Middle School

During the crucial adolescent years, self-esteem, family values, and healthy intellectual curiosity need to be fostered within a nurturing, moral, and safe environment. By building on the skills developed in Lower School, the St. James Middle School focuses on the acquisition of strong academic skills, expands comprehension, analytical and questioning abilities, broadens creative and critical thinking, and enhances effective written and oral communication.

Our Middle School program offers a strong academic foundation through core classes in Language Arts, History/Geography, Science, Spanish, and Math. Language Arts classes focus on developing critical reading, research and writing skills through the study of literature.  In History/Geography, scholars explore both American and World History, building a deeper understanding of global cultures and historical events. The science curriculum is presented in a laboratory setting emphasizing the scientific method as a problem-solving tool and utilizing special science software for experimentation. Sixth and Seventh Grade Science classes consist of Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) and allow scholars to take the IPC credit with them to high school. Eighth Graders take Biology and earn the Biology credit upon successful completion of the course.  The Spanish program provides our scholars to build their reading, writing and oral language skills in a second language.  Seventh and Eighth grade scholars have the opportunity to earn high school credits for Spanish Level I and Spanish Level II. The Math curriculum builds a solid foundation in mathematical concepts and problem solving.  In Seventh Grade, scholars take Pre-Algebra and our Eighth Grade Scholars complete Algebra I for high school credit.

The transition years from fifth through eighth grades are critical ones in a young person’s development and a wide variety of courses, enrichments, and programs have been developed to address the scholar’s intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
These include the following:

  • Art – Working with various media, painting, print making, sculpting, and drawing. Seventh and Eighth Grade scholars will earn a Fine Arts credit upon the successful completion of both years of Art.
  • Athletics – After school team sports in volleyball, basketball, soccer, track, and tennis.
  • Outdoor Education – Trips designed for each grade to integrate group interaction skills, personal growth, camping, canoeing, hiking, and science
    • MO-Ranch, low elements of the Ropes Challenge Course – 5th Grade
    • Camp of the Hills – 6th Grade
    • Camp Eagle – 7th Grade
    • San Antonio Alamo and Texas State Capitol – 7th Grade
    • Mo Ranch, high elements of the Ropes Challenge Course – 8th Grade
    • Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Gettysburg, and Williamsburg – 8th Grade
  • Research/Word Processing – Use of computers for outlining, note taking, and editing in process writing.
  • Google Classroom – Platform used by Middle School teachers and scholars
  • Religious Education – Twice weekly Chapel service and Spiritual Formation classes
  • Middle School Music – Choral music, recorder, and hand bells
  • Study Skills – Organization, time management, and note-taking
  • St. James Service – Program to receive recognition for service to the school and to the community
  • Student Council – Student government for 5th-8th grades

The Middle School extends the St. James tradition of caring, while placing emphasis on developing high moral standards, responsibility, a respect for self and others, an enthusiastic pursuit of excellence, and a reverence for God and life.

The Fifth Grade curriculum utilizes Interdisciplinary instruction incorporating the Elements of Depth and Complexity and Multiple Intelligences to provide an engaging, challenging, cognitive experience across the disciplines of language, math, science and social studies, and in areas of enrichment such as religion, Spanish, technology, and fine arts.
Fifth Grade scholars are taught to look at the world through the Global Theme lens of Relationships, identifying the following essential, conceptual truths (generalizations):

  • Relationships may be natural, forced, or chosen.
  • Relationships can be simple or complex.
  • Relationships may have positive or negative effects.
  • Relationships change over time.
  • Relationships can take many forms.
  • Relationships serve many and varied purposes.

Language Arts

The Fifth Grade language arts program teaches scholars to be strong communicators: good readers, writers, public speakers, and listeners. Scholars develop their understanding of various literary genres by reading and analyzing short stories and novels. A key goal of Fifth Grade language arts is to deepen scholars’ comprehension and understanding of the power of words by teaching them to pay attention to the writer’s craft, and the significance of structure, word choice, and the use of rhetorical and literary devices. They learn to separate fact from opinion, understand the relationship between cause and effect, and use appropriate supporting details.
The writing curriculum will be integrated with the studies in other disciplines. Scholars learn to analyze and understand what they have read and discussed, and use this knowledge to enrich their writing. Scholars are taught to write using a clearly constructed writing process which culminates in final publishable works of five paragraphs or more. Scholars are required to apply their knowledge of correct grammar and the increasing richness of their developing vocabulary in their writing.

Literature

  • Hoot
  • Don Quixote
  • Hatchet
  • British Literature
    • Sherlock Holmes
    • Hamlet
    • MacBeth
    • The Globe Theater
  • Fiction and Drama
    • Stories
    • Drama
  • Poetry
  • Non-Fiction Articles
    • Stories
    • Drama

Writing

  • Relevant paragraphs
  • Introduction and conclusion paragraphs
  • Essays
  • Descriptions
  • Summaries
  • Reports

Research

  • Sources and bibliography
  • Introduction and conclusion paragraphs
  • Summaries
  • Reports

Grammar and Usage

  • Subjects and predicates
  • Nouns
  • Verbs
  • Direct Objects
  • Adjectives and Adverbs
  • Prepositions
  • Punctuation and capitalization

Vocabulary

  • Wordly Wise

History and Geography

The study of history and geography provides scholars with an understanding of the physical processes that shape life: the interactions between humans and their environments and the relationship between space and culture. Fifth Grade scholars will relate the role of environment to the agricultural, religious, and mathematical systems of several Meso-American civilizations.

Scholars continue the study of European history with particular emphasis on the Age of Exploration, the Renaissance, and the Reformation. They will examine the role of technology and language in these periods of transformation. The American history unit examines westward expansion and The Civil War.

Fifth Grade scholars write research papers and engage in lively classroom debates generated by historical and current events.

World
World Geography

  • Spatial Sense
    • Maps and globes
    • Latitude, longitude, coordinates, degrees
    • Climate and time zones
  • Great lakes of the world

Early American Civilizations

  • Geography
    • Location of Central America and South America
    • Countries, rivers, mountains
  • Maya, Aztec, Inca Civilizations
    • The Mayas
      • Settlements
      • Accomplishments and contributions
      • Pyramids and temples
      • Hieroglyphic writing
      • Astronomy and mathematics
    • The Aztecs
      • Settlements
      • Warrior culture
      • Aqueducts and temples
      • Ruler-priests
    • The Incas
      • Settlements
      • Cities
      • System of roads
    • Spanish Conquerors
      • Cortes and Pizzaro
      • Advantage of Spanish weapons
      • Devastation by disease

European Exploration, Trade, and the Clash of Cultures

  • Background
    • Beginning of 1400’s and European trade
    • Geography of spice trade
  • European Exploration, Trade, and Colonization
    • Portugal
    • Spain
    • England and France
    • Holland
  • Trade and Slavery
    • The sugar trade
    • Transatlantic slave trade

The Renaissance and Reformation

  • The Renaissance
    • Rebirth of ideas
    • New trade and new wealth
    • Patrons of the arts and learning
  • The Reformation
    • Gutenberg’s printing press
    • The Protestant Reformation
    • The Counter-Reformation

England and the Golden Age to the Glorious Revolution

  • England in the Golden Age
  • From the English Revolution to the Glorious Revolution
    • The English Revolution
    • The Glorious Revolution

Feudal Japan

  • Geography
  • History and culture

America
U.S. Geography

    • Western Hemisphere, North America, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico
    • Regions and their characteristics
    • Fifty states and capitals

    Science

    This course introduces 5th grade scholars to the dynamic systems of Earth and space, integrating Core Knowledge Science principles with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Scholars will explore the structure of the Earth, weather and climate, space systems, and the interactions between Earth’s systems and human activity. Scholars will also explore how human body systems work together to sustain life. Through inquiry-based investigations, hands-on labs, and real-world applications, scholars will develop scientific literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

    Course Goals

    By the end of this course, scholars will:

    • Understand key principles of Earth and space science.
    • Recognize the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems.
    • Apply scientific practices to real-world environmental and space challenges.
    • Develop an appreciation for stewardship of Earth’s resources and curiosity about the universe.
    • Begin to understand how humans interact and live on Earth.

    Scholars will practice the Science and Engineering Practices from NGSS, including:

    • Asking questions and defining problems
    • Developing and using models
    • Planning and carrying out investigations
    • Analyzing and interpreting data
    • Constructing explanations and designing solutions
    • Engaging in argument from evidence

    Units of Study

    Modeling Earth’s Systems and Processes

    • Core Knowledge: Layers of the Earth, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
    • NGSS Alignment: Modeling Earth’s processes, cycling of materials, plate movements.
    • Activities: Rock cycle investigations, tectonic plate models, earthquake simulations.

    Earth’s Systems and Resources

    • Core Knowledge: Weathering, erosion, water cycle, and natural resources.
    • NGSS Alignment: Cycling of water, human dependence on Earth’s resources.
    • Activities: Watershed experiments, renewable vs. nonrenewable resource debates, soil and water testing.

    Weather, Climate, and Atmosphere

    • Core Knowledge: Atmosphere layers, weather patterns, climate zones, and human impact.
    • NGSS Alignment: Weather and climate models, climate change evidence.
    • Activities: Weather data collection, greenhouse effect lab, climate model projects.

     Space Systems and the Universe

    • Core Knowledge: The solar system, stars, galaxies, gravity, and Earth’s place in the universe.
    • NGSS Alignment: Earth-sun-moon system, scale of solar system, universe history.
    • Activities: Moon phase models, solar system scale walks, gravity experiments.

    Human Impact and Engineering Solutions

    • Core Knowledge: Environmental challenges, conservation, and sustainable practices.
    • NGSS Alignment: Human impacts, engineering solutions to resource and environmental challenges.
    • Activities: Design a sustainable city project, renewable energy prototypes, local ecosystem studies.

    Human Body Systems

    • Core Knowledge: Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
    • NGSS Alignment: Molecules to Organisms - structure and processes
    • Activities: Build a yarn “blood flow” model and make a balloon lung model.

          Math

          Fifth Grade mathematics is an intensive study of numbers. Decimal numeration, place value, number theory, fractions, operations, measurement, geometry, probability, statistics, and graphing are studied to a level of mastery that is appropriate for this grade level. These topics are covered through whole numbers, fractions, decimal numerals, and integers. Estimation plays a role in the scholar’s ability to predict and check for reasonableness of solutions. Problem-solving and word problems will give the scholar the opportunity to relate numbers to real-life situations. 

          Numbers and Number Sense

          • Whole numbers to the billions
          • Approximation and estimation
          • Factors and multiples
          • Prime factorization

          Addition and Subtraction

          • Commutative, Associative and Identity Properties 
          • Adding and subtracting large numbers 
          • Adding and subtracting decimals 
          • Solve addition and subtraction equations with variables 

          Multiplication

          • Identify factors and products 
          • Apply properties of multiplication 
          • Determine if numbers are prime or composite 
          • Apply the Distributive property of multiplication over addition 
          • Estimate products by rounding 
          • Multiply by 2, 3 digit multipliers
          • Write related addition to multiplication in exponential form

          Geometry 

          • Identify points, lines, line segments and planes 
          • Write ordered pairs for points on a coordinate plane 
          • Identify rays and angles 
          • Identify right, acute, obtuse and straight angles \
          • Measure angles using a protractor 
          • Plot points and draw lines connecting points on a coordinate plane 
          • Identify parallel, perpendicular, or intersecting lines 
          • Find the missing angle measure in a triangle 
          • Identify right, acute, and obtuse triangles 
          • Identify, name the parts of a circle

          Division by 1 digit divisor 

          • Divide to find a one- or two-digit quotient 
          • Divide to find a one-digit or two-digit quotient with a remainder 
          • Find the average of a set of numbers 
          • Write and solve division word problems 

                Fractions  

                • Compare and order like and unlike fractions  
                • Write equivalent fractions 
                • Rename fractions to higher and lower terms 
                • Rename mixed numbers as improper fractions and vice versa 
                • List factors of numbers 
                • Use divisibility rules for 2,3,4,5,6,10 
                • Use the greatest common factor to reduce fractions to lowest terms 

                            Division by 2 digit divisor 

                            • Divide to find one and two digit quotients 
                            • Interpret remainders 
                            • Divide to find and 3 digit quotient 
                            • Divide to find a quotient containing a 0 
                            • Write remainders as fractions 

                                    Time and Customary Measurement 

                                    • Identify equivalent units of time 
                                    • Tell and write time to the minute 
                                    • Convert time to smaller or larger units 
                                    • Determine future time 
                                    • Add and subtract time 
                                    • Identify customary units of length 
                                    • Convert customary units of length 
                                    • Identify customary units of weight 
                                    • Convert customary units of weight 
                                    • Identify customary units of capacity 
                                    • Convert customary units of capacity 

                                                        Fractions: Addition and Subtraction 

                                                        • Add and subtract like fractions 
                                                        • Rename fractions to lowest terms 
                                                        • Estimate sums and differences by rounding 
                                                        • Add and subtract unlike fractions 
                                                        • Add and subtract mixed numbers 

                                                                Equations  

                                                                • Write mathematical expressions for a word phrase 
                                                                • Use substitution to determine the value of an expression 
                                                                • Solve word problems using equations 

                                                                    Geometry; Perimeter and Area  

                                                                    • Describe and identify regular and irregular polygons 
                                                                    • Calculate the perimeter of a polygon 
                                                                    • Identify different types of quadrilaterals 
                                                                    • Find missing angles in quadrilaterals 
                                                                    • Estimate the circumference of a circle 
                                                                    • Use formulas to find the area of squares, rectangles, triangles and complex figures 

                                                                              Fractions: Multiplication and Division 

                                                                              • Multiply a whole number by a fraction 
                                                                              • Multiply a fraction by a fraction  
                                                                              • Multiply mixed numbers by a whole number 
                                                                              • Multiply mixed numbers by fractions and mixed numbers 
                                                                              • Write reciprocals of fractions and mixed numbers 
                                                                              • Divide fractions by using the reciprocal then multiplying 

                                                                                        Decimals: Multiplication and Division 

                                                                                        •  Write decimals as fractions or mixed numbers 
                                                                                        • Compare and order decimals 
                                                                                        • Multiply a decimal by a whole number 
                                                                                        • Multiply a decimal by a multiple of ten 
                                                                                        • Multiply a decimal by a decimal 
                                                                                        • Divide a decimal by a 1-digit whole number 
                                                                                        • Divide a decimal by a 1-digit whole number by renaming the dividend 

                                                                                                  Geometry; Surface Area and Volume

                                                                                                  • Identify faces, edges, and vertices of a polyhedron 
                                                                                                  • Distinguish between prisms and pyramids 
                                                                                                  • Find surface area of a rectangular prism 
                                                                                                  • Find the volume of a rectangular prism by using a formula 

                                                                                                      Metric Measurement 

                                                                                                      • Convert lengths in the metric system 
                                                                                                      • Convert capacity in the metric system 
                                                                                                      • Convert weight in the metric system 

                                                                                                        Ratios, Proportions, and Percents 

                                                                                                        • Write ratios in word form, fraction form, and ratio form 
                                                                                                        • Write equivalent ratios 
                                                                                                        • Make equivalent ratios to determine unit rates 
                                                                                                        • Write ratios as percents and percents as ratios 
                                                                                                        • Write percents as decimals 
                                                                                                        • Write a fraction as a percent and a decimal  

                                                                                                                  Integers

                                                                                                                  • Compare and order positive and negative numbers 
                                                                                                                  • Add positive and negative numbers 
                                                                                                                  • Subtract positive and negative numbers 

                                                                                                                    Spanish

                                                                                                                    This curriculum is designed to guide 5th grade students through the book Ya converso mas, helping them build a strong foundation in Spanish communication.  The course focuses on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in meaningful and engaging ways.

                                                                                                                    Scholars will learn to communicate about everyday topics, such as school, family, friends, and activities, while also exploring Hispanic culture and traditions. The curriculum emphasizes practical vocabulary, useful expressions, and simple grammar structures that allow students to begin holding conversations in Spanish with confidence.

                                                                                                                    Unit 1: Household vocabulary, personal pronouns, estar, prepositions
                                                                                                                    Unit 2: furniture vocabulary, prepositions, gender of nouns, adjectives
                                                                                                                    Unit 3: kitchen vocabulary, verb conjugations
                                                                                                                    PROJECT: Cognados (Cognates)

                                                                                                                    Unit 4: household chores, tener que, acabar de, prepositions
                                                                                                                    Unit 5: table and fruit vocabular, poner, traer, prepositions
                                                                                                                    Unit 6: breakfast vocabulary, querer, possessive adjectives
                                                                                                                    PROJECT: Spanish-speaking countries

                                                                                                                    Unit 7: lunch and supper foods, o to ue stem-changing verbs, gustar
                                                                                                                    Unit 8: daily routines, e to ie stem-changing verbs, reflexive pronouns
                                                                                                                    Unit 9: school workers and rooms, saber, affirmative and negative words, comparative and superlative adjectives
                                                                                                                    PROJECT:  Foods from Spanish-speaking countries; el horario

                                                                                                                    Unit 10: games/sports/pastimes vocabulary, ser, u to ue-stem-changing verbs
                                                                                                                    PROJECT:  Notable Hispanic Americans

                                                                                                                    Middle School English Language Arts Curriculum Map
                                                                                                                    Middle School Social Studies Curriculum Map
                                                                                                                    Middle School Science Curriculum Map
                                                                                                                    Middle School Math Curriculum Map
                                                                                                                    Middle School Spanish Curriculum Map