Middle School

Students study a variety of classic and modern novels, plays, short stories, and poems while studying the classical roots of the English language. This deliberate study of the history of language enables students to make learned attempts at understanding the application of today’s English language in the world around us. Our program gives students the opportunities to develop public speaking and presentation skills, and to hone and practice the craft of writing. Students graduate from the St. George Middle School with a solid foundation in expository, persuasive, and creative writing.

The St. George Middle School mathematics program focuses on the basic operations and properties of real numbers, data analysis, linear equations, graphing, problem solving, functions, deductive reasoning, basic geometry, and measurement on a plane and in space. Growth mindset, collaboration, critical thinking, perseverance, and communication serve as keystones throughout the classes. Through multiple modalities students grow in conceptual understanding, problem solving, and skill application. The program provides students with appropriate, enriched, and intellectually-challenging learning experiences. The following core mathematics classes are offered in middle school: 6th and 7th Mathematics Honors, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Pre-AP Algebra 1. In addition, a high school Geometry course is offered to highly-qualified students during their 8th grade year.

At St. George, our middle school science curriculum promotes scientific inquiry by engaging students to ask important questions as they investigate scientific phenomena and processes in everyday life and real-world situations. We encourage students to work collaboratively, model processes, collect data, and use evidence to communicate their findings. Students practice writing in science throughout the year in a variety of different settings, including formal tasks like research papers and CER (Claims/Evidence/Reasoning) science conclusions that allow students to communicate their research and findings. The content covered in each grade level from 6th through 8th includes topics from earth science, life science, and physical science. Student understanding should spiral and grow as the concepts build throughout middle school to provide a solid foundation as students transition to high school.

Using a variety of resources beyond the texts, students grow in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to continually learn about the world and its peoples, the complex themes of social studies and history, and the practices of good citizenship. The history department uses a variety of rich primary and secondary source materials to enhance student learning.

Students in the 6th grade study ancient civilizations and cultures. Societies selected for study represent different regions of the world: Mesopotamia, Fertile Crescent, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, and Medieval Europe. Students will study geographical information as well as technological advancements for each civilization. During a student’s seventh grade year, we teach Texas History. The class covers the 12 regions of Texas and each of those region's uniqueness and importance to the state. We discuss how humans found their way to the region we call Texas, and how Spain influenced the growth and development of the territory. We cover Moses Austin's first vision of creating colonies through Sam Houston’s victory that led to Texas gaining its independence. We also discuss annexation to the United States and how Texans have responded to the crisis and issues that have faced Texas since its annexation in 1845. 8th grade students study the history of the United States from the early colonial period through World War II (approximately). It is a very broad overview of the geography, history, and the beginning of government in the United States. Students analyze the various economic factors that influenced the development of colonial America and the early years of the Republic. They also examine the founding American beliefs and principles, including limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights reflected in the U.S. Constitution. 8th graders evaluate the impact of wars, influential figures, reform movements, and various Supreme Court cases. They study the rights and responsibilities of citizens of the United States as well as the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society. In order for students to experience firsthand the history of our country and the workings of our government, 8th graders may opt to take an educational trip to the Washington, D.C. area at the end of the school year.

St. George middle schoolers take Spanish four days per week. The Spanish program focuses on learning vocabulary and grammar centered around specific daily activities that students can relate to in their own lives. In order to spark our students’ curiosity regarding the broader world, our program also focuses on cultural aspects of several Spanish-speaking countries, giving the students the opportunity to learn, compare, and relate to different cultures. During 6th and 7th grades our students will cover high school Spanish 1 and, in the 8th grade, they will begin with HS Spanish 2. Most graduates are placed in Honors Spanish 1 or move on directly to Spanish 2. Our students also place in the top percentiles on the National Spanish Exam, which is an annual assessment for 7th and 8th graders.

Our Middle School Sacred Studies classes engage 6th grade students in a study of the stories and structure of the Old Testament and lead seventh grade students in significant study of the New Testament respectively. Students develop strong Biblical literacy skills and an understanding of the Hebrew and Judeo-Christian scriptures’ impact on various cultures. 8th grade students examine spiritual formation through a study of ethics, philosophy, theological terminology, and world religions. Sacred Studies classes at St. George are created purposely to create spaces for authentic learning, healthy discussion, and the empowerment of one’s own faith development.