Middle School

Preparing For High School Success

Students Expand Academic Foundation, Explore Arts, Music And More

As students enter the middle school program, technology starts to play a more significant role in their education. Each student utilizes their own Chromebook. Teachers use this tool as a platform for instruction, research and assessment.

As a Google Classroom School, the teachers are able to assign, monitor and evaluate student progress in real time. This gives teachers valuable information about each student’s progress and allows them to help meet each student’s individual needs.

As part of our ongoing religious education, students explore concepts such as morality and social justice understanding.

Explore more about each subject:

Language Arts

Our middle school language arts instruction is focused on introducing students to literary classics, using an anthology and standalone novels. We use the Loyola Press series to build understanding of grammar and the fundamentals of writing.

Math

In our middle school program, students are placed in math classes according to their ability. We offer an advanced math program for qualified students. We use Pearson publisher for math instruction, which includes an online component.

Science

We continue our emphasis with hands-on science instruction, using interesting lab experiments every week to bring science concepts to life for our students.

Social Studies

In our middle school program, our social studies curriculum expands to include world civilization and United States history. Taught using online textbooks, we use written research papers and projects to teach students how to evaluate and synthesize ideas. Students present their finished projects to the class, helping to build their oral presentation skills.

Spanish

Learning a second language is a priority for our students at St. Francis. Spanish is taught to all students and they receive high school credit by the end of their 8th grade year.

Extracurricular Activities

In addition to our core academic subjects, students also participate in art, music, computer, library and physical education classes every week. They are also encouraged to explore the many extracurricular activities we offer at St. Francis to learn new skills, make friends and gain new opportunities for academic, spiritual and personal growth.

Weekly activity periods give students time to participate in yearbook, choir, band, school newspaper, STEM projects, debate, art and performing arts. Our students audition and many qualify for All Shore Choir.

Sports

St. Francis offers a competitive sports program for our students, which includes soccer, golf, basketball and lacrosse.

Meet Our Sixth Grade Class

Meet Our Sixth Grade Class

Led by Rita Mello, the sixth grade class begins to develop a deeper understanding of the core academic subjects while beginning to delve into athletics, music, arts and other extracurricular activities.

Meet Our Seventh Grade Class

Led by Jennifer Kirchner, the seventh grade class uses technology to monitor and evaluate their individual progress while also making new connections through extracurricular activities.

Meet Our Seventh Grade Class

Meet Our Eighth Grade Class

Meet Our Eighth Grade Class

Led by Phyllis Phillips, the eighth grade class is focused on preparing to enter high school and continue their academic journey.

PROFILE OF A GRADUATE

A St. Francis de Sales graduate models Jesus in thoughts, words, and deeds while:

  • Recognizing God in others while acting with kindness, courage, and peace.
  • Living out faith, mercy, empathy, and justice through service.
  • Possessing critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  • Demonstrating academic integrity and effective study habits.
  • Listening actively and communicating effectively.
  • Utilizing and adapting to technology.
  • Aspiring to higher education and career readiness.

 

From The Parents...

"The Triglia/Trader family is a 3 generation alumni from SFDS. Our family has been strengthened spiritually, academically and morally throughout the years since my oldest sister attended the first graduating class back in the day. Now I am pleased to say that my son and daughter in law have their two sons, my grandchildren attending as well. I am so thankful to God for our school. We are so blessed to have these fine teachers amongst us to carry on the Sisters of Mercy hard work. The world has sustained some trying times since my oldest sister graduated and our wonderful school has survived and it will survive these times. I remember getting in the school bus (yes we had one bus driven by Mr.Williams to pick up Delmar and Laurel students) when we heard the sad news of President Kennedy’s assassination, preparing us through drills for fear of nuclear war, etc etc. these times are what made us strong and united. (So remember that when you are saddened because your kids have to wear a mask) In yet the annual May processions crowning our mother Mary, the beautiful first Communion processions and proud Confirmations our forever in our memories as well! We have grown to be successful executives, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs buy most importantly dedicated parents, loving grandparents and good human beings. The best investment you can give your children is the gift of a SFDS education!!!! My son will tell you at 40 years old that the foundation that was built for him during the St. Francis de Sales school years is what made him the man he is today. So blessed for our school. Thank you FatherChris LaBarge for continuing the legacy of msgr Stout and thank you Mrs. Traum and our wonderful faculty for continuing the stellar academic education of the wonderful nuns including Sr Maura. God bless our school!"

The Busy Beak

See what's going on in with the academic and extracurricular activities of our Penguins!

This Week @
ST. Francis
De Sales

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We are now accepting new students for the 2022-2023 school year! Call for a private tour!

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