Middle School

Middle School Administration & Staff

Patrick Rodifer

Middle School Assistant Head, Dean of Middle School

Kimberly Kurnitsky

Middle School Administrative Assistant, Middle School Cheer Coach

"At St. Johns, our deep sense of community and character-building is infused in every element of the Middle School experience. Our advisory program provides time each week for Character Foundations activities in small student groups. St. Johns' curriculum is carefully designed to relate to the social-emotional needs of teens and our faculty make topics relevant and timely."

~ Thea Burke, Middle School English Teacher

Middle School Advisory

The transition from Lower School to Middle School can be stressful, as students adjust to using multiple platforms, mastering executive skills like organization and time management, and navigating the social and emotional hurdles that come with this stage of development.

The Advisory program offers dedicated time for students and advisors to address the unique challenges Middle School students face.

From teasing and bullying to stress, anxiety, and managing friendships, Middle School Advisory plays a vital role in supporting students and setting them up for success.

Trips/Clubs/Service Learning

Overnight Trips

Grade 8 students bring U.S. History to life on a trip to Washington, DC, visiting landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, and Arlington National Cemetery. This hands-on experience deepens their understanding of democracy while fostering independence and camaraderie through shared memories.

Science Olympiad

The Science Olympiad is the premier American team science tournament, where students compete in events spanning disciplines like earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. During the competition season, our Middle School team sets ambitious STEM goals for regional competitions, fostering teamwork and ownership as they work to achieve the engineer’s mission through classroom activities, research, and hands-on training workshops..

Student Council

Each year, Middle School students elect their student council members. The grade level and division leaders collaborate closely with the administration to enhance and support the daily experience of all Middle School students.

Flag Honor Guard

For many decades, raising and lowering the flag has been a key part of St. Johns' morning announcements. This meaningful ritual is entrusted to Grade 6 students, guided by a dedicated group of Grade 7 and 8 students known as our “Flag Corps.” The Flag Corps mentors the Grade 6 students, teaching them how to properly raise, lower, and fold the flag, while also sharing the significance of each moment as we honor our nation's flag.

Middle School Ambassadors

Our Middle School ambassadors are picked by the administrative staff to help lead tours and to partner with new students so that we can further assist the onboarding process.

Our middle school aims to involve all of our students in meaningful activities and partnerships with organizations and people in our community. Here just a few of the organizations we have partnered with over the past year:

- North Florida School of Special Education

- Miriam's Basket

- Waste Not Want Not

- Father's Heart

Navigation

Quicklinks

Independent Thinkers, Future Leaders

Middle School Programs

Middle School Leadership

Middle School Administration & Staff

Patrick Rodifer

Kimberly Kurnitsky

Ben Magidson

Advisory Program

Trips/Clubs/Service Learning

Curriculum Guide