Middle School

The Roeper Middle School provides a learning environment ideally suited for gifted students in Grades 6 through 8.

In the Middle School, teachers build on the standards set at the Lower School, partnering with students during their critical developmental period and helping them become their best selves. Our academic program provides both rigor and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of middle school students as they transition from Lower to Upper School. Roeper middle school teachers deeply understand the developmental needs of their students. Passions are nurtured, ideas are examined and a structured support system is in place as students navigate the sometimes intense social and emotional experience at this time of growth and change.

The middle school curriculum includes English literature and composition, social studies, four world language options, communications, mathematics, computer study, science, fine and performing arts, physical education, and health. There are also opportunities for advanced work at the Upper School level or a student may design a course with the support of a faculty mentor. Extracurricular activities include interscholastic sports, theatre, forensics, chess, robotics and Model United Nations. Each year students attend a grade-specific, week-long trip which provides opportunities for exploration and adventure as well as building community.

More than anything, the Middle School program is designed to fulfill the core tenets of Roeper's mission set forth decades ago; particularly, "to prepare this future generation to deal with the unknown." Students leave the Roeper Middle School not only as students able to complete difficult academic tasks and solve complex problems, but as young adults prepared to take on the challenges of the world.

At the Roeper Middle School, we:

· Encourage independent thought and individual expression within a framework of consideration for others and respect for community guidelines.

· Foster independence and interdependence through choice, collaboration and community building experiences.

· Recognize the unique educational needs of emerging adolescents.

· Meet the special emotional needs of this age group.

Join us at the Roeper Middle School and learn more about what it means to be a #Roeperkid.

Middle School Director – Brian Corley

After a national search in 2017, Brian Corley joined the Roeper community as the Middle School Director. Brian formerly taught middle school math and science at Near North Montessori School of Chicago where he was also the Director of Diversity and Inclusion. During his tenure there, Brian served on the Independent Schools of the Central States (ISACS) Equity and Justice Committee, helping to develop diversity policy for nearly 240 schools. Currently, he serves as a National SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) staff facilitator, assisting in the training of more than 150 new education and diversity leaders yearly.

Brian obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University’s College of Education with a focus on biomechanics and kinesiology. He later earned a Masters of Science in Administration from Northwestern University.

Avid travelers, Brian and his wife, Kellie, have visited more than 24 countries on 6 continents and believe that the world is their classroom.