Office of Admissions • 565 Chase Parkway • Waterbury, CT 06708

203-236-9560 • admissions@chasemail.org

Mission Statement

We educate tomorrow’s leaders and inspire in each

student a lifelong passion for learning, personal

achievement, and contribution to the community.

Middle School Grades 6 - 8

WeMatterHere...

A Chase Middle School experience is characterized by a

growing sense of independence and responsibility in a

respectful and active community of learners.

Students are presented daily with opportunities to be

challenged and achieve through thoughtfully designed

academic, athletic, and artistic programs. The rigorous

curriculum in math, English, history, science and world

language provides Chase students with the requisite

knowledge and skills to confidently take on the next steps

in their academic careers.

Teachers here believe balance is integral to Middle School

success. A student-centered approach provides an op-

portunity to know each student well, ensuring a tailored

educational experience. The broad range of traditional

coursework complemented by a host of exciting electives

is designed to both instruct and inspire students to ex-

ceed their own expectations.

their own expectations.

At any given moment, visitors may encounter a group of

musicians performing aside a piano, synching their

melody for an upcoming choral performance or pass a

language lab where eighth graders are engaged with

new technology to perfect their Spanish pronunciation

or hear the roars of cheers from fans at a soccer game.

ChaSeis a vibrant academic experience where students…

...eXCeed

... eMeRGe

“I felt comfortable here from my first day.” Katie attended Chase Lower School, but she was still nervous about her transition to theMiddle School. She remembers settling in quickly with the help of teachers “who are alwaysthere to talk through questions.” Now in 7th grade, Katie feels she has grown a lot duringher time in the Middle School and enjoys “taking on new challenges and classes.”

into confident and independent thinkers.

The Middle School years are a time of remarkable growth and discovery. During this

period, we pay careful attention to balancing academic rigor with the development

of our adolescent students. Middle School education is as much about understand-

ing the self as it is about covering the breadth of material.

At Chase, social, physical and emotional challenges and changes become spring-

boards for learning and growth—and are central to our mission of educating the

whole person. From the Head of the Middle School to teachers and coaches, a net-

work of highly committed educators embrace the opportunity to instill, promote,

and further this unique educational effort.

Students emerge from the Middle School as confident, enthusiastic learners and

independent thinkers, capable of navigating the challenges and demands of our

Upper School.

... PaRtiCiPate

“You’re allowed to try. You feel like an individual.”A soccer player, Alden had never tried basketball until this year. “I had always wanted to play, and becauseit’s easy to try out new things here, I decided to go out for the team. I made new friends on the court; wereally bonded as a team.”

and find their voice.

In an environment that celebrates student-led initiatives, Chase presents Middle

Schoolers with many opportunities to test and develop leadership skills. The faculty

guides students to challenge themselves and seeks to develop and foster leadership

capacities in students.

The Student Council plans for various student projects, activities, and events; budding

leaders learn decision-making processes, event organizing and presenting ideas to the

Head of Middle School. Students learn-by-doing and gain greater responsibility each

year. Clubs, sport teams, community service and academic competitions are additional

examples of ways students can participate and lead.

With a developing sense of confidence, students lead the Middle School meeting, serve

as “Buddies” to Lower School students, and participate in student-led community service

activities, such as the American Heart Association “Walk for Life” and the annual

Connecticut River Watershed Cleanup.

A notable distinction at Chase is found in the applied leadership skills of all our

students during a turning point, the twice-annual Parent Conferences. Working alongside

their advisors, students lead these conferences by reflecting on their academic progress,

taking ownership of their educational goals, and outlining a plan to meet their targets.

... eXPeRieNCedefining moments.

Each year, students in grades seven and eight present two formal speeches,

known as Declamations, to their entire class, parents, and guests. A

signature event in the life of our Middle School, Declamations teach each

student the value of critical thinking, research, and composition, while

building oratorical skills that last a lifetime.

With guidance and support from both teachers and peers, the Declamation

process—from the beginning stages of nerves to the beaming confidence

on presentation day—remains one of the Middle School’s most defining

moments. Students often remember this day with pride and appreciation

for this developing life-skill.

In addition to Declamations, Chase Middle School students experience

many more memorable moments, including triumphs on the athletic fields,

unraveling difficult math problems, landing a role in a performance,

winning a debate, and participating in out-of-classroom volunteer op-

portunities or outdoor science adventures.

“Students make everyone feel accepted into the school.”Serena says that managing her time well—“using my study halls wisely”—gives her time for her two sports, cross-countryand tennis. She also enjoys time during the day to talk with friends and peers. “Munch is a great time during the daybecause we come together as a community and talk to people we don’t have classes with. You can connect with people youdon’t usually see.”

... COLLaBORatewith motivated peers and dedicated teachers.

Chase Middle School values collaborative learning, an essential 21st-century

skill for a global, interconnected world. Lively classroom environments

develop from a resourceful, creative faculty that prioritizes learning how to

learn—and having fun with it. Interactive technology enhances the classroom

experience and aids teachers in providing new ways of engaging students.

The daily schedule provides time to develop intellectual and social interaction

among students and teachers including the Flex period, in which the Middle

School community meets for announcements and special guests or students

can get extra help.

Chase’s family-style lunch in a traditional dining room offers time for casual

interaction with teachers and friends. With aromas of homemade soups and

nutritional entrées, the dining room is a place of comfort and relaxation away

from the busy day. A faculty member is at each table, engaging in conversa-

tions about the week’s schedule, an upcoming test, or even the latest movies.

“It’s different the way teachers teach here.”Mia transferred into Chase in the 8th grade. She was looking for an academi-cally challenging environment and found a home at Chase from her first day.“Students are more focused on school and want to learn.” Her favorite part ofthe day, though, is her Humanities elective, when she participates in thechorus and newspaper.

... SOaRto new heights year after year.

Sixth grade is a year of excitement and challenge as

students meet new teachers, classmates and academic and social

experiences. An orientation helps sixth graders get to know the

Middle School environment, and daily advisory meetings, small class

size, and other community-building activities ensure a successful

transition year.

In sixth grade, students begin to gain independence. They choose

co-curricular electives to personalize their schedules and move more

freely about campus. Sixth-grade teachers focus on project-based

learning and skill building to provide each student with the foun-

dation necessary for academic success. The sixth grade curricu-

lum includes:

Learning Strategies Workshop is designed to underscore the impor-

tance of good organizational and study skills. Students begin to

develop research and critical thinking skills.

Integrated Studies combines the study of ancient civilizations

and literature and emphasizes a comprehensive treatment of reading,

composition, grammar, and technology skills. Since hands-on learning

“You have morefreedom to makemore decisions.”

CURRiCULUM

SeVeNth grade students are prepared with a new set of learn-

ing skills and a “yes I can” attitude. Most students, having strengthened the

organizational skills needed for success, are ready to make more independ-

ent decisions in their daily schedules. Chase teachers and advisors under-

stand the importance of choice and empower students in their

decision-making process.

Students start out the year with a two-day overnight trip to the Housatonic

River Valley. The outdoor adventure with teachers and classmates works on

team-building, group dynamics, decision-making and setting personal goals.

The seventh grade curriculum consists of core subjects including English

literature and composition and world geography. The year focuses on

strengthening writing, research, organizational, and public speaking skills

through Declamations, and in geography, students discover the world

through projects, map work, and class discussions.

Seventh-grade math is a pre-algebraic class in which students study how

math relates to the world around them. Through projects on topics such as

the Fibonacci sequence, the Golden Rectangle, or Golden Ratio, students see

how math occurs in music, art, nature, marketing, and architecture.

is the cornerstone of the 6th-grade curriculum, teachers

create innovative projects such as students becoming

curators of their own Egyptian Museum or creating a play

as part of the Medieval Fair.

A full year of Latin focuses on vocabulary and Roman cul-

ture, and teachers integrate a geography-based research

project, Gourmet Government, where students cook a

special luncheon from the country of focus.

Math starts with individual assessments of computation

skills, allowing teachers to differentiate teaching and chal-

lenges according to various student levels and under-

standing. A favorite math project of the sixth grade is

designing a mini-golf course where students can apply

their knowledge of angles and slopes.

The sixth grade science curriculum at Chase covers a wide

variety of topics, including environmental differences

between biomes, the structure and function of cells,

genetics, the human body, and a study of evolutionary

changes from sponges to mammals. Hands-on labs and

activities support student learning. The science curricu-

lum has components of research and public speaking,

integration of current events, and an experimentally

based science fair project requiring research, data

collection, graphing and presentation of learned material.

PartNeriNg With PareNtSAt Chase, we value our commitment to

making communication with parents a

priority. Beginning with Back to School

night in September, advisors work closely

with the family to build an educational

partnership that meets each child’s needs

and interests. Advisors act as a central

communication source for parents. Addi-

tionally, parents and teachers have a

direct and open line of communication to

share achievements and if a student

encounters any difficulties. Middle School

teachers maintain web sites with home-

work assignments, course information,

and other important notes for parents to

follow along with their child’s workload.

Throughout the year, parent conferences,

both formal and informal, provide many

opportunities for face-to-face parent

meetings or to share information on student

progress. October and February student-led

conferences occur with students, parents

and the advisor. The student works with

his or her advisor to set academic and per-

sonal goals and then leads the parents and

advisor through an action plan to ensure

expectations are fulfilled. Many parents

are amazed to see their student take own-

ership of their educational experience.

Chase sees this experience as a hallmark

leadership undertaking.

adViSOrYAt the beginning of each year, students are assigned

an advisor who takes a special interest in the success

of his or her advisees. Advisors collaborate and meet

daily with their advisees and are able to set expecta-

tions and assist each student in selecting a challeng-

ing curriculum, making appropriate social choices, and

broadening extracurricular activities. The advisory

system gives each student an established group that

they are immediately connected to and students form

lasting friendships.

In language, students choose between Latin, French, or Spanish and begin

the first year of a two-year course for which they receive a high school

credit in language.

Earth Science is the second of three Middle School lab sciences. The rock

cycle is explored by taking a campus field-trip to identify natural rock for-

mations. Students explore their local community scientifically and com-

pare the state of Connecticut’s energy use to other states. They are also

challenged to make connections between science and the world through

current events.

eighth grade is characterized by independence, student lead-

ership, understanding strengths, and solidifying academic skills. These im-

portant milestones occur with active guidance from advisors and teachers.

Eighth graders star in the school play, head the student council, and edit

the Chase Courant newspaper and the Magpie literary magazine.

They continue with a rigorous core curriculum of algebra, physical science,

English, U.S. history and world language, complemented by their choice

of arts and technology electives. English emphasizes persuasive writing

and focuses on literary classics such as Romeo and Juliet and To Kill a

Mockingbird.

The 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. is an example of a student-cen-

tered, cross-curricular project that enriches the core academic program.

The trip keeps students busy from dawn until evening, exploring the sites

of D.C., and promotes making connections between the real world and

the classroom. The students transform their experiences into a research

paper and speech, which is the 8th grade component of the Declamation

program.

Physical Science is founded in the scientific method. Students discover

the concepts of physical science through laboratory experiments and proj-

ect-based learning, such as creating mouse-trap cars, outfitting an egg for

a four-story drop, and measuring roller coaster inclines.

Eighth graders take algebra and receive high school course credit. In ad-

dition to the core elements, students learn real-world applications for

their algebraic skills through puzzles and problem-solving exercises.

Students continue with their language choice from the 7th grade: Spanish,

French, or Latin. In Spanish class, students create and present a story on

Frida Khalo, and French students take a trip to the Metropolitan

Museum of Art to study French paintings. In the second year of Latin,

students delve into more complex grammar and translation while

continuing to develop their vocabulary and understanding of the Roman

world.

traNSitiONiNg tO UPPer SChOOLThere are numerous connection points with our Upper School.

Eighth graders shadow Upper School students to experience their

classrooms, attend a panel discussion with Upper School students,

participate in the annual Writers’ Conference put on by the

Litchfield Review, and preview the Upper School’s Highlander

Theater Company productions. Students also get a sense of the

Upper School through athletic events and Homecoming, and by

participating in various community service projects and classroom

collaborations.

hUMaNitieS eLeCtiVeSSeLeCted LiSt: A Famous Trio:

Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse

Art of Drawing

Art Workshop

(drawing, painting,

wood-sculpture & clay form)

Band

Black & White Photography

Chase Courant Newspaper

Chase TV

Computer Programming & Animation

Digital Photography

Journalism (“Paper Chase”)

“Mona Lisa” Across the Ages

Music Theory & Technology

Painting

Recycled Art

School Service

Song Writing

Theater & Theater Tech

Wood and Wire:

The Art of Calder

& Nevelson

As a distinguishing part of the Middle School

curriculum, the Middle School Arts program

offers various ways for students to explore their

artistic interests or to discover new talents.

Through the help of their advisor and parents,

students select several different courses each

year, including one performing arts and one visual

arts electives per year, from a variety of offerings.

Students express themselves through art, music,

drama and creative writing, hone their skills in

each of these disciplines, and prepare for art ex-

hibits, music performances or drama productions.

Visual artsHighly skilled art teachers provide a full palette of

classes that allows students to grow artistically

over time. The Visual Arts faculty design and

deliver classes outside the usual construction

paper and canvas workshops and include painting,

drawing, clay, wood sculpture, digital photography,

film studies and mixed media. Students have access

to three art studios that offer a change of

environment and create opportunities to delve

into sophisticated projects.

Musical theaterThe Middle School puts on a musical

each spring and participation is open

to all aspiring thespians, “techies” and

set designers in grades 7-8. Past per-

formances have included Willy Wonka

and the Chocolate Factory, Guys and

Dolls, L’il Abner, Aladdin, Bye, Bye,

Birdie, Once upon a Mattress and

more. Choral enthusiasts also have

the opportunity to participate in the

Middle School Chorus, which performs

in-school and at area venues.

Band This concert band, consisting of sixth through twelfth

grade students, is made up of wind and percussion

instruments and plays many styles.

Chase ensembleThe ensemble rehearses and performs masterpieces from

the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary eras.

Chorus Students enjoy being a part of this growing Middle School

group that performs concerts and supports the musical.

handbells Students learn to ring and perform in a hand bell choir.

The bell group performs on-campus and off-campus.

instrumental Music LessonsInstrumental music lessons are available for beginners.

The instruments taught are woodwinds, brass, and per-

cussion. Students attend lessons once a week.

PeRfORMiNG & ViSUaL aRtS

Physical education Our physical education program builds

off evidence that links increase in

adrenaline to better academic per-

formance. Middle Schoolers are the

right age to begin life-long habits of

physical exercise, and achievements on

the field that will build confidence in

the classroom as well. The program

stresses the development of skills, the

pleasure of athletics, the benefits of

teamwork, and the importance of good sports-

manship. Classes meet every other day, and phys-

ical education is an opportunity for an entire

grade to learn to work together.

interscholastic athleticsChase's athletics policy allows all students who

decide to play a sport to participate and be a

member of a team. Two teams, one at a beginning

level and the other for more advanced athletes,

are offered in most sports in sixth through eighth

grades. Crew and golf are available to Middle

School students with permission of the Athletic

Director; fitness training is also offered.

Though not required to do so, students are en-

couraged to try sports as they provide an impor-

tant social and recreational outlet. Teams are

competitive and play against other independent

schools in the greater Waterbury, Hartford and

New Haven areas.

FaLLCross CountrySoccerFitness Training

WiNterBasketballSwimming WrestlingFitness Training

SPriNg BaseballSoftballGolf (grade 8)TennisLacrosseFitness Training

athLetiCS

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CaMPUS MaP

1. Saint Margaret’s Hall

2. Centennial Library

3. Art Annex

4. Lower School Music

5. Fulkerson Arts Center

6. Camp Hall

7. Upper School

8. Goss Field House

9. Kellogg Tennis CenterOffice of admissions • 203-236-9560 • admissions@chasemail.org

• Candidate classroom visit

• Candidate assessment

• Completion of application forms

• Optional campus visit by parent

The priority application deadline is January 15th.

Any applications received after this date will be

reviewed on a space-available basis.

adMiSSiONS PrOCeSS

10. Kellogg Field

11. Templeton Field

12. Woodward Field

13. Alumni & Development Office

CaMPUS ParkiNg

A. Main Parking Lot B. Visitors’ Parking Lot

C. Goss Parking Lot CaLL • CLiCk • ViSit