Middle School

While SMT is a small, intimate school with a tight-knit community, on  entering middle school your child will engage in a more independent, responsible learning experience.  Teaching is organized by department, and some subjects, such as science, STEAM,  art, music, and math are taught in classrooms other than the homeroom.

Throughout middle school, your child will acquire skills and build confidence that will prepare them for the next steps in their academic life.  For example, a specific note taking approach is formally taught and reinforced in sixth grade and expected in all subjects.  Students have repeated opportunities to learn how to think analytically, work collaboratively, manage their time efficiently, and study effectively.  These skills and experiences are critical to success in high school and build a solid foundation for excellence in college and adult life.

SMT’s English and literature program is aligned to Common Core standards.  Your child will strengthen their knowledge of grammar through the study of Latin, improve their writing skills, and grow in their ability to comprehend and appreciate both fiction and nonfiction texts.  By the end of eighth grade, your child will have studied and written personal and fictional narratives as well as argumentative and analytical essays.  They will have participated in a range of collaborative discussions as well as engaged in many public speaking opportunities.

In math, both the regular and advanced courses emphasize a mastery of foundational skills needed for advancement in advanced math studies and a commitment to the hard work needed to achieve a deeper understanding of concepts.  The middle school years are critical to building the foundation that will be used later in algebra, calculus, and geometry, as well as physics, biology, and chemistry.

Humanities form an important part of the curriculum, with social and religious studies adding strong building blocks to a well-rounded education.  Social studies courses cover periods from ancient history through contemporary world history, with an emphasis on Ancienet Civilizations in sixth grade, the middle ages through WWII in Europe, and American history in eighth grade.  Our religion curriculum encourages your child to develop a personal relationship with God through prayer, service to others, and core values.  Service learning and outreach activities strengthen the virtues of compassion, generosity, and gratitude.

Laboratory courses are a distinguishing characteristic of our science and STEAM programs.  Logic and critical thinking skills are incorporated into daily instruction.  Technology, such as computers, iPads, digital probes, 3D printers etc. is integrated throughout our science and STEAM classes for real-time data collection, visualization, and analysis.  Independent exploration is encouraged though participation in our annual science fair program.  Our students receive  county and state and state recognition for their projects.