MIDDLE SCHOOL: 6-8

Language Arts
Sixth grade - Development of critical thinking is a major focus. Reading skills are taught in the context of literature. Vocabulary skills are taught. Grammar, mechanics, sentence structure and paragraph structure are taught in detail. Spelling is taught along with vocabulary.
Seventh grade - Students further analyze literature for literary technique. Development of higher level analytical skills is a major focus. The five paragraph essay is introduced. Students regularly make use of the writing process, word processing, computer presentations and research skills.
Eighth grade - The genres of literature and their specific elements are analyzed in depth. The formal stages of the research and the development of the research paper are major focuses. The five-paragraph essay is further developed, and the thesis statement is introduced.

Mathematics
Sixth grade - Critical thinking skills are emphasized in regard to analysis and problem solving. Whole number operations, fractions, decimals and estimation are reviewed. Students also study number theory, measurement, geometry, statistics, graphs, and probability.
Seventh grade - Mathematics classes are divided based on students' mathematic abilities. Classes offered are general math and pre-algebra.
Eighth grade - Mathematical classes are divided based on students' developmental abilities. Classes offered are pre-algebra and Algebra I. More advanced students are offered geometry at St. Anne-Pacelli High School.

Religion
The focus in the sixth grade is understanding the Bible. It begins with the study of the Old Testament and gradually continues through the early New Testament. The seventh grade course centers on Jesus and His disciples and preparation for reception of Confirmation. A course in Church History is offered in eighth grade. The successes and difficulties that the Church has faced, and the discussions of Councils are studied.

Other areas of study include Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Media, Physical Education, Computer, and Spanish.