St. Mark's Middle School Learning Program

St. Mark’s Middle School 2023-2024

Welcome from the Head of Middle School Middle School can often be an exciting, but equally precarious moment in the life of students as they desire both independence and support throughout their journey. Our Middle School learning program has been purposely designed to cater to the developmental needs of the student.

In addition to our robust academic program, we encourage students to flourish outside of the classroom through a variety of bespoke opportunities in keeping with our core values and mission.

St. Mark’s graduates are academically prepared with a strong sense of community, independence, and responsibility. Equipped with the skills to be successful and an understanding of the importance of service, we not only ensure students are ready for the next stage of their learning journey, but that they are also ready to succeed as leaders and role models in the wider world.

We pride ourselves on having a safe and close community, one in which all students are known by name and made to feel like family.

It would be our pleasure to welcome you on campus to learn more about us, our culture, and to see all the great things we do first hand!

Mr. Marco Cirillo Head of Middle School

Middle School Goals Key goals of St. Mark’s Middle School: • • •

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Provide inspirational teaching to ensure students develop into effective, passionate, lifelong learners Ensure students actively practice the honor code Make certain all students are exposed to a broad and balanced learning program that provides authentic learning opportunities and real-world experiences that prepares them for the next phase of school and beyond Provide all students with the appropriate support required to meet the developmental needs of middle schoolers

Our Learning Program Our learning program consists of four distinct elements—academics, electives, service and leadership, and social-emotional education—all of which provide our students with a complete, values-based education in keeping with the Episcopal tradition.

The academic program provides students with a stimulating and challenging experience that is differentiated to allow for differing learning styles, which prepares them for the rigorous challenges of high school and college.

As students progress to middle school, they refine the core interdisciplinary skills initiated in primary school. They have more subject specialist teachers guiding them in fundamental subject specific skills required for higher studies.

Students are still exposed to a broad and balanced range of subjects and electives to ensure they graduate well rounded and ready for the opportunities which lie ahead.

Grade 6: Bespoke courses are designed to assure a smooth and supportive transition from Lower School to Middle School, while at the same time encouraging students to continue to develop intellectual curiosity and a genuine love for learning.

Grade 7: Courses are designed to allow students the opportunity to build on the concepts learned in grade 6. While we still support students, we recognize that as individuals they are undergoing change. Academically, they are becoming more independent and responsible for their learning; subsequently, our courses are designed to reflect this with more student autonomy.

Grade 8: Our program is designed to give students the opportunity to develop a sense of metacognition in order to effectively reflect on the learning process. Expectations with regards to process and end product of the learning process have risen significantly in line with high school expectations.

Middle School Learning Program SPIRITUAL, PHYSICAL & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT • • • •

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Chapel & Eucharist Off-campus retreats Leadership opportunities Academic study of world religions and ethics Camp counselor opportunities Numerous sporting opportunities

ELECTIVES • • • •

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Media Production STEAM Financial Literacy Art Communications Band

ACADEMICS • • • • • •

Robust and challenging curriculum prepares students for High School National Junior Honor Society Advanced classes allow students to earn high school credits Small intimate classes Class trips to complement curriculum Award-winning writing program

LEADERSHIP IN SERVICE • • •

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President’s Volunteer Service Award Costa Rica Mission Trip Student Ambassador opportunities throughout the St. Mark’s community Student Council

Middle School Course Selections Grade

Core Curriculum Ancient Civilizations Earth Science English Math 6 or Pre-Algebra Writers’ Workshop Concert Band

6th

Physical Education

Electives/Enrichment Enrichment Rotation: Photography Visual Art Student Selection: Percussion Ensemble Vocal Ensemble

Spanish or French STEAM World Religions Capstone Project Transition to Middle School Skills Ancient Civilizations Civics

English Life Science

7th

Pre-Algebra or Algebra I Honors Physical Education Spanish or French Old and New Testament

Student Selection: Acting Band Digital Art Percussion Ensemble Photography STEAM Visual Art Vocal Ensemble

Writers’ Workshop Marine Science English

Foundations of Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra I Honors or Geometry Honors Physical Science

8th

U.S. History Writers’ Workshop Physical Education Spanish I Honors or French I Honors Ethics

Student Selection: Acting Band Digital Art Percussion Ensemble Personal Fitness Photography STEAM Visual Art Vocal Ensemble

Note: Minimum class size requirements must be met for electives to run, and elective selections vary in being full year or semester courses based on demand in our attempt to best meet each child’s needs.

Why Our Students Love St. Mark’s...

“I love St. Mark's because of the sense of community and I have made lifelong friendships. I also love St. Mark's because I get to do more than just be a student. I get to have a strong relationship with God, be a student ambassador, volunteer with the younger students, and play sports.“ -St. Mark’s 6th grade student

“I love how all the teachers want you to do well and encourage you to push yourself. They are easy to talk to and ask for help when needed.”

-St. Mark’s 7th grade student

“St. Mark’s is an amazing place to go to school! I love knowing everyone at school and having our family like community! The teachers are awesome! Lions Pride for all the middle school sports teams is so fun as well as spirit week with wacky Wednesday just to name one. Our church is also a big part of what makes St. Mark’s! Father Groff’s stories are the best and make church fun! At St. Mark’s, we have it ALL!” -St. Mark’s 7th grade student

“The teachers go above and beyond to make sure that every student's needs are met. They are caring and always willing to provide support to help students succeed. I am grateful for the strong sense of community that St. Mark’s made. The school ensures that every student feels welcome and valued.”

-St. Mark’s 7th grade student

“I love St. Mark’s because the teachers have always been great to work with and are patient and kind. They have taught me to be compassionate, given me optimism and discipline. I think that I will be extremely prepared for ninth grade and that is because of the amazing teachers.”

-St. Mark’s 8th grade student

2023 Gradu a tes H i gh Sch ool Pl ace men t

American Heritage

The Benjamin School Cardinal Newman High School Jupiter Community High School The King’s Academy Oxbridge Academy

The Pine School Palm Beach Gardens High School Suncoast Community High School William T. Dwyer High School

St. Mark’s Episcopal School provides an academically enriched program in a nurturing Christian environment.

St. Mark’s Episcopal School | 3395 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 561.622.1504 | www.stmarkspbg.org