Middle School

• Reading: Novel studies, book clubs
• Writing is focused on enhancing the teaching of writing through a workshop model. It aims to equip teachers with effective strategies and practices for improving student writing skills. The program emphasizes a hands-on, experiential approach to teaching, helping educators develop techniques that engage students and foster a deeper understanding of writing. Grammar is integrated within the writing units.

Middle School uses a standards-aligned mathematics curriculum for grades six through eight. It is designed to foster deep understanding through problem-based learning and engaging activities. The curriculum emphasizes student discourse, collaborative learning, and real-world application of mathematical concepts. Open Up Resources aligns with the Illustrative Mathematics approach to ensure the content is high-quality and effective in supporting diverse learners.

Science in Middle School fosters intellectual curiosity through project-based learning and hands-on experiences, encouraging students to actively engage with scientific concepts. Collaboration and discussion are central to our approach, allowing students to work together, solve problems, and think critically. The program begins with General Science in fifth grade, laying a strong foundation with topics like matter, energy, and forces. In sixth grade, students transition to Earth Science, exploring the universe, Earth's systems, and natural resources. Life Science in seventh grade deepens their understanding of living organisms and ecosystems, while eighth grade introduces Integrated Physics and Chemistry, where students experiment with the physical and chemical principles that govern our world.

Middle School Social Studies offers a dynamic, multi-year exploration of world and U.S. history, integrating geography, civics, and economics. In Ancient Civilizations I & II, students engage in a two-year sequence studying key regions of the world. Fifth-grade students begin Ancient Civilization I, exploring Western Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, while sixth grade students focus on Central, South, and East Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America in Ancient Civilizations II. In US History I, seventh grade students explore early American history, starting with Indigenous Peoples and continuing through the establishment of the Bill of Rights in 1791. US History II in eighth grade covers the development of the Constitution through Reconstruction, with an emphasis on the relevance of these events today. Students develop research skills and practice inquiry-based learning to analyze historical issues and communicate their findings.

Spanish in Middle School immerses students in Spanish language and culture through a blend of storytelling, asking and answering questions, and grammar, with a focus on developing conversational Spanish skills. Early lessons emphasize naming, existing, and beings, building a foundation for everyday communication. As students progress, they explore first-person narration, the present tense, and cultural studies such as Hispanic Heritage Month and Afro-Latino influences. Advanced topics include preterite and imperfect tenses, ser/estar, stem-changing verbs, pronouns, and comparisons. Throughout our program, students deepen their cultural understanding while mastering essential language skills for real-world conversations.

Religion
Middle School Religion provides a well-rounded exploration of biblical texts, world religions, and ethics. The Old Testament curriculum covers key stories, including creation, Abraham, Joseph, the Exodus, and Israel’s journey to the Promised Land. In the New Testament, students learn about First Century life, the Nativity, Jesus's teachings, parables, and the early church. World Religion introduces major global faiths such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism. In Ethics, students explore what it means to be human, study ethical theories, and examine real-world issues like AI and medical ethics, culminating in student-led projects and discussions.

Music
Music in Middle School provides a diverse and engaging curriculum that blends music theory with hands-on experiences. Students explore rhythm, melody, and harmony through instruments like the recorder, glockenspiel, ukulele, ocarina, hand chimes, and steel pan drums. Using the Quaver Music Curriculum, they delve into the science and sound of music while connecting to cultural studies, such as Dia De Los Muertos, Martin Luther King Day, and Black History Month. Activities like Music Mad Libs and composer studies foster creativity, while drama and busking opportunities encourage performance and self-expression.

Art
Middle School Art is designed to offer a comprehensive journey through the history of art, encouraging students to explore, create, and appreciate the diverse world of visual arts. By studying art movements, such as renaissance, impressionism, and modernism, students will develop a well-rounded understanding of artistic techniques, historical context, and cultural significance, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Service Learning and Character Building

All students participate in an advisory, allowing them to discuss current adolescent topics, to emphasize our honor code, instill moral principles based on the Christian faith, develop friendships with other students, and complete outreach projects at school and in the community. St. Mark’s provides many service learning opportunities throughout the year for students to learn while giving to others. Middle School students also participate in Life 101, a safe place to talk about any issues that surround adolescents.

St. Mark's Episcopal Middle School students take out-of-town, overnight class trips every spring. This gives students the chance to stretch and grow their relationships while learning in new environments.  Field trips are “electronics-free.”

5th Grade: Houston Museum of Natural Science, overnight
5th graders bond as a class through exploration, science, and a scavenger hunt. This trip helps grow relationships outside of the classroom as 5th graders apply the newfound freedom and responsibilities they've gained as middle school students.  

6th Grade: Camp Allen for 3 days, 2 nights
6th graders focus on teamwork, learning about nature and ecosystems, and growing in their faith life as they hike various trails and "rough it" in Camp Allen.  Students often cite the challenges and growth that happened on this trip as a highlight of middle school at St. Mark's.

7th Grade: San Francisco for 4 days, 3 nights
7th graders put into practice what they have learned about science and technology in this STEM-focused trip to San Francisco. Students visit Stanford University, the Golden Gate Bridge, and technology museums that teach them about how far we've come in innovation.

8th Grade: Washington, DC, for 5 days, 4 nights
8th graders represent St. Mark's at our nation's capitol and dress in their formal uniforms to tour the leading museums in the country. Students also visit Pennsylvania and the Amish country to visit cultures and learn about others in this trip that many students call their favorite memory at St. Mark's

Additionally, small field trips may be made during the school year as part of educational or service projects. 

5th through 8th Grade:

• Normal Day: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (students may arrive beginning at 7:40 AM for Zero Hour)
• Before School: 7:00 AM - 7:40 AM
• After School: 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM