Middle School
The Middle School program at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School is designed to prepare students for success in high school and beyond through rigorous academics, faith formation, leadership opportunities, and personal growth. Our sixth through eighth-grade students are challenged to think critically, communicate effectively, and become responsible, independent learners while deepening their relationship with Christ.
Each grade level consists of two homerooms, with students rotating throughout the day to dedicated subject-area teachers in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History, and Religion. This departmentalized structure allows teachers to provide specialized instruction while helping students develop the organizational and executive functioning skills necessary for success in high school and college-preparatory environments.
Faith-Centered Learning
Faith remains at the heart of the Junior High experience. Students participate in daily Religion classes and are provided numerous opportunities to grow spiritually through monthly All-School Masses, monthly class Masses, Eucharistic Adoration, weekly faith formation classes, and prayer experiences throughout the school year.
Junior High students also play an active role in Campus Ministry, serving as faith leaders within the school community. Through ministry opportunities, service projects, retreats, and faith-centered activities, students learn to live out the Gospel values of compassion, service, leadership, and discipleship.
English Language Arts Pathways
Our English Language Arts program is designed to challenge students at their individual level while preparing them for future academic success. Multiple ELA pathways are offered to ensure that students are placed in courses that best support their growth and achievement.
During sixth grade, students are evaluated for placement into the Accelerated English Language Arts pathway for seventh and eighth grade. Placement decisions are based on multiple measures, including:
- English Language Arts course grades
- STAR Reading assessment scores
- ITBS assessment results
- Overall academic performance
- Quality and consistency of classwork
These indicators provide a comprehensive picture of each student’s readiness for the increased pace, depth, and rigor of the accelerated curriculum. Students who demonstrate strong academic performance, consistent effort, and advanced literacy skills may be recommended for the Accelerated ELA pathway. Additional pathways include High School Readiness ELA courses that continue to challenge students while supporting their individual learning needs and goals.
Mathematics Pathways
Mathematics instruction at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School is aligned with the California Common Core State Standards and is designed to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Beginning in fourth grade and continuing through Junior High, students are placed into mathematics pathways that provide the appropriate level of challenge and support.
Our math program includes remediation, grade-level instruction, enrichment opportunities, and accelerated pathways. Advanced and accelerated courses emphasize deeper conceptual understanding, critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application of mathematical concepts.
Students may progress through multiple math pathways, ranging from Accelerated Mathematics in sixth grade to Geometry by eighth grade for qualified students. To maximize student success, all mathematics classes maintain lower student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for individualized instruction, targeted support, and meaningful classroom engagement.
View a more detailed description of our Math Pathways HERE.
Science and Discovery
The Junior High Science program emphasizes inquiry, experimentation, and the scientific method. Students engage in rigorous, hands-on learning experiences that encourage them to ask questions, investigate real-world problems, and develop analytical thinking skills.
Dedicated laboratory experiences are an integral part of the curriculum, allowing students to apply scientific concepts through experimentation, observation, data collection, and analysis. Through engaging investigations and collaborative projects, students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them while building skills that prepare them for advanced high school science courses.
Electives and Enrichment
In addition to their core academic courses, Junior High students participate in a variety of enrichment opportunities that support the development of the whole child. Elective offerings include:
- Physical Education
- Spanish
- Music
- Art
- Executive Function Skills
Students also participate in weekly Formation classes that focus on Faith, character development, organization, study skills, leadership, social-emotional growth, and building a positive school community.
Technology Integration
All Middle School students are issued a school-owned iPad equipped with a keyboard case, providing them with a powerful tool for learning, collaboration, and creativity. To support diverse learning preferences, textbooks are available in both traditional print and digital formats.
Technology is thoughtfully integrated into classroom instruction to enhance—not replace—the expertise of our teachers. Students utilize a variety of educational platforms and creative tools, including ALEKS, IXL, Google Workspace, iMovie, Canva, and other instructional applications that allow them to collaborate, create, communicate, and demonstrate mastery of academic concepts.
As students progress through Junior High, they develop advanced digital literacy skills, learn responsible technology use, and gain experience with the tools and platforms commonly used in high school, college, and professional environments.
Through rigorous academics, personalized learning pathways, faith formation, leadership opportunities, and innovative technology integration, the Junior High program at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School prepares students to excel academically, lead with integrity, and confidently take the next step in their educational journey.