Core academic skills
Reading, writing, math, science and social studies form a foundation for high school.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
A strong foundation for what comes next.
The middle school years should build confidence, curiosity, discipline, and the habits that make future academic success possible.
THE MIDDLE YEARS
Skills students can build on.
DME’s middle school serves grades 6–8 as a day (commuter) program, combining in-person learning, mentorship and opportunities to grow academically and personally.
Learning habits
Planning, organization and consistent expectations help students become more independent.
Mentorship & confidence
Students benefit from a supportive community of teachers, advisors and peers.
Active development
Athletic training or enrichment can be part of the broader student experience.
WHAT THE GUIDE SHOWS
Sample courses from the published curriculum.
Representative courses from the 2025–26 DME curriculum guide. Course offerings may change from year to year.
| Grade | Representative 2025–26 courses |
|---|---|
| 7 | Language Arts II; Pre-Algebra; Comprehensive Science II; Civics; Beginning Spanish; Robotics |
| 8 | Language Arts III; Algebra I; Comprehensive Science III; U.S. History; Spanish I; Aeronautics |
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL DAY
School. Training. Community.
Middle school students follow the same schedule as DME’s high school, so they build the routines of a student-athlete from grade 6 on.
Split schedule
Students spend half of each day in school and half of each day in their sport.
Block schedule
Students focus on two core subjects and one elective each semester. Taking fewer courses at once lets them concentrate with more intensity and efficiency.
Friday schedule
Athletic training continues. During the academic block, students take part in Academic Check-in, Volt Hour, intervention, remediation and make-up work.
Fridays also bring field trips, extracurriculars such as a “Shark Tank” business proposal competition, and celebrations of student success, including Signing Day and Homecoming, with food trucks and outside vendors on campus.
A DAY PROGRAM
The full DME experience. Home each evening.
Middle school is a day (commuter) program. Students take part in the full school day and return home after classes and training.
In-person teaching
Direct instruction and consistent access to teachers.
Personalized planning
Learning support and goals shaped around each student.
Athletic & academic balance
The split and block schedules help students manage academic and athletic demands.
Community & belonging
Students take part in DME’s social, leadership and campus experiences.
FIT
Who is it for?
Families seeking an in-person private middle school, whether their student trains competitively or is primarily interested in DME academics.
BOARDING
Can middle schoolers live on campus?
No. Boarding is not offered for grades 6–8. Middle school students attend as day students.
SUPPORT
How are students supported?
Teachers and advisors build structure, accountability and regular family communication.
Student supportCOST
Can Florida scholarships help?
DME’s site references Step Up For Students, subject to individual eligibility and current school participation.