Grades 6-8

St. Anselm’s middle school program prepares students to become confident, compassionate, and capable lifelong learners. During these transformative years, students develop the academic foundation, character, and independence needed for success in high school and beyond.

Our challenging curriculum is complemented by a variety of enriching programs designed to support students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Middle school students benefit from an advisory program, elective offerings, challenge groups, advanced reading opportunities, leveled mathematics instruction, and a dynamic drama program. Additional experiences, including outdoor education, field trips, and participation in academic competitions such as the spelling bee, extend learning beyond the classroom and help students discover new interests and talents.

A key focus of the middle school years is the development of executive functioning, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Students are encouraged to:

Set goals and take ownership of their learning
Think critically and solve problems independently and collaboratively
Communicate ideas effectively through writing, speaking, drama, and the arts
Respect diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful dialogue
Build confidence, resilience, and personal responsibility
Develop strong organizational and time-management skills
Grow as ethical, informed, and compassionate young adults rooted in faith and service

Our middle school program intentionally combines academic rigor, independence, creativity, faith, and real-world learning. By the time our students leave St. Anselm, they have developed not only the academic foundation needed for high school, but also the organization, confidence, resilience, and self-advocacy skills to navigate their next chapter successfully.

Grades 6-8 Curriculum

Religion

Faith is an integral part of life at St. Anselm School. Middle school students attend weekly morning Mass with our pastor, Father Gabriel, and participate in a robust religion program rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Students follow curriculum from the Augustine Institute, exploring Scripture, Catholic teachings, prayer, morality, and the life of the Church.
Our 8th grade students prepare throughout the year for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Catholic identity is woven throughout the St. Anselm experience, encouraging students to connect their faith to their relationships, choices, service, and everyday lives.

Mathematics

Our Middle School Mathematics program offers a rigorous and accelerated sequence, with Advanced Pre-Algebra in 7th grade followed by Algebra 1 in 8th grade.
Students receive focused preparation for the transition to high school, including thorough preparation for entrance and placement exams at their prospective schools.
Our program builds a strong mathematical foundation while cultivating critical and abstract thinking, intellectual curiosity, and sophisticated problem-solving skills.
Students are encouraged to think deeply, embrace challenges, and grow as mathematicians, developing the confidence and skills needed to reach their full academic potential.

English: Literature & Language Arts

Our English program is divided into Literature and Language Arts, allowing students to develop both a love of reading and strong foundational writing skills.
In Literature, students explore a variety of classic and contemporary works, including Romeo and Juliet, Of Mice and Men, The Alchemist, and Lord of the Flies.
Students learn to read critically, discuss ideas, analyze characters and themes, and support their thinking with evidence—skills that prepare them for the demands of high school English.
Language Arts focuses on grammar, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and effective communication, giving students the tools to express themselves clearly and confidently.

Science

Science at St. Anselm is hands-on, engaging, and designed to spark curiosity.
Students use the Amplify Science curriculum, a research-based, inquiry-driven program that combines science content with investigation, discussion, modeling, and problem-solving.
Students put their learning into action through experiments, projects, and exciting real-world experiences.
Field trips and partnerships have included Walker Creek Ranch, Physics Day at California's Great America, the Marine Mammal Center, Safari West, and other opportunities that allow students to experience science beyond the classroom.

Art & Drama

Students explore their creativity through Art and Drama, working in smaller groups that allow for greater participation and individual expression.
Students experiment with different artistic techniques, develop confidence, and learn to collaborate with others.
The program culminates in a special 8th-grade play, performed for their classmates, families, and friends—a memorable St. Anselm tradition!

Physical Education

Students participate in PE twice each week, building strength, coordination, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy movement habits.
Classes include a variety of games, activities, and forms of movement designed to keep students active and engaged.

Spanish

Our rigorous Spanish program develops students' abilities in both spoken and written Spanish.
Students build vocabulary, grammar, conversation, comprehension, and cultural understanding each year.
By middle school, students are challenged to apply their language skills with increasing independence, helping prepare them for the expectations of high school-level Spanish.

Technology

Technology is a weekly class focused on both digital skills and responsible technology use.
Students explore the ethical and moral responsibilities that come with living in a technology-driven world.
They also develop practical skills through programs and projects that require them to organize, research, create, collaborate, manage deadlines, and present their work—skills they will continue to use throughout middle school, high school, and beyond.

Library & Reading

All St. Anselm students participate in weekly library classes in smaller groups.
Students are encouraged to choose books that are appropriately challenging and aligned with their individual reading levels and interests.
Students also have opportunities to participate in Accelerated Reader, using reading comprehension assessments to monitor and celebrate their progress.
Our goal is simple: to help students become confident, capable, and lifelong readers who discover the joy of getting lost in a great book.

High School Preparation & Study Skills

Study skills are at the heart of our middle school program. Students learn how to manage their time, take effective notes, organize materials, advocate for themselves, communicate with teachers, and plan for long-term projects and assignments.
Students gradually take greater ownership of their learning and develop the executive-function skills necessary for a successful transition to high school.
Middle school students move between classrooms and learn from specialized teachers, giving them an experience that mirrors the structure and expectations of high school.