to teach students to work as part of a team or as individuals. Students use the playground at the elementary school campus, the open space at the Waverly organic farm, and grassy areas at nearby parks for active games.
Each fall, students are selected by peers in their advisory groups to represent their advisory and share back information to the advisory. The Student Advisory Leadership Team offers ideas for enriching the school experience, plans events, and selects service learning projects.
Middle School students have also created various committees and clubs to address more specific school activities, including a social group for planning dances, and many kinds of clubs for gathering like-minded students (past clubs have focused on politics, popular novels, and the study of ninjas). Teachers support students in these efforts, but they do not tell students what to do, setting the stage for true student leadership.