Middle School

Introduction to Biology is designed to provide a foundation in the biological sciences for students as a preview to high school level biology. The course explores the molecules of the cell, fundamentals of DNA technology and genomics, transport across the cell membrane, and photosynthesis. Problem solving and laboratory activities are an integral part of this course, used to not only reinforce concepts, but also to give students a high school level scientific challenge. 

This course is offered to 7th and 8th graders and is taught over the course of two years. Students have the option to only take the course for one year. Introduction to Biology is taken concurrently with students’ regular science class during the school day.

5th and 6th grade students interested in the performing arts meet twice a week to learn different acting techniques. This drama class will be a supportive community where you can develop valuable skills such as public speaking, team work, and creativity, as well as an interactive class involving stage activities, improvisation, games, and collaboration. 

Typically a sophomore-level math course, Geometry is offered to our 8th grade students who have demonstrated readiness for an extra challenge in math. In this course, students will learn about the properties of shapes and figures, how they relate to one another in space, and develop a solid understanding of geometric concepts. The class is hands-on and collaborative, encouraging practical application and team problem solving skills. 

Students must test into Geometry in the spring of their 7th grade year for admission to the course in 8th grade. Geometry is taken concurrently with Algebra I, which is taught during the regular school day.

Mandarin Chinese is a dynamic course designed for middle school students to cultivate language skills and cultural understanding. This program is specifically tailored for beginners to develop a strong foundation in Mandarin Chinese through interactive, communicative, and engaging activities.

Students are expected to be actively engaged in the language learning process, become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, learn a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in daily conversations, and analyze and compare cultural practices and differences. Formative and summative assessments are also incorporated to monitor their language progress.

The course aims to foster students' proficiency in using the language and an appreciation of Chinese culture, making it an enjoyable and rewarding experience for middle school students.

Math in Action is a course designed for students who are ready for extra challenge in Math. The course presents real world problems and challenges students to solve them using math. Some of their solutions can be seen around campus!

Our Fall and Spring Musicals are one of the highlights of the middle school experience at St. Mark’s! Whether you want to hone your acting skills, love to sing, enjoy dancing, or want to help with stage management, the Musical has something for you! Join Ms. Hernandez backstage as we prepare for our next big show! 

Students are expected to attend Musical Theater every morning and may be asked to attend additional rehearsals as the show approaches. There is an evening performance and morning performance for each show. All students are required to attend both performances.

The St. Mark’s Cup is presented to the 8th grade student who best embraces the challenges of a robust educational experience, and is ethically and spiritually motivated to make a positive contribution to the school community and the world. This student goes above and beyond what is expected by demonstrating leadership, respect for others, and inclusivity.

The Ambassador Award is given to the 8th grade ambassador who most exemplifies outstanding character and demonstrates what it means to be respectful, responsible, and kind. This student embodies the Portrait of a St. Mark’s Graduate through his or her representation of our school to prospective families and other guests, demonstrating flexibility of thought and action, empathy, self-awareness, gratitude, and respect for all people. This award recipient is chosen by the Director of Admission.

The Dorinda Howard Faculty Award is presented to the 8th grade student who consistently strives for and attains high academic achievement through their resilience, ownership of learning, initiative, and a fearless pursuit of knowledge. Dorinda personified the 3 Cs (connection, contribution, and collaboration), the standards that guide our work as teachers, lifelong learners, and community members. She engaged children and inspired learning; she was passionate and selfless in her dedication to St. Mark’s; and she was always respectful in her interactions with parents, colleagues, and students. For over 30 years, she was the master teacher at St. Mark’s.

The Scholastic Virtue Award is given to 2 students in each middle school grade who display consistent effort to adopt a growth mindset as evidenced in their attention to addressing challenges, learning from mistakes, graciously accepting feedback, demonstrating perseverance, asking questions, and taking risks in his or her learning. The recipients of this award are chosen by the grade level advisors.

The Heart of a Leader Award is given to 2 students in each grade who demonstrate remarkable effort to consistently work effectively with others and, thus, by his or her actions, add value to a group experience. The recipients of this award are chosen by the grade level teams.

The Sallie Wilson Sportsmanship Award is presented to 1 8th grade female athlete and 1 8th grade male athlete whose actions and attitude most exemplify the ideals of sportsmanship, including fairness, civility, honesty, selflessness, respect, and responsibility towards their teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and fans. This award is voted on by the entire coaching staff.

The Hospitality Award is presented to the Hospitality Committee member who consistently demonstrates excellent citizenship skills, including respect, responsibility, and a willingness to help others. This student has also bridged the gap between middle school grade levels by making everyone feel valued and respected on the Hospitality Committee.

The Academic Excellence Award is presented to 1 8th grade student who demonstrates a consistent effort in producing high quality work, participating appropriately in class, and has achieved a high record of academic performance across all subject areas. The recipient of this award is chosen by the grade level teachers.

Content Area Awards are presented to 8th grade students who take risks to further their learning, consistently demonstrating a growth mindset, and show a passion for discovery in a specific content area. The recipients of these awards are chosen by the content area teacher.

The Growth Mindset Award is presented to an 8th grader who has shown consistent willingness and effort to take challenges head on, ask questions, and learn from mistakes, and who demonstrates a positive attitude toward self improvement.

The Leader of the Pride Award is presented to a male athlete and a female athlete in each of the middle school grades, whose actions demonstrate what it means to be a leader on the field of play. After all, leadership is not a title; it’s an action. The award is voted on by the entire coaching staff and embodies the concept of competing for your teammates rather than with your teammates (multiple sport participation preferred, but not required). Leadership and pride in athletics at St. Mark’s is defined as Prowess, Respect, Integrity, Devotion, and Empathy.

The Visual Arts Award goes to the student who has a unique understanding of the creative process, elements of design, and fundamentals of art. This student enthusiastically approaches each art project, and his or her passion is reflected in their work.

The Performance Arts Awards recognize students for their growth and skills shown through our 2 musical performances of the year. For each show, awards are given for Outstanding Lead, Outstanding Supporting Lead, Outstanding Singer, Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Dancer, Outstanding Honorable Mention, Outstanding Stage Management, Outstanding Scenic Design, and Outstanding Sound.