Sixth Grade
​The sixth-grade year provides a traditional academic curriculum while recognizing and embracing the transitional experience of new Eaton Hall students. At the beginning of the year, students attend an orientation trip at Camp Roanoke. During the fall and winter terms, faculty members and advisors seek to help each student create a system of academic organization and study skills appropriate for their academic classes. During the year, students learn research and computer skills in multiple subjects, work their way into introductory algebra, may join organized sports teams, take part in a year-long intramural program of competitions, and perform in band or choir concerts.
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What would learning look like with "No Ceilings"?
The English department recently introduced a novel approach to English instruction. In this class, dubbed No Ceilings, students who have a demonstrated love of reading are given a curated book list across genres to match his or her established fluency and comprehension level.
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For a comprehensive look at how we approach writing instruction, download our Writing Initiative.
Participation in the program is voluntary, and suitable for all reading levels. Enrollment requires the student to apply. Students complete their reading assignments outside of class, then meet in small groups and one-on-one with the teacher in class to work on grammar, writing composition, literary analysis and projects associated with their chosen work. The course aims to encourage self-starters who have a demonstrated love of reading and writing to explore the topics that interest them in a project-based setting, all the while learning the grammar and writing skills they need. Students become familiar with the process of draft writing, developing a theme, and various writing genres.

Seventh Grade

The seventh-grade year reflects a transition to more sophisticated academic work and a larger variety of course offerings, including three different courses in math and in the fine arts. The reading selections in English and history are more advanced in terms of theme and genre, and writing assignments in all disciplines stress individual analysis, personal reflection, and the proper use of research documentation. In the spring term, students engage in a lengthy co-curricular project in their English and history courses, culminating in a well-organized research paper and an oral presentation in front of their peers. The Life Science course pays particular emphasis in the spring to watershed formation and development, and the students spend time in the field studying water quality, nutrient levels, and common causes of eutrophication. The coursework during seventh-grade begins to lay the foundation for the successful eighth-grade transition to the Upper School program.
Middle School Division Director
​Allison Kier
akier@northcross.org
Eaton Hall English, No Ceilings Program
University of Virginia—B.A. University of Virginia—M.Ed. Appointed 2017
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Program of Study Guide
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Eaton Hall After-School Study Hall Pricing & Agreement

The Eighth Grade

The eighth-grade year is characterized by an emphasis in more more abstract mathematical reasoning in algebra and geometry, classroom debate, creative writing, and intermediate foreign language study. In science, developing critical-thinking skills takes the lead while students research and compare energy sources, create models, and ultimately create an energy portfolio for the Roanoke Valley. After a solid two years of instruction in Eaton Hall where students learn time management and accountability, beginning in eighth grade, students have access to the full range of electives available at the Upper School. Eighth grade students also participate in DeHart speeches, and on days where morning assembly is held in Willis Hall, eighth grade students meet with their advisory groups in Eaton Hall.

​While the academic transition is already underway, eighth grade students benefit from the chance to be leaders among their younger peers and reflect on the personal growth they have experienced in Eaton Hall. For that reason, eighth grade students participate in all Eaton Hall events, including dances, Intramurals, and our "Middle School" sports teams. The students take part in an overnight river study trip to West Virginia in the fall, and the year culminates in a trip to Washington D.C., which includes visits to the Smithsonian Museum, the Kennedy Center, the U.S. Capitol, and an historical walking tour. ​

Co-Curricular Opportunities

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The Middle School co-ed tennis team has won their conference three years running.
Eaton Hall students are now eligible for athletic team participation. Our co-ed Middle School Tennis team (shown left), just finishing its third year, has received championship status in its conference two years running. Continuing with Band and Chorus also offers chances for competition. Many of our Eaton Hall students achieve All-Chorus or All-Band recognition, and two singers were selected to sing with the American Choral Directors Association’s Middle School All-Virginia Chorus this past spring. Our students make the most of what is available to them. It is common to see several lacrosse sticks or soccer cleats outside of the auditorium during spring musical rehearsals. 
The Eaton Hall Student Counsel Association is active throughout the year, promoting community service efforts and smart choices. Recently, a co-curricular computer science elective was offered to great reception, and by the time its participants finish, they'll have designed and programmed a website, an app, conquered various STEM challenges and programmed a computer chip—all of which will have been accomplished outside of their every day classwork. This year, the eighth grade added a Robotics Club where they work on projects from FIRST (a nationwide academic youth robotics program also used in the Upper School and soon starting in the Lower School).

​If coding isn't your thing, there's always the NCSRocks club, where members get together to paint and then hide stones to surprise and delight finders with their messages of kindness. Like to strategize? Try the Chess Club, or the Spelling Bee Club (last year's winner went on to Nationals!).

The time management skills our students learn in the classroom begin to carry over into their out-of-class activities. Students realize they can do the things they want to, and do them well, with a little planning. High school: they got this. ​
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Chess Club develops strategic thinking skills.
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The Eaton Hall Robotics Club working on a project.