Middle School (6-8)

Head of Middle School

At Rocky Mount Academy, middle school is an exciting journey filled with many opportunities to explore, learn, and grow. This is a crucial three-year period of intense social, emotional, physical, and academic growth. Students begin to develop their unique identities and become more active participants in their communities. Our passion lies in building and nurturing relationships while fostering an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Our middle school curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire students. Our wide range of elective courses encourages every student to find their niche and develop their talents. Global Influence classes allow students to explore and cultivate their interests by exposing them to different cultures and global perspectives. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of the world, fostering empathy, respect, and cultural awareness.

Sixth grade:
Core courses: English, Math, Physical Science, Geography, and Latin
Co-curricular courses: Art, Physical Education/Health, and Drama (Trimester rotation)

Seventh grade:
Core courses: English, Math 7, Pre-Algebra, Life Science, American History
Global Influence, World Current Events Journeys in Film (Trimester rotation) 
Co-curricular courses: Art, Physical Education/Health, and STEAM (Trimester rotation)

Eighth grade:
Core courses: English, Algebra I, Earth Science, Civics
Exploratory Spanish, Exploratory French, Global Influence (Trimester rotation)
Co-curricular courses: STEAM, Music, and Physical Education/Health (Trimester rotation)

Our weekly “Lunch and Learn” sessions are dedicated to character education, conflict resolution, coping skills, time management, study skills, promoting positive relationships, resilience, self-awareness, and transitioning to upper school, instilling in students the values and skills they need to succeed.

In addition, we offer a variety of clubs to help students get involved and pursue their interests. These include MathCounts, Jr. Historian, Battle of the Books, Student Government Association, Jr. Beta Club, Chorus & Violin, and Eagle Ambassadors.

Students participate in sports such as football, cross country, soccer, basketball, swimming, tennis, baseball, softball, and track and field. This allows them to develop physical and mental skills while learning the value of sportsmanship and teamwork.

Students experience their first overnight educational field trips. Our students travel to Wilmington, NC, Washington, DC, and Virginia. These trips offer hands-on experiences for students to explore and see areas beyond the confines of the textbook and classroom.

We value our students' independence, enthusiasm, curiosity, and sense of humor. It is our commitment to prioritize the well-being of our students by encouraging advocacy, making good choices, and developing independent thinkers and learners. Our efforts align with our school's mission of preparing students for the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities they will face in both college and life.

RMA is a wonderful place to be! We are dedicated to helping our students grow into confident and compassionate individuals. If you have further questions regarding middle school, please feel free to contact me.

Debbie Viverette
Head of Middle School
Rocky Mount Academy
dviverette@rmacademy.com
252-443-4126 ext. 225
 

Explanation of Grading System

Academic assessment in the Middle School uses percentile averages that are based on the following criteria:

90 – 100    Indicates that a student is excelling in several if not all of the following: skill development, application of skills, sustained and effective use of knowledge, frequent contribution to class discussion, and initiative by going well beyond standard requirements and expectations.

80 – 89      Indicates that a student is excelling in fulfilling requirements and expectations in some areas and displaying competence in many areas.

70 – 79      Indicates that a student is satisfactorily fulfilling the requirements and expectations, sometimes exceeding or falling below them.

65 – 69      Indicates that a student is not satisfactorily fulfilling the requirements and expectations in many areas.

Below 65   Indicates that a student is not fulfilling basic requirements and expectations.

Honor Roll and Special Honors

The Honor Roll celebrates the high level of academic achievement earned by our students and serves as encouragement for continuing to strive for academic excellence. All honor roll students receive personal recognition from the school for their success. 

Trimester Awards: At the end of each twelve weeks, the following awards are given: 

Headmaster's List: Students have earned a 90 or above average in each course for the trimester. 

High Honors: An overall grade average of 90 or above, with no individual course average below 70. 

Honors: An overall grade average of 80 or above, with no individual course average below 70. 

Yearly Awards: At the end of the school year, the final honor rolls will be named. 

Straight A Honor Roll: No trimester grade below 90 in any course. This will not include exams. 

A Average Honor Roll: The average of all courses of 90 or above with no individual course average below 70 at year’s end. 

B Average Honor Roll: The average of all courses of 80 or above with no individual course average below 70 at year’s end. 

The Headmaster’s Award: Given at the end of the year in each grade to the student with the highest academic average in all graded courses after proper weighting. Failing a course or an exam for any grading period makes a student ineligible for any yearly honor roll. To be eligible to receive the Headmaster’s or departmental awards, a student must have been enrolled a minimum of half a year at Rocky Mount Academy.