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Middle School | 6–8 Curriculum

St. Mary’s Middle School is departmentalized in all areas. This does not indicate, however, that subjects are taught in isolation. Thematic planning and integration of technology with all content areas draws the curriculum into a cohesive unit.

Middle School Curriculum

List of 8 items.

  • Language Arts

    The Language Arts Curriculum is literature based, with emphasis on vocabulary development and application. Each grade level reads challenging novels and learns to analyze and interpret quality literature. Writing and poetry, narrative and research papers are developed, presented and published. Current topics in Science, Social Studies, and Religion are incorporated into the writing curriculum. Technology and media skills are important tools in the writing process.

  • Math

    The Math Curriculum includes the investigation of mathematical connections. Math is seen as an integrated whole. Students explore problems and describe results using graphical, numerical, physical and algebraic representations. Grade six introduces decimals, percentages, ratios, and formalize geometry. Problem-solving strategies now include graphing, scale drawings and logical tables.

    In seventh grade, students add the use of formulas, expressions and equations to previously learned skills. Students entering grade 7 may qualify for placement in one of three Math courses: 7th Grade Math, Pre-Algebra, or Algebra.

    Similarly, the eighth-grade students are placed in one of three course options, Pre-Algebra, high school Algebra I or Geometry. These placements are rigorous and based on student achievement-based criteria.

  • Social Studies

    The Social Studies Curriculum is specific by grade level. Sixth-grade students move from American history to world cultures, geography and religions. The seventh-grade curriculum explores U.S. History 1300-1865, and in eighth grade, the focus is on U.S. History 1805-1970.

  • Science

    Science in Middle school is charged with inquiry and discovery. The scientific method is developed and mastered through challenging lab projects in purpose-built science labs. The students are engaged in the study of Earth Science in sixth grade, Life Science in seventh grade and Physical Science in eighth grade.

  • Religion

    Middle School Religion introduces the students to Bible study, moral formation, and community service. There is an increased awareness of the flow of liturgical seasons and their connection to Scripture.

  • Foreign Language

    At St. Mary’s, students in grades 6–8 are immersed in Spanish language learning through an engaging and dynamic curriculum. They explore key concepts such as noun gender, definite and indefinite articles, and verb conjugation in the present, past, and future tenses. As they build a strong vocabulary foundation, students also develop their conversational skills through increased emphasis on dialogue and interactive activities. The program incorporates tactile and visual learning strategies to support a deeper understanding and lasting language acquisition.

  • Technology

    At St. Mary’s, technology plays a vital role in supporting and enriching the learning experience. Through our 1:1 program, each student uses a school-owned iPad to engage with interactive lessons, access digital resources, and collaborate across subjects. Select STEM programs also utilize Chromebooks for specialized applications that enhance project-based learning. All classrooms are equipped with ViewSonic ViewBoards, providing dynamic, interactive instruction that fosters participation and deeper understanding. Our intentional use of technology helps students grow as capable, confident digital learners.

  • Specials

    The Art Curriculum provides an understanding of visual arts in relation to history, culture and the Catholic faith. Students understand and apply media, technology, techniques and processes, and use knowledge of elements of art and principles of design.

    Physical Education classes incorporate a variety of team and individual opportunities that increase the student's physical health while promoting sportsmanship and teamwork.

    Our STEM classes highlight the use of integrated technologies, recycled materials and challenging objectives in the dedicated STEM lab. Students participate in weekly STEM classes to enhance critical thinking skills, problem-solving and diverse learning objectives.

Grading

List of 4 items.

  • Report Cards

    A report card is a trimester report from the child's teacher that indicates the child's progress. Conferences may be scheduled by teacher or parent at any time.

  • Progress Reports

    Progress reports are distributed to all students each trimester, providing families with timely updates on academic performance and overall progress.

  • Exams

    6–8 Trimester Exams
    Trimester exams count for 20% of the trimester grade (e.g., 500 total points = 100-point exam; 600 total points = 120-point exam).
     
    6th Grade
    • Trimester 1: Math & Social Studies
    • Trimester 2: Math & Science
    • Trimester 3: Math, English Language Arts, & Spanish
     
    7th Grade
    • Trimester 1: Math* & Social Studies
    • Trimester 2: Math* , Social Studies, & Science
    • Trimester 3: Math* , Social Studies, & English Language Arts
     
    8th Grade
    • Trimester 1: Math* , Social Studies, & Science
    • Trimester 2: Math* , Social Studies, Science, & English Language Arts
    • Trimester 3: Math* , Social Studies, Science, & English Language Arts
    • Students with a year-long average of 95% or above may opt out and serve as teacher helpers during the exam period.
     
    *Math exams reflect the student’s course placement.

  • Honor Roll

    HONOR ROLL (for students in Grades 6 – 8 only)
    Students in grades 6 – 8 who demonstrate high academic achievement and who positively impact the learning environment through engagement are placed on the Honor Roll based on the following criteria: 
    PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL: Student earns all As in core subjects and Satisfactory or better in all special classes, standard, effort, and conduct including unstructured time. 
    FIRST HONORS: Student earns all As and Bs in their core subjects with a minimum of four As. Satisfactory or better in all special classes, standard, effort, and conduct including unstructured time. 
    SECOND HONORS: Student earns As and Bs, with a minimum of four Bs. Satisfactory or better in all special classes, standard, effort, and conduct including unstructured time. 
     

Grading Scale

Marking Codes Grades 3-8

A+ = 97-100
A = 93-96
B+ = 89-92
B = 85-88
C+ = 80-84
C = 75-79
D = 70-74
E = 69 and Below

Specials Achievement Comments

P = Demonstrates Proficiency
V = Very Good Progress
G = Good
S = Satisfactory
I = Improvement Needed
N = Not Yet Demonstrating

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