Curriculum

In the Middle School for Girls, our Language Arts program empowers students to become thoughtful readers, expressive writers, and confident communicators. Using the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA)/Amplify curriculum, girls explore a wide variety of texts that develop both literacy skills and a love for literature. Students engage deeply with short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction as they strengthen their reading comprehension and critical thinking. Writing is an essential part of the curriculum, and girls learn to express themselves clearly through structured, meaningful writing assignments across subject areas. Emphasis is placed on the full writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing, while grammar, language usage, spelling, and vocabulary are taught in context to support strong communication skills. This program nurtures articulate, reflective learners who are prepared to succeed in Upper School and beyond.

The math program utilizes the Big Ideas curriculum, focusing on pre-algebra skills, including rational number concepts and computation, data analysis, probability, geometry, and measurement, as well as instruction in the use of graphing calculators. Problem-solving activities promote growth in critical thinking and form an important part of the mathematical experience by providing students with the opportunity for intelligent risk-taking, independent thinking, reflection, and self-direction.

In the Middle School for Girls, our science curriculum fosters curiosity, inquiry, and confidence through hands-on, real-life learning experiences. The course is designed to introduce students to key scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies across a wide range of topics. Students ask questions, build models, plan and carry out experiments, analyze data, and effectively communicate their findings. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, evaluating information, and applying the scientific method in collaborative and independent settings. Topics span ecosystems, metrics and measurement, states of matter, space and sky, heat and temperature, flight and aerodynamics, forensics, clean energy, structures and forces, genetics, chemistry, plants, and planets. The program encourages scientific literacy, problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for the world around them.

Students learn to recognize, analyze, and evaluate major events and trends in American and world history, with an emphasis on change, interdependence, and global perspective, including current events. Using the five themes of geography as a foundation, the curriculum explores early civilizations, Native American cultures, the Age of Exploration, the rise of advanced societies, and the development of democracy. Through these studies, students make connections between past and present, gaining the skills to think critically, appreciate diverse perspectives, and grow as informed global citizens.

Faith formation is an essential part of a Sacred Heart education. Rooted in Goal I, “A personal and active faith in God,” our Religion curriculum invites all students, regardless of faith background, to explore and deepen their spiritual lives. Through prayer, study, and reflection on Scripture, Church teachings, and the life of Jesus, students are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with God. Classes are grounded in Christian values such as compassion, forgiveness, respect, and generosity, forming young people who strive to live their faith with purpose and integrity.

French, Latin, and Spanish are offered in Grades 7 and 8. Upon completion of Grade 8, students will have learned reading, writing, and conversation skills and have a cultural awareness of countries around the world that speak the target language. Students who successfully complete the first level of the language in middle school can be placed in French 2, Latin 2, and Spanish 2 during their Grade 9 year.

In the art classroom, the creative process is prioritized over the final product. Students explore a wide range of techniques and materials, including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, fibers, mixed media, and digital graphics. Art history is integrated into every grade level. In Grades 5 and 6, the emphasis is on learning the elements of art, while in Grades 7 and 8, the focus shifts to understanding the principles of design.

Performing arts classes include choir classes focused on singing, theatre classes focused on acting, and musical theatre classes in which students both sing and act. In choir classes, students develop vocal technique, learn how to harmonize, and gain an understanding of written music. In theatre classes, students develop expression through movement, strong voice, and an understanding of character. In musical theatre classes, students work on all of the above skills. Participation in performing arts helps students discover and nurture their individual talents and develop self-confidence. Students build relationships with their peers and develop their collaboration skills as they work together. They also experience the thrill of sharing their gifts with the world by performing in front of live audiences. By working on liturgical music, students develop in their personal and active faith in God, in keeping with our school’s goals.

Students participate in activities that lay the groundwork for a lifetime of physical fitness. Team sports are explored as a means to promote collaboration, social skills, and self-confidence. Individual sports, personal fitness activities (i.e., aerobics and circuit training), team-building activities, and recreational games are also part of the curriculum. All lessons are adapted to the specific skill set of the students, with the ultimate goal of enhancing students’ health in the long term.