Middle School

Our Middle School Philosophy

At St. Giles School, we believe that middle school is a crucial time for students to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Our dedicated educators are committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment where students can thrive and excel. 

Problems Can Be Solved Middle school students are primed to problem solve, developing queries and conducting research to address issues and seek knowledge. Students make personal connections to the content they learn, which sparks their intrinsic curiosity. Whether it's a classroom challenge or a real-world issue, our students are encouraged to identify challenges and find solutions - now that is a life skill!

Ownership and Responsibility Matter We believe that middle schoolers can and should accept responsibility for their learning. Our students set both short-term and long-term goals and advocate for their own learning needs. With the guidance and support of our teachers, students learn to regulate their emotions and make responsible choices, taking ownership of their academic journey and personal actions.

Leadership Requires Action Middle schoolers are developing a sense of community consciousness and social justice, primed to lead. Our teachers encourage students to choose actions that help others and reflect the teachings of Christ. As the leaders in our PreK - 8 school, our middle schoolers take pride in their work, make a difference and lead through action.

Academic Excellence

Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for high school and beyond. They develop critical thinking skills in areas like math and science, and they learn the nuances of reading and writing. We also guide students on their faith journey, including the sacrament of Confirmation. Our graduates go on to attend the best high schools and universities, well-prepared for success.

Innovative Scheduling To foster deeper connections and effective learning, we utilize "extended" or "block" scheduling for grades 4-8. This approach allows for double periods of math and combined literature/language arts periods, providing more time for individualized attention, small group lessons, and in-depth exploration of topics. This flexibility enhances student engagement and success.

Courses 

  • English Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Word Study/Vocabulary, Grammar)
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Physical Education
  • Religion
  • Art
  • Music
  • Spanish
  • Technology
  • Social and Emotional Learning

Middle School Math Curriculum All of our middle school students are enrolled in an accelerated math program (Big Ideas Math) that allows them to complete Common Core standards for grades 6-9 in just three years. This curriculum is designed to build a solid foundation, promote collaboration, and encourage critical thinking. Students develop fluency in mathematical concepts, solve complex problems, and articulate their reasoning effectively. This rigorous approach ensures that our students are well-prepared for high school and beyond, mastering essential skills and concepts at an advanced level. Highlights include:

  • Grade 6 (Modeling Real Life): Powers and exponents; GCF and LCM; order of operations; multiply and divide fractions and decimals; ratios and rates; graph data from ration tables; percents; algebraic expressions and properties; equations; absolute value; area, surface area and volume; integers and rational numbers; number lines and the coordinate plane; statistical measures and data displays.
  • Grade 7 (Modeling Real Life - Accelerated): Operations with integers and rational numbers; write and evaluate expressions; distributive property; factor an expression; write, solve, and graph proportions; graph linear equations; slope and y-intercept of a line; write equations in slope intercept form; solve percent problems; simple interest formula; probability; angle relationships and measurements; transform shapes including translations, reflections, rotations, and dilations; exponents and powers; scientific notation and standard form conversion.
  • Grade 8 (Algebra 1): High school-level algebra, polynomials, quadratic functions, linear relationships, rates of change, slope, graphing, systems of equations, inequalities, and functions.

Preparation for the Future Our St. Giles Middle School Faculty is dedicated to helping students succeed in their high school enrollment journey. We provide comprehensive academic support in classes and offer targeted test preparation for the High School Placement Test (HSPT) and the Chicago Public Schools Selective Enrollment exam. Our goal is to ensure each student is well-prepared and confident as they transition to high school.

Our graduates excel at a variety of prestigious high schools, including Fenwick High School, Jones College Prep, Lane Tech, Oak Park and River Forest High School, St. Ignatius College Prep, St. Patrick’s High School, Trinity High School, and Whitney Young High School. At St. Giles, we are committed to your child's success every step of the way.

Life of a Middle School Student

A Place for Everyone We understand that middle school students mature at different rates, and we set clear expectations for behavior. Respect for self and others is paramount. Utilizing a CASEL framework, our social-emotional learning curriculum encourages students to have self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. We address behavior through conversations, reflection forms, and detention when necessary, always aiming for improvement.

Disconnecting to Reconnect Our use of technology is deliberate and thoughtful. While each student has their own Chromebook to augment learning from textbooks, novels and hands-on experiments and projects, we place a strong emphasis on face-to-face interaction and limiting screen time. We also partner with organizations to teach cyber safety, ensuring students understand how to stay safe online and limit their time there. Our Responsible Use Policy is reviewed and signed annually by students and parents.
Middle school students are not distracted by personal devices. Students turn in cell phones each morning and receive them back at dismissal allowing them to focus on learning, teachers and friends.

Beyond the Classroom At St. Giles, we offer a diverse array of clubs and sports for our middle school students, providing numerous opportunities for them to explore their interests and talents.

  • Clubs and Activities: Our students can participate in various clubs, including choir, band, theater, school news, yearbook, chess, quiz bowl, math team, art, and more. These clubs allow students to pursue their passions, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.
  • Middle School Athletics: Our athletic programs include cross country, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. These sports teams foster teamwork, discipline, and a healthy competitive spirit, helping students stay active and engaged.

Celebrating Our Eighth Graders At St. Giles, we take pride in celebrating our students as they prepare to transition to high school. The eighth-grade year is filled with special events and unforgettable experiences.

  • Fall Highlights: Our eighth graders kick off the year with the entire grade participating in an exciting musical theater production, showcasing their talents and teamwork.
  • Spring Celebrations: As the school year progresses, students enjoy an educational trip to the state capital, May Crowning of our confirmation and first communion candidates, a formal dinner and dance at the Oak Park 19th Century Club, a thrilling trip to Six Flags Amusement Park, and a heartfelt passing of the torch ceremony. During this ceremony, they read their "wills," sharing valuable skills and advice with the incoming eighth-grade class. They also take part in a clap-out ceremony, walking the halls of St. Giles one final time as the entire school community applauds their journey.
  • Commencement Ceremony: All these cherished moments lead up to our beautiful commencement ceremony held inside St. Giles Church, where we honor and celebrate the accomplishments of our eighth graders.