Walt Whitman Middle School first opened in 1961 with an enrollment of 1,066 in the same location that Mount Vernon High School now sits. The school strives to meet the needs of all 982 7th and 8th graders. Special programing is available for students with learning disabilities and those who are learning English as a second language. Additional programs include science olympiad, a mentoring program, after-school extended academic day and SOL preparation classes.