SARAH SCOTT MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sarah Scott Middle School exemplifies the strengths of neighborhood-based education. Located in the South Central region of Terre Haute, Indiana, our school serves a vibrant and diverse student population through a comprehensive array of academic and co-curricular programs. Our intentionally small class sizes foster personalized instruction and support the development of each student’s unique talents and potential. We offer a full schedule of academic courses, complemented by opportunities to participate in clubs, athletics, and academic competitions—ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. At Sarah Scott, we deeply value the partnership between families and educators. Parents and guardians play an essential role in shaping a positive, collaborative school culture that promotes student success and achievement.
Mission
We recognize that middle school level students have special social, emotional, physical, and academic needs that are different from those of younger students and from those of older secondary students. It is, therefore, the mission of Sarah Scott Middle School to concentrate all efforts on being educationally and developmentally responsive. We strive to enable all our students to enjoy a lifetime of learning and to acquire the skills necessary to become productive citizens in a diverse and changing world.
Vision
- At Sarah Scott Middle School We Believe That:Students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process.
- Students learn best when our staff maintains high expectations for learning.
- Curriculum needs to incorporate a variety of learning activities to accommodate differences in student learning.
- Effective school leaders engage in practices that support the ongoing improvement of teaching and student performance.
- Teachers, administrators, parents, and the community share the responsibility for helping learning.
Sarah Scott Middle School: A Legacy of Educational Leadership
Sarah Scott Middle School, formerly known as Sarah Scott Junior High until 1995, honors the enduring legacy of Miss Sarah Scott—a dedicated educator whose career in Terre Haute began in 1881 and continued until her passing in 1915. Miss Scott taught mathematics and other subjects across several schools, beginning with the Fourth Ward School District. In 1884, she transitioned to the newly established Wiley High School at Seventh and Walnut Streets. Her commitment to academic excellence was recognized in 1911 when she was appointed head of Wiley’s mathematics department, a position she held until her death on August 27, 1915.
The school bearing her name officially opened on March 17, 1919, with an initial enrollment of 308 students and a faculty of thirteen. G. Lawrence Jones served as the founding principal for an impressive thirty-five years, retiring in 1954. His successor, Mr. Mark McCullough, ushered in a transformative era, overseeing an $800,000 expansion completed in February 1962. Upon his retirement later that year, Mr. Wayne Gormong assumed leadership until 1972.
Mr. Vyron Jones led the school from 1972 to 1986, followed by Mr. Carlos Aballi (1986–1993) and Dr. Sandra Kelley (1993–1999). Under Dr. Kelley’s leadership, Sarah Scott Middle School transitioned to a new facility on the same site in the fall of 1999, continuing to honor its namesake.
Subsequent principals have each contributed to the school’s growth and evolution:
- Mr. Mark Miller (1999–2011)
- Mr. Greg Gauer (2011–2013)
- Dr. Bruce Lautenschlager (2013–2015)
- Ms. Scotia R. Brown (2015–2024)
- Ms. Rachel Cox, a proud Sarah Scott alumna (2024–2025)
In the fall of 2025, Mr. Joseph Thoma became the latest in a distinguished line of principals, continuing the school’s tradition of excellence and leadership.
