Sixth-Grade Curriculum
Religion
Sixth graders become familiar with the Old Testament through our text
Spirit of Truth, published by Sophia Press. Students learn from the successes and failures of our Biblical ancestors and gain an understanding of God’s mercy and love throughout salvation history. We also participate in
Second Step, a program that teaches empathy, bullying prevention, emotion management, and problem-solving. As students learn how to make moral choices, they come to realize how important it is to have Jesus at the center of their lives!
Math
The sixth-grade math program includes a variety of learning experiences: math games, demonstrations, mental math, manipulative work, collaborative problem-solving, problem-solving with calculators, lectures, practice, review, homework, tests, and quizzes. The topics and concepts covered during the year include statistics, algebra, decimals, measurement, fractions, geometry, integers, ratio, proportion, percent, and probability. The text we use is Savvas
enVision.
English/Writing
Our sixth-grade English program focuses on grammar and mechanics, writing, and vocabulary development. English instruction includes sentence structure, parts of speech, phrases and clauses, punctuation, usage, and other grammar skills that support clear and effective communication. In writing, we use a writer’s workshop approach, beginning with foundational writing skills and progressing to narrative, opinion, persuasive, and research-based writing. Grammar and mechanics are reinforced within the writing process so students can apply these skills in authentic contexts. Vocabulary instruction is supported through Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop Achieve and the study of Greek and Latin roots, helping students strengthen word knowledge and apply new vocabulary in their reading and writing.
Literature
Sustaining a love of reading is an important facet of our sixth-grade literature curriculum. Students learn to read critically, analyze literature, make inferences, examine theme and character development, and expand their vocabularies. Students engage in independent reading, whole-class novel studies, poetry analysis, projects, and other activities that deepen comprehension and encourage thoughtful discussion of literature. Novels studied may include
The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963,
Amal Unbound, and
The Giver.
Social Studies
Using the pedagogy of the “Flipped Classroom” and “Blended Learning” philosophies, St Francis offers an elite 6th Grade Social Studies Curriculum. The program is anchored by the renowned student-centered resources of Dr. Phil Gersmehl and the content designers of TCI History Alive! and TCI Geography Alive! This curriculum has proven successful and has turned Social Studies into the “favorite subject” of many sixth-grade students since its implementation. In 2026-27 we will be offering for the first time a separate Social Studies class on Friday that will cover many aspects of the History of Christendom during the Medieval history period.
Science
While studying earth science sixth graders engage in our project-based inquiry program. By starting with a challenge or question and then answering the question through collaboration, research, and experimentation, the sixth graders “do as real scientists do!”
Drama
Sixth Grade students will participate in a DRAMA 101 class and perform in a “one-act play” between 20 and 45 minutes in length during either the first or second semester this year with an assigned “troupe”. Students will participate in art class with Mrs. Nowicki in the opposing Semester. All students receive a significant role and are expected to memorize lines at home. (They have 9 weeks to complete the memorization, and there are no after-school rehearsals) Performances are in December for Semester 1 and late May for Semester 2 and are part of a supportive "Competitive Drama” format.
Enrichment and Lunch
Our sixth graders participate weekly in art, band, P.E., library, technology, drama, and Spanish classes, taught by our "Specials” teachers. Field trips, guest speakers, and service opportunities also make up an important part of our sixth-grade year. Every day, sixth graders enjoy a 25-minute outdoor recess followed by a 20-minute lunch. Recess and lunch are supervised by parent helpers.
Spanish
Students in sixth-grade Spanish will begin using the SOMOS Curriculum as part of the Middle School Spanish program. Topics include: conjugating verbs, introducing their peers, and describing themselves. Students will learn how to say their own age, to express what they like or dislike doing, practice noun-adjective agreement, and learn the uses of the verb “to have,” among other topics. Students will also acquire extensive knowledge of the diversity and culture of the Latin American countries.
Service and Leadership
In addition to the options to participate as altar servers and singing in the choir, sixth-grade students participate in several church and community services throughout the year. This year, our sixth graders will be invited to help
Children Waiting Everywhere,
which is an Ann Arbor-based charity that works with communities in rural portions of Uganda. The collaboration is now in its third year, and our sixth graders have raised money with their own efforts to build water tanks and classrooms for schools and orphanages for some wonderful children in Uganda, Africa.
Things to Know
- Our sixth-grade teachers model empathy and respect for their students. Certified by the State of Michigan, they teach math, language arts, religion, science, history, and geography.
- St. Francis School is accredited by the Michigan Association of Non-public Schools (MANS). It is also a member of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).
- 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.
- Test scores are posted at http://stfrancisa2.com/school-community/about-sc/at-a-glance.
- Our web-based communication program allows parents and students access to information about school activities, class assignments, and progress reports, while providing a direct e-mail link between teachers and parents.
- 6th Grade students will be invited to participate in a global outreach service project. 6th Graders will again work with Children Waiting Everywhere, a local Ann Arbor Charity that is a 100% volunteer organization. C.W.E. raises money to provide educational facilities and health services in Fort Portal, Uganda. This will be the fourth year the 6th Grade has partnered with C.W.E. and their efforts has allowed hundreds of students in Fort Portal to move from schools made of “sticks” to “bricks”. The project helps our students become more aware of their blessings and promotes an opportunity for service to those with far less opportunities.
What Parents Say…
“Students learn and live the virtues of empathy and respect. The environment that is created within the classroom helps each child grow into a better person.”
“The teachers use common sense approaches, grounded in our Catholic Faith, to help the students’ transition from their childhood elementary school years to the challenges of middle school and beyond.”
“I know that when my kids are grown, they’ll look back on their sixth grade year and smile. When students are taught in such creative ways, they experience the joy of learning and retain more of the material.”
“The results for our son were phenomenal. The integrated approach bolstered our son’s confidence in his intellectual abilities beyond our most optimistic hopes.”
“I believe sixth grade is the most significant and influential year. The teachers encourage learning through independence and responsibility, while appreciating every student’s learning style. God and His goodness are incorporated into all subject areas. Every day the children learn something new about themselves. Sixth grade at St. Francis is truly a blessing!”
“Connecting with real science and scientists keep the students and teachers sharp and focuses on what’s relevant for the students to learn.”
