| middle school division |
| Grades 5 through 8 |
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| Our Middle School Division is located in Building Three, a separate wing of our school building. Students have an assigned homeroom teacher. They change classes as they go through their day. Subject specific teachers create a stimulating learning environment. The average class size is 22-25 students with approximately 44-50 students in each grade; students experience Middle School in a small school setting. |
| science |
| The fifth and sixth grade curricula include life science, physical science, and earth science. A science lab is built into each curriculum to provide a "hands-on" approach to learning. The seventh and eighth grade programs emphasize four strands of science: life, earth, physics, and chemistry. Both include one extended science laboratory period per week. |
| social studies |
| At the fifth grade level students study geography and American history. Our sixth grade program includes the study of ancient civilizations and Europe during the Middle Ages. Students in the seventh and eighth grades delve deeply into the history of the United States from its early exploration to the present. All our programs integrate independent and cooperative projects and activities to facilitate and enhance learning. |
| mathematics |
| Fifth and sixth grade students complete their foundation in basic math through the study of fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement with an introduction to plane and solid geography, algebraic equations, and multi-step problem solving.
During their seventh and eighth grades, our students study pre-algebra and algebra in either honors or standard programs. They are also introduced to graphing calculator technology and programming as it applies to algebra and geometry. |
| literature/language arts |
Our Reading 5 curriculum combines skill instruction with an introduction to the appreciation of literature. Students in literature 6, 7, and 8 read quality multi-cultural works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama to develop a deeper understanding of and an appreciation for literature. A standard or honors program is offered to our seventh and eighth graders.
Oral and written communications are emphasized in every Middle School language arts program. To help our students become proficient written communicators, we teach writing as a process which is developmental and requires practice. Therefore, a weekly writing laboratory is an important component of our Middle School language arts curriculum. |
| religion |
| At OLMA, religion is both an academic subject and a way of life. We instill in our students a lifelong commitment to the Church and service to others. Students gain a thorough understanding of Catholicism through the study of the life of Christ, the Old Testament, Church history, the Apostles' Creed and Catholic morality. |
| resource room |
| Our resource room is staffed with trained professionals who insure the success of our learning-differenced students by working with them in collaborative classroom settings. They also provide small group instruction in our resource room. |
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