Middle School 6-8 Curriculum

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
Primary 1-3
Intermediate 4-5
Middle School 6-8

·	The Old Testament, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and Church Doctrine and History are the basis of the Religious study. Students also participate in a Respect Life program. Students in middle school learn about various religious role models through their study of Church History.

The goal of the middle school Language Arts program is to provide a broad understanding of linguistic structure, emphasizing grammar skills, creative writing, and speaking. Language mechanics and spelling are reinforced through written assignments. In eighth grade, students learn the steps for successful writing of a research paper with contextual notes and bibliography.

·	Through a literature-based Reading program, students begin a formal study and analysis of literature. Literary genres are explored and students are expected to express themselves via poetry, free response and compositions.

·	Mathematics continues the exploration of basic operations, fractions, decimals, whole numbers, integers, and geometry. These basics are expanded through the study of measurement, consumer math, ratio, proportion, percentage, probability, statistics, graphing, pre-algebra, and algebraic formulas.

The Social Studies program includes the study of world cultures, European History, American History and United States Government. Geography, civic duties and cultural diversity are stressed throughout the middle school curriculum. Current events and the use of maps, charts, and graphs are incorporated.

The Science curriculum provides a variety of learning experiences while encouraging active participation in the learning process. In science, the areas of life, earth, and physical science are taught. Cooperative learning and lab work provides opportunities for students to develop the ability to use the processes of scientific inquiry.

·	Spanish is introduced in grade six and is taught as a major subject in grades seven and eight. Areas of study include the alphabet, phonetics, grammar, vocabulary, conversation and culture.

Middle School Skills are taught using manipulatives, problem solving strategies, group debate and discussions. Skills are assessed using standard written tests and quizzes, individual and group projects, research reports and teacher observation.