Middle School Curriculum

Empowering Leaders Through STEM, Faith, and Academic Excellence

The Middle School program at St. Bernadette School—serving students in Grades 6 through 8—prepares young people to become confident, capable, and compassionate leaders ready for high school and beyond. Rooted in our Catholic identity and guided by high academic expectations, the program challenges students to think deeply, work collaboratively, and live out their faith with purpose. At the heart of this experience is a robust and expanding STEM curriculum that inspires innovation and prepares students for the future.

A Rigorous, STEM-Focused Curriculum

St. Bernadette’s Middle School curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and designed to meet the intellectual needs of today’s learners. Our strong emphasis on STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—is woven across subject areas, offering students hands-on, project-based learning that encourages creativity, logical thinking, and real-world problem solving.

• Science classes are lab-based and inquiry-driven, with units in life science, earth science, chemistry, and physics. Students learn to ask questions, form hypotheses, conduct experiments, and analyze data.
• Technology Integration includes one-to-one iPads, coding units, research projects, digital presentations, and the use of interactive apps and software that enhance learning across disciplines.
• Engineering concepts are introduced through cross-curricular challenges and co-curricular opportunities like the FIRST^® LEGO^® League, which allows students to design, build, and code robots for real-world problem solving and competition.
   
• In Mathematics, students are placed in level-appropriate courses, including advanced options that prepare them for high school algebra and geometry. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and application.
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Beyond the Classroom: Co-Curricular Excellence

Middle School students have access to a range of academic and enrichment programs that support and extend classroom learning:

• FIRST® LEGO® League: A standout program that promotes engineering, collaboration, and innovation.
• Math League: Competitive opportunities to apply advanced mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• National Junior Honor Society: Recognition of students who exemplify academic achievement, leadership, service, and character.
• Homework Club: Faculty-supported after-school time for academic support and study skills development.

Formation for Life

While STEM is a major focus, St. Bernadette’s Middle School experience is about educating the whole student—mind, body, and spirit. Faith is woven into daily life through religion classes, prayer, school-wide liturgies, and service opportunities. Students are encouraged to lead with integrity, act with empathy, and apply Gospel values in all they do. Leadership skills are developed through Student Council, outreach programs, public speaking opportunities, and classroom responsibilities.

St. Bernadette Middle School graduates leave not only academically prepared—but confident, faith-filled, and future-ready. With a solid foundation in STEM and a heart for service, our students are equipped to succeed in high school and lead with purpose in the world.