6-8 Academics

In Middle School, our SMCVS students deepen their understanding of Jesus Christ and His Church directly through the study of Theology, and indirectly through circling back to the Ancient (Sixth Grade), Medieval (Seventh Grade), and Modern Worlds (Eighth Grade) to examine them in greater detail and intensity in Literature, History, and Science, while their Math skills and proficiency in Composition are also developed.  Like our Elementary students, Middle Schoolers at SMCVS study Spanish along with Specials including Art, Music, Library, and P.E

Personal Growth & Academic Protagonism

The SMCVS Middle Schooler extends the prophetic and priestly aspects into a true protagonism, both academic and personal. 

As The Educational Covenant puts it
(p. 110):

True education is much more than offering fragments, methods that allow one to acquire skills, knowledge, languages.  

To educate is to make it possible for a person to embark on an authentic journey of human fullness, in which his own deification is made possible as he reaches the point of desiring and thinking like God.

Through studying the great figures of history and literature, the student understands that to become a Saint and a Genius is to become a Hero, simultaneously.  This understanding takes place not only at the intellectual level, but at the affective and behavioral levels as well.  Our curricular focus in the Middle School is on grasping the truth that Christ the King is the model and inspiration of heroism itself.

Concord and Mutual Respect. We foster a culture of respect and collaboration among students and staff.In Middle School, students are grouped by homerooms but move from classroom to classroom throughout the day, gaining independence and exposure to a variety of subjects.

Wisdom and Self-Advocacy As students progress through our school, their responsibilities increase, encouraging self-advocacy and leadership. Through magnanimity, they discover their greatness, taking ownership of their academic journeys and realizing their potential.

At times, we may speak of a student’s “lack of talent,” but often, it is simply a matter of cultivating that untapped potential. Every child has surprising gifts waiting to be discovered, and it is our mission to help them uncover and nurture these talents. As they grow, students embark on a journey of self-discovery, understanding who they are through the talents they develop.

“To know who he is, he needs to discover who he can become.”
(The Educational Covenant, p. 142)

Explore more about how students' responsibilities increase as they gain age and experience in The Educational Covenant.

Magnanimity and Discovering Your Greatness. St. Mary Catholic Virtue School is proud to be a pioneer in inclusive education within the private school sector. Our commitment to supporting students with a variety of needs means that we do not publish average ability or achievement scores, as they may not fully represent the diverse gifts of our students. Whether a student requires Special Education or Gifted & Talented services, our individualized approach ensures that each student’s unique abilities are recognized and celebrated.

Academic Excellence

  • In Theology class, students engage with life’s most profound questions through Natural Law and Divine Revelation. Using the Spirit of Truth series from Sophia Institute Press, they are guided on a journey of faith and intellectual exploration.

  • Students are placed in leveled Literature classes based on their academic strengths.

    Our “Way of Words” approach, designed to align with the school’s mission and vision, ensures that all students engage with classic texts from the Ancient, Medieval, and Modern worlds.

    They also receive individualized coaching in the key genres of Expository Writing, Fiction, Poetry, and Philosophy.

  • Through our “Big Ideas” Math program, students are grouped by ability level, starting in 6th grade and continuing through Geometry. This allows for personalized instruction and the opportunity to progress at a pace that suits each student’s abilities.

  • In our Science lab, students explore Physical, Earth, and Life Sciences, using the scientific method to conduct experiments and learn about the natural world. Our Catholic worldview helps students understand the synergy between faith and reason in scientific discovery. description

  • Our History curriculum is closely connected to the Literature program. Sixth-grade students study the Ancient World, seventh graders explore the Medieval World, and eighth graders focus on the Modern World. This cross-disciplinary approach deepens their understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the literature they read.iption text goes here