Middle School (5-8) - Hathaway Brown School | All-girls K-12 in Cleveland

The Middle School years at Hathaway Brown are a transformative time—full of exploration and community in equal measure. It’s an environment infused with creativity, energy, independence, and a true sense of belonging.

Sharon Baker

Middle School Director

Since 2013, Sharon has been leading Hathaway Brown’s Middle School — expertly navigating the wild, wonderful world of adolescence with heart, humor, and an unwavering belief in the power of all-girls education. A former English teacher with 14 years in the classroom, including time in Cleveland Public Schools, she brings her love of language, creativity, and connection to everything she does.

Sharon designs a transformative curriculum rooted in social-emotional learning, leadership, and media literacy — equipping girls not just to succeed in school, but to grow into confident, compassionate changemakers. She also loves teaching photography, creative writing, and the kind of life lessons that tend to stick long after middle school.

Originally from the Chicago area (lifelong Cubs fan), Sharon now lives in Chagrin Falls with her husband, Joseph, and their twin boys. Whether she's crafting a new unit, sparking a great discussion, or cheering on the sidelines, she brings warmth, wit, and a fierce faith in middle school girls — even on their trickiest days.

Director Sharon greeting and speaking to the 8th grade middle school girls before commencement

In our Middle School, students gain the confidence to explore, express their ideas, and grow into their full potential — discovering their strengths, shaping their identities, and learning to navigate the world with curiosity, courage, and a sense of possibility.

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A Day in the Life

Middle school student wearing a blue uniform is walking up the steps to school

Arrive at School

7:45 AM

Mrs. Baker (Middle School Director) and Mrs. Yearms (Middle School Humanities Teacher) greet students at the entrance, welcoming them with a smile to start their day.

middle school students in a classroom sitting at desks

Advisor Time

8:00 AM

Advisor Time with Mrs. Lazor (Middle School Science Teacher and Dean). It’s “Tidy Tuesday,” so we organize our binders and lockers, and check in about FLEX offerings today.

Math

8:15 AM

There are 3–4 different levels of math per grade, with Math Lab offered as a drop-in support/office hour structure.

Science

9:05 AM

Students in Grades 5–8 complete extensive science fair projects annually. For those especially interested, 7th and 8th graders can opt into an additional Science Research elective.

A group of middle school students in a lab, sitting at a table and looking toward the teacher. They are wearing school uniforms and safety goggles, engaged in a classroom activity.

Snack and Flex Time

10:00 AM

Followed by Morning Meeting or FLEX Time (clubs, affinity groups, student council).

Intro to Ideas

10:30 AM

“Intro to Ideas” in the Marge and Dan Moore Maker’s Space with Ms. Jackson. Today’s project: building selfie blocks and learning how to use power tools!

A group of girls in an orchestra, dressed in all black, focused as they play their instruments together during a performance.

Conference and Support Time

11:15 AM

Students get a chance to begin homework with teacher support. If you don’t have conference, you might take choice classes like orchestra, guitar, or math/language labs staffed by faculty.

Lunch

12:00 PM

Learn more about our lunch options:

Dining Services

Recess

12:30 PM

A Middle School favorite — Gaga Pit!

Classroom of middle school students sitting at desks using laptops

Humanities

12:50 PM

In Grades 5 and 6, English and Social Studies are combined. In Grades 7 and 8, English and History are taught as separate courses.

Swimming, PE, or Adventure Learning

1:40 PM

World Language

2:30 PM

Students choose from French, Chinese, or Spanish.

Dismissal

3:20 PM

Grab a snack from The Brown Bag and head to one of our many extracurricular offerings.

The HB Middle School Magic

Teachers inspire students through dynamic, innovative projects and Middle School Academies, where girls explore subjects they’re passionate about in greater depth. Advisors provide personalized support and encouragement as students navigate new experiences and social dynamics. This unique blend of academic exploration and individualized attention empowers courageous, confident girls.

Advisor Groups

Each student joins a close-knit advisory group, led by a dedicated faculty advisor who helps her build confidence, set goals, and connect with our vibrant community. Advisory is where friendships grow, strengths are celebrated, and every girl is known, encouraged, and inspired.

Academies

Girls in Grades 7 and 8 explore passions and discover new interests through elective courses free from assessment. They choose from over 25 offerings, including:

Media Literacy
Creative Arts (e.g., photography)
Yearbook
Forensics
Outdoor Adventures
Welding
Backpacking
Food, Culture, and Society
Girls Global and more

These courses cultivate curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking — embodying HB’s motto: Non Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus—We Learn Not for School, But for Life.

Adventure Learning

HB’s signature Adventure Learning program builds trust, confidence, resilience, and teamwork — starting in Grade 5. On our state-of-the-art high and low ropes courses, girls take on challenges that foster connection, healthy risk-taking, and lifelong problem-solving skills.

Class Trips

Middle School girls take unforgettable overnight trips that bring learning to life — from Michigan’s Greenfield Village and Heifer Global Village to Cape Cod and Washington, D.C.

Middle School Traditions

Middle School Sleepover

Created by a former 8th grade Student Council President, this student-led tradition invites Grades 5–8 to enjoy a night of fun on campus — from escape rooms and dance parties to hide-and-seek, movie marathons, popcorn, and even a dip in the pool. It’s the ultimate Middle School sleepover.

Hootenanny

The Middle School gathers several times a year to sing as a community. In the auditorium, student guitarists lead the group in songs ranging from John Denver to Jack Johnson — a beloved HB tradition full of music and joy.

Brown and Gold Day

Throughout the year, teams compete in spirited events — from field days to service challenges — earning points toward the coveted flag and bragging rights. It’s a fun, high-energy tradition that builds leadership, teamwork, and school spirit.

Civic Engagement

Middle School girls carry on HB’s legacy of service through hands-on projects, nonprofit partnerships, and fundraising — including monthly dress-down days and special service trips. The student-led GROW Foundation allocates more than $10K annually to causes selected through a grant review process. Students also care for shared spaces and mentor younger students, learning the value of community and giving back.