7th and 8th Grade

Our Philosophy

7th and 8th Grade Curriculum

Religion

Using the text Spirit of Truth: The Communion of the Faithful, students explore emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual personal growth. Through this study, students will discover how they are created in the image and likeness of God and how they can use the virtues as well as the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit to aid their personal growth. Students will engage in discussions and readings that explore the moral teachings of the Church and Catholic Church history. Students will critically examine Scripture, Catholic doctrine, and the Church’s social teachings. We will also prepare our eighth grade students to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation using the Sealed in Fire textbook. 

Math

Using Savvas enVision Math our middle school offers instruction in seventh grade pre-algebra, eighth grade algebra, and eighth grade Algebra 1. We also offer Geometry.  In seventh grade students study operations with integers and rational numbers, powers and roots, applications with ratios, similar figures, statistics, probability and linear functions with algebraic expressions as well as some geometry concepts. In eighth grade algebra students study exponents and other applications of real numbers, explore linear functions through graphing and solving, and investigate geometry concepts. In eighth Grade Algebra 1 students study the curriculum of a high school Algebra 1 class including linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities and operations with polynomials as well as graphing and solving quadratic equations. In all math classes, curriculum is differentiated to meet student needs and students are challenged to work independently and in groups to develop a critical understanding of math concepts and math vocabulary.

English Language Arts

The purpose of this course is to develop and encourage students’ competence, confidence, and enthusiasm as readers, writers, listeners, and speakers. Our novel-based curriculum includes Shakespeare, Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl, The Outsiders, Of Mice and Men, and To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as classic and contemporary short stories and poetry. Students will write for multiple purposes and in many different genres following a writer’s workshop approach. By engaging in all stages of the writing process, students will practice the conventions of writing, including grammar and mechanics, and experiment with new vocabulary and writer’s craft to develop their unique writer’s voice. 

Social Studies

Our social studies curriculum is United States history. Students will study the earliest days of the United States from colonialism through WWII. Geographic, civics, government, and economics content are integrated within the historical context.  In addition, students will participate in current event discussions. 

Science

Over two years, students will explore both life and physical sciences. They begin by exploring and utilizing the practices of scientists to solve problems. In biology, students study germs and the human body, heredity and natural selection, and the effects of different land uses on water quality. The physics units include the study of the principles of motion and force as well as how energy takes different forms and is transferred and conserved. The chemistry unit is taught in the context of air quality. Our Project-Based Inquiry curriculum allows students to apply scientific skills as they gather and analyze data, use critical thinking, develop explanations, and figure out design solutions, all working collaboratively.

Spanish

In middle school Spanish class, students meet everyday and use the SOMOS curriculum that was started in sixth grade. Students develop vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and listening skills. The curriculum focuses on learning about Hispanic cultures, too. There will be projects throughout the year that lead students through hands-on learning. Students will complete their two-year Spanish study with an excellent understanding of basic Spanish and be able to place into Spanish II in high school.

Electives

Acapella

Art

Chamber Strings
Coding

Concert Band

Core

Cultural Cooking
Drama

Genius Hour

Guitar

Health

History Through Film

Jazz Band

Life Skills

Music Exploration

Musical Theater

Physical Education

Public Speaking

Athletics

The St. Francis athletic curriculum is a participation-oriented (no-cut) program. Teamwork and sportsmanship are emphasized. Between 80 and 90 percent of middle-school students play at least one sport. Sports include the following: 

Basketball (Girls and Boys)

Cross Country (Girls and Boys)

Field Hockey (Girls)

Track & Field (Girls and Boys)

Volleyball (Girls)

Standardized Achievement Test

• The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) provides the assessment tools used by St. Francis School. Students in grades 3 through 8 are assessed three times a year to measure individual progress at their respective grade level.
• St. Francis' test score comparisons against other schools may be viewed here.

What Graduates and Parents Say...

“I received a solid foundation in the Language Arts at St. Francis School, and as a result, I finished freshman English at the top of my class.”

“St. Francis helped me become a well-rounded student. I was extremely prepared when I began high school. Many of my teachers commented on my strong academic background, especially in the Language Arts area.I attribute this to the excellent training I received at St. Francis School. I am appreciative and grateful that my parents provided me with the opportunity to attend a Catholic grade school. It was truly a gift.”

"My son is adjusting nicely to high school. St. Francis prepared him very well and he had a smooth transition. We certainly miss our family there and think of you often!"