Traditions

We know that the friendships students forge during their time in the Middle School last a lifetime. To give students the opportunity to bond as a class, we facilitate overnight, off-campus retreats in each grade. Sixth and seventh graders travel to Woodlands Camp and Blue Ridge Outdoor Center, respectively, the first week of the school year to reconnect as a class after summer break. Our eighth graders’ yearlong emphasis on social justice takes them on their annual spring Civil Rights trip to Montgomery, Selma and Birmingham.

When retired Head of Middle School John Anderson first set foot on campus and realized that there was no recess, he remarked, “I can’t get through the day without recess! How do we expect the kids to do so?” Since that day over 15 years ago, recess has been built into each and every Middle School day.

Head of the Middle School Graham Anthony invites small groups of Middle Schoolers to special pizza lunches to keep his finger on the pulse of what’s important in students’ lives.

Twice a year, our Middle Schoolers break into groups and roll up their sleeves along with faculty and community sponsors to participate in full-day community service projects throughout Atlanta.

The first Friday of every month involves some sort of special activity for our seventh graders. Whether it’s a visit from The Varsity food truck or special theme dress days, all students are sure to enjoy the fun!

The hottest item at the Parents Club's annual auction is the opportunity for one student to take over as Head of Middle School for a day and order up a record-breaking ice cream sundae or the biggest baked Alaska you’ve ever seen.

From its humble beginnings in the early 1960s, the Pace Fall Fair has grown into one of the most anticipated events for families throughout the Atlanta community. From inflatables, sports and activities, to shopping, food, and other attractions for young and old alike, the Fall Fair has it all and is always a fantastic time for the entire family. For our Middle Schoolers, it’s the opportunity to set up booths drumming up excitement about the year’s ICGL global theme.

In October, we welcome our sixth-grade girls to tear up the dance floor with their fathers. What a fun way to spend a Sunday night!

Canstruction may be one of the Middle School's most beloved—and most impactful—traditions. In advisory groups, students collect non-perishable food items and design elaborate structures, using the items as building materials. Groups choose from themes such as "All Things Pace," "Sports," "Famous Structures" and "Animals." The food collected during Canstruction is donated to an Atlanta-area community organization.

During their study of ecology, sixth graders travel to the Chattahoochee Nature Center to learn more about the animals and plants in their own backyards.

During the week of Thanksgiving every third year, our Middle Schoolers welcome their favorite guests: their grandparents and special friends! Students perform musical numbers, tour guests around the school and spend time in the classroom working on fun projects.

Before Middle Schoolers head off to celebrate the holidays with their families, we designate a Friday morning in December to get into the festive spirit. Students wear their favorite cozy pajamas and watch a holiday movie in Knights Hall.

Every January, Middle Schoolers take over the Inman Center with their Knight pride. A special pizza dinner followed by exciting Middle School basketball games against area rivals offer the perfect start to the second semester. The afternoon includes wonderful student performances, a visit from Sir Winsalot and half-time games.

On a Friday in February, our Middle School gathers in the Fine Arts Center as students showcase their talents and classmates cheer them on in our talent show, complete with eighth-grader emcees. Get ready to be blown away by our talented singers, musicians, dancers, comedians, dog trainers and magicians.

In the spring, our Middle Schoolers enjoy a little healthy competition as they break into teams for a day of fun. Relay and potato-sack races, tug of war, water balloon games, pie-eating contests, a student-teacher basketball game and dodgeball provide great opportunities to work as a team with students from other grades.

At the end of the year studying ancient and medieval history, beloved teacher Mr. Shupe and faculty and parent volunteers put on a medieval banquet that transports all sixth graders to life in the Middle Ages. Pass the turkey drumstick, please!