Edmunds Middle School

Edmunds Middle School is a public middle school located in Burlington, Vermont, serving students from Champlain Elementary School, Integrated Arts Academy, and other surrounding schools. The school is part of the Burlington School District and has a diverse student body with connections to University of Vermont, Champlain College, and Vermont Technical College. Edmunds Middle School has a strong focus on STEM education, with partnerships with organizations like Microsoft, Google, and National Science Foundation. The school's curriculum is also influenced by neighboring institutions, including Burlington City Arts and the Fletcher Free Library.

● History

Edmunds Middle School has a rich history, with roots dating back to the early 20th century, similar to other historic schools like Boston Latin School and Phillips Exeter Academy. The school was named after George F. Edmunds, a prominent Vermont politician who served in the United States Senate and was a strong advocate for education reform, much like Horace Mann and John Dewey. Over the years, the school has undergone several renovations and expansions, with support from organizations like the National Education Association and the Vermont Department of Education. Edmunds Middle School has also been influenced by local events, such as the Burlington International Waterfront Festival and the Vermont Folk Life Center.

● Campus

The Edmunds Middle School campus is located in the heart of Burlington, Vermont, near Church Street Marketplace and Lake Champlain. The school's facilities include a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a theater, and a library media center, similar to those found at Harvard University and Yale University. The campus is also home to several community gardens, which are maintained by students and staff in partnership with organizations like the University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Community Garden Network. Nearby landmarks include the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain and the Burlington Waterfront Park, which offer opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation.

● Academics

Edmunds Middle School offers a rigorous academic program, with courses in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, aligned with standards from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Science Teachers Association. The school also provides opportunities for students to explore foreign languages, including Spanish, French, and Chinese, through programs like Rosetta Stone and Language Learning International. Additionally, Edmunds Middle School has a strong focus on arts education, with classes in music, visual arts, and drama, inspired by institutions like the Juilliard School and the Tisch School of the Arts. The school's curriculum is also influenced by local organizations, such as the Vermont Arts Council and the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts.

● Extracurricular Activities

Edmunds Middle School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams like soccer, basketball, and volleyball, which compete in the Lake Division and are supported by organizations like the National Federation of State High School Associations and the Vermont Principals' Association. The school also has a strong music program, with bands, choirs, and orchestras that perform at events like the Vermont Music Educators Association conference and the Burlington Jazz Festival. Other extracurricular activities include clubs like Robotics Club, Debate Team, and Environmental Club, which are supported by organizations like NASA, National Geographic, and the Sierra Club. Students also have opportunities to participate in community service projects, such as volunteering at the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf and the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program.

● Notable Alumni

Edmunds Middle School has a number of notable alumni, including Bernie Sanders, who attended the school before going on to graduate from James Madison High School and later becoming a United States Senator and Democratic Party presidential candidate. Other notable alumni include Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, co-founders of Ben & Jerry's, who have spoken at the school about the importance of social entrepreneurship and community involvement. The school has also produced successful artists, such as Phish drummer Jon Fishman, who has performed at venues like Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Additionally, Edmunds Middle School alumni have gone on to attend prestigious institutions like Harvard University, Yale University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and have worked for organizations like Google, Microsoft, and National Public Radio.

Category:Schools in Vermont