Our Middle School program is designed to boost self-confidence in the transitional time between childhood and adulthood. It offers structure and discipline, which creates a sense of stability for seventh and eighth graders. Yet it is purposely experiential, providing a wealth of "hands-on" projects that engage students intellectually, spiritually and socially.

In addition to providing an exciting curriculum that actively involves students, Middle School coursework reflects an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Integrating course material between subjects enhances students' abilities to understand and retain information.

Middle School is the first level of single-sex education at Visitation. At this age, the shift to all girls has decided advantages. Statistics show that boys in co-ed classrooms are typically called upon four times as often as girls. Our single-sex environment provides adolescent girls unique leadership opportunities, and helps them to be confident and articulate in all areas. Eighth grade students serve as prayer and reading buddies to those in Lower School, and Middle School students serve on Student Council, plan Environmental Day, share events with St. Thomas Academy, and run the weekly assembly.

To lend more support to our seventh and eighth grade students, each is assigned an advisor who becomes mentor, friend and advocate. The advisor also facilitates communication between parents and the school, and offers assistance with any problems the student may face.

Expanded extra-curricular activities include drama productions, choir and band, the Great Books Club, essay contests, geography bee, math team, science fair, and team sports including cross-country running, tennis, swimming/diving, track, golf, soccer and hockey.