Middle

Our middle school core curriculum includes Language Arts, Mathematics, Religion, Science and Social Studies. Textbook-based lessons are augmented with multi-sensory and digital resources.

Language Arts

Grades 6-8 use the Prentice Hall literature series combined with Educator's Publishing's Wordly Wise 3000 to help increase vocabulary and improve spelling. Students also discuss and complete activities as they read novels together, to enhance comprehension. 6-8 grade students learn to construct cohesive, well organized, logical multi-paragraph essays with strong introductions and conclusions using the Step Up to Writing curriculum. The program also includes instruction on effective note-taking and creative story writing.

Mathematics

As part of our school-wide STEM focus, math instruction is based on Common Core Standards. All grades are taught from the Pearson Envision/Digits textbook series, ensuring continuity as learning progresses. Students in grades 5-8 are instructed in leveled groups, enabling more one-to-one teacher/pupil interaction. Gifted students may place into advanced math groups in grades 7 and 8. Graduates of these advanced groups usually qualify for 10th grade math upon entering high school.

Religion

Children of all faiths are welcome at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. All students are expected to participate in religious studies, daily prayer experiences and monthly school liturgical celebrations, and students in grades 2-8 attend Mass weekly. Religion instruction includes social-emotional learning topics on respecting all living things, multi-sensory projects and group activities. All grades use RCL Benziger programs. In grades 5 and 6, developmentally appropriate content about puberty and human sexuality are covered in a respectful way designed to complement what parents are teaching their children at home.

Science

All grades use TCI Science, a NGSS-aligned and lead students in the doing of science and engineering.

Social Studies

Social Studies instruction follows California and National Standards, exposing children to gradually more complex concepts about the world, it's people and institutions. Social Sciences include history, geography, civics, economics and culture. Grades 6-8 uses McDougal-Littell and Pearson publishers. Group activities, stories and research-based instruction help students discover the past.