Middle school is a time of significant growth. At St. Bernadette, Grades 6–8 are intentionally designed to help students become increasingly independent, responsible, organized, and confident while remaining known and supported by teachers who care deeply about their success.
Students experience a more departmentalized academic program, increased rigor, daily opportunities for support and enrichment, Latin, advanced mathematics, leadership, athletics, the arts, service, and faith formation. Our goal is to prepare students not simply to enter high school, but to thrive there.
What Sets Our Middle School Apart
- Departmentalized instruction and increasing academic rigor
- Daily WIN time for intervention, enrichment, organization, and academic support
- First Form Latin as part of a Grades 4–8 Latin sequence
- Advanced mathematics opportunities, including Algebra I for high school credit when readiness criteria are met
- IEW writing and grammar, literature-rich ELA, and formal logic in Grade 8
- Student Council, Student Ambassadors, athletics, band, service, retreats, and leadership
- Intentional development of organization, time management, study skills, note-taking, and self-advocacy
- High-school readiness and communication with Catholic high schools
- Washington, D.C. educational experience for seventh- and eighth-grade students
Academics in Grades 6–8
The St. Bernadette Middle School program is a purposeful bridge between elementary school and high school. Students encounter greater academic rigor while receiving the structure and support necessary to develop independence, organization, perseverance, and responsibility.
English language arts becomes increasingly literature- and discussion-driven. Students study significant works of literature, poetry, short stories, mythology, and nonfiction, while IEW writing and Fix It! Grammar continue to strengthen composition and language skills.
Students continue Latin through First Form Latin, and eighth-grade students are introduced to formal reasoning through Traditional Logic I. Mathematics includes Math & YOU and an Algebra I pathway for students who meet established readiness criteria. Science and social studies progress through SAVVAS programs, while Word of Life remains central to faith formation.
See the full list of Grades 6–8 resources in our Curriculum at a Glance.
A New Home for Middle School
Our planned expansion will include a new middle school and library, providing dedicated spaces for our oldest students. Learn about Building Our Future.