Middle School

Over the course of three years in Middle School Science, students will study Earth science in sixth grade which includes learning about anything in, on, and around Earth. By seventh grade, students are focused on Life science, better known as Biology, where students learn everything from the parts of a cell to the systems of the body. In eighth grade, students focus on Physical science which includes chemistry and physics. Upon graduation from St. Raphael, students have a keen knowledge of all major fields of science.

Students in middle school ELA study grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing. For reading curriculum, St Raphael Middle school uses Great Minds Wit and Wisdom as a foundational curriculum. “Wit & Wisdom students read and study award-winning fiction and nonfiction texts, famous works of art, videos, photographs, and more. These texts awaken and expand students’ curiosity. Wit & Wisdom students also learn about compelling topics such as the five senses, outer space, the Great Depression, and more. Through their work with these topics and texts, students hone their abilities to read challenging texts and to write and speak clearly, logically, and effectively. Wit & Wisdom students build strong knowledge and skill” (Great Minds). Students are taught a variety of subjects and skills to help create lifelong scholars and prepare them for their next steps in academia.

Our Social Studies curriculum challenges students to explore the past and present. The social studies curriculum delivers compelling, interactive experiences that cultivate the critical thinking and analytical skills students need to succeed in high school and civic life.

We provide a faith-filled community where students grow spiritually, academically, and socially. We reflect the richness, diversity, and beauty of our Catholic faith.

Religious formation provides experiences for a positive awareness of self and personal uniqueness as a child of God, and presents an awareness of God’s word, creation, and gifts within our daily lives. Students learn about the liturgical year, the sacraments, and saints, as well as religious signs, symbols, and prayers. Religion instruction nurtures daily prayer and gospel values and encourages parental participation in their children’s religious development. Middle school students are taught to read, appreciate, and relate the writings of the Bible to their lives. They study the Old and New Testaments, the lives of the patriarchs, and the life and ministry of Jesus. They also study morality, church history and social justice.

Every grade helps students learn a set of math skills that will help them to gain proficiency in mathematical concepts. In middle school students will learn everything from operating with integers, fractions, equations and inequalities to ratio and proportions. Students continue to learn about number systems while growing in understanding of linear equations. We offer 6th grade general math through Algebra I.