Private Middle School

Our middle school serves the unique needs of the middle school student by providing a departmentalized block schedule with high school credit opportunities in six different subject areas (Earth Science, World History, Spanish I, Spanish II, Algebra I, and Geometry). A cross-curricular team approach is used in our middle school program. Six-grade students have a dedicated study skills class to learn time management skills, note-taking skills, and gain self-confidence. Lourdes students are ultimately prepared in every way for quality high school programs.

The middle school curriculum is enhanced through block scheduling which allows for hands-on experiences through math and science labs and integration among the disciplines.  Leadership, decision-making, and critical thinking skills are developed through participation in community service, Student Council, science fairs, art shows, prayer services, and public speaking.

Religion class is taught as a separate block, and all students attend Mass each Wednesday, where middle schoolers have the ability to assist in leading the service.

Middle school students complete 20 hours of community service as part of their Religion class each school year as well as engage in public speaking and team building exercises. Middle school students also receive the honor and responsibility of mentoring a student in lower school as their prayer buddy.

They are also invited to consider leadership opportunities through our House Council or as a Mass helper, safety, or flag assistant.

Electives
Sixth grade students receive instruction in a sampling of resource classes through the year – PE, Technology, Music, Study Skills, Art, and Spanish.

Electives for 7th and 8th grade students include PE, Spanish I & II (for high school credit), and student-created classes (recent choices have included STEM, Engineering, Computer Science, Ceramics, Art, Leadership, Digital Art, and Music/Drama).

Recess
We believe recess provides an opportunity for middle school students to exercise, interact socially with friends, and clear their heads. Recess is an extended midday break that prepares the student for more study in the completion of their academic day.

Field Trips
When possible, teachers arrange for field trips and excursions which enhance the curriculum. These are usually taken during school hours and provide more context than the classroom alone. The outings are planned educational activities designed for students in their particular grade level. These are exciting events that help keep education exciting and fun for all students.

Homework is an important part of student development and is assigned on a regular basis at an age-appropriate level. The assigned work may be written, studied, or researched and is to reinforce the skills developed during the day. Teachers will coordinate the completion dates of long-term projects.

Overall evaluation of each student is based on teacher observation of the student’s daily work, class participation, effort, and performance on teacher prepared tests. Summative assessments include projects, portfolios, quizzes, and tests.  Parents of middle school students receive report cards at the end of each quarter. Middle school students in high school credit classes also take semester exams in December and May.

Grades 6-8 use numeric (percentage) grades in all subjects, which can make them eligible for the school honor roll. In addition, report cards include indicators for effort and skill assessment. 

We do not participate in SOL testing. Our students in Grades 2-8 are assessed through the NWEA MAP Growth program in fall, winter, and spring. This math and reading assessment provides the teachers and parents the feedback necessary to see proper progression throughout their school years.