It's a Great Day to be a Panther in Pursuit!

10 Reasons Sandburg Stands Out

Sandburg Middle School serves students in grades 7 and 8. Known for its diverse student body and strong academic programs, the school emphasizes both academic excellence and personal growth. Sandburg offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and clubs, to support well-rounded student development. The school is dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment and preparing students for success in high school and beyond.

Our Teachers Are Dedicated

During the 2023-2024 school year, Ms. Ty Augustin was selected as the Region 3 Outstanding Secondary Teacher nominee, and was one of 6 finalists celebrated in last year's FCPS Honors Awards. Ms. Augustin is an advocate for students, a teacher leader at Sandburg, and an ambassador to our community.

Parent Project Strengthens Our School Community

The Parent Project class empowers parents to work in partnership with the school to help us educate and transform our teens. This past year, a pyramidwide course had parents participate from all elementary feeder schools and high schools participate, in addition to our middle school families. This further strengthened Sandburg's relationship with families in our community.

Sandburg Welcomes Military Families

As a Purple Star school, Sandburg hosts a series of events for our military families each year. With over 200 military students enrolled at our school, Sandburg works with our local military liaisons to develop community and student programs that support the continual growth of military students, and increase the collaboration and support for military families. Our programs include Purple Star tours, Purple Star welcome events, and our celebration of the military child in April. We work with our military liaisons from Ft. Belvoir to develop programming that meets the diverse needs of military families each year.

Jostens Renaissance Shapes Our School Culture

We use the Jostens Renaissance framework to shape our school climate and culture. Through the use of pep rallies, interdisciplinary house points, leadership opportunities, and recognition programs, celebrating the success of our students and Staff is a large cornerstone of our work here at Sandburg. This work is helping the school establish its identity for what makes a Sandburg Panthers.

Physical Fitness and Movement at Sandburg

Students maintain their physical fitness through the use of our four physical education spaces, which allow for sports, as well as recreational activities. Our school grounds feature a set of 8 tennis courts, two regulation ball fields, a full soccer field, and a turf field with a 400m track. Students have access to a fully equipped workout gym that is equipped with free weights, weight machines, and enough stationary bikes to have spin classes.

Principal Underhill Honored

We are thrilled to announce that our very own Principal, Mr. Underhill, has been honored with the Excellence in Innovation and Improvement Award. Through his efforts, Principal Underhill has launched and implemented initiatives that have impacted our school community, FCPS staff, and—most importantly—our students. From enhancing academic programs to fostering a culture of collaboration and growth, he continues to set the standard for excellence.

Performing Arts and Music Programs

Sandburg Middle School has a thriving fine, music, and performing arts program. Annually, students have been exhibitors at the Pyramid Visual Arts Show, and our musicians have earned first-place awards annually through the Music in the Parks Assessment Program. Most notably, our student music program continues to receive the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Blue Ribbon Award for superior ranked performances in their annual Virginia Assessment Programs each year. Many of our Panthers go on to participate in the Fine and Performing Arts Academy at West Potomac High School. 

Running at Sandburg

Carl Sandburg Middle School fielded one of the largest MS Cross Country Teams and Track teams during the 2023-2024 inaugural year. Students from Sandburg placed in the top 10 countywide, highlighting the strength of the Panther's athletic program.

Student Leadership at Sandburg

Our Pawsitivity Squad is a group of students who meet weekly after school to support our teachers and assist with tasks around our school. Our Panthers are making a positive impact on their school and community.

Our Teachers Are Noticed

Sandburg Middle School has had multiple teachers recognized for their outstanding commitment to our students in March, May, and July/August. These teachers embody a unique blend of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication. They are more than educators; they are mentors, advocates, and role models for students navigating one of the most transformative stages of their lives. Their commitment transforms classrooms into safe havens, where students can academically and emotionally thrive, knowing they are seen, heard, and supported.

Sandburg Middle School is more than just a place of learning; it's a community where young minds are nurtured, and spirits are uplifted. Join us on this journey of discovery and growth, and experience the power of Panthers in Pursuit at Sandburg for yourself.