Each year, middle school students are required to take course work in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education. Sixth-grade students participate in an exploratory program involving world languages and various elective courses offered in 7th and 8th grade.
English: Middle school students must complete three years of study in English. Students who have an interest in writing, publishing, and dramatic expression may elect to take an additional semester course in creative writing and/or drama.
Mathematics: Middle school students must complete three years of mathematics that prepare them for the study of Geometry, Algebra II, and other higher-level courses in the Upper School. Qualified students may be placed in the accelerated math sequence; if meeting all necessary criteria.
Science: Middle school students must complete three years of science. The program features a hands-on, discovery-based curriculum that emphasizes the techniques of scientific inquiry as it explores topics in earth, life, and physical science.
History: Middle school students must complete three years of study that focus in successive years on world cultures, geography, and American Studies.
World Languages: Students in grades seven and eight must pursue a course of study at the appropriate level of instruction in Chinese, French, or Spanish.
Musical Arts: Sixth-grade students must participate in instrumental or choral music; students in grades seven and eight may elect to continue their study of music by choosing among a variety of electives.
Visual Arts: Sixth-grade students study the visual arts as a part of the exploratory program; students in grades seven and eight may elect to continue their study of the visual arts by choosing among a variety of electives.
Physical Education: Middle school students must take Physical Education each semester.
Computer Science: Palmer Trinity operates a school-wide laptop computer program. Sixth-grade students receive a general overview in the basics of their laptops and some of the most widely used applications; seventh- and eighth-grade students may enroll in Middle School Computing. The one-semester graduation requirement of a course in computer programming (including the course named above) can be met at any time in grades seven through twelve.