Middle School 6-8
Preparing for the Future
At La Salle Academy, our middle school program for grades 6-8 provides a robust and faith-centered education designed to prepare students for high school and beyond. Students deepen their Catholic faith through advanced studies in prayer, Bible teachings, sacramental understanding, and Catholic social teachings. Academically, they engage in a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced language arts, pre-algebra and algebra, comprehensive science courses, and detailed studies in world and American history, geography, and civics. Enrichment activities in art, music, physical education, technology, and library skills promote a well-rounded education. With the support of specialized subject teachers and a structured yet nurturing environment, students develop critical thinking, leadership, and moral decision-making skills, ensuring they are well-equipped for future academic and personal success. The students in the middle school are offered a variety of curricular and extra curricular activities through Berks Catholic.
See below for details on the individual grade.
Click on the class below to learn more about their curriculum for the year:
6th Grade
Sixth Grade Curriculum at La Salle Academy
Religion
In sixth grade, our religion curriculum aims to deepen students' understanding of their faith and its application in every day life.
- Prayer: Expanding repertoire of traditional prayers, introducing meditation and contemplative prayer.
- Bible Studies: Detailed study of the Old Testament, exploring key figures, events, and lessons.
- Sacraments: Understanding the theology and practice of the seven sacraments, with a focus on Confirmation.
- Liturgical Year: In-depth study of liturgical seasons, feasts, and the significance of holy days.
- Moral Theology: Learning Catholic social teachings, the virtues, and applying moral principles to contemporary issues.
- Text Book Curriculum: Sadlier Religion: We Believe
Language Arts
Our sixth-grade language arts program enhances literacy skills, critical thinking, and effective communication.
- Reading: Analyzing complex texts from various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama.
- Writing: Writing detailed essays, research papers, creative pieces, and improving grammar, punctuation and style.
- Speaking and Listening: Developing advanced public speaking skills through presentations, debates, group discussions and honing listening skills.
Mathematics
The sixth grade math curriculum introduces advanced mathematical concepts and reinforces problem-solving skills.
- Number Sense: Deepening understanding of fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Operations: Mastery of all four operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
- Algebra: Introduction to basic algebraic concepts, including variables, expressions, and simple equations.
- Geometry: Studying properties of geometric figures, including area, volume, and surface area.
- Statistics and Probability: Interpreting data, understanding mean, median, mode and basic probability.
Science
Our science curriculum fosters scientific inquiry and a deeper understanding of natural phenomena.
- Life Science: Studying cell biology, genetics, ecosystems, and human body systems.
- Earth Science: Exploring geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science.
- Physical Science: Understanding principles of matter, energy, force, motion, and simple machines.
- Scientific Inquiry: Conducting experiments, developing hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
Social Studies
Social studies in sixth grade provide a comprehensive understanding of world history, geography and cultures.
- World History: Studying ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
- Geography: Developing advanced map skills, understanding physical and human geography, and exploring global regions.
- Government and Civics: Understanding different types of government systems, with a focus on democratic principles and civic responsibilities.
- Economics: Basic economic principles, including trade, resources, and the role of economies in societies.
Enrichment Activities
We offer a variety of enrichment activities to support a well-rounded education.
- Art: Exploring advanced art techniques and mediums, studying art history, and creating original artworks.
- Music: Advancing musical knowledge, learning to play instruments, and participating in choir or band.
- Physical Education: Promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship through various activities and sports.
- Technology: Building on computer skills, internet research, basic coding and programming, and understanding digital citizenship.
- Library: Encouraging a love for reading, research skills, and familiarity with various literary genres.
7th Grade
Seventh Grade Curriculum at La Salle Academy
Religion
In seventh grade, our religion curriculum aims to deepen the students' faith and understanding of Catholic teachings.
- Prayer: Enhancing personal and communal prayer life, including the study of the Liturgy of the Hours and contemplative prayer.
- Bible Studies: Focused study on the New Testament, especially the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, and Letters of Paul.
- Sacraments: Deepening understanding of the sacraments, particularly Confirmation and the Eucharist.
- Liturgical Year: Comprehensive exploration of the liturgical seasons, solemnities, and feasts.
- Catholic Social Teaching: Leaning about justice, peace, and moral decision-making, with applications to modern-day issues.
- Text Book Curriculum: Sadlier Religion: We Live Our Faith- Study Guides
Language Arts
Our Seventh-grade language arts program builds advanced literacy and communication skills.
- Reading: Analyzing complex texts, including classic and contemporary literature, non-fiction, poetry, and plays.
- Writing: Writing analytical essays, research papers, narratives, and poetry, with a focus on refining grammar, punctuation and style.
- Speaking and Listening: Developing public speaking skills through presentations, group discussions, and declamation and enhancing active listening skills.
Mathematics
The seventh-grade math curriculum introduces pre-algebra concepts and continues to build problem-solving skills.
- Number Sense: Understanding rational numbers, including integers, fractions and decimals.
- Operations: Mastery of operations with rational numbers, including complex fraction and decimal problems.
- Algebra: Introduction to variables, expressions, equations, inequalities, and basic graphing.
- Geometry: Studying properties of geometric figures, including transformations, congruence, similarity, and the Pythagorean theorem.
- Statistics and Probability: Interpreting data, understanding probability concepts, and working with statistical measures.
Science
Our science curriculum promotes inquiry-based learning and scientific literacy.
- Life Science: Studying cellular biology, genetics, ecosystems, and human anatomy and physiology.
- Earth Science: Exploring earth systems, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science.
- Physical Science: Understanding principles of chemistry, physics, energy, and motion.
- Scientific Inquiry: Conducting experiments, developing hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing evidence- based conclusions.
Social Studies
Social Studies in seventh grade provide a comprehensive understanding of world history and geography.
- Geography: Developing advanced map skills, understanding physical and human geography, and exploring different regions of the world.
- World Cultures: Examining different cultures, traditions, and religions based on a region's historical and geographical influences.
- Government and Civics: Learning about different political systems, the development of democratic principles, and civic responsibilities.
- Economics: Understanding economic systems, trade, resources, and the impact of economics on societies.
Enrichment Activities
We offer a variety of enrichment activities to foster a well-rounded education.
- Art: Exploring advanced art techniques and mediums, studying art history, and creating original artworks.
- Music: Advancing musical knowledge, learning to play instruments, participating in choir or band, and studying music theory.
- Physical Education: Promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship through various activities, and sports.
- Technology: Building on computer skills, internet research, coding and programming, and understanding digital citizenship and ethics.
- Library: Encouraging a love for reading, research skills, and familiarity with various literary genres.
8th Grade
Eighth Grade Curriculum at La Salle Academy
Religion
In eighth grade, our religion curriculum aims to solidify students' understanding of Catholic beliefs and prepare them for high school and beyond as faithful Catholics.
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Prayer: Deepening personal and communal prayer practices, including study and practice of the Rosary and various forms of meditation.
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Bible Studies: Comprehensive study of both the Old and New Testaments, focusing on key themes, stories, and their applications in life.
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Sacraments: In-depth understanding of all seven sacraments, with a particular focus on the significance of Confirmation.
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Liturgical Year: Detailed study of the liturgical seasons, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time.
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Catholic Social Teaching: Exploring principles of justice, peace, and moral decision-making, and applying these teachings to contemporary issues.
Language Arts
Our eighth-grade language arts program enhances advanced literacy and communication skills.
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Reading: Analyzing complex texts from diverse genres, including classic and contemporary literature, non-fiction, poetry, and drama.
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Writing: Crafting persuasive essays, research papers, creative writing pieces, and enhancing grammar, punctuation, and stylistic skills.
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Speaking and Listening: Strengthening public speaking skills through presentations, debates, and group discussions, and honing active listening and critical thinking skills.
Mathematics
The eighth-grade math curriculum prepares students for high school mathematics with advanced concepts and problem-solving techniques.
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Number Sense: Mastery of rational and irrational numbers, including exponents and roots.
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Operations: Proficiency in operations with complex fractions, decimals, and integers.
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Algebra: Solving linear equations and inequalities, understanding functions, and working with polynomials and quadratic equations.
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Geometry: Studying properties of geometric figures, transformations, congruence, similarity, and the Pythagorean theorem.
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Statistics and Probability: Analyzing data, understanding probability, and working with statistical measures and distributions.
Science
Our science curriculum promotes scientific literacy and critical thinking through hands-on learning and experimentation.
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Life Science: Studying advanced topics in biology, including cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and ecosystems.
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Earth Science: Exploring advanced topics in earth science, such as plate tectonics, climate, weather, and environmental science.
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Physical Science: Understanding principles of chemistry and physics, including atomic structure, chemical reactions, energy, and forces.
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Scientific Inquiry: Conducting advanced experiments, developing hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
Social Studies
Social studies in eighth grade provide a thorough understanding of American history, government, and geography.
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American History: Exploring U.S. history from the Colonial period through modern times, focusing on key events, figures, and movements.
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Government and Civics: Understanding the Constitution, the structure and functions of federal, state, and local governments, and the importance of civic engagement and responsibilities.
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Geography: Advanced study of U.S. and world geography, developing skills in map reading, spatial analysis, and understanding the interconnections between geography and historical events.
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Economics: Understanding economic principles, including supply and demand, market structures, and the role of government in the economy.
Enrichment Activities
We offer a variety of enrichment activities to foster a well-rounded education.
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Art: Exploring advanced art techniques and mediums, studying art history, and creating original artworks.
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Music: Advancing musical knowledge, learning to play instruments, participating in choir or band, and studying music theory.
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Physical Education: Promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship through various activities and sports.
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Technology: Building on computer skills, internet research, coding and programming, and understanding digital citizenship and ethics.
Library: Encouraging a love for reading, research skills, and familiarity with various literary genres.
Sadlier Religion: We Live Our Faith – Study Guides