DANCE

Dance students develop confidence, creativity, and technical skills while exploring movement as a form of artistic expression. Beginning in 5th and 6th grade, students are introduced to a variety of dance styles including ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and musical theater. Through technique classes, choreography projects, and performances, students build coordination, flexibility, spatial awareness, and self-expression. Students also research influential dancers and choreographers, gaining an appreciation for the history and evolution of dance.

In 7th grade, students participate in a semester-long, project-based dance course centered on movement composition and choreography. Working both independently and collaboratively, students create original works, engage in the creative process, and learn how to give and receive constructive feedback. The course emphasizes artistic growth, creative risk-taking, and ensemble collaboration.

MUSICAL THEATHER

The middle school performing arts experience culminates in 8th grade with a full-scale musical production. Every student participates in bringing the show to life, whether on stage or behind the scenes. Students gain hands-on experience with all aspects of theatrical production, including acting, singing, dancing, auditioning, directing, stage management, set design, and technical theater. This collaborative experience fosters confidence, leadership, creativity, and teamwork while creating lasting memories and a strong sense of community.

ENGLISH & LANGUAGE ARTS

The English & Language Arts program challenges students to become thoughtful readers, effective communicators, and confident writers. Across all grade levels, students engage with a diverse range of literature and informational texts while developing critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication skills.

Grade 5
Fifth-grade students build a strong foundation in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through the exploration of literature, informational texts, and the arts. Students analyze stories, poetry, and nonfiction while strengthening vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills. Through engaging projects and interdisciplinary learning experiences, students learn to express ideas clearly, think critically, and connect learning across subject areas.

Authentic writing experiences encourage students to develop essays, narratives, and research-based projects. A signature iLab interview project allows students to investigate themes of culture, heritage, and tradition by interviewing members of the school community and presenting their findings through written, oral, and creative formats.

Grade 6
Sixth-grade students deepen their understanding of literature and language through the study of novels, short stories, poetry, and nonfiction texts. As readers, they explore themes, character development, symbolism, conflict, and author’s craft. As writers, they compose personal narratives, literary analyses, argumentative essays, and original poetry while strengthening organization, evidence-based reasoning, and grammar skills.

Class discussions, presentations, and collaborative projects encourage students to communicate confidently and think creatively. The curriculum also incorporates connections to the visual and performing arts, helping students appreciate diverse perspectives and cultures while developing skills that prepare them for the academic rigor of upper middle school.

Grade 7
Seventh-grade English students strengthen their analytical reading, writing, and communication skills through the study of a diverse selection of literature, including historical fiction, realistic fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students learn to think critically about texts by analyzing character development, conflict, symbolism, theme, and author’s craft while supporting their ideas with textual evidence.

Writing instruction emphasizes both creativity and argumentation. Students compose personal narratives, creative pieces, research-based essays, and argumentative writing while developing skills in organization, style, grammar, and revision. Vocabulary development is integrated throughout the curriculum, and students learn to apply increasingly sophisticated language in both written and oral communication.

Through class discussions, presentations, and collaborative projects, students build confidence as communicators and deepen their understanding of how literature connects to history, culture, and the human experience. Signature projects, including the Personal Geography Project and interdisciplinary iLab experiences, encourage students to explore their own identities while developing research, design, and presentation skills.

Grade 8
The 8th Grade English program prepares students for the academic expectations of Upper School by strengthening their skills as readers, writers, thinkers, and communicators. Through the study of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, students learn to analyze literary elements, evaluate author’s craft, and interpret complex themes and ideas.

Writing instruction emphasizes the development of a strong personal voice and effective communication for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students compose literary analyses, persuasive essays, research-based projects, and creative works while refining their skills in prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Vocabulary study focuses on roots, prefixes, and suffixes to strengthen reading comprehension and word mastery, while grammar instruction reinforces effective writing style and sophisticated sentence construction.

Students regularly engage in discussion, presentations, and collaborative learning experiences that build confidence in public speaking and critical thinking. By the end of the year, students are well prepared for the rigor of Upper School coursework and have developed the skills necessary to communicate thoughtfully, write persuasively, and analyze texts with depth and insight.

LIBRARY & RESEARCH SKILLS

Research and information literacy skills are embedded throughout the Middle School curriculum. Students learn how to locate, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information using a variety of print and digital resources.

Working closely with classroom teachers and librarians, students develop essential research skills through authentic projects and assignments. They learn to use databases, digital tools, multimedia resources, and presentation platforms while practicing responsible and ethical use of information. These experiences prepare students for increasingly sophisticated academic research and lifelong learning.

MATHEMATICS

The Middle School Mathematics program empowers students to become confident problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and analytical learners. Through hands-on investigations, collaborative learning, real-world applications, and challenging problem-solving experiences, students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts while building the skills necessary for success in advanced coursework.

Grade 5
Fifth-grade mathematicians strengthen their understanding of number operations while exploring fractions, decimals, geometry, and early algebraic thinking. Students engage in open-ended problem solving, hands-on explorations, and collaborative activities that encourage perseverance and mathematical reasoning. Connections across disciplines help students see how mathematics applies to everyday life.

Grade 6
In sixth grade, students expand their mathematical thinking through the study of ratios, rates, fractions, integers, expressions, equations, and statistics. Long-term projects and real-world applications challenge students to think critically and communicate their mathematical reasoning. Emphasis is placed on both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency.

Grade 7
Seventh-grade students deepen their understanding of proportional reasoning, algebraic concepts, geometry, probability, and statistics. Students learn to analyze problems, justify solutions, and apply mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. All students explore additional topics, including transformations, linear equations, exponents, scientific notation, and the Pythagorean Theorem, preparing them for higher-level mathematics.

Grade 8
Students may enroll in either Introduction to Algebra or Algebra I, depending on readiness and demonstrated mastery. Both courses emphasize analytical thinking, problem solving, and mathematical modeling. Algebra I students have the opportunity to earn an Upper School Carnegie Unit while studying linear equations, systems of equations, inequalities, exponents, and quadratic functions.

MUSIC

The Music program nurtures students' musical talents while fostering creativity, discipline, collaboration, and performance skills. Students participate in choral music and handbell ensembles while learning music literacy, vocal technique, and performance practices.
Throughout Middle School, students perform both sacred and secular repertoire and explore music from a variety of cultures, genres, and historical periods. Seasonal concerts and school performances provide opportunities for students to share their talents and grow as confident performers.

In eighth grade, students apply their musical skills as part of the full-scale class musical production, collaborating with peers in one of the hallmark experiences of the Middle School years.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The Physical Education program promotes lifelong wellness by encouraging students to develop healthy habits, physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Students participate in a variety of individual and team sports, including volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, badminton, golf, hockey, flag football, and track and field. Instruction emphasizes skill development, strategic thinking, perseverance, collaboration, and personal fitness. Health-related topics such as nutrition, wellness, and basic first aid are incorporated throughout the program to support students' overall well-being.

RELIGION

Rooted in Catholic tradition, the Religion program guides students in developing a deeper relationship with God while fostering spiritual growth, moral responsibility, and a commitment to service.

Grade 5
Students explore the core beliefs, traditions, and practices of the Catholic faith. Through prayer, scripture study, reflection, and discussion, students deepen their understanding of the Blessed Trinity, Mary, and the Church as the Body of Christ.

Grade 6
Students journey through the Old Testament, examining God's covenant relationship with His people and exploring how God's call continues to shape our lives today. Prayer, reflection, and engaging classroom activities help students connect faith to daily life.

Grade 7
The focus shifts to the New Testament as students encounter Jesus through the Gospels and study the growth of the Early Church in the Acts of the Apostles. Students reflect on Christ's teachings and their role as disciples in today's world.

Grade 8
Students continue their study of Salvation History, Church teachings, and Catholic tradition while exploring how faith informs personal decision-making and service to others. Reflection, prayer, and community engagement help prepare students for the next stage of their faith journey.

SCIENCE

The Middle School Science program fosters curiosity, discovery, and inquiry through hands-on laboratory experiences, collaborative investigations, and real-world applications. Students develop critical thinking skills while learning to ask questions, analyze data, and apply the scientific method across a variety of disciplines.

Grade 5
Students explore life, physical, and Earth sciences through experiments, research, projects, and scientific investigations. Emphasis is placed on observation, inquiry, and the scientific process as students begin to think and work like scientists.

Grade 6: Earth Science
Sixth-grade students investigate Earth's systems and processes, including weather, climate, plate tectonics, ecosystems, natural disasters, and Louisiana's unique coastal environment. Laboratory investigations and field-based applications encourage students to connect scientific concepts to real-world challenges.

Grade 7: Life Science
Students explore the fascinating world of living organisms through the study of cells, genetics, body systems, ecology, and evolution. Hands-on experiences include microscopy, DNA electrophoresis, frog dissections, and ecological investigations. A signature yearlong project challenges students to author and design an original children's science book using iLab technologies.

Grade 8: Physical Science
Eighth-grade students may earn an Upper School Carnegie Unit while studying chemistry and physics concepts such as matter, energy, motion, forces, and the periodic table. Through laboratory investigations and collaborative projects, students develop strong analytical and experimental design skills that prepare them for advanced science coursework.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The Social Studies program encourages students to understand the world through the lenses of history, geography, economics, culture, and civic engagement. Students learn to think critically, analyze primary and secondary sources, conduct research, and make meaningful connections between the past and present.

Grade 5
Students embark on a journey through the ancient world, studying civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and India. Through simulations, research projects, and evidence-based writing, students discover how ancient societies continue to influence our modern world. Students extend their learning through group research and projects with a final presentation on Ancient Civilizations.

Grade 6
Human geography comes to life through engaging case studies that examine population growth, environmental challenges, urban development, and global interconnectedness. Students also study Louisiana history and geography while developing financial literacy skills and participating in the "Hearts for Humanity" social entrepreneurship project. Students further extend their learning through independent historical research and participation in National History Day.

Grade 7
Students investigate the medieval world from approximately 476–1500 CE, exploring Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Through primary sources, current events, and interactive lessons, students examine how medieval societies shaped modern civilizations. Geography and global awareness remain integral components of the curriculum. With ELA, students culminate their studies with the Personal Geography project and presentation.

Grade 8
American history comes alive as students study the nation's development from early exploration through Reconstruction. Students analyze historical events through geographic, economic, political, and social perspectives while engaging in research projects, debates, and presentations. A highlight of the year is participation in the Louisiana Legislature Program in Baton Rouge.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the Middle School experience, preparing students to be responsible digital citizens, creative problem-solvers, and effective communicators in an ever-changing technological world.

All students receive a school-issued Chromebook and learn to use technology safely, ethically, and productively. Students develop proficiency with Google Workspace, Adobe applications, multimedia tools, research platforms, and digital presentation software. Through Library/Technology and Digital Media courses, students create videos, websites, blogs, presentations, and collaborative projects while strengthening critical thinking and digital literacy skills.
Opportunities in Innovation Lab and Digital Media allow students to explore emerging technologies such as 3D printing, video production, design thinking, and creative problem solving.

WORLD LANGUAGE

The World Languages program develops communication skills, cultural awareness, and global citizenship. Students choose either French or Spanish in fifth grade and continue their language study throughout Middle School, building confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Grades 5–6
Instruction is grounded in the Accelerated Integrated Methodology (AIM), a highly interactive and kinesthetic approach that uses gestures, storytelling, performance, and immersion to promote language acquisition. Students learn through conversation, reading, collaborative activities, and the development of original plays that are presented to their peers. By sixth grade, students begin applying grammar concepts within meaningful communication contexts.

Grades 7–8
Students continue to strengthen conversational fluency while expanding vocabulary, grammar, and cultural understanding. Reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. Eighth-grade students may earn an Upper School Carnegie Unit as they engage in increasingly sophisticated language study, literature, and cultural exploration.

VISUAL ARTS

The Visual Arts program encourages creativity, self-expression, and artistic exploration while helping students develop technical skills and an appreciation for art throughout history and across cultures.

Grade 5
Students explore drawing, painting, ceramics, and mixed media while studying the artistic traditions of ancient civilizations. Lessons focus on composition, color theory, perspective, and design. Students showcase their work in the annual spring art exhibition.

Grade 6
Students continue to develop their understanding of composition, texture, proportion, and perspective through both individual and collaborative projects. Sculpture, life drawing, and interdisciplinary projects connected to science and social studies encourage students to see art as a powerful tool for communication.

Grade 7
Students expand their artistic techniques through abstract painting, perspective drawing, and landscape studies. Color, line, and composition are explored as expressive tools that communicate mood, emotion, and meaning.

Grade 8
The eighth-grade program emphasizes artistic voice and personal expression. Students pursue projects that allow greater independence in subject matter and media selection while continuing to refine their drawing and painting skills. The program encourages students to develop confidence as artists and creative thinkers.