Middle School
Students in USJ’s Middle School are directed through a challenging, yet nurturing program to meet their distinct needs as they progress from the Lower School’s developmental approach to learning to the content-based curriculum of the Upper School.
Students rotate through classes and teachers who teach a core curriculum of mathematics, history, language arts, and science. Seventh and Eighth grade students choose between a full year of French or Spanish. Additional learning opportunities include art, music, choir or band, STEM, physical education, and strength and conditioning classes. Field trips such as a sixth grade trip to Huntsville, a seventh grade trip to St. Louis, and an eighth grade trip to New York and Washington, D.C., allow students to experience a global view of education.
Students develop the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary for academic success in the Upper School. All eighth graders, for example, take physical science so they are prepared for biology as freshmen. Honors classes in math (sixth), language arts (seventh) and world language (eighth) are gradually added in the Middle School. Students also work to develop character and healthy habits through an advisory curriculum.
At USJ, we know the Middle School years are a time of tremendous academic, emotional, and physical growth. We love, engage, and challenge every student to embrace our mission as they grow and prepare for the challenges of the Upper School and beyond.
Course Descriptions
Middle School News
Middle School students explore Washington D.C. for study tour.
USJ Middle School 8th grade students have been enjoying their Washington, D.C. study tour! They hit the ground running with visits to some of our nation’s most iconic landmarks and museums. Stops included the United States Capitol on Capitol Hill, the National Archives Museum, the Museum of American History, and the Natural History Museum. They also took time to reflect and learn at the World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial. From exploring the foundations of our democracy to seeing history come to life, this trip is one our students won’t forget!
- Middle School
In celebration of Women’s History Month, our Middle School students had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Ann Keyl, who shared an engaging discussion on the evolution of laws that have shaped women’s rights. From the fight for voting rights to the Women’s Protection Act and equal pay legislation, Dr. Keyl highlighted the progress made and the work still to be done.
USJ Middle School students are offered a variety of challenging academic courses designed to prepare them for High School and beyond. Each student is enrolled in a rigorous academic schedule that includes English, Math, History, Science, and a World Language.
This booklet is designed to be a resource for you to better understand life in the Middle School.