An Independent School • Grades 5-12

Middle School

Middle School

Being a Lakesider at the Middle School means being part of a community where everyone is excited about learning, wants to have meaningful relationships with their classmates and teachers, and supports each other as they strive to improve.

We believe that the daily actions of each individual can reinforce our commitment toward what we value as an institution: academic excellence, diversity and inclusion, and global engagement. Our statement of community expectations asks everyone – students, parents and guardians, faculty, and staff – to commit to acting in ways that show consideration and respect for others. We believe that trust, integrity, and inclusion are essential components of an exceptional learning environment.

The Middle School is a tight-knit community. Each grade is taught by a team of teachers, coordinators, advisors, and grade-level deans who meet regularly. Adults get to know each student – and share their knowledge with their peers – with the goal of providing a strong support network for every student. Grade-level deans also send families weekly emails to share information about what’s happening in each students’ grade level.

Lakeside Middle School builds community in a variety of intentional ways:

  • A weekly community meeting brings all Middle School students and faculty together. Emceed by 8th-graders, it’s a place to make announcements, share news, listen and respond to special speakers, and recognize members of the community. Students also meet together regularly as a grade.
  • Advisory is a place where small groups of students can build connections with each other and a trusted adult. It’s a time for play, as well as to discuss important topics in students’ lives.
  • Regular affinity, alliance, and dialogue groups give all Middle School students a chance to discuss and learn about aspects of their identity.
  • Clubs and sports teams provide an opportunity for students to spend time with other students who share their passions.
  • Structured, shared experiences like service learning, outdoor trips, and Global Service Learning trips provide non-classroom opportunities for meaningful learning and connections at each grade level.

Student Voices

Sarah C. ’26 and a friend smile at the camera during the Upper School's Bite of Lakeside.
Lakeside will change you and challenge you, and every single person is willing to help you with that — you never feel alone.– Sarah c. '26

Upper School

Upper School

Every Lakesider makes our community stronger by bringing his or her distinctive set of knowledge, experiences, and accomplishments to the table. As different as we all are, we share some important things in common: love of learning, desire for authentic relationships, and belief in striving for excellence.

We believe that the daily actions of each individual can reinforce our commitment toward what we value as an institution: academic excellence, diversity and inclusion, and global engagement. Our statement of community expectations asks everyone – students, parents and guardians, faculty, and staff – to commit to acting in ways that show consideration and respect for others. We believe that trust, integrity, and inclusion are essential components of an exceptional learning environment.

Students talk about how Lakeside Upper School is the “right size”: not so big as to feel overwhelming, but large enough that students can find people with whom they connect. Some students might find their close friends through advisory, others through the drama program, an athletic team, or an affinity group. We believe that every student should have peers, as well as trusted adults, who help them develop a deeper understanding of who they are and what they can accomplish.

Lakeside Upper School builds community in a variety of intentional ways:

  • Weekly assemblies bring all Upper School students and faculty together to make announcements, share news, listen and respond to special speakers, and celebrate a variety of accomplishments.
  • Advisory is a place where small groups of students can build connections with each other and a trusted adult. It’s a time for play, as well as to discuss important topics in students’ lives.
  • Regular community dialogues give all Upper School students a chance to discuss challenging topics like race, religion, and gender in small groups with trained facilitators.
  • Clubs and activities – including alliance and affinity groups – provide opportunities for students to spend time with other students who share their identities and passions.
  • Special events and traditions like convocation, dances, Arts Fest, and May Day bring students and teachers together to celebrate.
  • Grade-specific meetings and retreats provide opportunities for students to connect as class. Senior leaders help orient freshmen in their first weeks at the Upper School.
  • Senior year is full of special events that bring the class together, from the retreat in September to prom, baccalaureate, and graduation in June.

The Lakeside community extends beyond campus, with more than 6,500 Lakeside and St. Nicholas alumni based around the world. Many alumni continue to be connected to Lakeside through their friendships with classmates and teachers; contributions of time, leadership, and money; and interest in the present state and future of the school.