During the year, the middle school holds four student socials that take place outside of the regular school day. They are a fantastic way to help students build stronger connections across their grade level in a fun and relaxed setting. These events offer a supervised environment where students can practice important social skills like inclusion, empathy, and communication while enjoying activities that encourage laughter and shared experiences.

Middle school student council is a powerful way to promote leadership, student voice, and a more student-centered school environment. Through the election process, students gain valuable experience in public speaking and confidently expressing their ideas. Once elected, student council members are actively involved in decisions that affect student life, helping to plan events, suggest improvements, and represent their peers. Weekly meetings provide a safe and supportive space for students to grow as leaders, collaborators, and changemakers.

Middle school grade-level retreats are a meaningful and memorable way to build a stronger sense of community among students. These off-campus day experiences are designed to help students connect with one another through team-building activities, unstructured play, and shared moments of reflection during devotion time. By stepping away from the regular school environment, students are encouraged to try new things, step outside their comfort zones, and engage in experiences that foster trust, collaboration, and personal growth. As leaders of our middle school, the 8th grade enjoys an overnight retreat and selects a Bible verse for the school year. This verse guides our Middle School Spiritual Life Committee and quickly becomes a guiding light for our daily devotions in middle school convocation.

Middle school grade-level Interim trips are a cornerstone of experiential learning and personal growth, offering students exciting opportunities to explore new places, build relationships, and develop independence. These thoughtfully planned trips grow with each grade level. Fifth graders enjoy day trips around Nashville that connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. Sixth graders travel to Space Camp, where they dive into hands-on STEM activities and teamwork during their first overnight adventure. Seventh graders take a multi-day trip to Chattanooga, deepening friendships and confidence through shared experiences away from home. Eighth graders participate in a capstone overnight journey to Washington D.C., where they explore history, culture, and civic engagement in a meaningful and memorable way.

Fun Day is a beloved middle school tradition designed to build cross-grade level friendships and celebrate community through playful competition and teamwork. Students are grouped into vibrant color teams and spend a half day participating in hilarious and spirited games. The event encourages students to work together, support one another, and build team spirit—all while having fun! It’s a joyful way to strengthen relationships, promote school pride, and make lasting memories.

The upper school house system at FRA promotes relationships among students and faculty that are inspiring, encouraging, and nurturing in all aspects of school life. The vertical alignment of each house promotes leadership and ownership for upperclassmen while providing mentorship and guidance for underclassmen. All upper school students are split into Alpha and Omega houses. There are eight houses on each side (Alpha and Omega) for a total of 16 houses. The houses compete throughout the year, but specifically during A/O events, HoCo week, Christmas week, and May Day.

Upper school student council is a powerful way to promote leadership, student voice, and a more student-centered school environment. Through the election process, students gain valuable experience in public speaking and confidently expressing their ideas. Once elected, student council members are actively involved in decisions that affect student life, helping to plan events, suggest improvements, and represent their peers. Weekly meetings offer a safe and supportive environment for students to develop as leaders, collaborators, and changemakers.

The FRAternity is our spirited student section. Led by nominated leaders who are skilled in generating excitement, the FRAternity is present at all co-curricular upper school events. These students enthusiastically encourage and support their peers through a positive and lively atmosphere. Their aim is to ensure that our students feel celebrated, inspired, and proud to be Panthers!

Homecoming Week at FRA is special. From themed dress-up days to the homecoming pep rally and upper school dance on Saturday, it is a campus-wide celebration that brings our entire community together. By having cross-campus activities through Panther Pals, we also encourage all of our students to connect and share their Panther spirit. Our alumni visit on Friday to take part in the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the homecoming parade, featuring our seniors and the homecoming court.

• Praise and Worship Singers (PAWS) – 3rd and 4th grade students
• Lower School Cross Country – K-4 students
• Kids Rock Marathon Team – Pre-K – 4th grade students
• Student Worship Team – 3rd and 4th grade students
• Student Library Assistants – 4th grade students
• Keeping Up with the FRAmily (student broadcast team) – 4th grade students