Middle School
Grades 5 - 7
Middle School
The Middle School experience is both challenging and purposeful. Designed to meet the unique developmental needs of boys during these formative years. While rigorous academics remain at the core, the program emphasizes the continued development of essential skills alongside a growing focus on higher-order thinking. As they move toward high school readiness, boys are given increasing opportunities to take responsibility for their learning, demonstrate independence, and develop the confidence needed to thrive in future academic settings.
Through hands-on experiences, immersive service learning days, and purposeful field trips, they not only strengthen academic skills but also learn to lead with integrity, serve their communities, and uphold the values of Stuart Hall both on and off campus.
All of the core academic programs are enhanced through enrichment classes in religion, art, library/tech, music, physical education, STEM, Financial Literacy, Spanish, and Latin.
Enrichments
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The Religious Education program at Stuart Hall is rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, with a sequential study of Scripture, the Church, and the Sacraments. Faith is woven into students’ daily lives—beginning each day with the school prayer and continuing through classroom lessons, service, and reflection.
Middle School students attend weekly chapel where they focus on the Qualities of the Month. Religious services include monthly Masses led by different the grade levels, as well as observances of Holy Days of Obligation, May Crowning, the Living Rosary, Confession, and the Stations of the Cross. Through these experiences, students are encouraged to live their faith every day, both in and beyond the classroom.
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The Middle School Physical Education program at Stuart Hall builds on the foundation established in earlier years, challenging boys to apply their skills in more complex and competitive settings. With an emphasis on structured play, teamwork, and sportsmanship, the program helps students develop not only physical ability but also character and leadership.
Boys participate in a variety of team sports and cooperative games that promote strategy, communication, and respect for others. Through guided instruction and healthy competition, they learn the importance of perseverance, fair play, and collaboration—values that extend beyond the playing field.
Middle School students attend PE every other day throughout the year, ensuring consistent opportunities for movement, growth, and camaraderie as they strengthen both body and mind.
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The Music Program offers a wide range of opportunities designed to nurture the creativity and talents of students at every level. In Middle School, the program showcases the energy and imagination of our boys through a progressive, hands-on curriculum.
Fifth Grade students begin with the World Music Drumming Program, where they explore rhythm, self-expression, and improvisation through percussion. In Sixth Grade, students shift to guitar, mastering the four foundational chords that serve as the building blocks for countless songs. By Seventh Grade, they channel their creativity into Digital Music, using their Chromebooks to compose and produce their own albums through a digital audio workspace.
Throughout each stage, students continue to sing and perform during First Fridays and special school events, building confidence and joy through music.
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Library classes at Stuart Hall begin in PK3 and continue throughout each boy’s time at school, fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning. As students grow, the program evolves—introducing age-appropriate lessons in research, information literacy, and digital responsibility.
Through Library Tech classes, middle school boys build essential technology skills that support learning across all subjects, from responsible internet use to effective research and presentation tools. In addition to class time, students are encouraged to visit the library throughout the day to check out books, explore new interests, and nurture their love for reading.
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Middle School 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 for one another are emphasized throughout our creative community.
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Middle School Social Emotional Learning (SEL) sessions are designed specifically for middle school boys to focus on practical, real-world challenges they encounter daily in their academic and social environments. Examples of this include organizational skills and teaching boys how to manage their lockers, backpacks, and digital assignments while developing systems for tracking homework and project deadlines.
Stress and anxiety management becomes particularly relevant as boys navigate increased academic pressure, social dynamics, and physical changes during adolescence—sessions might explore breathing techniques, identifying stress triggers, and understanding that anxiety is a normal part of growing up.
Healthy coping strategies are introduced through scenarios like dealing with friendship conflicts, academic setbacks, or family changes, helping boys develop alternatives to withdrawal, aggression, or other potentially harmful responses.
Additionally, managing screen time has become increasingly important, with sessions focusing on balancing gaming, social media, and entertainment with sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face relationships.
These SEL sessions incorporate interactive discussions, role-playing exercises, and peer sharing, allowing boys to learn from each other's experiences while building emotional vocabulary and self-awareness in a supportive, non-judgmental environment that recognizes their unique developmental needs and communication styles.
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Spanish and Latin are offered in the Middle School World Languages program, where students build a strong foundation in language and culture. The program emphasizes comprehension of written and spoken language, oral expression, and pronunciation, all supported by a structured approach to grammar.
To bring learning to life, students participate in immersive field trips that deepen their understanding of global cultures and languages. Latin students also have the opportunity to take part in the National Latin Exam, challenging themselves and celebrating their progress on a national level.
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Financial literacy covers the numerous skills necessary for setting our boys up for future financial success. Boys develop a cognitive understanding of financial components and skills, including budgeting, investing, borrowing, taxation, and personal financial management.
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This hands-on STEM class is designed specifically to engage 6th and 7th grade boys with exciting challenges in technology and engineering. Students will explore fundamental engineering principles through building projects and designing solutions to real-world problems. They will also dive into technology through online research, Tinkercad design, and 3D printing.
The course emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking, encouraging students to apply their knowledge to create functional models and prototypes. With a mix of individual and group activities, students develop skills in problem solving, design thinking, and technical communication.
“The way to do much in a short time is to love much. People will do great things if they are stirred with enthusiasm and love.”
- Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ