Religious Studies
The total educational program is directed toward the Christian formation of the child. The school community as a worshipping, loving, and sharing community provides a spiritually enriching setting for this formation. The religion classes continue the sequence begun in the Lower School. Grade 5 studies the Catholic Tradition and Sacraments; Grade 6 studies an introduction to the Bible and Old Testament; Grade 7 studies The New Testament and Church History; and Grade 8 studies an introduction to morality, social justice, types of prayer and models of Christian lifestyles.
Language Arts
The Middle School language arts program is continuous and integrated, building and expanding each year on the skills taught previously. The program combines the study/practice of grammer, research, composition, vocabulary development, communication skills, and oratory.
Reading and Literature
The reading program in Grades 5 and 6 employs a multi-faceted approach to meet the varying needs of students. The reading program concentrates on the development of critical reading skills, provides an introduction to literature, and attempts to make each child a lifelong learner. The literature program in Grades 7 and 8 covers the novel, short story, mythology, poetry, and Shakespeare as well as research skills and writing a research paper.
Mathematics
The goal of the Middle School program is to solidify and strengthen basic concepts and procedures and to establish first notions of open-ended problems, basic goemetry, and algebra. Students in Grade 8 who qualify may complete Algebra I.
Social Studies
History, geography, and current events form the three-fold emphasis in the social studies program. The fifth grade curriculum includes the geography, culture, and history of Canada and Latin America, while the sixth grade curriculum focuses on Asia and Africa and concludes with a humnaities research project. The seventh grade curriculum focuses on the history and geography of Louisiana and all related issues of current events. The eighth grade curriculum included the study of U. S. history with a spiral emphasis on current issues and government.
Science
Students are encouraged to use the scientific method to investigate the world of matter, energy, space, and living systems. Emphasis is placed on the development of initiative, logical thinking, and problem-solving through hands-on experimentation. Students are encouraged to think rationally and to act responsibly in dealing with the environment. Areas of study include general science, life science, physical science, and earth and space science.
Foreign Language
Students in the fifth grade study Latin and Greek/Roman mythology. For the sixth grade, students select their language study, either French or Spanish, and this course of studies continues through the eighth grade.
Art
The objectives of the art program include developing the creative capacity of all students, stimulating sensory awareness, understanding formal artistic elements and the principles of art, and the use and care for tools.
Computer Studies
Middle School students attend computer class once a week. Students acquire the skills necessary to use and value the computer as a learning tool through various interdisciplinary projects in conjunction with their academic coursework. They use computers to become seekers, navigators, evaluators, critical thinkers, analyzers and selectors of information. In addition, they work toward being effective communicators, publishers of knowledge, and responsible citizens in a technological age.
Music
Music is a performance-based choral program. handbells are included in Grade 8.
Electives
In Grade 8, students elect classes for enrichment such as studio art, publications, quiz bowl, Odyssey of the Mind, drama, Math Counts, fitness, clown ministry, Jr. Beta Club, and the stock market. Other classes are offered as interest and time allow.
Physical Education
The physical education curriculum for grades 5-8 is a fitness-based curriculum. Middle School begins the application of the skills learned in Pre and Lower school and applies them to game situations. Rules, strategies, and techniques are incorporated into the curriculum. Physical fitness is stressed and nutrition, first aid, and diseases are included in the health curriculum. A physical fitness test is administered to the students each year.
Athletics
The Middle School athletic program provides interscholastic competition for grades six through eight. At the basic level, athletes are instructed in fundamental skills and are introduced to the competitive phase of sports. The teams are divided by skill level, so that from the onset, the students feel successful. Participation and skill acquisition are emphasized over winning. In the seventh and eighth grades, students who demonstrate advanced skill participate in more competitive situations. Volleyball, basketball, soccer, swimming, and softball are examples of offerings for Middle School students.
Developmental Counseling Program
The goal of the Developmental Counseling Program is to aid students in meeting the challenges of modern life secure in the knowledge of themselves, the world around them, and the skills to formulate, articulate, and actualize their uniqueness. Trained counselors provide individual sessions for Grades N-12. Classroom sessions are provided within the framework of the schedule for Grades 5-7. Small groups may meet with a counselor to explore issues and problems important to each respective age group.
Library/Research Skills
Library and research are taught contextually and in conjunction with Middle School curriculum through use of the electronic catalogue, print and non-print media, including reference materials and bibliographic citations. The seventh grade curriculum includes a non-graded library/research skills class emphasizing hands-on research skills, generally applied to class projects and papers. The class usually meets every two weeks, alternating with guidance class.
After School Enrichment
In addition to athletics, the Middle School offers after school enrichment programs for interested students in grades five through eight through a private vendor for a fee. The school reserves the right to cancel any of these programs if there is insufficient participation and to withdraw the privilege of participation from any student who does not comply with school policies and/or behavioral expectations of the program.
Student Council
Students elect student council representatives in each homeroom, while each grade elects a president and a vice president. These officers meet weekly at lunch meetings to plan and coordinate monthly projects. They also conduct routine tasks around school, such as coordinating fund raising projects for charitable causes, handling lost and found items, etc.
The Eighth Grade Trip to Dauphin Island
Annually, the eighth grade goes on a three day retreat. It incorporates activities from the major disciplines and affords the class an opportunity to form a special social bond.
