Middle School

In Middle School at St. George's, students learn content, develop study skills and gain confidence as they mature into young adults and prepare for high school.

Growth is intentional at St. George’s. Students don’t just arrive at confidence or independence—they get there through daily practice, reflection and a safe, nurturing space to try, stumble and try again.

Middle School is a complex time in children’s lives as they transition socially, developmentally and academically into young adulthood. We have designed an academically challenging curriculum that focuses on the individual child.

About the Middle School Division

Our graduates are more than academically prepared—they’re personally empowered. Through personalized instruction and expert support, St. George’s Middle School students learn how they learn and how to speak up for what they need. They build academic confidence, master effective strategies, study skills and time management and become self-directed learners who can navigate high school and beyond with clarity, confidence and joy

In Middle School:

Students are supported by a robust advisory program that meets daily and, through support from our Counseling and Wellness Team, facilitates discussion about identity, relationships and real-world skills.
Students have the opportunity to participate in a range of class sizes throughout the day: smaller math and ELA classes grouped by ability; larger, heterogeneously grouped academic classes like science and social studies; and full grade-level PE classes. Participation in a range of class structures prepares students for high school.
High school credit can be earned via eighth grade world language and math courses.
Students needing additional support receive personalized support provided by our Resource Services program.
Each grade level completes two projects per year through our expertise in the Project Approach.
Technology is integrated intentionally and thoughtfully to prepare students for high school while prioritizing digital citizenship, wellness and safety.

Learn More

Advisory

The Middle School Advisory Program is designed to enhance the culture and community in St. George’s Middle School. Advisory provides opportunities for students to develop both character and student skills. Faculty members are appointed as advisors to one group of 5th - 8th grade students, whom they meet with daily throughout the year. Advisory groups are intentionally small, same-grade-level groups in order to provide a safe and inclusive environment for students.

A discussion topic is provided for one meeting per week by the Director of Counseling and Wellness to promote healthy and meaningful discussions and to continually develop integrity, perseverance, compassion and respect. We utilize the Responsive Classroom approach and the Responsive Advisory Meeting Book to guide these topics and activities. In addition to promoting connections and community, advisors provide time and space for students to work on organizational skills and reflect on academic goals.

As the captain of each student’s Success Team, advisors endeavor to be a reliable and trusted adult for their advisees to reach out to with questions about school or for support. Further, advisors check students’ grades periodically and track conduct reflections so that they can advocate for and support academic and behavioral interventions as needed. Advisors are able to check in with their advisees daily to encourage behavior strategies that promote continued growth.

Our Hybrid Block Schedule

St. George's Middle School division utilizes a block schedule hybrid, with blue and red "A" and "B" days and an opportunity for shorter, mid-week check-ins on Wednesdays. The school day operates between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily with the exception of Wednesdays, when students are released at 2:55 p.m. to allow for faculty/staff meetings and professional development.

What are we prioritizing for our students with the blended block schedule?

Opportunities to do more hands-on and project-based assignments
More time in class and less time traveling to classes
Fewer cognitive shifts during the day to increase time spent engaged in active learning
Fewer things to remember and materials to manage
Increased time to work independently under the supervision of a teacher
Reduced homework after school
A less rushed and less stressful school day
A day that more closely resembles the schedules offered by many area high schools

How often do classes meet in St. George's block schedule?

English language arts and math meet daily—with 2 longer blocks and 3 shorter blocks each week.
PE meets 4 times per week because we understand the importance of movement for middle schoolers' bodies.
World language, science, social studies and creative arts meet 3 times per week—on Blue or Red Day, as well as on Wacky Wednesday.
Technology (5th) and Life Skills meet 1 time per week on Wacky Wednesday.

A Safe Place to Try New Things

With a strong sense of identity, St. George’s graduates leave knowing they are seen, valued and accepted for exactly who they are. Strong relationships with teachers and peers create a foundation of trust and inclusion that nurtures self-awareness, personal growth and a deep commitment to others. Our students are comfortable being themselves, standing up for their values and using their voices and actions to support and create inclusive communities.

At StG, we encourage Middle School students to explore and participate in as many extracurricular activities as they wish. We believe that middle school is an ideal time for students to discover their interests, talents and passions—opportunities they may not have as freely available in high school. Our goal is to support and nurture this exploration.

Extracurriculars available to Middle School students include:

The Middle School Play
A variety of Athletics teams and individual sports
Robotics
Band
Student Council
Academic Games (Propaganda, Equations, Presidents and On-Sets)
Chess, Dungeons & Dragons and other After Care Lagniappe programs

We recognize that this philosophy may sometimes lead to students being over-scheduled and facing scheduling conflicts. It is the responsibility of the adults involved to support students in resolving these conflicts in a way that prioritizes student well-being and personal growth.

Meet the Director of Middle School, Perrin Jones

Born into a family of educators in Albuquerque, Ms. Perrin Jones began her career in education as a reading teacher in Florida and Alabama. She is a graduate of Fordham University in the Bronx, N.Y., and recipient of a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale.

Drawn to its intentionally small size and Episcopal roots, she came to St. George's from the Marist School in Atlanta and has been a champion of the middle school years and St. George's commitment to ending in 8th grade to honor that crucial stage in students' lives, introducing the blended block schedule and our current advisory program. She remarks, “St. George’s isn’t like any school I’ve ever known. There is a sense of warmth and friendship that you feel the moment you come on campus – not just among faculty and administration, but among students, too."

The StG Middle School Experience

The Cottonwood Oratory Festival

Middle School students participate annually in the Cottonwood Oratory Festival, a lauded school tradition that emphasizes public speaking skills and perseverance. To be named a finalist is a big honor!

Robotics

The StG FIRST Lego League Robotics teams for 5th/6th and 7th/8th graders compete annually, putting their robot coding, project and teamwork skills to the test. Our teams regularly win awards and progress to the state tournament!

Overnight Trips

Students in 6th-8th grades take an overnight trip connected to their curriculum. Sixth grade visits the LUMCON facility in Cocodrie; 7th grade heads to Ocean Springs; and 8th grade spends 3-4 nights in Washington, D.C. and Virginia.

8th Grade Sweatshirts

It's easy to spot a St. George's 8th grader on campus thanks to their 8th-grade-only red outerwear, a special privilege and tradition!

The Middle School Play

The Middle School Play is staged annually and an event on the calendar that everyone looks forward to seeing. Recently connected to the school's emphasis on Project Approach, students take the lead in making key production decisions.

At a Glance: Core Academic Courses

English Language Arts

English Language Arts at St. George's

Our program focuses on developing analytical, interpretive and evaluative thinking skills in the following areas:

Reading
Vocabulary
Writing
Grammar
Oral expression

Department Goals:

Students will analyze various genres, reading through multiple lenses and for different purposes.
Students will engage deeply with literature by interpreting figurative language, making inferences, citing textual evidence, annotating texts and engaging in discussions of literary elements and the impacts of texts.
Students will build on grammar skills related to sentence structure and the eight parts of speech, applying their grammar knowledge by working through the writer’s process.
students will participate in the annual Cottonwood Oratory Festival where they will memorize and recite a chosen piece of literature.

Advanced, Standard and Adjusted Level Groupings

Advanced level ELA courses offer students a challenging work pace, a focus on higher-order thinking skills such as analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating, and a demanding writing program in which sophisticated writing techniques are taught. Additional texts are often introduced beyond the standard level list of textbook and materials.

8th Grade Advanced ELA, or English I, will be offered as a Carnegie unit for the 2025-2026 academic year for high school consideration of credit. To qualify for Carnegie unit credit, students must be present for 7,515 minutes of instructional time (including content related field trips and standardized testing). If a student misses 354 minutes of instruction (approximately 6 school days), attendance at office hours may be required to make up the time and/or the Carnegie unit credit may not be given at the end of the year. While St. George's meets the criteria to extend Carnegie unit credit, it is up to the discretion of the high school if they will accept and apply the credit to students.

Adjusted level ELA courses are designed to support students who are ready for grade-level content and concepts but need scaffolded support to be successful. The content has been differentiated and may utilize a slower pace to allow for reinforcement of skills.

Standard ELA courses are considered "on grade level" and aligned with grade-level standards.

Students enrolled in adjusted level ELA courses are frequently co-enrolled in Language Lab, benefitting from additional strategies and support related to reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar skills. Language Lab is an ungraded course to allow for practice and intervention without the additional pressure of grades. It is offered in lieu of a world language.

English Language Arts by Grade Level

Textbooks and Materials Utilized Across Grade Levels

Hochman, Judith, and Natalie Wexler. The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking through Writing in All Subjects and Grades. Jossey-Bass, 2017.
IXL online learning platform.
Commonlit online learning platform

Fifth Grade Textbooks and Materials

Creech, Sharon. Love That Dog. HarperCollins, 2006.
D'Aulaire, Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire. Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths. New York, Dell, 1992.
Muñoz Ryan, Pam. Esperanza Rising. New York: Scholastic Press. 2002.
UN General Assembly. "Universal Declaration of Human Rights." 217 (III) A. Paris, 1948.
Various short stories and articles (to be handed out in class).
Book club selections for the Human Rights Collaborative Book Club Project.

Sixth Grade Textbook and Materials

Avi. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (Scholastic Gold). Reprint, Scholastic Paperbacks, 2012.
Sutcliff, Rosemary. The Black Ships Before Troy. New York: Laurel-Leaf. 1993.
Woodson, Jacqueline. Harbor Me. Reprint, Nancy Paulsen Books, 2020
Various short stories and articles (handed out in class)
Advanced Level
- Goodrich, Frances, and Albert Hackett. The Diary of Anne Frank: A Play. Random House, 1956.
- Grandits, John. Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems. Illustrated, Clarion Books, 2007.
- Odle, Monica, et al. Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village (SP). Classroom Library Company, 2019.
Seventh Grade Textbooks and Materials

Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1977.
Sutcliff, Rosemary. The Sword and the Circle. New York: Puffin Books, 1994.
Book club selections for the Unlikely Hero Collaborative Book Club Project.
Various short stories and articles (handed out in class)

Eighth Grade Textbooks and Materials

Harris, Reg and Susan Thompson. The Hero’s Journey: A Guide to Literature and Life. Napa: Ariane Publications. 1995.
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc. 2011.
Taylor, Mildred Delois. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Puffin, 2014.
Short Stories from Impact: 50 Short Short Stories. Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. 1996.
Book club selections for Collaborative Book Club Projects
Various short stories and articles (handed out in class)

Mathematics

Math at St. George's

The goal of the Middle School Mathematics Department is, "Nurturing curious, creative, confident and competent problem solvers with a growth-mindset through accessible, holistic instruction that builds strong foundational skills, deep understanding and computational fluency, while exploring the aesthetics and real-world applications of mathematics."

St. George's math courses utilize the following texts:

R. Larson and L. Boswell, Big Ideas Math: Modeling Real Life. Big Ideas Learning, 2022
Spectrum Math. Published by Spectrum® an imprint of Carson-Dellosa Publishing LLC Greensboro, NC

Advanced, Standard and Adjusted Level Groupings

Advanced level math courses introduce and review material above grade level. These accelerated course set a faster pace and higher expectations for work product. This includes showing work and effectively communicating mathematical concepts. There will be an emphasis on application, both to higher math and the real world, and problem solving. Students enrolled in advanced level courses are working one full year above grade-level courses aligned with Louisiana state standards.

Standard level math courses are aligned with Louisiana state standards.

Adjusted/Modified level math courses are presented at a slower pace to allow for frequent repetition, re-teaching and reinforcement of skills. The complexity of the material presented may also be reduced and, as needed, will review below-grade level concepts to build the foundational knowledge and skills students need to successfully address on-grade-level math concepts.

Social Studies

Social Studies at St. George's

Department Goals:

Use of critical thinking skills, developing content-specific vocabulary, building reading comprehension and becoming effective writers able to analyze the world
Knowledge and understanding of the world in a global context
Exposure to and compassion for diverse cultures and human experiences
Connections between historical content and real-world experiences or problems that we face today
General understanding of the government and its functions
Presenting an accurate picture of the nation’s history, including positive values and progress, as well as areas of growth and failures

Our program focuses on skills in the following areas:

Research, including identifying credible sources and identifying bias in sources
Civil discourse
Map reading, creation and usage
Public speaking, including presentation of data and research
Analyzing a variety of sources, including historical documents, pictures, primary vs. secondary sources and political cartoons
Note taking and outlining

Social Studies by Grade Level

Fifth Grade—Geography

Throughout this course, students gain knowledge about the physical and human characteristics of the world around us. Students develop important thinking skills related to geography, asking questions such as “Why is something located where it is?” and “What are the consequences of this location?”
Students also develop map analysis skills and will have numerous opportunities to create and study maps, including a special map project conducted with the support of project coaches Mrs. Audrey Isaac and Mrs. Rebecca Teall.

Sixth Grade—Ancient World History

Ancient World History covers the development of the world’s earliest societies and takes students through a regional study of these ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece and Rome.
In addition, students learn about the roles of historians, geographers and archaeologists as they seek to better understand early civilizations.
Students participate in hands-on activities throughout the year to build their conceptual understanding of ancient history and to discover how people lived so long ago.

Seventh Grade—American History

The 7th grade study of American History focuses on the time period beginning with the First Americans through the mid-nineteenth century, focusing on the North-South divide just before the Civil War.
Students learn to analyze primary sources, conduct research and make connections between historical and current events.

Eighth Grade—American History, continued

The 8th grade study of American History covers the Civil War all the way to the battle for Civil Rights.
Students work on data analysis, map reading, reviewing parts and functions of government, public speaking, peer review and comparing and contrasting historical events with present-day events when applicable.

Science

Science at St. George's

Department Goals:

Utilization of Next Generation Science Standards with multiple exposures to Earth and space, life and physical sciences
Throughout the school year, students develop skills in engineering design and the scientific method using age-appropriate scientific tools.
Students use a variety of lab tools and complete virtual and hands-on laboratory investigations and projects throughout the year.

Our program focuses on skills in the following areas:

Development of analytical and thinking skills in collaborative lab work
Recognizing and understanding how individual and human experiences are connected to natural phenomena
Making scientific claims based on observed evidence through strong conclusion statements
Analyzing graphs and charts to determine patterns in variables and make predictions

Science by Grade Level

Fifth Grade

Throughout the year, students explore different concepts in earth science, physical science, astronomy and chemistry. Some of these concepts include matter and its conservation, the apparent brightness of the sun and how the movements of the sun and moon impact life on earth, the movement of matter between the environment and organisms and the interactions of the geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere.

Sixth Grade

During the fall semester, students study earth science with a focus on weather and climate. They analyze patterns in atmospheric conditions by developing and using models about water, energy from the sun, gravity and the atmosphere. Students also collect and interpret data about weather conditions and climate patterns.
During the spring semester, students study life science with a focus on cells and the human body. They make sense of unobservable phenomena by developing and analyzing models to determine how cells are the fundamental building blocks of all life on Earth.

Seventh Grade

During the fall semester, students study physical science with a focus on chemistry. They compare and contrast levels of atomic structure by analyzing and building models of elements and make sense of the phenomena by experimenting with chemical reactions and determining how thermal energy moves through substances.
During the spring semester, students study earth science with a focus on geology and ecology. They use geological evidence to determine how the surface of the Earth has changed over time and collect and interpret data on the effect of resource availability on populations of organisms in ecosystems.

Eighth Grade

During the fall semester, students study physical science with a focus on energy, forces and waves. They construct and interpret graphs and data to analyze the relationship between kinetic energy and the mass of an object and conduct investigations and design experiments to measure changes in motion, force and energy using various materials.
During the spring semester, students study life science with a focus on genetics and evolution. They develop models to explain how Mendelian traits are passed from parent to offspring and how environments impact natural selection.

World Languages

World Languages at St. George's

World Languages Department Goals:

To prepare 8th grade graduates for entry into and success in high school world languages courses, successfully testing into and completing second-year coursework as first-year students
To introduce students to different cultures, holidays and traditions of varying francophone and latin countries
To be well-versed in different modes of learning and presentation in Spanish and French: speaking, written, reading a focus on pronunciation, etc.
To develop a solid foundation in French or Spanish, enabling effective and confident communication

Our French program focuses on immersion through interactive activities that cover skills in the areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Our Spanish program prioritizes language acquisition through comprehension-based methods and strategies grounded in linguistics research and covers skills related to speaking, listening, reading and writing.

French by Grade Level

5th Grade

Vocabulary: Introductions, expressing feelings and emotions, asking about hobbies and sports and describing class schedules and the school environment
Grammar: The present tense of regular -er, -ir, and -re verbs, as well as the use of subject pronouns, definite and indefinite articles, adjective agreement, and adverbs—learning both their usage and correct placement within sentences
Texts:
- Gaab, Carol. Brandon Brown Veut Un Chien. Translated by Diana Noonan, Fluency Matters, 2013.
- Maxwell, Wendy. Salut, Mon Ami!. Whole-Class Activities Book. AIM Language Learning, 2008. “Nous Sommes Novice French Curriculum.” The Comprehensible Classroom, comprehensibleclassroom.com/products/nous-sommes-1-units-1. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
- Theisen, Toni, et al. T’es Branché 1 St. Paul, Emc Publishing, 2014.
- Various short stories and articles (to be handed out in class).
- Wooly, Senor. Billy Et Les Bottes. Senor Wolly LLC, 2019.

6th Grade

Vocabulary: Students will engage with a variety of topics such as professions, shopping, movies and sports, allowing them to discuss and write about real-life scenarios and personal interests.
Grammar: Mastering the present tense of regular verbs and exploring the future tense, as well as learning to use possessive adjectives to describe ownership
Texts:
- Theisen, Toni, et al. T’es Branché? St. Paul, Emc Publishing, 2014.
- “Nous Sommes Novice French Curriculum.” The Comprehensible Classroom, 2024, comprehensibleclassroom.com/products/nous-sommes-1-units-1. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
- Wooly, Senor. Le manoir de la dentiste. Senor Wolly LLC, 2019.

7th Grade

Vocabulary and Speaking: Students will gain cultural information through videos and mp3 recordings of native speakers, and the real and spontaneous language captured in video interviews will provide the context for in-class activities. The classroom focus will be on learner-centered activities to encourage speaking.
Grammar: Students will study all verbs in the present tense with a focus on irregular verbs and the imperative to establish a strong foundation before the introduction of new tenses in the second semester
Special Projects: Students will write skits, make e-books and present PowerPoints to practice language skills. Two projects that they will work on this semester will be on a presentation of their families and a trip to Paris.
Texts:
- “Français Interactif.” (University of Texas at Austin), COERLL, 23 Mar. 2023, collection.bccampus.ca/textbooks/francais-interactif/.
- Gaab, Carol. Brandon Brown Dit La Vérité. Translated by Cécile Lainé, Fluency Matters, 2016.
- Hall, Sharon, and Karen Handford. Le Fantôme Du Château Frontenac. Wayside Publishing, 2025.
- “Nous Sommes Novice French Curriculum.” The Comprehensible Classroom, comprehensibleclassroom.com/products/nous-sommes-1-units-1. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
- Theisen, Toni, et al. T’es Branché? St. Paul, Emc Publishing, 2014.
- Turner, Lisa Ray, et al. Le Voyage de Sa Vie. TPRS Books, 2018.
- Various short stories and articles (to be handed out in class).

8th Grade

Vocabulary and Speaking: Students will gain cultural information through videos and mp3 recordings of native speakers, and the real and spontaneous language captured in video interviews will provide the context for in-class activities. The classroom focus will be on learner-centered activities to encourage speaking.
Grammar: Students will cover the passé composé, the imperfect and their contrasting usage in the past. They will study reflexive verbs and will be capable of discussing their daily schedule in oral and written forms. They will learn the placement of direct and indirect object pronouns as they present themselves in dialogues and stories.
Students prepare for Le Grand Concours - Level I, a national French contest usually offered to high school French I students. This allows for a solid review of concepts learned in 5th through 7th grade.
Students also write, directed and edit their own French skit and present it to the Middle School community.
Texts:
- “Français Interactif.” (University of Texas at Austin), COERLL, 23 Mar. 2023, collection.bccampus.ca/textbooks/francais-interactif/.
- “Nous Sommes Novice French Curriculum.” The Comprehensible Classroom, comprehensibleclassroom.com/products/nous-sommes-1-units-1. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
- Ray, Blaine, and Turner, Lisa Ray. Fama Va En Californie. TPRS Books, 2018.
- Theisen, Toni, et al. T’es Branché? 2, St. Paul, Emc Publishing, 2014.
- Touchet, Diane. Marie-Antoinette et Le Collier de La Mort. Fluency Matters, 2020.
- Various short stories and articles (to be handed out in class).
- Wooly, Senor. Le manoir de la dentiste. Senor Wolly LLC, 2019.

Spanish by Grade Level

5th Grade

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

Middle School Highlight: Student Council

The Student Council of St. George’s Episcopal School is a leadership program whose members, and especially its officers, exhibit strong, positive qualities of a role model. These qualities include showing respect to one’s self and to others, doing one’s best to keep grades up, attending meetings, and participating in program activities.

The program provides an opportunity for students to use their voice to make St. George's a better school and community while developing leadership and communication skills. Elected officers and representatives should be friends to all; are responsible for listening to peers' ideas, communicating ideas during meetings and sharing decisions made by the council with the student body; and are responsible for spreading a positive sense of community.

Annually, Student Council's responsibilities include selecting service projects, hosting the annual StG Talent Show and other holiday events, organizing dress down days, hosting the annual Middle School Dance, running used uniform sales and giving back through a volunteerism-driven field trip.

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