With the sheer enthusiasm of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade girls, we could light the world - and we channel that energy into a challenging curriculum that helps you develop the practical skills, personal confidence and organized curiosity essential for academic success.

I like who I am here

Since coming to Dana Hall, I am more confident. I am no longer afraid to be me. I like who I am and who I have become here at Dana. I have morphed to adapt to my wonderful amazing surroundings, and I love it.

Ansley, 6th grade

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Just as important, we work to lay the cornerstones of character, with an emphasis on personal integrity, openness to new ideas, and sensitivity to other people's life experiences. We also devote significant time to the responsibilities and rewards of community service.

Close-knit, close by

Geared to your growing abilities and interests as an 11-to-14-year-old, our Middle School consists of approximately 135 day students drawn from a wide range of communities in and around Boston. (Dana contracts with a private company to run a bus from Boston and Newton, and other students arrive by car or train.) From your "home base" in the dedicated Middle School building, you have access to our exceptional all-school facilities, including the science, athletic, and academic resource centers.

A thoughtful curriculum

Designed to stretch your capabilities and expand your thinking, the curriculum inspires you to build a deep foundation in English; social studies; mathematics; science; computer science; Latin, French or Spanish; athletics; and the visual and performing arts. In sixth grade, you take Latin; in the seventh- and eighth-grades, you may challenge yourself with another foreign language or continue with Latin as well.

Growing up together

Like every Middle School student, you will have the support of a one-on-one advisor -- usually one of your core subject teachers. As an adult confidant and academic guide, your advisor can help you plan a challenging course of study and adjust to the demands of Dana life. You will meet your advisor once a week privately, and twice a week with a small group of other girls.

As part of the curriculum, our Forum program also helps you face the whirlwind of adolescent choices and emotions by offering a place to learn the facts and share your feelings.