6th-8th Grade

We believe that mathematics is a life skill. Through perseverance we learn to apply problem solving skills to everyday situations. Our program emphasizes logic, exploration, critical thinking, cooperation, and reasoning. The classes are tiered by ability and learning style in the middle school (covering most of the same curriculum at each grade level, just at a different pace). Basic pre-algebra is taught in 6th grade, pre-algebra in 7th grade, and Algebra I in 8th grade.

We believe that all students can and should be able to use scientific principles that connect to a body of scientific and engineering knowledge acquired through active participation, and hands on laboratory experiences, rooted in scientific inquiry and engineering design with a focus toward scientific literacy.

In 6th grade science we focus on introductory physics and chemistry.  We perform many labs and students learn the value of keeping good science notebooks.

In 7th grade science we focus on an introduction to biology.  Students have labs regularly including several dissections.  While students continue to develop their skills in keeping scientific notebooks, they also work on their scientific drawing skills.  All 7th grade students participate in designing and conducting an independent science fair project.

In 8th grade science we study the Earth and its place in space. We perform labs regularly as well as using several different electronic simulations to help us better understand some concepts that are too large to test in a classroom setting. Students continue to develop their skills in keeping scientific notebooks, and scientific drawing. All 8th grade students participate in designing and conducting an independent science fair project.

We believe that a Humanities curriculum should support and guide the development of our students understanding of the world in which we live through the study of human culture, encompassing areas like literature, philosophy, languages, the arts, citizenship, geography, economics, and history. They explore how humans express ideas, create meaning, and understand the world, both past and present. The humanities foster critical thinking, empathy, and creativity.

Language Arts focuses on the development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Through their study of Language Arts, students understand the value and importance of language as they analyze, discuss, and create. They gain a greater understanding of humanity and their own thoughts and are challenged to communicate those ideas in clear, reasonable ways. Great works of literature are aligned with our Humanities Curriculum.  Minnesota State Standards and National Standards are followed. 

Reading: Students read a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction literature to improve comprehension while responding to text in a variety of ways. They learn to analyze text for themes, plot, characterization, conflict, structure, claims, and bias. 

Writing: Extensive grammar lessons include sentence structure, parts of speech and decoding vocabulary with context clues. Writing begins with basic sentence and paragraph structure, pre- and post-reading strategies, and summarizing skills. Writing progresses with increasing difficulty, including outlining, summaries, critiques, creative writing, and research essays including bibliography requirements and citations.

Speaking & Listening: Students engage in opportunities to practice both listening and speaking in different ways to be thoughtful, responsible contributors to society. Students improve communication skills through listening and speaking in front of the large group in Socratic Seminars and self-created skits. They speak in small group discussions, read-alouds, and presentations. Seventh and Eighth graders also compete in our traditional Declamation Project where they memorize and present a famous speech from history. 

Elementary and Middle School students have a comprehensive and integrated Theology series. The series is called “Faith and Life.” The Faith and Life series emphasizes the scriptural basis of our Faith. Each chapter opens with a Scripture passage, beautiful images, vocabulary words and important verses supplement the text where relevant. It closes with questions and answers based on Church teaching, as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Other supplemental books and activities are used to fulfill the knowledge of understanding of the subject and the celebration of the liturgical season.