Middle School

St. Catherine’s Middle School encourages girls to embrace this developmental stage moving from childhood to adolescence as a time of curiosity, transformation, joy, and growing independence. Courses are designed to challenge students as they develop from concrete to more abstract thinkers. To capitalize on girls' collaborative nature, class material is presented interactively with an emphasis on critical thinking and creative problem solving. In addition to more traditional academic subjects, arts classes, performing ensembles, student-led clubs, and athletic opportunities allow students to discover and pursue their interests. Our learning culture fosters work ethic, integrity and growth mindset, and students learn to develop empathy and to value the experiences of others. Central to Middle School life is our advisory program, where our teachers and advisors know their students, support them academically and emotionally, and help them to appreciate their gifts.

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 create clubs based on their interests, in which each girl’s voice is heard and celebrated.
Girls and Technology

Expert teachers help the girls navigate the digital world with classes that teach research methods, robotics, engineering and coding 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 Grade 6, the Global Foundations course includes a World Experts project. In grade eight, girls have opportunities to compete in Model UN and have the opportunity to take a Global Cultures elective.
Leadership and Character

Every girl showcases her increasing confidence, unique strengths and academic goals through participation in clubs, conferences, public speaking, athletic competition, theatre and character study.
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 research classes and projects create opportunities for exploration, evaluation and integration of information and source material. Trimester classes offer students a variety of subjects to spark their interests and lay a foundation for further study and 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
- Study Skills
- Library and Research Skills
Trimester 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
Trimester Classes:
- Personal Growth
- Visual Art
- Music
- Theatre
- Dance
- Illusions: Digital Fabrication
Grade 7
Core Classes:
- English
- Math
- U.S. History
- Earth Science
- French, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish
- Physical Education
- Bible Survey
Trimester Classes:
- Personal Growth
- Visual Art
- Coding
- Dance Creations
- Theatre
Grade 8
Core Classes:
- English
- Algebra I or Geometry
- U.S. Government and Civics
- Integrated Science 8
- French, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish
- Latin
- Physical Education
Semester Classes:
- Personal Growth
- Art Studio
- Jazz Dance and Dance Technology
- Coding
- Pop Music
- Music Technology and Songwriting
- Theatre and Technical Theatre
- Global Cultures
- Art History
- Film
- 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)
Outré Middle School Theatre Group (joint with St. Christopher's)

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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.