Middle School (Grades 6-8)

BUILDING CHARACTER FOR LIFE THROUGH PROGRAMMING

Catholic identity and the quality of education are high on the list of strengths that we offer our middle school students and families.  Students are disciplined and well-prepared for high school in relatively small class sizes; engaged in learning about Catholic faith and morals; and challenged to practice those ideals in their lives. The goal of our middle school is to reinforce responsible behavior and form independent learners who are leaders at the school.

How to make your Middle School Years at St. Francis Xavier special:

• Be a Mentor! — We offer a Preschool through Grade 8 experience where students have an opportunity to give back to their school community by being a mentor/big-brother/big-sister to preschool students throughout their middle school years.
• Qualify for NJHS! — Students are able to qualify for application to the National Junior Honor Society at St. Francis Xavier School (NJHS) starting in their 6th grade year, and while not all students qualify for membership to the society, the goal is to develop well-rounded students who help their peers to be service-minded.  This has been a great vehicle for members to engage the school and their peers in community service projects throughout the year.
• Enjoy your FAM House! — New in 2021-2022, our middle school students now participate in the FAM House System to help in the ever-important development of self-confidence and belonging that a tween/teen needs.
• Share your Faith! — Students participate more actively in Campus Ministry
• Be a Leader! — Students take on leadership as Student Ambassadors and FAM House Captains
• Be a Tutor! — NJHS Students can also volunteer as a Tutor
• Run for Student Council! — and in Grade 8, Student Council officers are elected and help to plan and host many fundraising events throughout the year that reinforce school spirit while raising necessary funds for their end-of-year class activities.

ACADEMIC RIGOR

Grades 6-8 are departmentalized and so students change classrooms for the various academic disciplines, preparing them for the multi-teacher experience of high school.  Algebra 1 is offered for students in grade 8 who qualify.  Students have an element of choice for their Fine Arts elective (Music Appreciation and/or Art) and Language Lab choices for middle school include Latin, Spanish, or Portuguese.  Students will have opportunities to build executive functioning skills to manage long-term, individualized academic projects while in middle school.  Students in grades 7 & 8 participate in the Science and Engineering Fair and all students in grade 6-8 participate in the History Fair.

The school’s curriculum follows the standards from the Diocese of Fall River and aligns itself with the Common Core State Standards as is most appropriate.

Grade K through 8 are offering all major and minor courses recommended by the Diocese of Fall River. These include the following:

* The above classes are considered “academic subjects”: for the purpose of determining make up requirements and honors and awards. Students will receive academic letter grades, and /or number grades for each class. Effort and conduct grades are also included.

It is the philosophy of our school and the Diocese of Fall River that children need to develop study skills as well as the discipline to make their learning experiences an integral part of their everyday life. It is also invaluable for students to continuously review mastered concepts and to apply them in varied ways.

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

In this day and age, Computer technology is no longer simply a separate course limited to the ‘computer lab’.  The availability of Chromebook carts in the school allows for Technology to be integrated into the classroom subjects throughout the year for students.  Teachers are also able to utilize our school’s STEM lab to enhance their instruction.

Teachers also communicate with parents through their classroom webpages to help open communication and build a bridge for student learning both in the classroom and through practice with parents at home.  Click here to learn more about the technologies available at the school to support our middle school students.

THE STANG CONNECTION

Middle School students at St. Francis Xavier are well-prepared for whichever high school they aim to attend upon graduation.  Our Middle School students enjoy a strong connection and partnership with Bishop Stang High School throughout their middle school years. Typically, each year approximately 80% of our 8th grade students attend Bishop Stang High School to continue their Catholic education in a holistic school environment that prepares them well for college and to be faithful leaders in the world. Click here to learn more about Bishop Stang admissions and discover the benefits of investing in your child’s future through Catholic education.