Potomac Middle School (grades 6-8)?

[Anonymous]

I’m curious to hear from current or former parents regarding the middle school (/intermediate school) from the perspective of current parents. What is the culture like for students? How would a child who isn’t super into sports fit in? Can you tell me about the academics/teachers? How would a new student fit in? TIA

[Anonymous]

Potomac does not organize middle school that way. The sections are Middle School (4-6) and Intermediate School (7-8).

This is important to know because it changes the dynamic for 6th graders (leaders of the middle school in terms of clubs, activities etc). It also is a different academic experience

In 6th grade you have a homeroom teacher. You then get grouped by ability for classes like math and English but most of your other classes are with your homeroom (same core group of kids and homeroom teacher). You have specials like art and music as a home room.

7-8 is totally different. You are with different kids/teachers for each class and on a track based on whether you are in advanced courses or regular courses for core subjects like math and language.

6th is not an entry year but 7th is. Also impacts the experience and dynamic.

There are a lot of sporty kids at Potomac but also a lot into music so there is a place for all. But, you are required to do a spot in 7-8th (not 6th) so if your boy does not like sports at all this may be an issue as you really can’t opt out except for one season you can do the play. There is no requirement for sports in 6th- just PE…HTH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Potomac does not organize middle school that way. The sections are Middle School (4-6) and Intermediate School (7-8).

This is important to know because it changes the dynamic for 6th graders (leaders of the middle school in terms of clubs, activities etc). It also is a different academic experience

In 6th grade you have a homeroom teacher. You then get grouped by ability for classes like math and English but most of your other classes are with your homeroom (same core group of kids and homeroom teacher). You have specials like art and music as a home room.

7-8 is totally different. You are with different kids/teachers for each class and on a track based on whether you are in advanced courses or regular courses for core subjects like math and language.

6th is not an entry year but 7th is. Also impacts the experience and dynamic.

There are a lot of sporty kids at Potomac but also a lot into music so there is a place for all. But, you are required to do a spot in 7-8th (not 6th) so if your boy does not like sports at all this may be an issue as you really can’t opt out except for one season you can do the play. There is no requirement for sports in 6th- just PE…HTH.

Great explanation. I’d just add that 6th is actually an entry year. I can’t remember the exact amount but think the grade expands by maybe 8 kids? For IS sports, several don’t cut and others have a & b teams. As long as he’s willing to try, the sports program is well done and enjoyable. My kids all tried sports for the first time in certain seasons and it was fine. He could do the musical or weights & conditioning in the winter.

[Anonymous]

This is shocking. An informative, non-judgmental thread. Thank you, PP’s.

[Anonymous]

Our child started in 7th, which was a great entry point because all the kids are moving to a new building with new teachers, admin, system with the IS/Intermediate School. School does a lot of little things you don't think about to make the new kids integrate seamlessly.

[Anonymous]

6th is not really an entry year. 4th is though. They take a handful of kids (maybe like 4) in 6th which is not the same as an entry year…there are always 1-2 in non entry years anyway.

[Anonymous]

And don’t forget uniforms for those 4 years, which takes some of the awkwardness out of puberty. It’s exciting for a couple years, then else so, then upper school no uniforms again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:6th is not really an entry year. 4th is though. They take a handful of kids (maybe like 4) in 6th which is not the same as an entry year…there are always 1-2 in non entry years anyway.

Sixth grade adds 8 plus attrition (4 classes of 16 to 18). Fourth adds 10 (3 classes of 18 to 4 classes of 16). Neither are as big as 7th but they are both planned growth years beyond attrition.