Music is a cornerstone of the Middle Learning experience at Galloway, rooted in exploration, progression, and joy. Beginning in fifth grade, students enter a structured and inspiring music journey as part of the core curriculum.

Fifth graders will first encounter an immersive introduction exploring all ensemble options (Chorus, Band, Guitar), meeting the faculty, and building a strong foundation in music theory. After this discovery phase, each student selects an ensemble in partnership with faculty and commits to it through the end of seventh grade, allowing time to develop skill, confidence, and collaboration.

By eighth grade, students are ready to take the next step, choosing from a range of options to continue growing as musicians in ways that align with their individual goals and interests.

With three full years of required ensemble experience, Galloway’s music program offers a depth, breadth, and intentionality that set it apart, nurturing both the emerging artist and the lifelong appreciator.

Galloway Theatre in Middle Learning evolves with each student, offering age-appropriate opportunities to build performance and technical skills and understand the full process of producing a play or musical.

Fifth and sixth grade drama courses provide an engaging and broad foundation for theatrical concepts. As students progress, additional theatre electives in seventh and eighth grade allow them to expand their skills, take creative risks, and deepen their understanding of the stage. The pinnacle of the Middle Learning Theatre experience is the addition of the play and musical, which seventh and eighth graders may opt into as performers or technicians.

Middle Learning Dance has quickly become one of our most popular offerings, with classes available every semester that culminate in live performances. Fifth and sixth graders may choose dance as a single-semester elective, while seventh and eighth graders have the option to commit for the full year to further develop their skills.

Open to students of all experience levels, the program is designed to meet each dancer where they are. With a strong focus on foundational skills, styles, vocabulary, and technique, our faculty guide students through continuous growth and creative expression year after year.

Visual Arts is a vital part of the Middle Learning curriculum at Galloway. In fifth and sixth grade, students take one required term each year, laying the groundwork with essential skills and creative techniques.

As they move into seventh and eighth grade, students have access to a wider range of visual arts electives that encourage deeper exploration and personal expression. As they begin to master 2D and 3D art forms, they can participate in media-specific electives, including Fiber Arts, Printmaking, and Sculpture.