The Middle School Experience

Middle School Program
The middle school program for 6th, 7th and 8th grade is designed to prepare students for a college preparatory high school experience. Our departmentalized program allows each instructor to teach in his or her area of strength. In addition to core subjects, middle school students also have a wide variety of elective classes. At this level students gain a deeper knowledge of Church history and the Gospel. Service learning takes on a new dimension in 8th grade with students required to complete 30 hours of outside service activity that is in line with our published School-wide Learning Expectations.

Small Class Sizes
In 6th grade we transition out of the multi-grade model and split the 6th grade into two separate classes. Therefore, all middle school classrooms are much smaller - from 15 to 20 students per class - resulting in a positive learning environment with plenty of individual attention for students.

Middle School Math - Something for Everyone
Designed to meet the needs of all students, the middle school math program offers remediation for students who need help getting caught up to grade level and advanced classes for students who need to be challenged. In the middle school we provide 6th Grade Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II/Trigonometry. These classes are available to younger students who have tested into the classes.

Electives
Electives are carefully crafted to offer new and exciting ways to meet student academic requirements. Classes typically include a variety of technology classes such as animation, video, website design, and yearbook; a required reader/writer workshop, advanced Spanish, advanced band, rocketry, art, drama, and more.

Student Council
The role of Student Council is to be the voice of Our Lady of Lourdes students, to promote school spirit,
and to support student service. The Council supports service learning activities with highly creative assemblies to introduce an activity, explain the need for the activity and show how it ties in with monthly Fruit of the Holy Spirit themes. Some examples of Student Council activities include: helping to plan Catholic Schools Week activities, acting as student ambassadors at the Informational Open House, and planning a yearly talent show. Student Council members are elected by the student body in June for the following school year.

Washington D.C.
A much anticipated highlight for all 7th and 8th graders is a bi-annual trip to Washington D.C.
The trip is an excellent opportunity for students to gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of U.S. history and government. The tour includes a visit to the major monuments, meeting a Washington State Senator, and touring the Capitol; side trips to Mt. Vernon, colonial Williamsburg, and Jamestown; and seeing the Holocaust, Crime and Punishment, American History, and Air and Space Museum. Students also visit the beautiful Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Church and Catholic University. The trip is every other year to allow all students to fundraise as needed for the trip. Several parents and staff members chaperone the tour each year.