The Lovett Middle School is a community of active learners working in concert for the development of individual success and self-esteem. It employs a comprehensive curriculum that seeks to develop the whole child--intellectually, physically, spiritually, socially, aesthetically, and emotionally. Teachers and students in the Lovett Middle School hold themselves and each other to the highest expectations. The Middle School academically challenges its students in foreign language, math, social studies, language arts, and science, while at the same nurturing emotional and creative development through our acclaimed fine arts and athletic programs.
The Lovett Middle School is developmentally responsive to the needs of its students. The Middle School provides the students with teachers and specialized professionals who are readily available to offer the assistance students need in negotiating their lives, both in and out of school. As a complement to their academic classes, students discuss issues relevant to their lives through our comprehensive character education and guidance curriculum. Students are also given the time to reflect on their spiritual convictions through a middle school chapel service that celebrates all religious beliefs and promotes good stewardship among the student body. The student-led vestry program allows the students to develop a sense of leadership and responsibility as they aid the chaplain in the development of chapel messages.
The Lovett Middle School seeks to conceptualize and promote the healthy growth of young adolescents as ethical citizens and increasingly competent, self-sufficient young people who are optimistic about the future. To achieve these goals the Middle School is structured on a team concept. Each grade level is split into two teams--blue and white, representing our school colors--consisting of four academic core classes. The Lovett Middle School believes academic success and personal growth increase markedly when young adolescents' affective needs are met. Therefore, all adults in the Middle School are advocates, advisors, and mentors for each student. Each team works together on service-learning activities and experiential learning opportunities.
The Lovett Middle School feels strongly that the most successful learning strategies are ones that involve each student personally. Therefore, we offer after-school tutorials so students can get personalized help with homework or as preparation for a test or quiz. Other after-school possibilities include intramurals and an Extended Day Program, which runs until 6:00 p.m. Seventh and eighth grade students can also participate on school athletic teams. Students in all three grades can participate in drama performances.
Sixth Grade
In the sixth grade a typical day includes the core academic classes, health and physical education, foreign language (French or world languages), religion, reading strategies, and the Lovett Life Lessons rotation of Lovett Lore, Diversity Awareness, Internet Use and Safety, Computers, Study Skills, Research Techniques, Public Speaking and Peer Relations. The sixth grade takes a class trip to Chattanooga.
Seventh Grade
While enjoying a similar daily schedule in seventh grade, the students make a choice from four foreign languages (Chinese, French, Latin, or Spanish) for daily study. Additionally they choose one elective (see course descriptions). The seventh grade takes a class trip to Washington, D.C. Beginning in the seventh grade students can participate on school athletic teams. Each of the three sports seasons includes at least one no-cut sport.
Eighth Grade
The daily class schedule includes civics, physical science, algebra or geometry, and English. Interdisciplinary activities include forensics, rockets, physics, and mock trials. All classes emphasize critical and creative thinking. The focus of this grade is leadership training and service learning, as well as preparation to move successfully into the Upper School.
Students in all grades have a morning fruit break and break for a brief recess to socialize and develop friendships that are vital in the development of a young adolescent. Band, chorus, and orchestra are offered in all three grades, along with visual and theater arts opportunities.