Academics

Middle School

Overview

The middle school years offer students incredible growth in all aspects of their lives as they transition from childhood to young adulthood. It is a time for fostering independence as students take ownership of their learning and engagement within the classroom and in the various educational venues throughout and beyond the St. John’s campus. It is during these middle school years that students should live through a wide variety of experiences. They need to be energized about learning, forming the academic habits and honing the skills that will make them lifelong learners. They must also develop the self-discipline to work through the inevitable social challenges that characterize these years.

With the good fortune of having a strong academic population as well as an upper school destination for our students, we have the distinct opportunity to devote significant attention to student development beyond the classroom. Surrounded by knowledgeable and caring faculty members committed to cultivating people of character, middle school students at St. John’s have a wide variety of learning opportunities.

 
 
 

Program of Study

The Middle School operates on a seven-day rotation. The guide below provides more of the specifics regarding each component of the St. John’s Middle School curriculum. Please note, the School reserves the right to withdraw curricula and specific courses or alter course content without prior notice.

List of 1 items.

  • Class 6

    Periods per rotation
    English(5)
    Mathematics: Math 6 or Math 6 Accelerated (by placement)(5)
    History 6(5)
    Life Science(5)
    World Language Carousel: Trimester rotations of French, Latin, and Spanish(5)
    Fine Arts
    (Year-long Instrumental or Quarter Rotation of Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, and Dance)    		(4)
    Physical Education(5)
    Study Hall(1)

List of 1 items.

  • Class 7

    Periods per rotation
    English(5)
    Mathematics: Math 7 or Math 7 Accelerated (by placement)(5)
    History 7(5)
    Earth Science(5)
    World Language Carousel: French IA, Latin IA, or Spanish IA(5)
    Fine Arts
    (Students may elect to take from a wide range of Fine Arts subjects including Dance, Theatre, Video Performance, Digital Photography, Visual Arts, Music Composition, and Instrumental Music. Courses are either semester or year-long.)    		(4)
    Physical Education(5)
    Study Hall(1)

List of 1 items.

  • Class 8

    Periods per rotation
    English(5)
    Mathematics: Algebra I, Algebra I Advanced, or Geometry Honors 8 (by placement)(5)
    History 8(5)
    Physical Science(5)
    World Language Carousel: French IB, Latin IB, or Spanish IB(5)
    Fine Arts
    (Students may elect to take from a wide range of Fine Arts subjects including Dance, Theatre, Video Performance, Digital Photography, Visual Arts, Music Composition, and Instrumental Music. Courses are either semester or year-long.)    		(4)
    Physical Education(5)
    Study Hall(1)

Course Descriptions

Class 6

List of 8 items.

  • English

    The English 6 curriculum includes the study of literature, vocabulary, grammar, and composition. Representative novels, short stories, and poems serve as an introduction to these genres in the middle grades. Students are guided to think critically as they examine rich characters, explore vocabulary, and analyze theme, plot, and other literary elements across varied texts. The course offers a workshop approach in which students use narrative and expository essays to compose organized and developed paragraphs and refine their diction, mechanics, and usage. Grammar study consists of a review of the parts of speech, the parts of a sentence, and an introduction to objects and subject complements, phrases, and clauses.

  • Math

    The major focus of Math 6 is threefold: first, to provide the students with a solid, basic foundation in mathematics in the areas of computation, concepts, and problem solving; second, to create a challenging and enriching atmosphere; and, finally, to help all students believe that they are capable of excelling in math. The school year begins with an investigation of our numeration system while comparing it to others (e.g. base-2 system and Roman numerals). This leads into a study of the arithmetic and applications of negative numbers, fractions, and decimals. Algebraic reasoning and the process of creating and solving elementary equations with one variable is introduced along with an in-depth study of ratios, proportions, and percents. We end the year with explorations of geometry and simple probability and statistics.

  • Math Accelerated

    (not offered every year)

    Based on an optional placement test given in the late spring of their Class 5 year, a small group of students is given the opportunity to enroll in an accelerated course of study in math through Middle School. The first year of this course, Math 6 Accelerated, is a compacted and accelerated course which focuses on deeper investigation and a more conceptual understanding of mathematics. This course is for the exceptional mathematics student who has the ability and desire to learn math at a fast pace. The topics covered in the Fall Semester of this course include the numeration system, set theory, rational numbers, irrational numbers, solving equations and inequalities, and the language of algebra. The topics covered in the second semester of this course include ratios and proportions, dimensional analysis, percents, simple probability and statistics, graphing linear equations, and geometry. Students enrolled in this course may take Math 7 Accelerated in Class 7 and Geometry Honors in Class 8.

  • History

    In Class 6, students take their first steps towards becoming engaged and informed global citizens by examining a variety of world cultures. The goal of the History 6 course is to empower them with the knowledge and critical thinking skills essential to participate meaningfully in an interconnected global society. The course focuses on the cultures and postclassical developments of imperial China, the Islamic empires, the kingdoms of Africa, the civilizations of Mesoamerica and South America, and the indigenous tribal nations of North America. Students learn that culture consists of the shared beliefs, customs, and values of a group of people and that the unique achievements of cultures shape today’s world. Students examine how the geography of a region impacts its cultures and learn about their religions, arts, governments, inventions, and social structures. Students examine the ways in which cultural diffusion has had lasting impacts on societies throughout history. Using a comparative approach, students identify similarities between cultures and the distinctive qualities and contributions of individual societies.

  • Life Science

    Science 6 is an introduction to life science through the lens of evolution, genetics, and the characteristics of life. Throughout this course, students gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between the micro and macro levels of ecological and biological systems. Students investigate microscopy, taxonomy, and the multicellular organization of plant and animal kingdoms. Hands-on exploration and independent investigations enhance students’ learning and understanding of the curriculum.

  • World Language

    The World Language Carousel is an integrated course about romance languages that fosters a love of language learning. Students have the opportunity to hone their language learning skills three times in one year as they are introduced to French, Latin, and Spanish. By the end of the academic year, students will have a clear knowledge and understanding of three languages and will be able to make an informed decision about which language to study for the following two years.

  • Fine Arts

    Class 6 students may enroll in one of two tracks:
    The Fine Arts Quarter Rotation option or the Yearlong
    option (Band or Orchestra).

    Fine Arts Quarter Rotation: Students will rotate
    through four units throughout the school year.

    • Visual Arts 6 (quarter)
    Class 6 art is designed to improve students’ basic skills in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Students will create original artworks using various art materials, tools, and techniques. The purpose of the class is to develop creativity, art skills, and self-expression while focusing on the elements and principles of design. Art history, artist studies, and criticism are included.

    • Theatre 6 (quarter)
    Class 6 Theatre explores theatre-making basics through improvised dialogue, movement, creative drama exercises, and ensemble building. The process of imaginative thinking is emphasized in Theatre 6; students collaborate to create and perform original, improvised characters and scenes. Students will also use the body and voice to express emotion, motivation, and relationships while interpreting characters and dialogue from a scripted drama.
     
    • Dance 6 (quarter)
    In Dance 6, students are introduced to basic anatomical principles, fundamentals of movement, and beginning dance terminology. Students will learn various dance genres, including Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Hip Hop. The class is structured on the experience and principles of a dance studio environment, with close attention to technique. Students review the basics of musicality and coordination and the principles of stretching and strengthening. Skeletal and muscular awareness are emphasized with specific movements of the body. Choreographic and retention skills are enhanced by learning specific combinations the teacher gives. Students further explore their skills by creating their own short pieces through group choreography. Self-expression and an appreciation of the individual’s uniqueness are highly nurtured in this course.

    • Music 6 (quarter)
    The general music offering in the Class 6 Fine Arts Carousel is called “Music with Chimes.” Time signatures, rhythms, note names, the grand staff, accidentals and expressive terminology are just some of the building block staff-reading concepts covered during the trimester. iPad app drills, student presentation projects, and choir-chime performances are used to facilitate a student’s proficiency in reading the musical staff.

    YEARLONG ORCHESTRA AND BAND:
    • Orchestra: Beginning Orchestra (yearlong) Beginning Orchestra is a graded, year-long, performance-based class for students who have no prior experience with a bowed string instrument. Students may select violin, viola, cello, or bass. The curriculum includes proper playing and bowing techniques, development of tone and intonation, advancing skills, and music reading as it relates to the student’s selected instrument. Music is selected from beginning and intermediate method books, grade 1/2, and grade 1 string orchestra music, and small ensemble pieces.

    • Band: Beginning Band Treble (yearlong)
    Beginning Band Treble is a performance-based class for students with no prior experience with Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet or Horn. Students focus on developing instrumental technique and musical literacy. The curriculum includes proper playing techniques, development of tone and intonation, advancing practice habits, and music reading. Music is selected from beginning method books, grade 0.5 and grade 1 concert band music and solo & ensemble repertoire. Students combine with the Beginning Band Bass & Percussion class to perform as the full Beginning Band in concerts each semester.

    • Band: Beginning Band Bass & Percussion (yearlong)
    Beginning Band Bass & Percussion is a performance based class for students without prior experience with Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, or Percussion. Students focus on developing instrumental technique and musical literacy. The curriculum includes proper playing techniques, development of tone and intonation, advancing practice habits, and music reading. Music is selected from beginning method books, grade 0.5 and grade 1 concert band music and solo & ensemble repertoire. Students combine with the Beginning Band Treble class to perform as the full Beginning Band in concerts each semester.

    CO-CURRICULAR FINE ARTS PERFORMING ENSEMBLES
    • Cantatores (yearlong)
    Cantatores is a treble choir open to all Middle School girls. This choir performs for Chapel, concerts, and other community events. Though the group is a performing ensemble, the students are taught music literacy skills, vocal techniques, sight-reading, and understanding of style through the process of preparing choral literature. Cantatores meets three times per rotation throughout the school year, during the daVinci period and before school.

    • St. John’s Boychoir (yearlong)
    The Boy Choir is open to all Middle School boys. The group is a performing ensemble that rehearses two mornings each rotation throughout the school year.

  • Physical Education

    Students in Class 6 participate in a physical education class where students develop an understanding of health-enhancing levels of physical activity and fitness, laying the foundation for a lifetime of wellness. Classes highlight various sports during the year in small groups, with an emphasis on the sports offered in Class 7 and Class 8, giving students a preview for their sports selection in those classes. In addition to sport and fitness education, the curriculum features cooperative activities to develop collaboration and teamwork. This combination provides students the opportunity to build their confidence and appreciation for physical activity and wellness.

Class 7

List of 8 items.

  • English 7

    English 7 offers an integrated study of literature, composition, grammar, and vocabulary. Literary genres covered include novels, poetry, short stories, plays, and nonfiction. Journaling and discussion serve as catalysts for analytical as well as creative writing. Students compose personal narratives, poetry, and literary analyses. Specific revision and editing strategies emphasized in English 7 include sentence combining, paragraph organization, content elaboration, and the evaluation of diction. Grammar instruction includes a review of the parts of speech, the parts of the sentence, phrases, clauses, and usage issues. Vocabulary study is incorporated through the study of literature and through the Vocabulary Workshop series. Individual and group presentations focus on the development of public-speaking skills.

  • Math 7

    The core of Math 7 includes a sound development of the real number system, an introduction to probability, a survey of basic geometric concepts, and the consideration of area and volume of simple geometric figures. Algebraic topics are introduced, and the foundation is established for future work with open sentences, relations, and functions. Students are introduced to the use of the T1-84+ graphing calculator.

  • Math 7 Accelerated

    (not offered every year)

    Middle School students who placed into Math 6 Accelerated prior to their Class 6 year may continue with Math 7 Accelerated in Class 7, depending upon their success in Class 6 Math. This accelerated path of study is a fast-paced mathematics course with a focus on Algebra I concepts along with the additional exploration of matrices, inverse functions, exponential and logarithmic equations, basic trigonometric functions, and conics. Extensive use of the TI-84+ calculator is an integral part of this course.

  • History 7

    Students in Class 7 begin a two-year sequence of study of United States history and civics. In Class 7, students examine the foundations of the United States government and how the United States Constitution defines the structure and role of the federal government and its relationship with the state governments. Students gain an understanding of United States history between the Revolutionary War and the Industrial Era and closely study events leading to periods of conflict and social, political, and economic changes. Students learn about the Revolutionary War, the creation of the Constitution and the challenges of building a new government, Westward expansion and its impact on the Native Americans, slavery and the lives of the enslaved, the events that led to the Civil War, Reconstruction, the rise of the Industrial Age, and the multiple waves of immigration and immigrant experiences in the US. One of the main themes that the course focuses on is the changing idea of what it means to be a United States citizen. Students consider how this definition has changed for gender, racial, ethnic, class, and religious groups at different times. The course aims for students to consider multiple perspectives and experiences, think critically about history, and utilize primary and secondary sources to support their historical arguments and discussions.

  • Earth Science 7

    Science 7 is an introduction to Earth Science and includes an array of sciences dealing directly with the study of the earth and its formation. Students investigate concepts related to the fields of geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy as they build an overall understanding of how the earth affects their daily lives and how they, in turn, affect the earth. Throughout the course students will not only gain a basic understanding of these concepts but will also strengthen a variety of scientific skills such as observation, data collection, experimentation, and interpretation. Students will also carry out group engineering projects where they will practice using peer and professional feedback to improve their designs.

  • World Language 7

    In Class 7, students begin a two-year focused study of the world language they chose at the end of the Class 6 Carousel.

    • French IA
    The goals of communication, connections, culture, and community continue to be enhanced during this first year of introductory French language. Students continue to acquire more basic vocabulary and grammar/syntax concepts to build their communicative skills. Besides thematic culture knowledge, students design a major project on various regions of French speaking countries introducing students to cultural facts that are closely related to the introductory French literature and history. Technology is used to enhance the interpersonal learning of the target language through media from the Francophone world and to assist students with their research on culture and language.

    • Latin IA
    Latin IA introduces students to the Latin language and the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world through the lens of the early Roman empire and the town of Pompeii in southern Italy. From the beginning of the course, students read captivating stories that illustrate the lives of Pompeians and visitors to Pompeii from a wide range of social classes, learning Latin vocabulary and grammar in the process and extending this knowledge into active use and etymological study of English derivatives. Students also participate in an engaging curriculum of Greek and Roman mythology as well as learning about the history of Rome from its legendary foundation by Romulus in 753 BC to the defeat of Hannibal at the Battle of Zama in 202 BC.
    Throughout, students use their newfound knowledge to interpret their own lives and American culture and traditions through a historical lens.

    • Spanish IA
    Spanish IA is the first year of introductory Spanish offered in the Middle School. The communicative approach to second language acquisition reinforces the students’ writing, listening, reading, and speaking skills. Students are exposed to cultural, historical, and literary aspects of the Spanish-speaking world through the use of readers in the target language. The study of Spanish-speaking cultures continues to be integrated into their studies.

  • Fine Arts 7

    Class 7 students may enroll in one of two tracks: The Fine Arts Semester option or the Yearlong option (Impulse 7, Band, and or Orchestra).

    • Art: Visual Art 7 (semester) 
    Students learn new skills to help them draw more realistically. A variety of mediums are used, including but not limited to charcoal, pastels, pen and ink, and graphite. Portraits, landscapes, architecture, and still life studies are touched upon.

    • Art: Digital Photography 7 (semester)
    In this course students learn and apply fundamental skills to use a camera and take photographs of animals, people, and landscapes. Students gain an understanding of how photography can be a means of documentation or high art. Students examine photographic careers and explore self-reflection to progress their creative expression as they develop their photographic portfolios.

    • Dance: Impulse 7 (yearlong)
    Impulse 7 is a performance-based class with a focus on dance technique and choreography. Students are introduced to a basic dance curriculum and establish a basic technical foundation. Learned skills center around the study of ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and contemporary dance, and assessments are given at the end of each unit in the form of written and practical exams. The rehearsal process is also incorporated into the class throughout the year; the course culminates in an end-of-the-year performance.

    • Dance: Musical Theatre Dance 7 (semester)
    Students learn a variety of Musical Theatre dance styles and study and explore dance repertoire from Broadway’s most iconic musicals and choreographers. Movement vocabulary includes basic tap, jazz, and social dance. The focus is on dance technique, style, performance quality, movement dynamics, and musicality.

    • Dance: Hip Hop 7 (semester)
    Hip–Hop dance refers to street dance styles that are edgy, energetic, and fun for all. This class focuses on rhythm and style and encourages students to “feel the beat” through basic warm-ups and combinations. No dance experience is needed.

    • Band: Intermediate Band (yearlong)
    Intermediate Band is a performance-based class into which students are placed by the director. This band focuses on developing instrumental woodwind, brass or percussion technique and music literacy. Students are introduced to a more intermediate curriculum, including tone development, technical proficiency, and music performance. Students have the opportunity to audition for local/regional honor ensembles, compete at solo & ensemble contests, and perform in concerts as a full Intermediate Band each semester.

    • Music: Intro to Digital Music Production 7 (semester)
    Students learn how to operate Digital Audio Workstations (D.A.W.’s) to compose and arrange short music projects. They explore rhythm, hand they compose their own electronic music.

    • Orchestra: Sinfonietta (yearlong)
    This graded year-long fine arts course is an intermediate-level string ensemble open to string players. Students are placed in Sinfonietta by the director. Students in Sinfonietta are expected to have at least one year of instruction on their instrument. Sinfonietta performs for Chapel, special Middle School events and scheduled instrumental concerts. Students provide their own instruments.

    • Orchestra: Camerata (yearlong)
    This graded year-long fine arts course is offered to string players who have experience playing in orchestra and who are comfortable and accurate playing in upper positions. Expected skills include two octave scales in the keys of A, D, G, C, and F, playing without fingering tapes, use of vibrato, and reading more complex rhythms and bowings, such as those found in Grade 2 and Grade 3 string orchestra literature. Most students in Camerata have three or four years of experience with their instruments. Camerata performs for Chapel, special Middle School events, and scheduled instrumental concerts. Private lessons are encouraged. Placement in Camerata is by audition only.

    • Theatre 7 (semester)
    Students study beginning scene study, stage movement theory, vocal technique, and text analysis, culminating in performance assessments. Public Speaking standards will be introduced.

  • Co-Curricular Fine Arts Performing Ensembles

    • Cantatores (yearlong)
    Cantatores is a treble choir open to all Middle School girls. This choir performs for Chapel, concerts, and other community events. Though the group is
    a performing ensemble, the students are taught music literacy skills, vocal techniques, sight-reading, and understanding of style through the process of preparing choral literature. Cantatores meets three times per rotation throughout the school year, during the da Vinci period, and before school.

    • St. John’s Boychoir (yearlong)
    The Boy Choir is open to all Middle School boys. The group is a performing ensemble that rehearses two mornings each rotation throughout the school year.

Class 8

List of 9 items.

  • English 8

    English 8 balances the study of literature, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. The curriculum reinforces and enhances the recognition and effects of literary elements such as symbol, tone, and theme. Students have ample opportunity to articulate analytical observations in response to literature through class discussions and writing. Students develop critical literacy skills by reading and examining novels, drama, poetry, and short stories, which serve as both mirrors and windows to our world. Students explore writing through a variety of modes, including analytical, descriptive, narrative, and poetic. In addition, students learn to distinguish and use various elements of language according to their writing purpose. Vocabulary study is incorporated through the study of literature and through the Vocabulary Workshop series. Individual and group multimedia presentations focus on the development of public-speaking skills.

  • Algebra I

    The mathematics course for Class 8 students is Algebra I. Topics considered include open sentences with one variable, linear functions, solving and graphing systems of linear equations and inequalities, exponents and polynomials, factoring, simplifying rational expressions, solving rational equations, solving and graphing quadratic equations, and radical expressions and equations. Students use the TI-84+ graphing calculator and explore problem-solving strategies.

  • Algebra I Advanced

    As students complete their Math 7 course, the School weighs a variety of criteria, including work habits throughout the Class 7 year, performance on major assessments, independence of thought and learning, and expressed desire to move at a very high pace. Based on these criteria, some students are recommended for an advanced Algebra I course in Class 8. The advanced course is for highly motivated math students, and it is taught at a fast pace. This course covers topics taught in Algebra I plus matrices, inverse functions, exponential and logarithmic equations, basic trigonometric functions, basic probability and statistics, binomial expansion using Pascal’s Triangle, and a brief introduction to symbolic logic. Extensive use of the TI-84+ graphing calculator and Desmos software is integrated throughout the course.

  • Geometry Honors 8

    Students who have taken an accelerated course of math study in Classes 6 and 7 and have experienced a high level of success typically enroll in Geometry Honors in Class 8. This course is synonymous with the Class 9 Geo-Trig Honors class. In addition to traditional geometry topics, the course includes the study of vectors in a plane and their application, laws of sines and cosines, coordinate geometry with conic sections, and advanced topics in trigonometry.

  • History 8

    The History 8 course is the second year in our United States History and Civics sequence and focuses on events in modern United States history and their connections with civic engagement. Through studying 20th-century events, students explore the role of government, political parties, businesses, and citizens in political, social, and economic processes. Throughout the course, students consider multiple perspectives, varied historical narratives, and the diverse experiences of people of different religions, classes, races, and ethnic groups. Among other topics, students examine how government policies and civic engagement changed America in the 20th and 21st centuries. The course also addresses many present-day civic, social, and political issues. The overall goal of the course is for students to develop a deeper understanding of history that will help them become engaged citizens in our diverse and democratic society. Students learn to connect history to their daily interactions and experiences in today’s society. At the end of the course, students complete a capstone project that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience and allows them to directly engage in the civic issue of their interest and explore its historical foundations.

  • Physical Science 8

    Class 8 science focuses on physical science and introduces principles of chemistry and physics. Students start the year with a review of foundational science skills, including measurement, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and drawing conclusions. Students perform an independent scientific investigation on the topic of their choosing and write a full-length lab report to communicate their results. Physics topics include motion, forces, and work and machines. A study of heat and thermodynamics bridges the transition into the chemistry portion of the course. Topics studied in chemistry include properties of matter, phase changes, atomic theory, the periodic table, chemical bonding and reactions, and acids and bases. Physical science is closely integrated with the middle school math curriculum. Throughout the year, students perform multiple experiments and labs, emphasizing hands-on application of the concepts.

  • World Language 8

    In Class 8, students complete the two-year continuum of world language study with Level IB of the program of study. By the end of Class 8, students are typically ready for Level II world language study if they choose to continue with the language they studied in middle school. Students may also complete their middle school program of world language and then change to a Level I program of a different language offered in Class 9.

    • French IB
    In this second year of introductory French, students continue to enhance their learning in the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. Building upon the cumulative grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and culture knowledge acquired throughout the previous year, students enhance their aural and oral skills in the target language. Besides thematic culture knowledge, students also acquire knowledge of Paris through a cultural project on various important historical landmarks of the city.

    • Latin IB
    Latin IB continues guiding students through the Latin language through the journey of characters whom they have already met from Pompeii to Egypt and Britain. In both the cosmopolitan setting of Alexandria and the boundaries of Britain, students engage with ideas of imperialism and cultural conflict, as well as assimilation and class difference. Students will also continue their study of the history of Rome from the fall of Carthage, through Julius Caesar and the fall of the Republic, and through the end of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty with the Death of Nero in A.D. 68. Additionally, students will discover Norse Mythology and apply
    methods of comparative mythology in tracing its shared Indo-European roots with the Greco-Roman mythos. Throughout, students use their newfound knowledge to interpret their own lives and American culture and traditions through a historical lens.

    • Spanish IB
    Spanish IB is the second year of introductory Spanish offered in the Middle School. By the end of the course, most students are ready for Spanish II in Class 9. As with the first two years of study, writing, reading, listening, and oral skills are emphasized. Students learn cultural, historical, and literary aspects of the Spanish-speaking world through the use of readings and ancillary readers.

  • Fine Arts 8

    Class 8 students may enroll in one of two tracks: The Fine Arts Semester option or the Yearlong option (Impulse 8, Band and/or Orchestra).

    • Art: Visual Art 8 (semester)
    A more succinct course than year-long art, this class is perfect for students interested in more advanced art topics. Students will learn new skills to help them draw more realistically. Various mediums are used, including but not limited to charcoal, pastels, pen and ink, and graphite. Portraits, landscapes, architecture, and still life studies are touched upon. This course focuses on new techniques and ways to see, use, and experiment with various materials.

    • Art: Digital Design 8 (semester)
    This course focuses on the study of 2D and 3D modeling techniques used to create unique artwork that can be used for web or printed in three dimensions. Using Inkscape (2D) and Fusion360 (3D), students work in this skill-based art form to sculpt and manipulate their imaginations into substantial and usable forms. By semester’s end, students curate a collection of projects, both digital and print.

    • Art: Digital Photography 8 (semester)
    In this course students learn and apply fundamental skills to use a camera and take photographs of animals, people, and landscapes. Students gain an understanding of how photography can be a means of documentation or high art. Students examine photographic careers and explore self-reflection to progress their creative expression as they develop their photographic portfolios.

    • Musical Theatre Dance 8 (semester)
    Students learn a variety of Musical Theatre dance styles and study and explore dance repertoire from Broadway’s most iconic musicals and choreographers. Movement vocabulary includes basic tap, jazz, and social dance. The focus is on dance technique, style, performance quality, movement dynamics, and musicality.

    • Hip Hop 8 (semester)
    Hip–Hop dance refers to street dance styles that are edgy, energetic, and fun for all. This class focuses on rhythm, and style and encourage students to “feel the beat” through basic warm-ups and combinations. No dance experience is needed.

    • Impulse 8 (yearlong)
    Impulse 8 is a performance-based class with a focus on dance technique and choreography. Students are introduced to a more advanced curriculum, building off of the Impulse 7 syllabus. Learned skills center around the study of ballet, jazz, tap, modern and contemporary dance, and assessments are given at the end of each unit in the form of written and practical exams. The rehearsal process is also incorporated into the class throughout the year; the course culminates in an end-of-the-year performance.

    • Band: Intermediate Band (yearlong)
    Intermediate Band is a performance-based class into which students are placed by the director. This band focuses on developing instrumental woodwind, brass or percussion technique and music literacy. Students are introduced to a more intermediate curriculum, including tone development, technical proficiency and music performance. Students have the opportunity to audition for local/regional honor ensembles, compete at solo & ensemble contests and perform in concerts as a full Intermediate Band each semester.

    • Orchestra: Sinfonietta (yearlong)
    This graded year-long fine arts course is an intermediate-level string ensemble open to string players. Students are placed in Sinfonietta by the director. Students in Sinfonietta are expected to have at least one year of instruction on their instrument. Sinfonietta performs for Chapel, special Middle School events and scheduled instrumental concerts. Students provide their own instruments.

    • Orchestra: Camerata (yearlong)
    This graded year-long fine arts course is offered to string players who have experience playing in orchestra and who are comfortable and accurate playing in upper positions. Expected skills include two octave scales in the keys of A, D, G, C, and F, playing without fingering tapes, use of vibrato, and reading more complex rhythms and bowings, such as those found in Grade 2 and Grade 3 string orchestra literature. Most students in Camerata have three or four years of experience with their instruments. Camerata performs for Chapel, special Middle School events, and scheduled instrumental concerts. Private lessons are encouraged. Placement in Camerata is by audition only.

    • Electronic Music Composition 8 (semester)
    Students utilize D.A.W.’s to compose and arrange electronic music, with an emphasis on music that features computers, drum machines, and MIDI instruments. Students learn about chords, drum patterns, melody writing, remixing, sampling, and audio editing. They explore various styles of “EDM” music to isolate elements of music to improve their compositions.

    • Theatre 8 (semester)
    This course is an advanced exploration of acting techniques and scene study. Using the teachings of Uta Hagen, Michael Shurtleff, and Konstantin Stanislavski as our guide, we explore realism as a main acting style. Students then apply their skills to the breakdown, application, and performance of scenes from various playwrights.

    • Theatrical Design and Technical Theatre 8
    (semester)
    Students gain foundational skills for technical theatre and design in the areas of scenery, lighting, and sound. In each area, students have the opportunity to explore the steps of the design process from concept to creation through hands-on demonstrations and assessments that include the use of the scene shop tools and technical equipment in the Lowe Theater.

  • Co-Curricular Fine Arts Performing Ensembles

    • Cantatores (yearlong)
    Cantatores is a treble choir open to all Middle School girls. This choir performs for Chapel, concerts, and other community events. Though the group is a performing ensemble, the students are taught music literacy skills, vocal techniques, sight-reading, and understanding of style through the process of preparing choral literature. Cantatores meets three times per rotation throughout the school year, during the da Vinci period, and before school.

    • St. John’s Boychoir (yearlong)
    The Boy Choir is open to all Middle School boys. The group is a performing ensemble that rehearses two mornings each rotation throughout the school year.

Physical Education and Athletics

Physical education and athletics at St. John’s are an integral part of the School’s educational program. The physical education program instills a lifelong appreciation of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction. Experiences are designed to empower students with the skills, understanding, and confidence to participate in a variety of sports and activities. Ultimately, the physical education program aims to develop the whole child as an active participant, a caring teammate, and a healthy individual. All Class 6 students will participate in a full year of physical education.

The goal of the athletic program is to develop our students’ full potential physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and ethically while teaching them how to strive for excellence. The School values both the lessons learned through participation in physical education classes and on interscholastic teams and the joy that comes from contributing to the School community through school sports. Students in Classes 7 and 8 are required to participate in interscholastic sports in at least two seasons of those school years. They may choose a physical education class or an athletic team in the other season. Practices for athletics occur at the end of the school day five times per rotation, with competitions taking place after school. The School makes every effort to include all interested students in the sport of their choosing; however, in each season there is at least one team that does make cuts. Students who are not successful in the tryout for those sports do have the opportunity to then switch to another athletic team or to physical education class. In some instances, to accommodate large numbers a sports program may involve a “core team” concept, with the core supplemented on game days by a rotating group; other teams may be divided into “A” and “B” squads. As feasible, games for both “A” and “B” teams will be scheduled.

List of 3 items.

  • Fall

    Cross Country (7, 8) (b, g)
    Field Hockey (7, 8) (g)
    Football (7, 8) (b)
    Volleyball (limited enrollment) (7, 8) (b, g)
    Physical Education (7, 8) (b, g)

  • Spring

    Baseball (limited enrollment) (7, 8) (b)
    Golf (limited enrollment) (7, 8) (b, g)
    Lacrosse (7, 8) (b, g)
    Pickleball (7, 8) (b, g)
    Softball (limited enrollment) (7, 8) (g)
    Tennis (limited enrollment) (7, 8) (b, g)
    Track and Field (7, 8) (b, g)
    Physical Education (7, 8) (b, g)

  • Winter

    Basketball (limited enrollment) (7, 8) (b, g)
    Soccer (7, 8) (b, g)
    Swimming & Diving (7, 8) (b, g)
    Winter Track (7, 8) (b, g)
    Wrestling (7, 8) (b)
    Physical Education (7, 8) (b, g)

Community Service

In Middle School, students are provided with several opportunities to serve the larger Houston community through school-wide, class level and advisory-based service projects. Believing that “sweat equity” is more valuable to both the individual student and the community, our projects focus on students giving of their time and energy rather than goods or monetary gifts. Monthly and themed optional service activities are offered in an effort to introduce middle school students to a wide array of in-person service opportunities. These include painting dog houses with the Houston Humane Society, decorating and packing sack lunches at Kids Meals, and participating in beautification projects with the Houston Botanic Garden. School-wide service allows all members of the Middle School to participate in a service opportunity together. These opportunities include our annual Special Olympics track and field event, our grade level Days of Giving, and our Class 8 sponsored Halloween carnival for children undergoing cancer treatment in cooperation with the organization Candlelighters. It is our hope that through constant and varied exposure to service opportunities, students will find an area they are passionate about and continue to more independently serve as they move into upper school.

Activities Offerings

There are three activity periods scheduled during each rotation. Students may choose up to three activities each trimester. The following activities represent a sampling of offerings in recent years. Private music lessons are also offered on campus during this activity period. Note: Not all activities are offered every year.

School Initiatives

While the Curriculum Guide focuses mostly on the classroom, it is important to note some of the major ways in which the School addresses student development through co-curricular and extra-curricular initiatives and efforts, including:

  1. Teachers who are specialists in their disciplines and know that meaningful growth and confidence comes from authentic achievement.
  2. A wide selection of enrichment activities to encourage participation, creativity, and a sense of shared accomplishment, and to expose students to a variety of potential interests beyond the standard curriculum. Offerings vary but typically include student council, choral and instrumental music, dance, quiz bowl, and many other teacher and student-initiated programs.
  3. Required participation in a quality physical education and athletics program to complement students’ intellectual growth with physical development, promoting health and fitness and encouraging teamwork.
  4. High expectations of ethical behavior through adherence to an honor code as well as focused commitment to character development through division-wide assemblies and an advisory system at all three grade levels. Additionally, chapel services reinforce shared beliefs and promote appreciation of differences.
  5. An outdoor education program that supports classroom work and fosters class cohesiveness while fostering social skills, self-reliance, and confidence through authentic challenge. This program begins with a sixth grade trip to MO Ranch in Hunt, Texas, continues with a seventh grade Texas Tour through the San Antonio, Austin, and Hill Country areas, and culminates in a five day eighth grade camping trip in Utah.
  6. A significant commitment to community service, including projects at community centers, local parks, and homeless shelters. Involvement in such activities sharpens students’ awareness of others’ needs and helps to develop a sense of social responsibility.

Middle School Honor Code

Our Honor Code says that each Middle School student should be honest, respectful, and responsible.

Students deserve to be in a school environment in which their peers follow this code.

  • Honesty means being truthful to other people and to oneself.
  • Respect includes a regard for other people’s belongings and feelings, including respect for school property.
  • Responsibility for one’s actions involves being dependable. Students at St. John’s are expected to follow through with what they say they will do
Conclusion: In order for this Code to be successful, we must all agree to be honest, respectful, and responsible. If we all follow this Honor Code, St. John’s Middle School will be the kind of place we want it to be.

St. John's School

|   2401 Claremont Lane Houston, TX 77019   |   713-850-0222
© 2018 St. John’s School. All Rights Reserved.