Why would you send a sixth-grade boy to boarding school? Shouldn't a ninth-grade student start high school? What is a junior boarding school? Make an appointment to visit us today and learn why Eaglebrook, a boarding and day school for boys in middle school, might be the right place for your son.
Eaglebrook School was founded in 1922 by Howard Gibbs as a private boarding and day school for boys in middle school. Learn about our school in Deerfield, Massachusetts then and now, and read about the Core Skills we think every boy should know.
At Eaglebrook, we recognize that all students learn in different ways, vary in their innate abilities, and come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Classes at Eaglebrook are organized to meet the needs of each boy.
Eaglebrook is a close community of middle school students, teachers, and their families. Activities outside of the academic classroom are important to the intellectual, social, physical, and emotional development of boys in middle school. Learn about the programs we offer at Eaglebrook, from athletics to arts.
At Eaglebrook, boys learn more than they ever thought possible, discover inner resources, develop self-confidence, and have fun along the way. Delivering on our mission is only possible through the incredible generosity of alumni, parents, parents of alumni, and friends.”
The Fourth Form science curriculum is an introduction to chemistry, physics, and life science. The goal of the fall term is to engage students in chemistry through inquiry based learning. Specific topics include states of matter, atomic structure, and chemical reactions. In the winter term, students will encounter engineering challenges where underlying physics concepts are emphasized. Newton’s laws of motion are examined as well as key forces affecting the structures. The focus of the spring term is to understand how species in different ecosystems interact. Students will investigate where species live and which of those make up a community and ecosystem. An overview of cells, plants, the food chain, and biomes in marine and forest ecosystems is also completed.
Text: Holt Science and Technology Life Science, ISBN#: 003046224X
This course covers varied subjects under the umbrella of earth sciences such as astronomy, geology, paleontology, geochemistry, oceanography, and meteorology. Students investigate these topics in the classroom and laboratory in order to establish a foundation of skills necessary for a full laboratory course in biology during the Sixth Form year. An emphasis is placed on scientific writing, measuring and recording data, and detailed analysis while also developing the students’ foundation of knowledge and vocabulary necessary for moving forward within the sciences. Since earth science is such a broad group of sciences, individual classes have the opportunity to pursue material that they find particularly interesting without sacrificing their pursuit of core scientific skills. Through this differentiation of topics covered, we seek to instill in students a genuine and lasting interest and enthusiasm for science.
Text: McGraw Hill Earth Science, ISBN#: 007677497X
Fifth Form Human Anatomy and Physiology
Human Anatomy and Physiology is limited to Fifth Form students who have already successfully completed a full year of earth science. This course starts by examining the animal cell and the basic structure and function of the human body. The rest of the year is spent studying specific body systems with a particular focus on disease and injury. Each student completes several dissections and labs that highlight the structure and function of each body system.
Biology introduces students to the underlying structures and processes of living organisms. The course begins at the atomic level where students gain an understanding of organic building blocks, chemical bonding, and the functions of the major organic compounds. Building from this foundation, students evaluate characteristics of living organisms, analyzing cell structure, function, and metabolism. Connections are developed between genetics, heredity, and evolution. Modern lab techniques are introduced including DNA electrophoresis and genetics transformation. The ecology unit uncovers the connections between organisms and their environment, as students and teachers explore the pond, woods, and streams on campus. The year concludes with an exploration of complex organisms through dissection, analyzing body systems, and observing adaptations.
Text: Miller and Levine Biology, On Level, ISBN#: 0133669513
Third Form Science is a full year course that focuses on observation and inquiry based learning. Topics of study include: the classification of trees and dendrology, invasive species, exposure to chemistry and physics, and field work in the area to support these topics. At the end of the year, the students’ final project consists of a comprehensive report relating their fieldwork to the topics covered during the year. Students keep notebooks that become both a resource and a record of their studies through the year in science. Being able to clearly communicate one’s thinking, both verbally, in writing, and in diagrams is an important part of Third Form Science.
BriannaHarnden
Chair of Science Deparment; Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach
Brie joined the Eaglebrook community in the fall of 2021 as an assistant swim coach. She now teaches Biology and Anatomy in the Science Department and coaches varsity water polo, swimming, and varsity track and field. She is also pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from UMass Lowell.
Brie lives in Kravis House with her fiancé, Gabe, their dog, Molly, and their two cats, Pumpkin and Mingo. Outside of Eaglebrook, she enjoys distance swimming, traveling with Gabe, baking gluten-free treats, and curling up with a cup of coffee on a rainy day.
Mike Armstrong joined the Eaglebrook Faculty from the Loomis Chaffee School and will be teaching Fifth Form Earth Science and coaching Cross Country, Hockey, and Lacrosse. Mike attended Williams College for undergrad where he studied geoscience and history and played on the Division 3 Varsity Hockey and Lacrosse teams. He received his Master of Science degree in Earth and Environmental Science at Boston College, studying salt marsh ecosystems, and has also worked as an environmental consultant. Mike resides down the hill at Deerfield Academy with his wife, Hannah. In his free time, you would be most likely to find Mike swimming, biking, running, spending time outside, or reading a good book. Mike is excited to join the Eaglebrook community!
Spencer Bell joined the Eaglebrook faculty in the fall of 2023 after graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in Packaging Science and Business Management. He teaches Fourth Form science, serves on the Mayer House advisory, and coaches golf. In his free time, Spencer enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending time with family.
Britt joined the Eaglebrook community in 2021, beginning in the Main Office as assistant to Shappy LaPointe. The following year, she transitioned into the full Eaglebrook role of teacher, coach, and dorm parent. She now teaches Fifth Form Earth Science in the Science Department. Britt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Conservation with a focus in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Britt lives in Flagler House with her partner, Colby Runk, and their five pets—a dog, two cats, a gecko, and a fish. In her free time, she plays rugby for the local Springfield Rifles, enjoys outdoor activities, baking, and pursues creative outlets such as painting and playing music.
RichardLee
Teacher, Dormitory Advisor, Coach
(413) 774-9286
Harvard University Illinois Math and Science Academy
Ryan McClure joined the Eaglebrook Faculty in 2023 following his graduation from Dartmouth College. At Eaglebrook, he helps Sixth Form students unravel the mysteries of life by teaching Biology. Ryan also teaches a section of Fourth Form Pre-Algebra. Athletically, he coaches cross country, competitive skiing, and Thirds baseball. Ryan resides on campus in Eagles Nest with his girlfriend, Erika, and pet cat, Scout. During his summers, he directs the Program Team for the 1st-3rd Grade "Seeds" Program at Camp Wapo in Amery, Wisconsin. In his free time, Ryan loves spending quiet nights with his cat, playing trumpet and guitar, skiing, candlepin bowling, and fanatically cheering for the professional sports teams of Minnesota, his home state.
Michael joined the Eaglebrook community in the fall of 2025. He earned a Master’s degree in Athletic Training and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Exercise Science from Springfield College, where he was a member of the football team throughout his five-year collegiate career. His clinical experiences include working with the University of Massachusetts football team, assisting in public high school athletic programs, and completing a 400-hour internship at Agawam High School.
At Eaglebrook, Michael teaches Anatomy and Health and supports Athletic Training alongside Tarah. In his free time, he enjoys staying active through golf, basketball, cornhole, and working out.
LoisMoulton
Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach
North Adams State College - B.A. University of Massachusetts, Amherst - M.Ed
Lois has been involved in every facet of Eaglebrook life since arriving on campus in 1995. She teaches Sixth Form biology, Fourth Form science, and also offers electives throughout the year. She is also a Fifth Advisor in Taylor dorm. Her other duties often include supervising study halls and afternoon snack.
Lois lives in housing adjacent to the tennis courts and has two grown children who spent most of their formative years on Eaglebrook’s campus. She enjoys taking daily hikes, spending lots of time outdoors, visiting family and friends, baking, reading, gardening, geocaching, and working on her art projects.
HeidiPieroni
Teacher, Dormitory Advisor, Coach
(413) 774-7411
John Burroughs School (Secondary School) Saint Louis University, University of Pennsylvania - Master's Degree (CFA, CPA, MBA, MA, MS)
Heidi brings a teaching background spanning from 7th grade through graduate school, combining scientific rigor with creative passion. She has taught AP Biology and served as both Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Director of Admissions and Enrollment. Recently completing her master’s degree in creative writing, Heidi integrates her love of literature, art, mathematics, and science, all connected by her deep appreciation for nature and animals.
Heidi and her husband, Mike, recently moved from St. Louis, Missouri. They live with their four children—Izzy, Addie, Sam, and Penny—and their pets, including a large dog named Stanley, two cats, and a bearded dragon. Heidi enjoys reading, creating art, and traveling, and has led student trips to the Galapagos Islands and South Africa, sharing her curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery with the next generation.
271 Pine Nook Road | P. O. Box 7 | Deerfield, MA 01342 | 413-774-7411