Middle School (6-8)

The Middle School years present an exciting opportunity for young people to grow in Catholic formation while developing crucial relationships with their parents, peers, and teachers. During these years, student attitudes towards themselves emerge and curiosity about the world around them take hold. StJPII provides rigorous academics and spiritual guidance to create a skill set that grows assurance beyond high school years. We believe in allowing our students to explore interests, identify talents, and take responsibility through opportunity. Our extra-curricular programs include, but are not limited to, an award-winning band, competitive athletics, and robotics. Students are expected to advocate for themselves through Love & Logic philosophy and develop into self-directed, confident young adults who are ready to take on any adversity with Catholic conviction.

StJPII realizes the community values coming through our doors each day support our Christ-centered philosophy. We strive to provide religious education, by promoting a sense of positive self-worth within an atmosphere of prayer and personal moral responsibility which reinforces values instilled at home. StJPII values your partnership and support as we grow each whole-child together. “Be not afraid”…to love, learn, and lead!

Middle School Grade Levels and Programs

Sixth Grade

Sixth grade is an important step as the students transition from elementary to middle school. The students are guided through this process by dedicated faculty who are aware that this can be a challenging and exploratory time in a student's journey spiritually, academically, and physically. The sixth graders at StJPII take courses in Theology, Language Arts, Literature, Math, Earth Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education/Health. The students may choose one elective class, either the Elective Wheel, which consists of a quarter each of Concert Choir, Spanish, Digital Media, and Art or they may choose a full year of Beginner Band or SOAR.

Seventh Grade

Seventh grade is a year of great growth for the middle school students academically, as well as physically. The students, under the tutelage of the StJPII faculty, follow a course of study including classes in Language Arts, Literature, Pre-Algebra, Life Science, Texas History, and Physical Education/Health. In addition, the students may choose a year-long elective course from a diverse variety of classes including SOAR, Advanced Technology, Advanced Band, Art, Chorale, Halo News, and Spanish.

Eighth Grade

Eighth grade is a very special experience culminating in the Graduation Mass and Ceremony at the end of the year. As the students mature into young adults, in eighth grade they take on a leadership role at the school including leading the school through extracurricular activities such as sports, STUCO, NJHS, service projects, and Saints Families, to name a few. During this exciting time in their lives as they prepare for high school, they are guided by the dedicated StJPII faculty as they complete courses in Theology, Language Arts, Literature, Algebra, Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), and U.S. History. The eighth graders at SJPII may choose two, year-long elective courses including SOAR, Advanced Technology, Advanced Band, Art, Chorale, Halo News 2, Spanish 2, Theatre Arts, and Communication Application (Speech).

National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)

The St. John Paul II chapter of the National Junior Honor Society is part of a national organization. Seventh and eighth grade members are chosen based on the five pillars of NJHS: scholarship, character, leadership, citizenship and service. Members are chosen in a stringent process which begins with having a 93 average in all academic classes from 6th grade through the most recently completed semester. Students who meet academic requirements will receive an invitation to complete a candidate information form after the end of the first semester. NJHS members perform service to the school, particularly by organizing and running the morning tutoring program. They also participate in a number of community service projects each year. Being a member of the National Junior Honor Society is both a privilege and a responsibility! For more information, please refer to the StJPII Student Handbook.

Student Council (STUCO)

The St. John Paul II Catholic School Student Council (STUCO) is a student-run government consisting of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, historian and homeroom representatives. Elections are held in September of each year after candidates have campaigned and given speeches to their peers. Once elected, STUCO members plan and carry out school and community activities as well as service projects. STUCO also runs the school store for basic school supplies. STUCO holds regular meetings throughout the school year.

Eighth Grade Year and Graduation

One of the highlights of a student's life at St. John Paul II is the formal graduation ceremony upon completion of eighth grade. Each year in May, the faculty, staff, and families join in celebrating the students' passage to high school by individually recognizing graduates at a Mass in their honor. Many St. John Paul II graduates attend outstanding Catholic high schools including Strake Jesuit, St. Thomas, St. Agnes, St.John XXIII, Duchesne, St. Pius X, and Incarnate Word.

StJPII students attending St. Pius X have the opportunity to apply for the St. Joseph Scholarship. Awarded annually, the $2500 scholarship is intended to nurture the development of the gifts God has given StJPII graduates so that they will be best prepared to do the Lord's work as modeled by St. Joseph. Please see the 8th grade teachers for more information or visit www.stpiusx.org/admissions/tuition-financial-aid

Middle School Curriculum by Grade Level