The launchpad that readies students for the journey ahead.

Small classes. Big discoveries. Major potential.

Overlake’s Middle School students build a solid foundation in reading, writing, math, science, history, languages, and the arts, setting them up for success and growth in Upper School. Our classrooms are alive with energy, featuring dedicated teachers, small class sizes, hands-on projects, and technology integration. Each student gets personalized attention and support, creating an environment where strengths are discovered and confidence is earned.

Mike Davidson Middle School Head

Developing foundations; creating opportunities; building relationships

The Middle School years at Overlake are about developing a foundation of learning habits and skills, creating opportunities to explore passions beyond the classroom, and building meaningful relationships with teachers who guide students toward becoming the best version of themselves.

Our Middle School students are driven and talented and curious and creative and fun to be around. They are busy learning the level of organization and attention to detail necessary to manage seven classes in seven different disciplines. They are learning how to make an argument and communicate their ideas through writing, speech, mathematics, and art. They are learning to grapple with big questions that have no one right answer. They are learning what it means to work hard, to set a high standard, and to collaborate with each other.

Beyond our academic program, middle school is a time for students to explore all of the opportunities in our co-curricular program. We want students to participate in our interscholastic athletics program, take a role in the play, learn to play an instrument, get outside to climb or paddleboard or snowshoe, build a robot, or join one of our dozens of clubs. Whether they are pursuing long-standing interests or trying something for the first time, we believe that by helping students put themselves out there beyond the classroom and create something meaningful together is the best way to safeguard their wellbeing and ensure that they are excited for school each day.

Fundamental to the Overlake experience is the depth of student-teacher relationships. Overlake students have teachers who really know them, who care about them as learners and as people, who set standards high and then put in the work to help every student reach those standards. Our Middle School teachers and advisors are not just expert instructors- they are expert guides through the ups and downs of adolescence.

While we cannot eliminate those ups and downs, we can work to create a school experience that helps students feel seen and respected, where they are challenged intellectually but always supported, and able to grow as a person alongside a group of friends and classmates who will help them enjoy the ride.

Mike Davidson
Middle School Head

middle school student raising hand in class

I think teachers do a really good job of not pushing us too hard to think about exactly how they want us to learn the thing, but instead give us information... just enjoy the way you're learning it. It doesn't feel very forced that you're learning.

Avni, Class of 2030 View Story

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I've been able to manage my time so that I can do a bunch of extra-curriculars that Overlake offers. So once I was able to manage my time, I was able to do a sport, which was volleyball. And I was able to play the clarinet and do a bunch of outdoor education activities like hiking and rock climbing.

Sana, Class of 2032 View Story

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Eighth Grade Field Studies

Bridging the gap between Middle and Upper School.

As eighth graders prepare to transition from Middle School to Upper School, we've created a meaningful capstone experience to celebrate their evolution. Field Studies serves as both a farewell to middle school and a warm welcome to the high school adventure ahead.

This unique, yet valued program takes learning beyond classroom walls by blending outdoor experiences, communal living, and personal growth opportunities. Students connect with current high schoolers who share honest insights about the road ahead.

Through Field Studies, students:

Discuss real adolescent challenges in a non-judgmental environment
Get first-hand preparation for the Upper School experience
Reinforce independence and responsibility
Build stronger connections with classmates
Practice environmental stewardship through hands-on activities
Enjoy exciting outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting and hiking

The Field Studies program also includes creative endeavors like outdoor art classes, shelter building, and personal reflection time.

Upper School students lead conversations about critical transitions, with faculty nearby for support. These discussions cover everything from social events and relationships to academic expectations, time management strategies, and making the most of free periods and extra help opportunities.

middle school student with headphones on

middle school student with hand raised in class

Signature Middle School Adventures

Developing Citizen Owls through timeless values.

At Overlake, being a Citizen Owl means embracing six core values: Compassion, Community, Curiosity, Integrity, Respect, and Independence. As a fifth-grade-specific program, our Citizen Owl team developed these values to create a common foundation for students coming from different backgrounds. Rather than starting with academics like in traditional education, the school year begins with a focus on these principles, which are integrated throughout the curriculum through themed units like Identity and Organization.

Each value includes specific, actionable behaviors that students can practice daily. Teachers reinforce these expectations with gentle reminders, and the values become part of each student's assessment. The approach is working, as students are internalizing these attributes, applying them independently to everyday situations, and creating a kinder learning environment.

As teacher Robe Roberson explains, "These values won't change no matter what era or timeframe you are in, they are foundational blocks to human development."

Citizen Owl’s values and attributes:

Reach out to everyone with friendly manners and kind words
Work together and help each other succeed
Listen to others' ideas and share your thoughts respectfully

Own your actions and make things right
Be kind to yourself; we all make mistakes
Pause, reconsider, then decide

Try new things and learn from mistakes
Ask relevant questions in a respectful way
Connect what you learn to the world around you

Use technology wisely and responsibly
Be honest about your mistakes and learn from them
Acknowledge others' ideas and contributions

Cheer for yourself and others, win or lose
Take care of our shared spaces and supplies
Help create a positive learning atmosphere

Ask for what you need to succeed
Take charge of your assignments, supplies, and schedule
Find solutions on your own when challenges arise

Whether you choose green or gold, you win.

Green and gold aren’t just our school colors, they're part of our community identity. Every Middle School student joins either the green or gold team through our annual Sorting Hat ceremony, with siblings placed on the same team. Recently, PE teacher Justin Prohn expanded this tradition to include Upper School students, faculty, and staff, creating a school-wide sense of belonging. The friendly competition between teams now extends beyond Middle School, with events like lunchtime sports awarding green and gold points. This simple tradition involves and engages students across multiple grade levels through monthly all-school assemblies and mixed homeroom activities. This ultimately strengthens our Overlake community and maintains our playful school spirit.

Who to Contact

Mike Davidson

Middle School Head mdavidson@overlake.org 425-602-7129