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 continues the development of reading comprehension skills, with a strong emphasis on further developing writing skills. Our ELA program features small class sizes in which students have the opportunities to analyze a variety of literary sources through novel studies and to explore current events through the My Perspectives text series. SPX School has a middle school Battle of the Books team, and our middle schoolers put on a drama production 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). Eighth graders can continue this progression, with choices of Foundations Algebra, Algebra 1, or Geometry. Algebra 1 and Geometry are both available for high school credit.
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 Science Fusion 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, 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.
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 have Spanish, Information and Research, Computer, Art, Music, PE, and Guidance lessons.
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 will 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.
