Middle School at Wheeler
A lot changes for students while they are “in the middle” of childhood and adolescence.
During that time, Wheeler helps each student build academic skill sets and curiosity to create a foundation for high school.
Parallel to academics, we understand adolescents want answers to their questions about themselves, the world and their place in it. And in ways that are safe for risk-taking and growth.
Our Goal
Success in the twin pursuits of academic and individual growth during the Middle School years (Grades 6-8) comes down to students expressing their curiosity, asking great questions, and then figuring out the ways to find the answers. These keys to success for adolescents are also the keys to preparation for high school and for lifelong learning; they may not realize it yet! Wheeler also recognizes that—in our rapidly changing times—the definition of a “classroom” is evolving. Today’s classrooms are now centers of collaboration, design, imagination, and production.
Our Faculty
The organization and temperament of our Middle School faculty ensure that we get to know our students. Advisors meet with their student groups daily and often more than once a day. Because much of each school day is spent with students in class, advisor periods, field trips, lunch, recess and at times on athletic teams, Wheeler teachers learn much about your student’s individual, social, and academic life. Advisors are organized into grade-level faculty teams and meet weekly to discuss, among other things, the academic as well as the social-emotional progress of your child.
Our Curriculum
Besides getting to know their students well, teachers also design rich, innovative curricula and programs in the humanities, STEM, and arts to tap into a student’s natural curiosity, need to learn something relevant and the desire to direct her/his/their own learning. A Wheeler Middle School classroom is often productively noisy as students wrestle with a problem or design a solution. Sometimes we employ technology; other times we don’t. Sometimes we read contemporary authors; other times the classics. And, sometimes the classroom is a theater like Trinity Rep or a multi-dimensional Providence neighborhood through Cityside for 8th Grade, the Wheeler Farm, a gallery on our own campus or at the Rhode Island School of Design, or science labs either at Brown University or our own Hirsch/Alperin Design-Innovate-Build Lab. Combined with the vigorous foundation of habits of mind and heart that we foster in our daily classroom instruction, each student moves on to Upper School with an intellectual foundation for upper-level scholarship, adventures, and achievements.
To You, The Student
At Wheeler’s Middle School, we understand that you make many decisions as you progress from leaving elementary school to preparing for high school in a few short years. Our teachers help you take risks, fail (i.e., try again), and succeed in building a strong academic foundation while fostering your social and emotional growth. You are asking questions of yourself, friends, family, and the world at this time in your life. We are here to help you learn how to find the answers by finding your own strengths and styles of learning. It is somewhat cliche to talk about “finding your voice” at this stage in one’s life, but at Wheeler, we believe that it is by building confidence, empathy, resilience, and friendship that your voice can be heard.
Contact Head of Middle School Vanessa O’Driscoll
Middle School Administration
See Our Stories
At a very special community meeting held in Hale Family Hall this morning, The Hamilton School celebrated its alumni who are now Wheeler seniors and soon-to-be graduates. 🎓🌟
In a panel discussion led by Hamilton School Head Bill McCarthy, the students reflected on their journeys at Hamilton and Wheeler, offered thoughtful advice to younger peers, and expressed deep gratitude for the school’s lasting impact.
“It’s a special community — you should keep it close,” shared Georgia M. ’26.
Echoing that sentiment, Caleb I. ’26 reminded students that they can always return to visit their former Hamilton teachers and share life updates. “Your teachers really do care about you and want to see you succeed.”
Others, like Zachary C. ’26, spoke candidly about their Upper School experience: “High school is hard, but that’s okay. Don’t give up.”
“You can do anything you put your mind to,” added Sadie H. ’26, encouraging the younger students to believe in themselves and their potential.
Several faculty members — including Hamilton Teacher Elizabeth Hallock P’27, P’30, Director of Equity, Community, and Belonging Princess Sirleaf Bomba P’16, P’18, and former Hamilton Middle School Learning Specialist Maura Healey P’11, P’13, P’18, P’20 — all talked about teaching the alumni in their early years at Wheeler, and about how proud they are of them today.
“It was both heartwarming and joyful to have our graduating seniors return ‘home’ this morning so we could honor and celebrate each of them and their successes,” added Mr. McCarthy. “We are so proud of and inspired by each of them and can’t wait to see what they will do next. The sky is the limit for this thoughtful, determined, and exceptionally talented group of young adults!”
Congratulations to Greg A. ’26, Zachary, Alex F. ’26, Sadie H. ’26, Caleb, Andy K. ’26, Georgia, Will M. ’26, Peter K. ‘26, and Cameron S. ’26! We look forward to celebrating this group — along with the rest of the Class of 2026 — tomorrow as they wrap up their final day of classes with the beloved Senior Countdown! 🎉 #classof2026🎓
Apr 30
Earlier this week, the Prescott Library and Aerie Literary Voices – our intensive creative writing program – hosted an event featuring ALV authors Leo B. ’26, Gunnar E. ’26, Anna K. ’26, Lara M. ’26, and Beaux S. ’26.
Sharing excerpts from their recently published works, the students offered the Upper School community a glimpse into their creativity and craft during their final year at Wheeler. Beaux, who read “Louie’s Smoke Shop” from her book “Strangers,” shared that the experience was especially meaningful because she was able to present her work with a close friend in the audience.
Looking ahead, Beaux, Leo, Lara, and Gunnar will take part in the Aerie Literary Showcase panel at The Symposium Books this Saturday, May 2 at 4pm – we hope you’ll join us to hear their work. 📖✏️✨ @thebooksymposium
We also want to congratulate Anna, whose play, “The Interview,” was staged by Trinity Rep this week as part of the theatre’s “Write Here! Write Now!” student playwriting competition! ✨🎭 @trinity_rep
Apr 30
Here’s some great news from the Institute for Global Learning: Middle School Teacher Dana Tatlock P’20, P’24 has been awarded the 2026 Salomon Prize for Middle School Faculty Curriculum Design for her 6th-Grade Global Studies Course!
As its title suggests, the award recognizes an exemplary curriculum that advances students’ global competencies and supports their growth as globally-minded citizens.
“I had the privilege of nominating Dana for this award in recognition of her extraordinary innovation, dedication, and leadership in global education,” shares Wheeler’s director of global experiences, Amy Bonnici P’26, P’28.
”Dana doesn’t just teach lessons, she builds leaders. By initiating the first Middle School Model UN conference, by bringing in global speakers, and by facilitating the World Peace Game, to name just a few, Dana provides 6th-graders with global competence skills that few schools can match. Whether her students are solving interlocking global crises in a geopolitical simulation or connecting with international peers via her legendary ‘mystery’ Zoom games, they learn to navigate the world’s complexities with empathy and see the good that is happening around the globe. Dana and her students delve deep, helping them to see themselves as citizens who can, do, and will make the world a better place.”
In a special moment between colleagues, Ms. Bonnici surprised Ms. Tatlock with the award announcement as she and her students were finishing one of those virtual sessions with a class in Vietnam. “It was an especially fitting moment that shows the authentic global learning experiences she creates every day in her classroom,” Ms. Bonnici says.
Ms. Tatlock says she feels, “so honored to be recognized! And so thankful to Amy Bonnici for going out of her way to nominate me. She is a tireless advocate for global education and experience here at Wheeler, and the fact that she saw this opportunity and made it happen is testament to her passion and dedication. Thank you, Amy!”
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Tatlock and Ms. Bonnici on the Salomon Prize!
Apr 30
This spring, our Upper School dancers have been busy taking their work on the road. As part of “The World Tour,” students from Dance Performance, Dance Ensemble, and the After-School Dance class have stepped beyond the studio to share their craft with communities across the greater Providence area. From visits to The Wolf School, The Village at Waterman Lake, and St. Philip School, to a special stop at @TheNestatWheeler, each performance was moving—for the dancers and audience alike! .
At each location, the experience began with a warm-up led by K-12 Dance Program Coordinator and Teacher of Dance Erin Muccino ’04 in a lecture-style demonstration, followed by a performance. In some cases, the audience even joined in, ending the visit with a joyful, all-ages dance party!
“Through the World Tour, the dancers get to create meaningful connections with other schools and communities while offering the space to practice and grow as dancers. Each space they perform in is different, and they have to work as a team to quickly solve any issue that may come up.
“I am incredibly proud of the group,” Ms. Erin added. “They danced wonderfully, worked together perfectly, and we had lots of fun along the way!”
🎵 We cannot wait to see these dancers, alongside Lower and Middle School performers, take the stage for the Spring Dance Showcase, entitled “Kaleidoscope,” on May 21 and 22 in Wheeler Hall! ✨
@thewolfschool @spscardinals
Apr 29
