Middle School

Middle School at Saint Andrew

In Middle School, our students grow as independent thinkers and active learners. They deepen their skills across core subjects, take on more responsibility, and begin to discover their individual interests. Through engaging projects, collaborative work, and a supportive community, our students build confidence, strengthen study habits, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of high school.

"I began my teaching journey at Saint Andrew, and from the very first day, I felt surrounded by people who wanted to help me succeed. Around every corner I am met with encouragement and support from fellow teachers/staff, administration, and parents who pour their hearts into this school. Saint Andrew is a community where everyone lifts each other toward the greater good for our students. "

Kayla St. James, 5th Grade Teacher

At Saint Andrew, we go beyond textbooks. We help students grow as thinkers, leaders, and kind community members.

Explore Our Curriculum

Sixth graders transition into middle school with growing independence and curiosity. They expand their skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies while learning to manage multiple subjects and responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on organization, critical thinking, and developing a strong academic foundation for the years ahead.

English Language Arts:

Sixth-grade students develop skills through balanced instruction comprised of whole group discussions, partner/group work, and individual work. Students read various genres of literature throughout the year, such as memoirs, anthologies, realistic fiction, historical fiction, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry. They work on moving beyond comprehension and begin thinking about texts more analytically. They practice many skills, such as evaluating the author's style, synthesizing to build on complexity, analyzing conflict/tone/mood, and interpreting multiple main ideas or themes across texts.

Our sixth-grade writing program aims to help students become expressive, skillful, and intelligent communicators. There is a focus on organization, using proper grammar, including quotations, adding internal thoughts, lifting the level of sentence complexity, plotting an internal and external story arc, revising, and editing. Sixth-grade students implement learned writing skills frequently through essays, projects, responses, and daily classwork. 

Math:

In sixth grade math, students strengthen their understanding of numbers, fractions, and decimals while being introduced to ratios, percentages, and basic algebraic concepts. They learn to analyze data, work with negative numbers, and solve real-world problems using logical reasoning. Lessons encourage perseverance, critical thinking, and confidence as students prepare for more advanced math concepts in middle school.

Science:

Sixth grade science builds on concepts they learned in 4th and 5th grade, focusing on the relationship between energy, force, and motion and the cycles that influence weather and climate. We use hands-on investigations to activate students’ natural curiosity. Students are asked to design and revise experiments, predict outcomes, and collect data. Students are encouraged to synthesize information from multiple sources to support a claim with evidence. 

Social Studies:

In sixth grade social studies, students journey back in time to explore ancient civilizations and the roots of modern society. They study cultures such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, learning how geography, government, religion, and innovation shaped each civilization. Through maps, projects, and discussions, students develop a deeper understanding of how the past influences the world today.

Executive Functioning

The Rush Executive functioning System refers to the mental skills students use to plan, organize, manage emotions, and complete tasks, like having a personal manager inside their brain. These skills include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. When our students build strong executive functioning skills, they gain confidence, stay on track in the classroom, and develop habits that support learning and life beyond school.

Religion:

Our religion program uses Finding God by Loyola Press to help students grow in faith, compassion, and understanding of God’s love. Faith is woven into daily life through prayer, reflection, and service to others. Students participate in weekly Mass and engage in service projects that put Gospel values into action. 

Seventh graders build confidence as thinkers and communicators. They engage in deeper analysis, explore complex topics, and strengthen their problem-solving and collaboration skills. Through projects and discussions, students learn to express their ideas clearly and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

English Language Arts:

Students explore fiction, nonfiction, and drama to expand their knowledge of theme, characterization, symbolism, and conflicts. As active readers, students thoroughly annotate the literature, jot notes, and enact scenes from plays and novels. Reading comprehension is practiced and assessed through reading checks and short answer responses. Students must also fulfill independent reading requirements.

In seventh grade, students write in various forms. Students hone their skills to formulate thesis statements, organize ideas, provide textual support, and thoroughly analyze ideas. Students receive guidance during each stage of the writing process, eventually engaging in all steps independently. In addition, creative writing assignments inspired by independent reading allow students to express themselves on different levels while still emphasizing the importance of audience and purpose. 

Math:

In seventh grade, students learn and practice mathematical concepts through their practical applications to everyday life.  Students use tools such as graphing calculators, computer programs, and scientific probes to facilitate their understanding. Students also focus on Algebra, Geometry, Exponential Operations, Ratios, Proportions, and Percent. As well as Linear Functions, Graphing and Spatial Thinking 

Science:

In Seventh Grade science, students develop a foundational understanding of the studies of biology and chemistry. Using a systems approach, students connect cell structure to the function of human body systems. Students explore the elements and biological macromolecules that form the essential building blocks for life.

Social Studies:

 The seventh-grade history course examines the history of the United States of America from the first migrations of humans into North America through the end of the Civil War. Throughout this year, students analyze the different experiences of Americans’ ethnically, racially, and economically diverse population while consistently being asked to consider the causes, impacts, and implications of events.

Executive Functioning

The Rush Executive functioning System refers to the mental skills students use to plan, organize, manage emotions, and complete tasks, like having a personal manager inside their brain. These skills include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. When our students build strong executive functioning skills, they gain confidence, stay on track in the classroom, and develop habits that support learning and life beyond school.

Religion:

Our religion program uses Finding God by Loyola Press to help students grow in faith, compassion, and understanding of God’s love. Faith is woven into daily life through prayer, reflection, and service to others. Students participate in weekly Mass and engage in service projects that put Gospel values into action. 

Eighth graders emerge as leaders in the school community, demonstrating maturity and readiness for high school. They refine their academic skills through challenging coursework and independent projects, developing the confidence, responsibility, and critical thinking needed to succeed in the next phase of their education.

English Language Arts:

The eighth grade ELA curriculum focuses on sharpening critical reading and writing skills. The literature highlights gothic, romanticism, realism, and science fiction movements. Students also fulfill independent reading requirements, including projects identifying and explaining literary concepts, devices, and themes.

Students learn to become comfortable as writers and to express their ideas fully, concentrating on the content and the use of textual citations in their responses to literature. Along with the literary analysis, students practice writing other essays, including argumentative, expository, and research. 

Math:

In eighth grade, students learn and practice mathematical concepts through their practical applications to everyday life.  Students use tools such as graphing calculators, computer programs, and scientific probes to facilitate their understanding. School students are encouraged to develop independent habits of reflection and are encouraged to be collaborative with peers and teachers in their learning process.

Science:

Eight grade science is designed to provide a solid foundation in preparation for high school work. Coursework begins with a review of force, then builds an understanding of electricity and magnetism. Using that base, students learn about the atomic theory and the molecules fundamental to living organisms. Hands-on projects illustrate the scientific method and immerse students in the process of inquiry and discovery.  There is an emphasis on collaboration, data analysis, and scientific writing. 

Social Studies:

Eighth grade social studies surveys America’s modern political, economic, intellectual, and religious development, picking up where seventh grade left off with the Reconstruction Era and carrying through to the current day. The course concludes with students determining, refining, researching, and writing an essay about a topic of their choice from post World War II US history.

Executive Functioning

The Rush Executive functioning System refers to the mental skills students use to plan, organize, manage emotions, and complete tasks, like having a personal manager inside their brain. These skills include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. When our students build strong executive functioning skills, they gain confidence, stay on track in the classroom, and develop habits that support learning and life beyond school.

Religion:

Our religion program uses Finding God by Loyola Press to help students grow in faith, compassion, and understanding of God’s love. Faith is woven into daily life through prayer, reflection, and service to others. Students participate in weekly Mass and engage in service projects that put Gospel values into action. 

Rooted in our mission of Spirit. Study. Service., Saint Andrew school is a loving community where faith and learning grow hand in hand. Each day is filled with opportunities to discover, create, and serve, guided by caring teachers who nurture every child’s mind, heart, and spirit.

What Sets Us Apart
  • Small Classes, Big Connections: With a 17:1 student–teacher ratio, every child is known, supported, and celebrated.
  • Helping Hands in the Classroom: Kindergarten and 1st Grade aides make sure our youngest learners get extra attention and encouragement.
  • Recess Every Day
  • So Much to Explore: Students enjoy Art, Music, PE, STEM, and Library each week, discovering new interests and talents.
  • ¡Hola, Amigos! Spanish classes twice a week open doors to new languages and cultures.
  • Health and Care, Every Day: Our full-time Health Aide helps keep students feeling their best.
  • Teachers Who Team Up: With weekly planning time, teachers share ideas and work together to make learning shine.
  • Focused on Growth: Data meetings three times a year help us track progress and celebrate success.
  • Learning Tailored to Every Child: Small groups and centers let students learn at their own pace and style.
  • Extra Support When Needed: Our Learning Resource Specialist provides guidance for students who need a little boost.
  • Learning Beyond the Classroom: Field trips bring lessons to life through real-world adventures.
  • Family Fun Nights: Math and Reading Nights bring families together to learn, play, and connect.
  • Faith and Friendship: Through Mass Buddies and Teacher Time, students build relationships that nurture kindness and community.
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