Middle School
Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Middle School is a time of unique social and educational development. Our middle school teachers are devoted solely to our middle school students and are subject-matter experts, supporting our students as they advance deeper into subjects and prepare for high school and beyond. Students enjoy changing classes for each subject, taking a more independent role in their learning, and keeping up with assignments. They have the opportunity to challenge themselves in spelling and geography bees and Model United Nations, to participate in a variety of sports and music ensembles, and to volunteer in after school activities/clubs with younger students. During our last period of the day, students are able to catch up on missed tests and quizzes, get started on homework, or visit a teacher for extra assistance in a subject. St. Pius X students graduate from the eighth grade with a clear picture of their strengths and challenges, as well as the strategies, both academic and personal, to employ for success.
English and Language Arts
The St. Pius X English and language arts middle school curriculum expands students' reading comprehension skills, with rigorous instruction and development of writing skills. Our ELA program features small class sizes in which students have the opportunity to analyze a variety of literary genres through novel studies and the use of Newsela.com. Targeted lessons in grammar and vocabulary from Quill.com and Vocabulary.com ensure that our students' writing mechanics, as well as their comprehension of texts, are fully developed. SPX School has a middle school Battle of the Books team, and our middle-schoolers produce a show in the spring.
Math
An advanced math track begins in the fifth grade and continues through the eighth grade. Fifth graders take either grade level math or advanced math which progresses at a faster pace and integrates sixth grade math concepts. All sixth graders take Pre-Algebra. Seventh grade currently has three math options: seventh grade level math (Fundamentals of Algebra), eighth grade level math (Foundations Algebra), or ninth grade level math (Algebra 1/NC Math 1). In 2026-2027, all seventh graders will move in Algebra 1. Eighth graders currently have the option of Foundations Algebra, Algebra 1/NC Math 1, or Geometry/NC Math 2. In 2026-2027, eighth grade students can progress into the second half of Algebra 1 or take a full year of Geometry. Students receive high school credit for the successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry. Therefore, middle school students at St. Pius X Catholic School graduate one to two years above grade level in math.
Science
Science classes are conducted in a state-of-the-art science lab and include experiments and other hands-on learning. Lessons take students around our campus and community as they investigate concepts through the McGraw Hill Inspire Science curriculum.
Social Studies
At St. Pius X, the social sciences include history, civics, economics, and geography. Whenever possible, our teachers tie the social sciences to the real world to help students develop a broader understanding of the world around them. We use HMH Social Studies and Benziger Catholic Textbook Project to explore the areas of Ancient Civilizations and American History.
Religion
St. Pius X is a Catholic school, and we are rooted firmly in helping children experience the wonder of God’s creation. Students attend mass weekly and are paired with Prayer Buddies from the elementary school. Through the Spirit of Truth curriculum and Virtues in Education program, our students deeply discuss, research, and explore the theology of the Catholic Church as rooted in both Old and New Testament and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students also present lessons to their younger prayer buddies monthly, including our traditional Saint in the Box projects.
Specials
Every week, students attend a Foreign Language (3x/week), Computer/Technology, Art, Music, PE (2x/week), and Guidance.
Language Lab
Beginning in the 6th grade, middle school students are able to select their language of study. Currently, St. Pius X offers the following languages: Spanish (traditional classroom instruction), Latin, French, and American Sign Language (ASL). Students attend language classes 3 days per week.
Click here for more information about the Language Lab.
