CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION

The goal of Catholic education is to help each student integrate the faith and learning experience.  A catholic school rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ must respond to the needs of each child at the various levels of growth.

The early adolescent years are a time of change, inquiry, and transition.  The Catholic school environment must respond to this time in a child’s growth by providing a bridge that connects one’s elementary years and high school years.  Middle School students encompass grades six through eight.  Dramatic changes occur during these three years of schooling.  Even though the physical changes are most obvious, they are accompanied by equally influential social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual changes. 

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM

• A philosophy based on the unique needs and characteristics of the young adolescent
• Educators knowledgeable about and committed to the young adolescent
• Teachers who use varied instructional strategies
• An advisor/advisee program which helps to expand the guidance and counseling services
• An exploratory program
• A logical transition from the self-contained classroom of the elementary school setting to the departmentalization of the high school setting
• A commitment to regular involvement of families in the education of young adolescents by keeping them informed of student progress and school programs
• A positive connection between school and the community through student service projects
• Use of cooperative learning strategies in the classroom
• An emphasis on the use of higher-order thinking skills and hands-on instructional strategies

ADVISOR/ADVISEE PROGRAM

• A program providing students with regular, structured opportunities for discussion with a small group of peers and a caring adult who acts as the group facilitator
• A program providing social and emotional support to help adolescents adjust to the transition from elementary to middle school
• A program to ensure that each student develops a solid relationship with at least one adult professional in the school
• A program designed to contribute to students’ sense of self-esteem and foster a sense of membership in the class and school

EXPLORATORY PROGRAM

• Provides interest-based courses, short in length, giving students a choice of what to study
• Provides a success-oriented time for students to try out new things in a non-threatening environment
• Provides opportunities for students to achieve in areas other than the traditional core subjects
• Offers alternative ways to learn and encourages students to use their bodies and minds in creative ways, offering a variety of avenues for self-expression

POSSIBLE EXPLORATORY COURSE OFFERINGS

• Calligraphy
• Public Speaking
• Stress Management
• Cooking
• Scrapbooking
• Paper Mache
• Harry Potter Trivia
• Pottery
• Consumer Math
• Mosaics
• Cross-Stitch
• Gardening
• Investments
• Financial Planning
• Small Business
• Tole Painting
• Kick-Boxing
• Arts/Design
• Extreme Nutrition (Computer-related)

CURRICULUM DESIGN

Characteristics of a Good Middle School

Advisor/Advisee

Exploratory Program

Curriculum Design

Required Resources