Fifth-Eighth Grade is our Middle School

The middle school years at St. Peter Catholic School are a beautiful season in a child’s life. Each day begins and ends in the grade-level homeroom under the guidance of a teacher who honors each child’s dignity and fosters the individual potential of all. The weekly schedule consists of courses in mathematics, religion, science, English, literature, social studies, art, phy ed, and instrumental or vocal music. The keystone of the middle school formation of critical thinkers is weekly participation in our Socratic Seminar course.

These seminars are taught by all middle school faculty members, school principal, and parish priests. The Socratic Seminar forms students into critical thinkers via diligent reading and annotation, civil discourse with classmates, and thoughtful written reflection on an essential question.

Social studies and religion curriculum consists of text-based learning of Hebrew Scriptures and the Ancient Civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, and the Americas, as well as Early American History, Minnesota History, and the sacraments.

Language Arts curriculum focuses on improved grammar, writing, and speaking skills.  Students read literature by authors such as: Shakespeare, C.S. Lewis, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Students complete Algebra by the end of 8th Grade and all Middle School students participate in Catholic Math League competitions each week with challenging 30 Question tests. Most graduating students enter Honors math programs as 9th graders and some even test out of Geometry.

Physical education, technology, art, and music are also taught to Middle School students. Music classes meet three times a week.  A fifth and sixth grade choir meets once a week and leads music at weekly school Masses. The music curriculum focuses on music theory, guitar methods, music history, singing technique, and creative dramatics.  Students perform in a Christmas concert as well as a Spring Musical/Concert.

The fifth through eighth grade students have the opportunity to join many different extracurriculars including Student Council, Debate Team, Math League, and Quiz Bowl. one