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Student Life in Middle School
Student Life at AFS
Creating meaningful connections during the formative years of middle school
Middle School is a distinct cognitive time where minds are open to new experiences and new ways of thinking. Students bring a lot to the table as learners; it’s an exciting time when they move from concrete to abstract thinking, experience social growth and learn how to use success and challenge alike to become stronger and more self-aware.
Middle School Clubs
Clubs help students engage with the world and each other in new ways.
Clubs provide a time when adult influence is reduced so students can assert their independence and interact with their peers. Dedicated club periods in the weekly schedule help students fit clubs and activities into their academic, arts, and athletics routines. This time supports student agency and self-direction—qualities deeply rooted in Quaker education, where every voice is valued and students are encouraged to explore their interests with purpose and integrity. In these spaces, students learn to collaborate, listen deeply, and build community—hallmarks of the Quaker belief in shared responsibility and the inner light within each individual.
Recent Middle School Clubs
- Anime
- Art Club/Digital Animation
- Chess
- Climate Change
- Creative Writing
- Debate
- Drama
- Fashion Club
- Gardening
- Leadership Committee
- Math Games/Mathletes
- Newspaper
- Philanthropy Club
- Robotics
Middle School Athletics
Middle School Athletics
- Baseball (Boys)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Lacrosse (Girls)
- Soccer
- Softball (Girls)
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Wrestling
- Instructional Athletics and Fitness
AFS offers an instructional athletic and fitness program housed in our Berman Fitness Center. Professionally certified trainers develop group and individual fitness plans for Middle School students who opt for this route as their way to remain engaged and active. Middle School fitness activities focus on cardiovascular and strength training.
Interscholastic Athletics
Students can experience the comradery of a team, build new skills and enjoy the spirit of competition in the Friends School League.
Our Middle School program emphasizes student engagement to maximize the number of students who can reap the many benefits associated with athletic participation. Our Middle School teams take pride in playing their games the right way — and playing to win.
Outside the Classroom
Conscious Community Program
Dynamic initiative supporting the holistic development of our diverse student body
At the heart of this program is a commitment to creating inclusive, identity-affirming spaces where students feel seen, valued, and empowered. Every Thursday, students participate in affinity groups that focus on aspects of identity such as race, gender, and religion. These groups provide a meaningful space for self-exploration, celebration of individuality, and the building of shared understanding and belonging within the school community.
To deepen this work, the program also includes grade-level learning groups on Tuesdays that explore identity, equity, and cross-cultural understanding. On Mondays, students can meet with affinity groups of their choosing year-round, allowing for deeper engagement in the communities that matter most to them.
Together, these experiences form the foundation of our Conscious Communities program—a cornerstone of our Middle School’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging. Through this work, we are nurturing a generation of students who are self-aware, empathetic, and equipped to lead in a diverse and interconnected world.
Middle School Advisory Approach
Connection & Guidance
The advisory system in our Middle School is designed to foster close monitoring of students by their advisors, creating a foundation of care and support that extends beyond academic concerns. Students are assigned to an advisor based on recommendations from their previous teachers and advisor, ensuring thoughtful placement that considers each child's unique needs, interests, and personality. This careful matching process creates an environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued as they navigate the complex terrain of early adolescence. Advisors serve as the primary school contact for families, facilitating open communication between home and school while advocating for their advisees in all aspects of school life.
