At John Paul II, the Middle School curriculum provides the students with a positive, supportive transition from childhood into adolescence and young adulthood with an emphasis on personal responsibility. Excellence in both academics and behavior is encouraged as the students grow and mature intellectually as well as socially.  Following is a list of the required subjects for each Middle School grade level.  Students and parents select the elective courses.

Middle School students at John Paul II are provided many opportunities to broaden their knowledge by exploring various areas of interest through elective classes.  

Middle School Electives:

Advanced Computer – Instruction in advanced computer applications includes creating and publishing documents, advanced levels of keyboarding, presenting work through the use of different multi-media tools, advanced computer and Internet literacy, and beginning levels of robotic design and building as well as robotics programming.

Art – Key Historical to Current Artists/Styles/Techniques/Tools explored thru hands-on projects using multi-media in specific challenging 1/2/3 Dimensional art lessons to develop student’s individual creativity/skills.

Band – instruction in playing an instrument in a small ensemble setting including three concerts during the year

Choir– Concert Choir and Chorale: training in the basics of vocal technique, music theory and musicianship, as well as many concert performances and a choral festival event.

Computer – instruction in computer applications includes word processing, beginner and intermediate level keyboarding, appropriate use of Internet as well as integration of content area topics into everyday computer use.

Journalism – training in publication of a student newspaper, yearbook, photography, and advertising

Library – Etiquette – Behaviors, Print reference resources – full complement, Research methods and strategies, Dewey Decimal System and other schemes, Literature appreciation such as genres, award winning books, book talks, Electronic Database Use, Bibliography preparation, plagiarism, bias and copyright issues.

Study Skills Techniques - A brief Study Skills lesson will be taught during library time each week for students in 1st-8th grades.  LISAN, SCORER,SLOWER, Organization skills, Memorization skills, PAGES, and Improving Reading abilities

6th Spanish . Spanish 1 . Spanish 2 – instruction in the basics of the Spanish language and conversation techniques.

Speech/Theater – Students explore methods of communication by project based activities that develop confidence as individuals and in an ensemble through the writing, performance, and analysis of the different types of speeches and literature.  Student actors work to develop the actor’s basic tools, create believable characters through literary interpretation, create scenery and costumes, and direct two performances.

Extracurricular Activities:

In addition to a strong academic curriculum, John Paul II offers the Middle School students opportunities to participate in a number of extracurricular activities.  Students qualifying may apply to the National Junior Honor Society and may choose to serve the student body as a representative on the John Paul II Student Council. Participation in local academic rallies, speech tournaments, geography and spelling bees, the annual oratorical contest, and the talent show is also encouraged.

John Paul II has developed an extensive athletic program for its Middle School students.  By making one of the sports teams, students at John Paul II learn the value of teamwork and working toward a common goal with their peers. Middle School students may compete in girls' volleyball, basketball, and softball, boys' basketball, football, cheerleading, track and field, and co-ed cross-country and soccer.  

One of the highlights of a student's life at John Paul II is the formal graduation ceremony upon completion of Eighth Grade.  Each year in May, the faculty, staff, parents and friends join in celebrating the students' passage to high school by individually recognizing graduates at a Mass and reception in their honor.  John Paul II graduates attend many outstanding Catholic high schools including Strake Jesuit, St. Thomas, St. Agnes, Pope John XXIII, Duchesne, St. Pius X, and Incarnate Word.  These students are successfully continuing their education as they continue to grow as young adults.