January 6, 2025 by Derby Academy
Derby Academy, founded in 1784 and one of the oldest Pre-K to Grade 8 co-educational independent day schools in the country, is pleased to announce an exciting evolution of its academic structure. Effective for the 2026-2027 school year, Grade 5 will now be part of the middle school experience at Derby Academy.
As the Pre-K to Grade 8 educational landscape continues to evolve, we know that students are prepared and excited to take on new challenges in Grade 5. This new structure is a unique opportunity for students to stretch their wings and start their journey toward independence in a supportive, relational, focused, and caring environment. Starting Middle School in Grade 5 gives students four full years in a cohesive program where they are known by their teachers and challenged to meet their next goals.
“We know nine and ten-year-olds are curious learners who fiercely seek independence,” shared Matt Magoon, a Derby alum and Head of Grades 5-8. “By making Grade 5 the launching point for our Middle School, we meet that readiness with an intentionally supportive environment so our students can thrive through a structured and student-centered experience.”
Highlights of the New Grade 5 Experience:
- Increased Opportunity: At Derby, Grade 5 will be a foundational and transitional year for middle school. Students gain four full, cohesive years within the Middle School program, allowing for a more intentional and supportive scaffold toward high school readiness. This includes an expanded academic program to enhance the already robust STEM and Humanities curriculum.
- Homeroom and Advisor Model: Grade 5 students will continue in a homeroom model with multiple advisors per cohort. This promises a significantly reduced student-to-teacher ratio (8:1) to ensure that every child is known and cared for. This built in support ensures that every child has a trusted adult who sees and values them.
- Athletics: Grade 5 will take part in a robust preparatory athletic program which will not only focus on skill development and teamwork, but it will prepare athletes for the commitment of interscholastic athletics in Grades 6-8.
- Arts: In Grade 5 and 6, students will continue to gain exposure across visual and performing arts so they are ready to choose their own challenges in grades 7 and 8.
As Matt Magoon notes, “Beginning the middle school experience in grade 5 allows us to build an even bigger runway for our students to prepare for their future. Each child will be met exactly where they are and appropriately challenged every step of the way. By the end of 8th grade, we know our students will be authentic leaders, creative problem-solvers, and confident critical thinkers, all because they spent four years in an environment that relentlessly focused on the improvement of both mind and heart.”
Join us for an event!
Pre-K to 8 Curriculum Showcase
Wednesday, January 21 at 9:30 AM
Learn more about the new grade 5 entry point to middle school and our Pre-K to 8 curriculum at our upcoming Curriculum Showcase!
Prospective parents/caregivers are invited to join us. Students across multiple grade levels will bring their learning to life as they proudly share the projects and discoveries they’ve been working on. Campus tours will follow the showcase.
For more information about the new divisional structure and the exciting opportunities launching in 2026, please contact the Derby Academy Admissions Office at admission@derbyacademy.org or 781.749.0746