Middle School

The religious education program has as its foundation the teaching of the Catholic Church with sequential study of Scripture, the Church, and the Sacraments. Religious services include Mass, May Devotions, the Rosary, and the Stations of the Cross.

Middle School physical education brings all prior learning together and concentrates on using developed skills in team and game situations. There is a focus on using strategy, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Physical fitness is developed by working at fitness stations and participating in the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge.

The Music program offers a variety of opportunities to suit the talent and abilities of students of all ages. Our Middle School music program highlights the creativity and energy of our boys by exposing them to the foundations of the World Music Drumming Program. Students learn to play percussion instruments from around the world. They include the djembe, tubanos, congas, bongos and various rhythmic accessories. This program gives students the opportunity to express themselves and learn how to improvise on percussion instruments. Throughout the entire music curriculum, students continue to sing and perform for First Fridays and special programs.

Library classes begin with PK4 and continue through our boys time here at Stuart Hall. As the boys become older, emphasis is placed on how to properly do research in Middle School. The curriculum includes a portion of library class when the boys are read aloud to throughout their time at Stuart Hall. Students develop an appreciation for the value of literature and of reading as a means to gain knowledge.

Middle School visual art students continue to build upon the Elements and Principles of Art introduced in the Lower School while developing more in-depth conversations about artists, artistic movements, and cultures that influence our society. Through these studies, the boys are encouraged to develop their own aesthetic perceptions and expressions through a variety of 2D and 3D media. Social skills, habits of mind, and respect of one another is emphasized throughout our creative community.

Life Skills are taught PK4-7th Grade using the Second Step Program. The program has four core areas: empathy training, impulse control, anger management, and problem solving. Social Skill groups are offered to grades 1 - 7. The purpose of the groups is to increase student’s awareness of their strengths and life’s challenges. The school counselor works closely with the parents, teachers and administrators to assist all students to progress and prosper.

Study Skills covers the numerous skills necessary for academic success. Students learn and use organizational skills as well as time management throughout the school year. Practice in long-term memory techniques assist students in preparing for tests and exams. Listening skills, note-taking and test-taking skills provide students with opportunities to experience success in their curriculum work.

Fifth through seventh grades enjoy three mobile carts of Chromebooks. In addition, the Middle School hosts a separate computer lab with Windows laptops. Middle school students concentrate on word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and communications through use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The school-wide network provides access to the Internet in each classroom and in the computer labs. Responsibility, safety, and the critical use of technology are emphasized.

Spanish and Latin are offered in the Middle School world languages program. The program emphasizes comprehension of written and spoken language, oral expression, and pronunciation, with a formal approach to grammar.

Financial literacy covers the numerous skills necessary for setting our boys up for future financial success. Boys learn the cognitive understanding of financial components and skills such as budgeting, investing, borrowing, taxation, and personal financial management.