MIDDLE SCHOOL: GRADES 5-8
Our top priority is to provide a safe space infused with strong faith-based values where young people can thrive. In middle school, our focus is to foster independence, solid study skills, and good decision making.
Students are encouraged to cultivate a sense of personal responsibility and self-discipline. Our curriculum focuses on the development of the whole child as they grow into the person they will become. Classes are taught in a supportive environment where students can explore in their learning while honing their skills.
Departmentalization of core subjects, like science and social studies, begins in fifth grade and continues through eighth grade. Students enjoy multiple field trips each school year, ranging from local areas to out-of-state, for older children.
Middle School students have Physical Education and Spanish twice per week, along with Social Emotional Learning, Library, Music, and Art once per week. Students are also able to select an elective class of their choosing (space permitting) from the following course offerings: Art, Cursive Handwriting, Technology, Chorus, Mustang TV video production, or Faith Formation/Sacraments. Resource Teachers are available for 1-on-1 attention and support.
When our students graduate, they typically have their choice of high school. As highly educated, well-rounded young men and women imbued with Catholic moral values, they are equipped and ready to take on life’s challenges in their next chapter and beyond.
St. Mary’s school follows Archdiocese of Washington Academic standards.
For comprehensive, downloadable information by grade level on the curriculum standards, please visit the ADW Catholics Schools Website.
Digging Into the Details… FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADES
Religion:
In the middle grades, the religion curriculum emphasizes Catholic teaching through a foundation in the Mass and Old and New Testaments with support from The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students participate in school-wide masses and the Sacrament of Reconciliation quarterly and pray Rosaries on Marian Feast Days. Students continue to memorize Catholic prayers. The Family Life program is introduced at this level.
Language Arts:
The language arts program is a literature-based program with a focus on vocabulary development and reading comprehension. Grammar, spelling, and mechanics are an integral part of the writing program. The students continue to maintain the portfolio begun in kindergarten.
Mathematics:
The math curriculum stresses strong foundational skills, problem-solving, operations with fractions and decimals, and eventually pre-algebraic concepts with differentiated instruction to meet students’ needs.
Science:
Science instruction builds on concepts and techniques introduced in the earlier grades. The scientific process is used for student hands-on investigations. The students are taught critical reading strategies which apply to more technical material.
Social Studies:
Social studies programs include topics of history, civics, current events and geography with a strong emphasis on appreciation and respect for the various cultures that comprise the world population.
SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADES
Religion:
The religion program is a two-year preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is based on the doctrines of the Catholic Church as found in Scripture and Tradition. There is an emphasis on the Ten Commandments and the Creed. The students are led to understand how to make moral choices based on the Catholic faith and to establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Students attend school Mass one day a week. They participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation quarterly as well as Rosaries on Marian Feast Days. .
Language Arts:
The language arts curriculum is an integrated program of literature, grammar, vocabulary, and writing. The students write poems, personal narratives, short stories, and persuasive letters to add to their writing portfolios.
Mathematics:
Math instruction is designed to develop techniques and strategies to integrate math into daily life. The students learn and use formulae and algebraic expressions. They are introduced to the use of graphing calculators and computer spreadsheets. There are grade-level and accelerated classes.
Science:
The science program is designed to teach students to understand the universe around them. Our oldest students begin to delve into the subjects — life science, biology and human health — as well as the sciences of chemistry and physics.
Social Studies:
The social studies program focuses on history, civics, current events and geography. The students learn how to write a research paper.
LEARNING SUPPORT & SPECIAL EDUCATION
We believe every child is wonderfully unique, and we are committed to helping each student feel known, supported, and valued. Our school welcomes students with a variety of learning differences, and our dedicated Resource Teacher team works alongside classroom teachers to provide support and accommodation whenever possible. In grades 5-8, students work with our Resource Teacher in small groups during dedicated class time 2 or 3 times per week. Middle schoolers focus on executive function skills and remediation of foundational skills.
Because every child’s needs are different, and our resources are limited, support is considered on a case-by-case basis. We encourage families to reach out and share their child’s individual needs with us so that we can have an open conversation about how we may be able to support your child and help them thrive as a member of our school community.