Lifelong Learning
The formative middle school years are a time of profound growth for our students. Rigorous coursework and high expectations set the bar for excellence during these formative years. We teach students responsibility, accountability, and ownership regarding their academic, athletic, and social growth while still allowing for autonomy as they continue to grow and learn.
Our upper middle school students have the opportunity to earn Carnegie Units towards high school graduation, which enables them to take higher-level courses once they are in high school.
Middle School Standardized Testing Highlights (2024–2025)
The PSAT 8/9 and PreACT 8/9 are early college-readiness assessments designed for 8th and 9th grade students. These tests introduce students to the structure and expectations of standardized testing while providing a national benchmark for academic performance.
Our students embrace academic challenges through advanced coursework and critical thinking. As a result, our 7th and 8th grade students take these national assessments to measure their performance against older peers, making their results a strong reflection of both growth and achievement.
8th Grade Performance
PSAT Percentile Rank
- 16/21 in top 75%
- 13/21 in top 80%
- 9/21 in top 90%
PreACT Percentile Rank
- 18/21 in top 75%
- 11/21 in the top 90%
7th Grade Performance
PreACT Percentile Rank
- 14/22 in top 70%
6th Grade Performance
Terra Nova Rank
- 15/17 grew with all in the top 80% growing
The Middle School Experience
‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.’ – Benjamin Franklin
As students progress through middle school, they are provided with leadership opportunities through conceptually themed units and contribute to both their own learning and the learning of younger students.
Middle school students model higher-level thinking, leadership, and teamwork as they lead the student body in many ways throughout their time at BDS. The athletic department also reinforces leadership by expecting students to be their best both on and off the field. Students leave BDS with not only a solid academic foundation but also with a profound sense of who they are and what is possible for them as they navigate the next chapter of their lives.