Middle School

The Middle School is a cohesive community designed to nurture and challenge girls during early adolescence. Girls are encouraged to ask questions, to seek creative solutions and to take risks — all important skills for life. It’s a time to deepen their understanding of honor and integrity, and the girls are expected to take responsibility for their own academic work and behavior. At St. Catherine’s, we create a safe and dynamic environment where girls build confidence and are empowered to discover their voice.

Five discoveries made in our Middle School

List of 5 items.

Connectedness

Girls in grades 5-8 come together in our Strong Circles program to explore themes of honor, friendship, inclusion and service. They work on special projects throughout the year and with Lower School students, in which each girl’s voice is heard and celebrated.
Digital Citizenship

Expert teachers help the girls navigate the digital world with classes that teach research methods, coding and designing websites with an emphasis on safety and responsibility. The girls explore how to create and maintain a positive digital footprint that will serve them well in the years ahead.
Global Mindedness

Global education is embedded into every grade level and across all disciplines. Middle School teachers collaborate with schools in other countries. Some examples include the Global Read Aloud initiative and Global Monster Build project. In addition, global studies and skills come alive with a trip to the U.N. Headquarters and Ellis Island in NYC in grade six. In grade eight, girls have opportunities to compete in Model UN. We also host Guatemalan students in the fall.
Self-Awareness

Every girl showcases her increasing confidence, unique strengths and academic goals during conferences with her parents and advisor. Girl-centered personal growth classes address nutrition, body image, self-defense and drug and alcohol awareness.
Skills for Academic Success

The Study Skills class in fifth grade helps girls identify and apply their personal learning style. The Critical and Creative Thinking Skills class in sixth grade expands girls’ analytical thinking. Required technology and Latin classes give girls a leg up for success in Upper School and beyond.

Curriculum

List of 5 items.

Grade 5
Core Classes:
- English
- Math
- Foundations of Civilization
- Physical Science
- Mandarin Chinese or Spanish
- Physical Education
- Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
- Library Skills
Semester Classes:
- Creative Writing
- Engineering
- Visual Art
- Music
- Personal Growth
- Theatre and Dance
Grade 6
Core Classes:
- English
- Math
- Global Foundations
- Life Science
- Mandarin Chinese or Spanish
- Physical Education
- Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
Semester Classes:
- Personal Growth
- Visual Art
- Music
- Theatre
- Dance
- Illusions: Moving Pictures
Grade 7
Core Classes:
- English
- Pre-Algebra
- Algebra I
- U.S. History
- Earth Science
- French, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish
- Physical Education
- Bible Survey
Semester Classes:
- Personal Growth
- Mixed Media Art
- Painting and Drawing
- Creative Technologies
- History of African American Music
- Dance Basics
- Dance Creations
- Female Composers
- Theatre
Grade 8
Core Classes:
- English
- Algebra I or Geometry
- U.S. Government and Civics
- Integrated Science 8
- Coding
- French, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish
- Latin
- Physical Education
Semester Classes:
- Personal Growth
- Art Studio
- Jazz Dance
- Dance Combo
- Creative Writing
- Digital Fabrications
- Pop Music
- Music Technology and Songwriting
- Theatre and Technical Theatre
- Plus several additional electives that vary by term
Performing Arts

Band
String Ensemble
Guitar Ensemble
Handbells
Bella Voce (grades 5-6 choir ensemble)
Grace Notes (grades 7-8 choir ensemble)
La Petite Joni (grades 5-6 dance)
Just Joni (grades 7-8 dance)
Joni Fusion (dance)
Robotics
Outre Middle School Theatre Group (joint with St. Christopher's)

"Our Middle School girls thrive because we support them as individuals and praise them for taking risks. We encourage them to entertain a myriad of perspectives on the way to forming their own ideas."

— Tonya Walker
Director of Middle School

Let's Get Started

The best way to get started is to come to St. Catherine’s for a campus tour, to catch a glimpse of School life, to meet our teachers and to see teaching and learning up close.