Middle Schoolers are Magic


A 7th grade student working on cellular respiration and fermentation in the lab.
Middle School.
Junior High.
What comes to mind when you hear these words?
Regardless of what you called it during your school days, those of us who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s—ahem, middle school parents today—often have strong feelings about that time. But there is something special about the middle school students at Eastern Mennonite School: whenever we see photos of them, engaged in their work, smiling, or enjoying their breaks in the crisp autumn sunshine, or immersed in books in the library, running across the field, and chatting between classes, we can’t help but notice their joy.
They work hard, they play hard, and they smile. This isn’t your typical middle school experience.
Imagine a school where middle schoolers are celebrated for who they are. They are taught about emotional and physical regulation and know they will be treated with positive regard. Teachers and Administrators assume the best, ask questions, and when they are pushing boundaries, they are held accountable and coached toward change. This is a carefully crafted environment where hard work is valued, homework is done, and a love for reading flourishes. These students are goofy, funny, and incredibly bright. They are creative and interesting, capable of singing in the choir and scoring goals on the soccer field.
These kids are not perfect. But the environment we are co-creating is a place where good things, learning, and people are cultivated.
8th Grade Group Work
Family visit days are approaching, and we would be delighted and honored to host you and your student. We invite you to explore EMS and discover if you experience a day at EMS in the same way.
We believe middle schoolers are magical.
Come and witness it for yourself, experiencing middle school in the Eastern Mennonite tradition. We have 7 opportunities for you to visit us this year in preparation for the 2026-27 school year. The visits are include a parent session from 8:15 AM – 10:00 AM. While parents are learning about the school students get an immersive experience in the classroom where they get to shadow a current EMS student from 8:15 AM – Noon.
Middle and High School Visits

8th grade student investigative lab on endothermic and exothermic reactions.
- Friday, October 24
- Tuesday, November 4
- Friday, December 5
- Tuesday, January 20
- Friday, February 20
- Thursday, March, 12
- Thursday, April 16

K-12 Admissions Counselor, Diego Torres is ready to greet your family!
Contact Diego Torres, admissions counselor, to register at admissions@easternmennonite.org, or call 540-236-6021.
Prefer a private tour? We are happy to welcome families at other times that are more convenient for your schedule. Contact admissions@easternmennonite.org or 540-236-6021 to schedule a time for you and your student.