
Middle School
Academics
English Language Arts & Literature
These courses are to provide students with a solid understanding of English language arts and reading (Literature) supported by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). TEKS connect learning skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking through integrated strands of development. The focus is on sustaining foundational language skills, comprehension, response, multiple genres, author’s purpose and craft, composition, inquiry, research, and academic oral expression.
Authentic reading, and reflective writing are integrated and progressive with students continuing to develop knowledge and skills with increased complexity and nuance in order to think critically and adapt to the ever-evolving nature of language and literacy.
Math
Students will be using a Singapore Math curriculum which infuses visual, concrete, and abstract reasoning skills. The goal is to not just teach students computation but real-world application through hands on learning experiences.
Students will be exposed to the order of operations, problem-solving skills, and strategies, as well as geometry, pre-algebra, and algebra concepts. The curriculum is supported by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Religion
Religion will focus on what we believe; how we celebrate, live and become better disciples of Jesus Christ through our Catholic Faith. Students will learn about God’s covenants in the Old Testament and how Catholic traditions stem from those stories. It will also focus on helping students understand and integrate Catholic doctrine into their lives. Our goal is to help students feel a strong moral foundation and make faith-based decisions, holding a deeper understanding of the liturgy and the liturgical year, and developing personal prayer and spiritual reflection. We will learn to understand more clearly our call as Catholics to live out the Church’s commitment to social justice and peace by being disciples of Christ.
Science
In Science, students will be provided with a solid understanding of laboratory safety, scientific investigation, and reasoning. Students will conduct laboratory and field investigations following safety procedures and environmentally appropriate and ethical practices.
Students will use appropriate tools, including journals/notebooks, beakers, Petri dishes, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, test tubes, balances, microscopes, thermometers, computers, timing devices and other necessary equipment to collect, record and analyze information. Students will use preventative safety equipment, including goggles, aprons, and gloves. Students will be trained and prepared to use emergency safety equipment including the eye/face wash, a fire blanket, and a fire extinguisher.
Students will analyze and evaluate scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing to encourage critical thinking.
Social Studies
Social studies will focus on a solid understanding of economic, social, political and environmental factors that shape our world. Students will learn about history, geography and culture and be provided with the tools to understand and analyze them including map skills, primary and secondary sources, and OPTICS. They will learn about the major periods in history, exploration, conquest, and settlement and how that cycle still has an impact our society today.
Students will also understand their role as Citizens and Catholics in our world from knowing their basic rights and responsibilities to treating all people with dignity and respect. The progression of Social Studies includes World Cultures, Texas History and American History.