Jr. High Curriculum
Math
Everyone can be a math person! In math class, students are encouraged to take risks and challenge themselves. Concepts include: integers, fractions, decimals, percents, algebraic expressions and equations, area, volume, coordinate plane graphing, angles, data analysis, and probability. Students are given opportunities to explain their thinking and discover the “why” behind the math and not just the “how”.
Science
Students are presented with a variety of science topics in the genres of Life, Earth, and Physical Science. Through both reading and hands-on experiences, students build observational and analytical skills that can be applied to many areas of science. Beginning in 6th grade, students practice science writing skills through nature journaling and life science, which they continue in 7th grade with citizen science projects about Earth systems, and by the end of 8th grade, students work on mastery of lab reporting through a variety of physical science projects.
Language Arts
Students read a variety of texts including novels, short stories, poems, plays, and informational articles. Students deepen their understanding of language through various texts and vocabulary studies. They also write in many forms, including narratives, essays, arguments, poems, creative stories, and research papers, while learning to revise and edit their work for clarity and organization. Language Arts helps students become confident, thoughtful readers and effective, expressive writers who can communicate in school and beyond.
Theology
Theology is a sacred science and a unique discipline that involves the head and the heart, the scholarly and the spiritual. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church and inspired by Jesus Christ, Theology at St. John’s invites students to explore the richness of the Catholic faith through Scripture, Tradition, prayer, and lived discipleship. Students will engage with key theological themes such as salvation history, the life and teachings of Christ, the sacraments, moral decision-making, and the role of the Church in the world today.
Through age-appropriate discussion, reflection, and creative projects, students will deepen their understanding of God’s love and their identity as beloved children of God. This class fosters a classroom culture of respect, inquiry, and spiritual growth, encouraging students to ask meaningful questions, grow in virtue, and live out their faith in daily life.
Social Studies
Students learn about the world we live in by examining the past. All middle school students learn about the continents and the geography of Earth. Sixth grade students focus on ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Israel, Rome and more. Seventh graders learn about the colonization and founding of our country including the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. They continue with American history through Lewis and Clark’s Expedition and the War of 1812. Eighth grade students study both US History and World History with topics that include the Civil War, Industrial Revolution, World War I and World War II. Their year ends with a trip that highlights some of the material from class
Spanish
The main objective of this course is communication.The students will learn basic grammar and vocabulary by practicing skills in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in the target language. In addition, students will be getting an introduction to Spanish Culture as well as an understanding where Spanish is spoken. Interwoven is Catholic Identity and virtues to help students be more culturally aware and better global citizens.Students will increase their competency and comprehension each year in the Target language through Interpretive activities in listening and reading, Interpersonal skills in speaking, and developing Presentational skills following the 5C’s of the revised ACTFL guidelines. This is a High Spanish 1 course taken over three years in Junior High. Upon completion, students will possibly be able to test into a High School Spanish 2 or higher course.