Middle School
Our goal is to prepare students to walk confidently through the doors of the high school of their choosing. Mastering an essential core of knowledge, enhancing critical thinking skills and developing effective communication strategies are integral components of the ESK Middle School experience.
Our Philosophy
In a caring and challenging academic community, Middle School students develop integrity, respect, responsibility, perseverance and compassion. Students’ spiritual, moral and social growth is nurtured through daily chapel, religion/guidance classes, advisory groups, off-campus learning, extracurricular activities, interscholastic sports and service learning.
Service Learning
The Service Learning program incorporates social responsibility into educational and instructional methodology as students serve their community in a variety of ways.
Guidance and Religion
The goal of the Middle School guidance program is to help students achieve four primary tasks of adolescence: autonomy and independence; social competence; a sense of purpose; and independent problem solving.
Students learn positive character traits, problem and conflict solving, study skills, manners, methods for dealing with teasing, relationship building, personal safety and many other developmentally-appropriate skills.
Fine Arts
All middle school students take part in studio art classes and have the opportunity to choose between chorus or string band for their music enrichment.
Enrichment
Our enrichment offerings, including Study Skills, Critical Thinking, Guided Study Hall, Shark Tank, Library Research are designed to support students in reaching their highest academic potential.
Innovative Tech
Students are well prepared to use technology in creative and innovate ways to demonstrate learning, ingenuity and problem-solving skills. As our students graduate they have mastered essential applications and technical skills needed for success in higher education.
139
current students
100%
accepted to the high school of their choice
12
sports teams
9:1
student-teacher ratio
"Aside from the exceptional education I received at The Episcopal School of Knoxville, ESK prepared me mentally and socially to stand on my own two feet in an ever-evolving world."Jamie Wise ’10
Middle School Portfolio
For this yearlong project, each eighth-grade student selects a topic of personal interest. He or she then writes an MLA-style research paper that includes an interview with an expert, envisions and carries out a service project and produces an artifact related to his or her chosen topic.
Language Arts
Language arts is taught as an integrated program that encompasses reading comprehension, creative and expository writing, grammar and mechanics, spelling, and research skills.
Math
Students engage in problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world applications that help them grasp the "why" behind mathematical concepts, while also developing accuracy and confidence in core skills. This balanced approach prepares students for advanced mathematical thinking.
Social Studies
By studying local, national, and global communities, students deepen their appreciation of their own culture while gaining insight into the diverse cultures, systems, and infrastructures of others.This broadens their global awareness and fosters a sense of interconnectedness.
Guidance and Religion
The goal of the Middle School guidance program is to help students achieve four primary tasks of adolescence: autonomy and independence; social competence; a sense of purpose; and independent problem solving.
Students learn positive character traits, problem and conflict solving, study skills, manners, methods for dealing with teasing, relationship building, personal safety and many other developmentally-appropriate skills.
World Language
The goal of our foreign language program is to take full advantage of the heightened receptiveness of the young mind. Students are able to choose between Spanish, Latin, and Mandarin Chinese.
Physical Education
Students maximize well-being by fostering the development of athletic skills, leadership, perseverance and fair play.
Science
The science curriculum is interactive and inquiry-based, encouraging students to explore concepts through hands-on learning and critical thinking. It emphasizes real-world connections, helping students relate science to their everyday experiences.
Art & Music
ESK aims to foster a lifelong love of music and art. Students explore diverse art forms in our contemporary studio and innovation labs, and participate in string band or chorus, with additional opportunities like the chamber choir, Saintly Singers.
Service Learning
The Service Learning program incorporates social responsibility into educational and instructional methodology as students serve their community three times a year in a variety of ways.