Skip Navigation

Sixth-Eighth Grade

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.

 

Click here for a summary of 6th-8th grade curricula

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. Targeted lessons in grammar and vocabulary ensure that our students' writing mechanics, as well as their content, is 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 and sixth graders may take either grade level math or advanced math of the next grade level (sixth and seventh grade level math, respectively). Seventh graders have 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). Eighth graders continue this progression, with choices of Foundations Algebra, Algebra 1/NC Math 1, or Geometry/NC Math 2. Students receive high school credit for the successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry.

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 Savvas Elevate Science curriculum. Sixth and seventh grade students take 3-day field trips to two of the unique habitats that our state has to offer: Sound to Sea on the coast (sixth grade) and Green River Preserve in the mountains (seventh grade).

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. Our eighth grade students go on a 3-day field trip to Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg to complement their year-long study of US 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. 

Specials


Every week, students attend Spanish (3x/week), Computer/Technology, Art, Music, PE (2x/week), Guidance, and Social Institute.

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, German, Italian, Russian, and American Sign Language (ASL). Students who select a language of study other than Spanish report to the Language Lab at the time they would otherwise be taking Spanish, 3 days per week.

Click here for more information about the Language Lab.