Grades 7/8

The mission of St. Peter Catholic School is to provide an education that is sacred and academic, enabling students to proclaim their faith and transform the world. As students reach the upper grades, we focus on cultivating community building and a sense of belonging, cooperation and respect, social responsibility, and opportunities for leadership and independence that allow students to grow in learning and in responsibility.

The 7th and 8th grade students combine in mixed homerooms to form the 7th and 8th grade “House.” Combining the grades provides opportunities for student mentoring and creating new friendships, helping provide a stepping-stone into the high school experience, while still retaining a closely-knit community within the larger school. This translates directly into the academics at St. Peter School.

Students in 7th and 8th grade multi-age groups have a two-year curriculum cycle for Religion, and social studies. The cycle for Religion is church history, followed by New Testament studies. The social studies cycle encompasses world cultures and global studies, followed by American history, with current world events woven throughout the cycle. Specialist classes for music, physical education, technology, and art are also taught to multi-age groups. This allows for students to work with a variety of teachers and students throughout the day as they meet the particular curriculum standards.

Students work in grade level groups in science, math, literature, English, and Spanish. They are organized by students’ grade, learning style, and needs, which identifies and builds on students’ individual strengths and needs and allows for more differentiated and individual instruction. Science involves instruction in life, earth, and physical sciences, while math involves studying pre-algebra and algebra. Literature includes a poetry unit along with its novel-based curriculum. English combines spelling, grammar, and writing as part of its curriculum, which is aligned with the literature curriculum.

St. Peter supplements excellent academics with enrichment and extracurricular activities. Students participate in a yearly Art Adventure, which involves an artist residency and instruction followed by a field trip to the particular art site. Students take part in an annual Science Fair, Quiz Bowl, as well as other opportunities for service and leadership such as the Student Council. St. Peter Catholic School provides a well-rounded education that nurtures each child while helping them grow spiritually, academically, and socially.