Jr. High Grades 7-8

The Junior High English Department is dedicated to developing our students' ability to express their thoughts and ideas in both written and oral communication, therefore, the curriculum provides a strong emphasis in the areas of reading, literature, grammar, vocabulary, composition, research, listening, speaking and shared inquiry discussion. Students use many online and hard-copy resources in order to address the specific needs of each student’s learning style.

Literature, comprehension, listening, and discussion skills are taught using the Great Books Foundation process of shared inquiry and active reading. In addition, students study a range of novels, short fiction, poetry, and nonfiction in their language arts classes and across content areas. Vocabulary requirements are drawn from literature, Pre-ACT prep resources, and our Membean online Vocabulary Program. Tri-annual MAP Growth testing is a tool to help teachers, students and parents better understand each student’s progress and to focus instruction where it is needed most.

Our teachers recognize the ever-changing role of facilitating mathematics education and are committed to developing a strong foundation in computational, analytical and reasoning skills for each student. Mathematics is presented in an integrated, holistic manner that develops the skills of systematic and abstract reasoning in each student. Through our Go Math program, students have the opportunity to pursue a track that completes the concepts and skills of algebra in eighth grade so that they will be prepared to begin high school with geometry.

The Junior High Social Studies program challenges our students to discover themselves and their places in the world today and in history by studying World Geography, United States History, and Civics.

Seventh graders begin their social studies journey in world geography which exposes them to an all-encompassing discipline that seeks an understanding of the Earth and its human and natural complexities—not merely the locations of geographical places, but to develop an appreciation that all of humanity are complex global citizens who have a responsibility to care for God’s creation and the stewardship of the Earth.

During the next two semesters, students will encounter the great events, individuals, and ideas that shaped the American experiment. The US History curriculum is split between two semesters, the first covering the period from early Colonial history up until the events of the Civil War. The second half of US History (fall of 8th grade) picks up with Reconstruction and the Age of American Industrialization and proceeds through modern American history.  

In their final semester of social studies, studies will take a deep dive into United States civics and government. Students will study how our democracy is structured, its strengths and vulnerabilities, and how they can use their voices to support a system that is fragile and dependent on all members of society to ensure that it functions to the best of its ability.

As they prepare to head to high school, SAA-SDS students will be prepared to be actively engaged and informed members of society and to understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. 

Our JH Spanish curriculum covers language patterns and vocabulary and focuses on students' learning structures. Repetition and comprehensible input are integral components of this course. Students will learn through Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS). This strategy focuses on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Spanish and culture are introduced through the use of media, dramatizations, gestures, readings, and class discussions. Active participation is required in this course. Students will also read a variety of novels in Spanish as well as short stories in the target language.

Religious studies and faith formation are an integral part of our school’s curriculum and culture. The goal of the Junior High religion program is to cultivate an environment in which children can develop a close relationship with God and a love for each other. The teachings of the church are integrated across content areas. In grade 8, there is an emphasis on the Sacraments of Confirmation, which enhances the sacramental preparation that they receive in their individual parishes.

Each day begins and ends with prayer and students are encouraged to form habits of virtue throughout the school day as well as at home. Junior High students engage in an age appropriate service learning initiatives centered on the Social Justice teachings of the Catholic Church, global competencies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our student body is comprised of children from a range of religious denominations, and respect for the religious preferences of all students is fostered and encouraged.

Our Junior High PE Program places emphasis on the value of living a physically active and healthy lifestyle—in school and beyond. Students receive instruction in areas such as health, yoga, golf, soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, aerobics, and track. In addition, our JH students receive fitness training in our well-equipped fitness area. The PE program aims to develop agility, coordination, and endurance, as well as to instill general health knowledge. At the end of each year, students participate in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program.

Through our robust extra-curricular athletics program, students have the opportunity to participate in soccer, golf, basketball, volleyball, track, cross country, swimming, cheerleading, and baseball/softball.

Education in the Arts at St. Agnes Academy and St. Dominic School is an invaluable tool in building creativity in young people .Using the National Core Arts Standards as a foundation for our Fine Arts curriculum, we offer students a comprehensive, balanced, and sequential Arts education in an environment that includes a well-equipped and spacious art studio, two music rooms and a large theater.

Through the Visual Arts experiences of drawing, painting, printmaking, and graphic design, students develop an appreciation for and instruction in the basics of color, line, shape, space, texture and form. The study of great works of art is incorporated into the curriculum as is the inclusion of art in interdisciplinary studies.

The goals of our Performing Arts program are to provide students with an opportunity to participate in theatrical productions and to develop musical concepts and skills both vocal and instrumental. The curriculum includes Orff Music instruction and instruction in playing hand bells.

As extra-curricular activities, a full-production theater performance is offered each year along with middle school Chorus, and string ensemble. Students also have numerous opportunities to share their musical gifts at Mass, school performances, in the community, and in All West Tennessee Vocal and Instrumental Competitions.

Our Junior High program provides a range of opportunities for students to exercise their leadership skills through elected, selected, academic, athletic, and service opportunities. Our students serve as Admissions Ambassadors, mentors to the children at the Madonna Learning Center, officers in our Student Government Association, and service project coordinators to name a few.

Technology is incorporated into our environment as a teaching and learning tool. Our school is a leader in the use of technology in an educational setting and has been designated as an Apple Distinguished School.

Using the student standards outlined by the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE), our students are using technology to transform their learning. They leverage technology to become empowered learners, innovative designers, creative communicators, digital citizens, and global collaborators. With the world of technology opening before them, our students are preparing to take their place in this field.

The objectives of our Student Services Department and our Guidance program are based on the five core competencies set forth by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and are as follows: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These five core competencies provide our students with a strong foundation for social relationships and academic achievement and are taught through our Junior High Mentor and Student-Led Conference programs in addition to assemblies focused on SEL topics. This growth and development process not only prepares our Junior High students for the challenges of their continuing education but also for life.