St. Mark's Middle School Grades 6-8

St. Mark’s Middle School Program Grades 6-8 Academic Year: 2026-2027

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

St. Mark’s Middle School Learning Program St. Mark’s 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.

St. Mark’s learning program is underpinned by our Portrait of a Graduate characteristics (page 10). These characteristics are the foundation of what it means to be a St Mark's student.

They are woven into our fabric and help our students have a distinct identity. Each grade level has a bespoke learning program comprising of core subjects, core enrichment, and electives.

Our core subjects are the traditional "bread and butter" of any academic program, delivered in engaging and interactive ways. Our core enrichment are subjects which are academically challenging, promote development of key skills, and help students make sense of the world we live in today. Finally, our elective pathways allow students autonomy over their learning and to pursue a key passion or particular interest they may have.

Grade 6

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.

Portrait Grade 7 of a Graduate

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

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.

Portrait of a Graduate Middle School Electives Program St. Mark’s elective program is designed to give students autonomy over their learning. Students have the choice between two distinct pathways: pathway 1 (year-long) and pathway 2 (quarterly).

Alternatively, semester-long electives may be offered. Each elective is allocated two periods per week. These electives are not grade specific, and as such, classes will be vertical. Students must complete an elective form to sign up for electives.

Year-Long Electives Year-long elective choices require a year-long commitment.

Beauty and the Beast This elective offers students the opportunity to be part of a full-scale theatrical production of Beauty and the Beast. From audition to final performance, students will experience the creative process of bringing a classic story to life through acting, singing, movement, and stagecraft.

Students will develop confidence, collaboration, and communication skills as they work together toward a shared goal. The elective culminates in a live performance, giving students the chance to showcase their talents, commitment, and growth before an audience.

Visual Art Students will work on various units of study throughout the year (approximately 1-2 per quarter), and the units will be different from this past year. Each unit includes studying and analyzing a mix of historical, modern and contemporary art/artists and working on project briefs. During each project, students will learn and develop technical art skills, alongside developing their creative and critical thinking skills.

Yearbook The yearbook is more than a collection of photos; it is the story of a school year. In this elective, students take responsibility for capturing, curating, and creating a lasting record of the Middle School experience.

Students will develop skills in photography, writing, interviewing, and digital design as they document events, highlight student life, and shape how the year is remembered. Rather than being told what to think, students learn how to think, make decisions about what matters, represent their community, and tell a compelling story.

Working as a collaborative editorial team, students will produce a professional-quality yearbook that reflects the school's identity, energy, and spirit.

Quarterly Electives The Global Stage (Q1 - Q4) In a rapidly changing world, students need more than knowledge; they need understanding. World in 30 Minutes is a fast-paced, discussion-driven elective that introduces students to the biggest global issues shaping their future, from migration and climate change to conflict, culture, and the global economy.

Rather than telling students what to think, this course teaches them how to think, question, analyze, and see the world from multiple perspectives. Through structured discussions and real-world scenarios, students develop the confidence to form and articulate their own ideas.

Advertising (Q1 - Q4) Every day, we are surrounded by advertising, but what makes it effective? In this elective, students explore how brands capture attention, shape perception, and influence decisions. Through hands-on projects, students will learn how to design campaigns, create compelling messages, and understand their audience. Rather than being told what to think, students develop their ability to think by critically analyzing media, making creative decisions, and understanding the power of communication.

Working as a creative agency, students will design and produce their own advertisement, bringing their ideas to life through visual media. The course culminates in a final showcase where students present their finished ad and explain the thinking behind it.

Financial Freedom (Q1 - Q4) This elective is built around Financial Freedom, a nationally recognized program developed by the Florida Council on Economic Education that equips students with the knowledge and habits needed for long-term financial success. Students will explore real-world financial topics, including budgeting, saving, credit, investing, and responsible spending, developing practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. The course emphasizes not just financial knowledge, but financial behavior, understanding how everyday decisions shape long-term outcomes.

Through interactive activities and real-life scenarios, students gain the confidence to manage their finances wisely and navigate an increasingly complex financial world. This elective provides a foundation for lifelong financial literacy, preparing students to become responsible consumers, confident decisionmakers, and future investors.

Beauty and the Beast (Backstage Team) (Q3 & Q4 only) A great production is built not only on what happens on stage, but on the precision, creativity, and teamwork behind the scenes. In this elective, students take on essential backstage roles in our full production of Beauty and the Beast, including prop management, costume coordination, backstage operations, and marketing.

Students will learn how a professional production is run, organizing props, managing quick changes, supporting performers, promoting the show to an audience, and working as part of a high-functioning team. This is a fast-paced, responsibility-driven environment where every role matters. The elective culminates in a live performance, where students will see their work come together in a polished, fullscale production and understand the impact of everything that happens behind the curtain.

Study Hall (Q1 - Q4) Students will have the opportunity to use a study hall period to help accommodate the demands of their extra-curricular activities. We recommend aligning this elective with a particular sports season / busy time in the calendar to ensure students are able to complete the demands of our academic program and fulfill obligations associated with personal interests. Please note: only one study hall is permitted throughout the year.

Portrait of aService Graduate Middle School League Opportunities At St. Mark’s, our mission goes far beyond academics. We believe in forming students not only as learners, but as compassionate, thoughtful citizens who understand the responsibility of giving back. Service is not a side activity; it is central to who we are. It is one of the core Portrait of a Graduate traits (pages 10-11): Students who demonstrate a commitment to service in both the local and global community. In addition to these Service League programs, students are also active in many other organizations which provide service to our school and beyond (page 12).

Service Opportunities During the School Day Lunchtime Lower School Helper Program The goal of this program is to provide assistance to the kindergarten and first grade teachers, and to bridge the gap by creating interactions between ‘the big kids’ (middle school students) and the lower school students.

PK Helpers Before School Similarly, PK helpers go to a PK class one morning a week before school. Here middle schoolers assist the teacher by working and playing with the PK students as they enter and prepare for their school day. The goal is to encourage connections between the middle and lower schools.

Service Opportunities Beyond the School Day Quantum House In partnership with the Little Smiles charity, St Mark’s students volunteer monthly at Quantum House.

Quantum House is a caring home away from home for families, providing comfort, meals, and support, so that families receiving serious medical treatment in the area can focus on their child’s healing. During each visit, St. Mark’s students lead arts and crafts activities, bringing joy, creativity, and a sense of normalcy to residents. Through these special moments, students offer meaningful distractions from challenging circumstances and build lasting bonds that brighten the lives of both the families and the volunteers.

Christmas Caroling Each Christmas, our students have the opportunity to join the St. Mark’s Hearts of Palm ministry to spread cheer. With songs, smiles, and thoughtful presents, our students share the warmth of the holidays and create lasting memories, both for the families they visit and for themselves. It’s a heartfelt celebration of compassion, connection, and the power of kindness that makes Christmas truly special at St. Mark’s.

St. Mark’s Portrait of a Graduate

St. Mark’s Portrait of a Graduate represents St. Mark’s vision for the skills, character traits, and social-emotional competencies that students need to succeed in high school, college, career, and life.

Portrait a Graduate St. Mark’sof Portrait of a Graduate RESPECT: Student shows acceptance of their peers, themselves, adults, and their environment

PERSEVERANCE: Student is open to learning and willing to try new things, accepts feedback and demonstrates tenacity

CRITICAL THINKING: Student analyzes and interprets information from different perspectives to form an argument, solve a problem, or reach a conclusion

LEADERSHIP: Student promotes ownership, community, and cohesiveness among class members having a goal in mind and reaching it by planning, and is a positive role model for others ACCOUNTABILITY: Student is self-motivated, sets goals, and works to accomplish goals with self awareness of their actions and attitudes

INTEGRITY: Student makes ethical and honest decisions and is willing to do what is right even when faced with obstacles or difficulties

COLLABORATION: Student works with peers and adults in an atmosphere of support to systematically solve existing and emerging problems as a team using positive and appropriate group communication skills SERVICE: Student demonstrates commitment to service in the local and global community

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT: Student is proud, confident, and engages in opportunities for spiritual growth and development with a personal connection to God and upholds the community covenant KINDNESS: Student is friendly, considerate, compassionate, empathetic and accepting of others’ thoughts, ideas, feelings, and emotions

Campus Life Clubs & Activities Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Acolytes Band Production Team Recycling Club Service League Student Ambassadors Student Government Youth Group

Acolytes Band National Junior Honor Society Production Team Recycling Club Service League Student Ambassadors Student Government Youth Group

Acolytes Band National Junior Honor Society Production Team Recycling Club Service League Student Ambassadors Student Government Youth Group

St. Mark’s Sports Seasons

Student-Athletes Grades 5-8 FALL

WINTER

SPRING

August - October Flag Football Volleyball Cheerleading

October – December Girls Basketball Boys Soccer

February - April Baseball Boys Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse

December - February Boys Basketball Girls Soccer Cheerleading

April - May Tennis Golf

Sports Athletic League: •

St. Mark’s participates in the Palm Beach Independent School Athletic Conference

League Schools: •

St. Mark’s Episcopal School, The Benjamin School, Rosarian Academy, The King’s Academy, Jupiter Christian, Berean Christian, Atlantic Christian, Palm Beach Day, and Oxbridge Academy

Portrait a Graduate St. Mark’sof Episcopal School Mission Statement The mission of St. Mark’s Episcopal School is to provide an academically enriched program in a nurturing Christian environment.

Beginning the Journey to High School

The Head of Middle School has joined forces with the St. Mark’s Enrollment Office to guide rising 8th grade students through the High School admission process. The goal is to reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with reaching this major milestone in a middle schooler’s life.

St. Mark’s has developed a step-by-step guide, Beginning the Journey to High School: The Application Road Map, that includes key dates, action steps, and important materials to gather to begin a successful journey to high school.

The application process checklist includes the following: • • •

• • • • •

Review the important action items and calendar the key dates Tour high schools Gather application materials Attend test preparation sessions Attend parent consultations Complete and submit student applications Make your high school decision Show your school pride

High School Placement | Class of 2026 St. Mark’s is proud of its high school placement success!

One hundred percent of St. Mark's graduates were accepted into their first-choice high school!

The Benjamin School Cardinal Newman High School Jupiter Christian School Jupiter Community High School - AICE Oxbridge Academy

The Pine School South Fork High School - IB Wellington Sports Academy

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