Reflections from The Circle School’s 8th Grade Graduates

Sending graduates off to high school is always bittersweet! Leaving behind the classrooms they know so well is difficult, but the pride of witnessing how prepared they are to move into the next adventure is also wonderful. The graduating eighth graders share their reflections on their time at The Circle School below: 

“I am sad that my time at The Circle School is coming to a close. I’ve been here since 2020 in the third grade, and I’ve made friends that I hope I will stay in touch with in the years to come. Some memories that stand out are playing ultimate tag with the middle schoolers, eating mulberries that I scrounged, and playing D&D with Daniel, Beckett, and Lucian. The Circle School has grown my understanding of mathematics, literature, the sciences, English, and history. The teachers I’ve had are Miss Angela, Mister Rob, and Ms. Sarah. These teachers have nourished me and taught me the skills needed for high school and beyond. My time was great, but it is coming to a close.” – Zane, Circle School Student 2020-2026.

“Middle school is the border between being a child full of whimsy and wonder, and being a teenager full of less whimsy and less wonder. But, while on that bridge, you can really understand the full journey of where you’ve begun, where you are, and where you are going. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. I’m grateful for all the amazing memories of The Circle School, and for the kind and caring people I’ve met; not just the students but the teachers too. Interestingly, throughout my years here l am most grateful for Ms Sarah, who taught me not only essential academic lessons that I will both remember and use for the rest of my life, but also taught me many important lessons on what it means to be an accountable and responsible person. Thank you.” – Julien, Circle School Student 2017-2021, 2022-2023, 2025-2026.

“As I wrap up my time at The Circle School, I reflect fondly on how this school has been a home to me for what feels like my whole life, despite only being my middle school years. I am incredibly thankful for how this school has ignited my passion for art, culture, nature, and social justice, while cultivating a safe learning environment that has supported every aspect of my identity. It feels so wrong to be saying goodbye to a school that I feel has so much to teach, not just for me, but for every student that has stood, or will stand, on this campus. The Circle School unequivocally creates a supportive, welcoming, and safe place for all students that empowers them to be resilient changemakers and peace-laureates, for which I am very thankful.

Although l am forlorn about this stage of my learning journey coming to an end, I will undoubtedly take the memories, lessons, and experiences from this school with me for the rest of my life. I hope that all students can cherish their time at this school like I did, and appreciate the exquisite nature of this school. Farewell.” – Gracie, Circle School Student 2023-2026

“For all three years I’ve been at The Circle School, I have enjoyed every single one of them. From playing cricket and picking mulberries in 6th grade to presenting at NASA at Future City in 8th grade. This school will-always have, not only a place in my mind, but in my heart. In all of this time I have had the same teacher, Ms. Sarah. Ms. Sarah has helped me not only learn academically in my middle school years but also helped me grow as a person. Yet, it wasn’t only Ms. Sarah who helped; it was the whole community of teachers, parents, and peers working together to ensure all students have the best childhood possible, and I think that is what truly makes it The Circle School.” – Zane, Circle School Student 2016-2017, 2024-2026