Middle School 6-8

As a parent, you know that the middle school "tween" years can be a tumultuous time for your child. We want you to know that through these transitions and your child's growth into adolescence that we are here to support you. Our Middle School Program begins in the 6th grade and continues until graduation from the 8th grade. As with our other programs, we continue to build on your child's knowledge by challenging their adolescent minds to think both abstractly and critically. These group and individual challenges help prepare them for the world that they are entering. We recognize that we cannot change the world for our students, so by partnering with you, we desire to give them the skills to be successful in future educational endeavors and as members of the society into which they are entering.

In addition to preparing their minds academically and socially, our goal during your adolescent's formative years also includes both to further root them in the knowledge of Christ Jesus as their Savior and to have character that is distinctively counter to the status-quo of our current culture.

Romans 12:1-2 -- "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  (ESV)

Our average classroom size is approximately 15 students for 1 educator. This ideal ratio allows our teachers to devote individual attention to the needs of each of our students, as well as provide a safe and encouraging environment for the entire class.

Curriculum:

Besides the core subjects, your child will continue to learn the concepts of: studying in groups and completing projects as a unit; encouraging one another while learning public speaking skills; continuing to maintain mental, spiritual; and physical health; and as well as other extra-classroom skills. Students will also continue to grow appreciation of the fine arts and participate in competitive team sports.

Our core curriculum covers:

Religion

In sixth grade, our students dive into church history, specifically the events that led up to the Reformation. In seventh and eighth grade, students begin the process of preparing for Confirmation using Dr. Martin Luther's Small Catechism. Throughout these years, students are invited to ask any and all questions they have regarding the Christian faith and its application to their life.

Literature

These years will expose our students to novels that have a variety of themes and subject matter. Classroom discussions are absolutely necessary to teach critical thinking, so we use them in both teacher and student led formats to give each student the chance to articulate their reflections. Each novel includes daily assignments or journals that each student completes. Upon finishing a novel, students will complete group or individual projects that will be presented before the class. These projects include: recording "movie" trailers, reports, acting out scenes, and "mock teaching" specific plot points.

Math

Building on the foundations your student has already learned, our math curriculum continues to branch out and become more complex. Students will begin to transition from the fundamentals into 9th grade level algebra.

Science

Using Holt's Science and Technology curriculum, we take a facilitating approach to education. Opening sections are led by our certified educator, who then encourages our students to interact with the concepts and ask questions. In these years, students will be given a chance to not only watch, but participate in scientific demonstrations and projects to reinforce the concepts they acquire.

Spelling

Spelling continues to be an integral part of your child's education. During these three years the vocabulary incorporates patterns, language roots, and more complex philological concepts.

English

While grammar is always behind our English curriculum, these Middle School years will see your students begin to put their education to practice. Most notably on research papers and essays on current events or studied topics. Journal writing and Accelerated Reading are used to further benchmarks and language arts goals.

Social Studies

The sixth grade year is marked by an in-depth study of the Western Hemisphere. Students will study the different cultures, their historys, and their governments. The seventh grade year immerses itself into the Eastern Hemisphere's cultures, history, and government. The final year of study, the eighth grade year, will continue to build on your child's knowledge of American history and how we fit into the wider world.

Schedule an Educational Success Consultation today to visit our principal and your child's future teacher about the opportunities available for your child at St. John's Lutheran School.