Middle School

Grades 6 - 8

Middle School students engage with deep questions, becoming critical thinkers and active participants in discussions. Teachers cultivate an encouraging culture that builds belonging and mature relationships around what is true, good, and beautiful.

Middle School is a time of growing community development. This is fostered through a fall day retreat, and overnight field trips to Springfield, IL, Indianapolis, IN and Minneapolis, MN, where students learn, grow and play together. More clubs and ensembles and competitive sports help students find their niche and develop their own unique talents and interests.

History studies anchor students’ ongoing training in the liberal arts. 6th grade covers the Middle Ages and the Age of Exploration. 7th and 8th grade emphasize the study of American History during the Revolutionary and post-Civil War periods.

Literature choices include some from with the historical period studied as well as classic literature choices for that age level. Students take their analysis to a deeper level, as they wrestle with characterization and literary themes.

Writing continues on a formal level as students continue to write descriptive, explanatory, comparative and argumentative paragraphs across the disciplines. They master the 5 paragraph essay format by 8th grade.

Logic is introduced as a formal subject in 6th grade, as students learn to detect fallacies in arguments alongside core tools for thinking. They then move to the building of their own arguments, using Aristotle’s 5 common topics. In 8th grade they study the syllogism in deductive logic.

Science in middle school prepares students for the rigors of physics, biology and chemistry in the high school years. They study astronomy, entomology, technology, and human anatomy and physiology, engaging in a rich array of labs and field trips.

Math switches from Singapore to Saxon, following the pre-Algebra sequence that integrates Geometry and aims to prepare students for Calculus their Junior year.

Composer, poet and artist studies continue with 2 of each per year. Students now have a rich background in a variety of genres and styles and can engage in comparative discussions. In addition, both art and music instruction continue throughout Middle School.

In Bible students tackle the Major and Minor Prophets, the Wisdom books of the Old Testament, the book of Acts and the General and Pauline Epistles. Teachers lead students to a deep understanding of the text and encourage a genuine encounter with Christ.

Our ultimate goal for our Middle School students is to help them grow in maturity holistically: in mind, body, heart, and soul.