English
The English program encourages students at every grade level to develop their communication skills to the fullest extent possible through instruction in grammar, vocabulary, writing, and literature.

Grammar - The grammar component is comprehensive is scope, focusing on grammar, usage, mechanics, composition, and resources. Students learn to recognize all parts of speech through diagramming, reinforcement exercises, and writing activities. The application of grammar is integrated into the writing component of English and other subject area classes.

Vocabulary - Exercises reinforcing spelling, comprehension, and application of word usage is the focus in writer's workshop and literary analysis. Vocabulary development in middle school is taught through instruction in Greek and Latin roots.

Writing - In the writing component, students receive opportunities to practice descriptive, narrative, expository, persuasive, creative, research, and response to literature writing formats. A variety of original works in both prose and poetry are produced during English and writing classes.

Literature - The goal of the literature component is to produce successful readers who can decode all types of words, read with fluency and expression, have well-developed vocabularies, and possess a variety of comprehension strategies. A variety of literary selections appropriate to the interests and experiences of the middle school student are explored through works of fiction and non-fiction in formats that include short stories, essays, plays, and poetry. A study of classical literature and historical fiction provides an interdisciplinary curriculum in sixth through eighth grades.

Mathematics
Through the math program, students are provided with a sequential set of course work to prepare them for a variety of high school entrance requirements. The knowledge and skills taught enable them to use math effectively in the future, both academically and in everyday life. Opportunities are provided for critical thinking and problem solving either in individual or group work. Hands-on activities, games, scientific and graphing calculators, and computer software enhance the program.

A diverse program providing many instructional levels has been designed to meet the requirements of all local private and public high schools.

The sixth grade course offerings are as follows:
• Level 6 Mathematics - This course includes working with whole numbers, integers, decimals, exponents, percentages, and fractions.
• Pre-Algebra - Students are introduced to algebra and geometry while solidifying arithmetic concepts, data analysis and probability.

The seventh grade course offerings are as follows:
• Pre-Algebra
• Algebra I Honors - This high school credit course provides a rigorous, in-depth study of algebra, emphasizing deductive reasoning skills as a foundation for more advanced mathematics courses. Proficient use of the graphing calculator is developed.

The eighth grade course offerings are as follows:
• Algebra I and Algebra I Honors
• Geometry Honors - In this high school credit course, students study geometric relationships and deductive strategies used in solving real-world mathematical problems.
• Algebra Prep - The algebra prep program is designed to provide students with the foundation needed for the Algebra I course that will be taken in high school.

Science
The primary goal of the science curriculum is to help students become careful, open-minded observers, questioners, and interpreters of the world around them. The middle school curriculum focuses on earth science in sixth grade, life science in seventh, and physical science in eighth, and it incorporates content from other subject areas. Students engage in hands-on activities and experiments in the science lab weekly to reinforce concepts taught in the classrooms. In addition, there are science related field trips at each grade level, and seventh and eighth grade students participate in the school’s annual science fair and the Palm Beach County Science and Engineering Fair.

Social Studies/History
The social studies/history curriculum assists students in developing the knowledge, skills, and civic values needed to actively participate in the world today. In order to achieve this goal, the sixth grade curriculum begins with the study of geography through various cultures around the world. The seventh grade curriculum on world history takes a look at man’s earliest ancestors and the beginnings of civilization. The study progresses through ancient civilizations to an overview of the twentieth century and problems that face mankind today. The eighth grade curriculum focuses on the historical events that occurred in America during the period from the Age of Discovery to the twentieth century. Emphasis is placed on the cause and effect of major events that developed in America.

Spanish/French
The sixth grade program stresses written and oral communication by reinforcing common vocabulary, grammar, and regular practice in conversational Spanish/French. The students are exposed to the customs and traditions of the different Latin cultures and they participate in group work, oral presentations, and research projects. The seventh grade course is a continuation of the sixth grade course. Students acquire a more advanced vocabulary and have more frequent opportunities to polish their communication skills. The Spanish I or French I course for eighth grade students offers high school credit and continues the development of communication skills and cross-cultural understanding. The focus is on reading, writing, listening, and speaking with reinforcement of the fundamentals of grammar and culture. The students participate in a variety of cultural activities throughout the course of the year.

Computer
Microsoft Excel, Office, and Publisher are the focus of instruction in this sixth grade semester class. Projects throughout the middle school years require the application of the programs covered in this sixth grade class.

Band
Band for sixth grade students continues the development of wind, brass, and percussion instruments started in fifth grade. The students learn the fundamentals of their instruments and group performance through classes that meet three times each week, required at-home practice, and concert performances.

Seventh grade students choose band as an elective. Students are exposed to a variety of music literature and more advanced compositions based on a higher level of ability. The class meets three times a week and the students are required to complete at-home practice hours and participate in one concert per semester.

Eighth grade band is also an elective class. At this level, students perform a variety of musical selections including classical, jazz, and modern compositions from many well-known composers.

Sixth through eighth grade students have the opportunity to development their individual musical talent by participating in solo and ensemble groups. Student musicians are provided with the opportunity to perform for the student body at Friday Eucharist, a yearly talent show, and at local and state competitions. In addition to solo and ensemble, middle school students may participate in a pep band and jazz band throughout the year.

Physical Education
Courses for each grade level offer instruction in a variety of sports and recreational activities that build skills and promote cooperative social interaction and teamwork. The class meets twice weekly and focuses on age-appropriate exercise.

Elective Classes

Vocal Ensemble

Visual Art

Graphic Art

Web Design

Band

Drama

Dance

Photography

Personal Fitness

Religious Studies
Religious studies courses in the middle school are a component of the wheel classes. The program consists of a semester of instruction in the following areas:
• Sixth grade—World Religions
• Seventh grade—Old & New Testament
• Eighth grade—Ethics

Technology
The availability and effective use of technology at St. Mark’s creates a challenging, supportive educational environment that promotes higher levels of achievement for students. Technology is integrated across the curriculum through the use of wireless laptop computers, classroom projectors, and surround sound audio. Software includes Microsoft Office Professional, the Adobe Creative Suite, and a variety of premium web products, including Study Island, Accelerated Reader, EBSCO research database, and Discovery Education streaming video.

Character Education
Chapel and Eucharist
Character education and Christian principles are the focus of the middle school chapel held each Tuesday. A school wide Eucharist service is held every Friday.

Leadership
A multitude of leadership opportunities are afforded middle school students through academic competition and performances, National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, Congressional Volunteer Program, and various clubs and sports.

Advisory
The purpose of the middle school advisory program is to promote academic success, build interpersonal relationships, and foster awareness of self and others in order to develop a personal moral compass that impacts students’ lives inside and outside of school. Topics covered include peer relationships, self-esteem, academic survival skills, values, and conflict resolution.

Retreats
Grade level retreats are part of the school’s character education program. The day long retreats are held off campus and include a combination of character and team building activities. The theme of the retreats are as follows: positive peer relationships (6th grade); empathy (7th); ethical decision making (8th).

Community Service and Service League
Service is a core component of middle school student life. Numerous opportunities for community as well as service learning are provided to students throughout the year. Local community service by middle school students occurs throughout the year through National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, and Service League initiatives. In addition, service learning is incorporated into the middle school curriculum through the Mama Ada Foundation project in Kenya, the Honduran Exchange Program, and the Oxfam Hunger Banquet.

Field Trips
Field trips are scheduled throughout the year by the classroom teachers to enhance the curriculum of a particular grade level. Activities include visits to local government agencies, museums, art galleries, concerts, plays, and environmental areas. The cost of all trips is included in tuition.

Class Trips
Middle school students participate in annual class trips that are enhancements to the social studies or science curriculums at each grade level:
• Sixth grade – Epcot Center in Orlando
• Seventh grade – Seacamp at Newfound Harbor Marine Institute in Big Pine Key
• Eighth grade – Washington, D.C.

Parents are advised of the cost of these trips in advance.