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Middle School

Why Families Consider BCD one the of Best Middle Schools in Boulder, Colorado

Voted Best Private School in Boulder, we are boldly unlocking students’ potential to ignite global change. The middle school years are full of self exploration, and we believe there’s no better support for students during these years than a BCD education. 

When families search for the best middle school (6th - 8th grade) in Boulder, they are looking for more than strong academics. They want a school that balances challenge with support, fosters belonging, and prepares students for high school success. At Boulder Country Day, our Middle School program does exactly that.

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A woman in a pink shirt is sitting at a desk with a young boy, both of them focused on a laptop computer in front of them. The background includes a window and some plants, suggesting a home or office setting.
Two young girls wearing colorful, whimsical costumes and hats are smiling and interacting with each other on a stage or performance setting.
The image shows a group of people, including two young women and an older man, engaged in a creative activity together in what appears to be a home setting.
The image shows a smiling woman and a young girl sitting together, with the girl holding a tray of colorful stickers.
A person wearing a blue shirt is using a saw to cut through a wooden surface in what appears to be a workshop or garage setting.
A group of people, both adults and children, are gathered in a grassy field surrounded by pine trees and snow-capped mountains in the background.
A group of young female volleyball players in blue uniforms are gathered together, listening intently to their coach, who is standing in the foreground.
Two young children are intently focused on assembling or manipulating some kind of electronic or mechanical device on a workbench, surrounded by various tools and equipment in what appears to be a workshop or maker space setting.
A woman in a white lab coat is standing next to a young person wearing glasses and a dark jacket, both examining a document together in what appears to be a laboratory or classroom setting.
A young boy in a green shirt sits at a desk in a classroom, surrounded by bookshelves and other students in the background.
Two young boys are standing in a classroom setting, holding up artwork they have created. The background includes shelves filled with books and other classroom materials, as well as colorful posters and artwork displayed on the walls.
A young woman in a pink shirt is tending to a raised garden bed filled with plants, surrounded by a metal fence and a grassy area in the background.
A young woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing in front of a poster board displaying information, with another person visible in the background.
A young person wearing a teal shirt and black jacket stands in a classroom or educational setting, surrounded by posters and displays on the walls.
Two young girls, one with blonde hair and one with brown hair, are standing together and smiling in front of a poster board display.
Two young boys, one wearing a white shirt and the other a blue jacket, are standing in front of a display board with the title %22Moods and Music%22 and musical notes.
A group of children in safety vests are sorting and packing various types of produce, such as red peppers, in a warehouse-like setting with shelves and equipment visible in the background.
Student in a food warehouse loading items into milk crates.
Student and teacher bagging potatos.
Students with hair nets scooping macaroni into plastic bags.

Academic Excellence

Academic excellence in BCD's Middle School is grounded in an engaging, student-centered curriculum that encourages students to think critically, solve complex problems, and make meaningful connections across disciplines.

Through world languages (Spanish, French, and Latin), science, mathematics, writing, arts, and design, students develop both depth and breadth of knowledge while applying their learning to real-world challenges. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty ensure personalized attention, and students consistently achieve strong outcomes, from benchmarking above peers in writing assessments to earning national recognition in world language exams. Challenging academics, combined with skills such as research, organization, collaboration, and self-advocacy, prepares graduates to excel in Honors and AP coursework and thrive in high school and beyond.

BCD is accredited by both the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) and the National Association of Independent School (NAIS).

Experiential Learning

At BCD, experiential learning isn't reserved for special projects or occasional units—it's woven into everyday learning. Through discussion, inquiry, hands-on exploration, reflection, and real-world application, students actively engage with ideas rather than simply memorizing information. Whether conducting scientific investigations, tackling design challenges, analyzing complex texts, or collaborating to solve problems, students learn by doing. This daily practice develops curiosity, critical thinking, adaptability, and confidence while helping students make meaningful connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world around them.

Model United Nations

Students dive into global issues, conduct research, analyze data, and practice persuasive writing and public speaking—all while learning to see complex challenges through multiple perspectives. It’s rigorous, real-world learning that builds empathy and confidence at the same time.

85%

of Middle School students participate in BCD Athletics

100% 

of 8th graders conduct a year-long Capstone Service Project

16

students is the average class size in Middle School

95%

of graduates enroll in Honors, AP, of IB classes in high school 

BCD students outshine their peers in writing

More and more colleges, universities, and employers are reporting their incoming students lack the necessary writing skills. Our focus on planning, composition, and revision, the reflective process, and continual practice has shown to benchmark BCD students above their peers. The ERB Writing Assessment Program (WrAP) benchmarks our students against the most competitive independent and suburban public schools in the country and our scores speak for themselves.

A graphic writing scores for 6th-8th graders compared to suburban and other independent schools

 

BCD students rank nationally in world language

The National Associations of Language Teachers annual exam ranks students nationally. Students whose scores represent the top 20% nationally are recognized as National Laureates.

BCD 2024-25 results

French awards
Honorable Mention: 4 students
Bronze Medal: 2 students
Silver Medal: 3 students
Gold Medal: 1 students
Platinum Award (perfect score): 1 students
 
Spanish awards
Award of Excellence: 5 students
Honorable Mention: 1 student
Bronze Medal: 3 students
 
Latin Awards (only 8th grade competed)
Cum Laude: 2 students 
Maxima Cum Laude: 3 students 
Summa Cum Laude (perfect score): 1 student
BCD provides extensive math offerings
The following graphics displays the two most typical math tracks BCD offers. BCD is also able to offer small group acceleration beyond these tracks on a case-by-case basis. 
 
image charting the two math progression tracks offered at BCD

 

Seeing and Supporting the Whole Child

At BCD, we believe middle school students thrive when they feel safe, seen, and connected. Through daily advisory, Responsive Classroom, Teenpower, and Learning for Justice standards, students develop self-awareness, empathy, healthy relationships, and the confidence to navigate academic and social challenges. We foster a culture of belonging where students are encouraged to take risks, embrace a growth mindset, and learn from mistakes. By supporting both character and well-being alongside academic growth, we empower students to become resilient, authentic individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to their communities and the world.

Exploratory Classes

 

All students receive instruction in the Arts, Physical and Health Education, Design, and World Languages, and have the choices in Athletics, Leadership, and Electives. BCD electives, also known as "exploratories", challenge students and create room for them to experiment and find new interests as they grow as students and as individuals. The combination of foundational academics with exploratories grows both intellect and self-confidence, which together lead to success in high school and beyond.

Fostering Future-Ready Innovators 

Our middle school program is designed to cultivate critical thinking, innovation, and essential skills for an evolving world. Students develop strong problem-solving and creative application abilities through our Design & Innovation curriculum, progressing from foundational programming to advanced 3D modeling and independent coding for real-world solutions. Simultaneously, our science program builds robust inquiry and analytical skills, as students consistently practice experiment design, data analysis, and forming evidence-based conclusions, culminating in our juried Science Fair. These distinct programs empower students with the diverse capabilities and collaborative spirit needed to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Unlocking Leadership Potential

Middle school spans the critical years between childhood and high school which can often feel like a waiting game for students. But in a PS-8th school, middle school students take on leadership roles, which provides them with valuable opportunities to develop their confidence and skills. These leadership experiences—whether through mentoring younger students, leading projects, or organizing school events—help students learn the importance of responsibility, decision-making, and collaboration.

Recognizing the Future Isn't Far Away

A strong academic foundation, combined with essential life skills, ensures that our students excel in high school and beyond. Under the guidance of skilled and experienced teachers, our graduates are well-prepared for success in any quality high school. They develop self-awareness, self-advocacy, and key study skills such as writing, research, organization, time management, and more—skills that are crucial for the transition to high school. As a result, most BCD graduates thrive in Advanced Placement or IB classes throughout their high school years.

Admission Process

Alumni Perspectives

Capstone
Class Size and Leadership
Academic Challenge
A Lasting Impact
Class of 2026

Partnering with Parents

We believe students thrive when families and educators work together. During the middle school years, consistent communication and a strong home-school partnership are especially important as students navigate increasing independence, academic challenges, and social growth. Our teachers, advisors, counselors, and school leaders work closely with parents to understand each child’s unique strengths and needs, ensuring students receive the support and encouragement necessary to flourish. Through regular communication, conferences, parent education opportunities, and ongoing collaboration, we build meaningful partnerships that help students feel known, supported, and successful both in and beyond the classroom.

Parent Testimonials
"We visited a lot of middle schools, and whilst they were all fine, the thing that stood out the most about BCD was the genuine warmth within the school amongst both students and faculty.

Being Part of Something Bigger

Middle school students are eager to discover their passions, contribute their ideas, and make a meaningful impact. Through athletics, arts, Student Council, leadership opportunities, and the Bulldog Family program, students learn to collaborate, lead, and strengthen their community. This commitment culminates in the 8th Grade Capstone Project, where students identify a real-world need and create a service initiative that makes a tangible difference. Together, these experiences help students understand that being part of something bigger means showing up for others, contributing to their community, and recognizing their power to create positive change in an interconnected world.

Middle School Checklist

Middle School can be a challenging time for adolescents. Choosing the right school for your student during those years can have a big impact on who they become. Need some help determining what is most important to you and your child? 

The image shows a woman in a pink shirt assisting a young boy with a laptop on a desk in what appears to be an office or classroom setting.