In Our Middle School We:
Build Strong Relationships
Middle schoolers learn best when they feel safe and connected.
Foster Curiosity
Middle schoolers love to dive deep into their passions, and participate in active learning.
Take Risks
Middle schoolers thrive when they have the chance to take risks and make their voices heard!
Letter From the Middle School Head
Do you ever look at your middle schooler, and just marvel at how much they have changed from one month to the next—even sometimes from one day to the next? Middle school is an incredible time of transformation! As students transition to adolescence, their brains are rewiring. Students develop a deeper capacity for complexity and empathy, and a greater need for autonomy and independence. It’s precisely during this time that young adolescents also need caring adults who understand them and appreciate the adventures of middle school life. At St. E’s, we embrace this exciting stage with intentional strategies that meet middle schoolers where they are. Here are just a few practices we use to help students build curiosity, confidence, and strong connections.
How We Support Middle Schoolers:
Teaching Social & Emotional Skills
At St. E’s, we explicitly teach Habits for Learning in every class because we believe that understanding different perspectives and navigating conflict with empathy are essential life skills. Through restorative practices like self-reflection, perspective-taking, and peer mediation, students learn to build strong, respectful relationships in our diverse community.
Prioritizing Student Voice & Choice
Middle schoolers thrive when they have ownership over their learning! Whether it’s a challenge by choice in math homework, choosing a topic for their Black History Museum project, or picking an arts block elective, we know that when students have a voice, excitement grows and creativity flourishes. That’s why we build in opportunities for choice whenever we can.
Encouraging Movement & Positive Risk-Taking
Middle schoolers learn best when they move! That’s why we intentionally structure our schedule to include two recesses every day. When students run, play, and stay active, they engage more deeply in learning and take on new challenges with confidence. And the adventure doesn’t stop there—we also offer two overnight trips during the school year, giving students the chance to explore, grow, and step outside their comfort zones. (Check out the “Cornerstone Experiences” section for more details!)
A Community That Feels Like Home
Middle school is a time of big changes, and we believe small, close-knit communities make all the difference. At St. E’s, every student is truly seen and known, and our teachers are dedicated to supporting them through this transformational stage.
We’re excited to welcome you to St. Elizabeth’s School—where middle schoolers are celebrated!
In partnership,
Ruth Poulsen
Middle School Head
Middle School Cornerstone Experiences
During the first two weeks of school, our entire middle school spends a day at Evergreen Lake, building community and (hopefully!) enjoying the Colorado sunshine. Advisory groups lead games and activities, and students have time to fish, explore the trails, or search for elk on the hillsides. This special tradition helps students reconnect with old friends, welcome new classmates, and experience the joy of building community together.
One of our most anticipated off-campus adventures is our fall overnight trip to Camp Timberline, nestled in the shadows of Longs Peak. Over two days, students take on team-building challenges, outdoor survival skills, and adventure courses in the woods. The experience culminates with a high ropes course, ziplines, and the famed “Gut Drop.” Under the supervision of safety instructors of course, students test their courage and encourage each other to reach new limits.
From the Halloween Haunted House to Spirit Week to the Winter Dance, our Student Council keeps the energy high and the traditions alive! These student-led events create memorable moments throughout the year, strengthening our tight-knit middle school community.
Each February, our students take part in a robust research and public speaking project in Social Justice class that culminates in a community-wide event: the Black History Museum. This special showcase celebrates Black excellence and highlights student learning through engaging exhibits and presentations, all enjoyed by friends, family, and the larger St. E’s community.
In May, our middle schoolers end the year with unforgettable grade-level trips. These adventures vary each year but always include an outdoor exploration and an overnight experience designed to deepen class connections. We partner with organizations like the Downtown Denver Aquarium and Colorado Outward Bound to offer exciting, hands-on learning. Whether students are cooking over a fire, pitching a tent, or rafting down the Colorado River, they wrap up the school year with courage, connection, and a true sense of accomplishment before heading into summer.
