Curriculum
Highlights
ACADEMIC RIGOR
A challenging and engaging academic program emphasizes high-level critical thinking embedded in all core and elective subjects, with rich opportunities for project-based, interdisciplinary and inquiry-based learning. Our students are confident, engaged learners, who emerge prepared for our well-respected Upper School.
COURSEWORK
Middle School students enroll in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, religion, art and physical education; students also study a world language of their choice (Spanish, French or Mandarin Chinese), and participate in our orchestra program or general music class. Many of our students qualify to take Upper School courses, when available.
ADVISORY PROGRAM
Students are welcomed into weekly small group meetings led by faculty mentors who provide guidance on interpersonal skills, character development, digital citizenship and developing a growth mindset. Opportunities to build healthy, whole-hearted connections with their peers within a Salesian environment are supported during advisory meetings.
THE ARTS
Enriching courses in ballet, visual arts, orchestra, choir and instrumental music are offered at every grade level in state-of-the-art studios and rehearsal spaces guided by expert instruction. Drama, design and additional music opportunities are also available as co-curricular activities, providing diverse outlets for students to explore their interests.
Grade Six
Art
Our visual arts curriculum encompasses the four disciplines of art: production, history, criticism and aesthetics. Students create seven major products each year, with the purpose of fostering an appreciation for the arts in students’ lives. Project highlights include nature photography, painting, ceramics, and block printing. Use of our outdoor classroom, Hanky’s Garden, enhances the visual arts curriculum.
Language Arts
Our English language arts curriculum explores cross-curricular themes through high-interest, award-winning literature, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction selections. Through critical and reflective thinking, students develop analysis and synthesis skills that deepen connections to text. Interdisciplinary humanities writing projects and specialized writing instruction provide opportunities for creative and analytical expression.
Math
Students in grade six math have access to a two-track math program: grade six level math or pre-algebra. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are developed throughout both courses, as our students cultivate understanding of math processes — not just the products. Technology integration enriches the grade six math program.
Music
GENERAL MUSIC
Our music curriculum teaches lifelong skills in active music-making, creates discriminating music listeners and deepens students’ understanding of the world as interpreted through music. Through theory and enrichment, musical concepts are introduced in grade six that are then built upon in grades seven and eight.
ORCHESTRA
String orchestra is offered as an elective to sixth through eighth grade students. Beginning and experienced orchestra students alike will improve their musical skills, individually and within their music community, through weekly lessons and group rehearsals. Performance opportunities are offered throughout the academic year.
Physical Education
Our PE curriculum centers on competence, fitness and the understanding of the importance of physical activity, developed so that students have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful, physical activity. A variety of sports and fitness activities are introduced. Students learn to employ correct techniques and engage in good sportsmanship in all activities.
Religion
Our grade six religion program studies our Salesian spirituality and the four pillars of the Catholic Church: what Catholics believe, how Catholics worship, how Catholics live and how Catholics pray. Scripture study, opportunities to lead weekly rosary and prayer gatherings, and participation in community service projects all enrich the program. Catholic social teaching is introduced, as students cultivate a Christian response to issues facing our world today. The Gospel and liturgies are celebrated throughout the year.
Science
Students are introduced to the principles of physical science and chemistry through an emphasis on laboratory and field experiences, evidence-based reasoning, the scientific method and inquiry. Use of our outdoor classroom, the Webber Learning Lodge, extensive manipulatives and technology, and well-equipped laboratory space enhance learning.
Social Studies
Our grade six social studies curriculum explores the ancient worlds, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Reformation. Students study the people, events and technology that have shaped Minnesota and our world. Our students participate in the Junior Achievement Program’s Global Awareness and BizTown programs, where personal finance, economics, world trade and the judiciary system are introduced.
World Languages
FRENCH
The French program is based on the Total Physical Response Storytelling approach. TPRS is a system of acquiring the language through mastery of a few expressions a day, every day, all year. The program involves listening, viewing, and acting in the story; re-telling; reading; and writing. The rich context of stories brings learning to life and activates the pattern-making functions of the brain, ensuring that learning and retention occur.
SPANISH
The Spanish program offers an integrated approach to language learning. It begins with an introduction of the language and basic expressions, which are supported and expanded by material in the textbook. Speaking, listening, reading and writing are incorporated through exercises and applied to the daily life of the class. Students continue to develop their grammar, vocabulary and communication skills from year to year.
CHINESE
Students begin to experience the language and culture of China, using everyday Mandarin Chinese in the classroom. They learn the core Chinese vocabulary and sound system while developing their listening and response skills and growing in their cultural understanding.
Grade Seven
Art
Our visual arts curriculum encompasses the four disciplines of art: production, history, criticism and aesthetics. Students create seven major products each year, with the purpose of fostering an appreciation for the arts in students’ lives. Project highlights include nature photography, painting, ceramics, and block printing. Use of our outdoor classroom, Hanky’s Garden, enhances the visual arts curriculum.
Language Arts
Adding to the connections fostered in grade six, students’ skills in reading comprehension and critical thinking are expanded through access to rich and diverse fiction and non-fiction text. Analytical skills are honed through focused inquiry. Writing projects include MLA research papers and embedded analytical composition.
Math
Grade seven math continues the two-track program: Pre-algebra or Algebra I. Our students refine their computational skills and develop a greater understanding of algebraic concepts for problem solving. Exploration of the processes of math, not just the products, is continued in these levels. The use of technology integration continues to enrich students’ understanding of high-level concepts.
Music
GENERAL MUSIC
Our curriculum teaches lifelong skills in active music-making, creates discriminating music listeners and deepens students’ understanding of the world as interpreted through music. Through theory and enrichment, musical concepts that were introduced in grade six are built upon in grade seven. Students experience a strong, varied choral program that advances into eighth grade. Performance opportunities are offered throughout the academic year.
ORCHESTRA
String orchestra is offered as an elective to sixth through eighth grade students. Beginning and experienced orchestra students alike will improve their musical skills, individually and within their music community, through weekly lessons and group rehearsals. Performance opportunities are offered throughout the academic year.
Physical Education
Our PE curriculum centers on competence, fitness and the understanding of the importance of physical activity, developed so that students have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful, physical activity. A variety of sports and fitness activities are introduced. Students learn to employ correct techniques and engage in good sportsmanship in all activities.
Religion
God's revelation is the foundation of our Catholic faith. Students explore this faith and the life and message of Jesus Christ as passed on through the New Testament. Through exploration of the principles of Catholic morality, students form a moral compass to guide them in life decisions. Catholic social teaching is interwoven into currents events, as students engage in a variety of issues intersecting their world - while learning how to articulate Christian teaching in response to those issues. The Gospel and liturgies are celebrated throughout the year.
Science
Students explore life science topics ranging from single cells to the complex human organism. Application of the scientific method and critical thinking skills are further developed. Laboratory research and engineering design are introduced.
Social Studies
Students will study American history, government, economics, and cultural events that have shaped our country’s foundation. The course will focus on American history from the development of the Constitution of the United States through World War II. Students will be active, engaged historians that incorporate interactive reading strategies such as sourcing, contextualizing, corroborating, and close reading when evaluating primary and secondary sources. Utilizing these valuable skills will enhance students understanding of the historical events they will encounter in this class.
World Languages
FRENCH
The French program is based on the Total Physical Response Storytelling approach. TPRS is a system of acquiring the language through mastery of a few expressions a day, every day, all year. The program involves listening, viewing, and acting in the story; re-telling; reading; and writing. The rich context of stories brings learning to life and activates the pattern-making functions of the brain, ensuring that learning and retention occur.
SPANISH
The Spanish program offers an integrated approach to language learning. It begins with an introduction of the language and basic expressions, which are supported and expanded by material in the textbook. Speaking, listening, reading and writing are incorporated through exercises and applied to the daily life of the class. Students continue to develop their grammar, vocabulary and communication skills from year to year.
CHINESE
Students begin to experience the language and culture of China, using everyday Mandarin Chinese in the classroom. They learn the core Chinese vocabulary and sound system while developing their listening and response skills and growing in their cultural understanding.
Grade Eight
Art
Our visual arts curriculum encompasses the four disciplines of art: production, history, criticism and aesthetics. Students create seven major products each year, with the purpose of fostering an appreciation for the arts in students’ lives. Project highlights include nature photography, painting, ceramics, and block printing. Use of our outdoor classroom, Hanky’s Garden, enhances the visual arts curriculum. The Middle School arts program is a perfect preparation for our excellent Upper School art program.
Language Arts
Our grade eight English language arts program concludes the our Middle School years with a close examination of classic literature and poetry. Students deepen their abilities for literary analysis and formal composition through rigorous writing projects. Opportunities for synthesis and evaluation of elements of literature provide an excellent foundation for our Upper School English program.
Math
Students in grade eight math continue utilizing the two-track program: Algebra I or Geometry. Students employ technology and hands-on models to demonstrate geometric and computational skills. The grade eight math program, along with the entire Middle School math program, provides an excellent and aligned foundation that prepares our students exceptionally well for our Upper School math program.
Music
GENERAL MUSIC
In grade eight, our music curriculum expands students’ lifelong skills in active music-making, creates discriminating music listeners and deepens students’ understanding of the world as interpreted through music. Theory, enrichment, musical concepts and performances are emphasized that further lead to a strong, varied choral program in the eighth grade. Performance opportunities are offered throughout the academic year, as well as a music-centered, grade eight trip. Our Middle School students enjoy a well-prepared entrance into the diverse musical opportunities found in our Upper School.
ORCHESTRA
String orchestra is offered as an elective to sixth through eighth grade students. Beginning and experienced orchestra students alike will improve their musical skills, individually and within their music community, through weekly lessons and group rehearsals. Performance opportunities are offered throughout the academic year.
Physical Education
Our PE curriculum centers on competence, fitness and understanding the importance of physical activity. Students learn the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful, physical activity. A variety of sports and fitness activities are introduced. Students learn to employ correct techniques and engage in good sportsmanship in all activities. The focus on personal growth, lifelong health and fitness, and confidence in fitness pursuits are hallmarks of our Middle School program, which does an exceptional job of preparing students for our Upper School program.
Religion
Students explore the relationship of God within their community, with particular emphasis placed on history of the Church and the remarkable story of our own Visitation Sisters. Special focus is given to Biblical models of faithfulness, in particular to holy women of the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. Catholic Social Teaching is interwoven into currents events, as students engage in a variety of issues intersecting their world. Students will learn how to respond and understand these issues in light of the teachings of the Catholic Church. By the end of the year, students will have a deeper understanding of Catholic Catechism and, more importantly, how to respond in Christian truth and love to the world around them.
Science
Students explore earth science topics ranging from geology to astronomy. The scientific method, critical thinking skills, and advanced inquiry opportunities are applied to construct research models and solve challenging scientific questions. The grade eight science program, supported by the full Middle School science curriculum, provide students with a strong foundation of skills and knowledge that leads to success in our robust Upper School science programs.
Social Studies
Exploration of our world through global awareness and responsibility are the heart of eighth grade social studies. Students develop an understanding of the relationships between people, places, and environments over time. The curriculum offers insight into our connection with the rest of the world through our daily decisions about technology, the foods we eat and the things we buy. Map skills and current events are highlighted throughout the year. After three years in our Middle School social studies program, students are well-prepared for our engaging Upper School social studies curriculum.
World Languages
FRENCH
The French program is based on the Total Physical Response Storytelling approach. TPRS is a system of acquiring the language through mastery of a few expressions a day, every day, all year. The program involves listening, viewing, and acting in the story; re-telling; reading; and writing. The rich context of stories brings learning to life and activates the pattern-making functions of the brain, ensuring that learning and retention occur.
SPANISH
The Spanish program offers an integrated approach to language learning. It begins with an introduction of the language and basic expressions, which are supported and expanded by material in the textbook. Speaking, listening, reading and writing are incorporated through exercises and applied to the daily life of the class. Students continue to develop their grammar, vocabulary and communication skills from year to year.
CHINESE
Students begin to experience the language and culture of China, using everyday Mandarin Chinese in the classroom. They learn the core Chinese vocabulary and sound system while developing their listening and response skills and growing in their cultural understanding.