Engage. Inspire. Empower.

Middle School Academics
students looking through VR goggles in the media center

As the bridge between elementary and high school, our intentionally-designed 7th- and 8th-grade middle school program makes education better for growing adolescents. 

We recognize that middle school is a period with the most change in the shortest amount of time for our students. Our program is designed to meet our students' unique intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs. 

Our educators understand your child's need for both independence and guidance. Teachers work in grade-level teams to nurture each student's individual personality and unique potential.

Students are supported by a team of teachers in core academic areas - English language arts, math, science, and social studies. This structure provides a more personalized learning experience for students and builds close relationships with both teachers and other students who get to know them best. Teachers discuss the students they have in common and establish stronger teacher-student relationships based on an improved understanding of the students and their specific learning needs. As a parent, you will notice that you may receive communication from the team, rather than just one teacher.

In addition to the social and emotional benefits of team-teaching, the collaboration allows the teachers to offer integrated instruction through interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning (PBL) that helps the curriculum come alive. 

We embrace rigorous academics, but we also understand that school is about far more. Exploring elective courses and participating in athletics, clubs, and other activities ensure that students are ready for their next exciting learning opportunity. 

In addition to core classes, students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of encore (also called rotation or elective) classes. Students pick two courses each year including art, chorus, band, world language, drama, and technology. These courses allow students to learn new skills, develop interests, and gain exposure to future educational pursuits. Students also take Health & PE one semester each school year, as well as one Career & Technical Education (CTE) course.

Enrichment Time rounds out the day

Each day, middle school students have academic enrichment time, which allows time for remediation and enhancement. The school leadership team creates a weekly activity schedule that includes intramurals, reading enrichment, club meeting time, and character education.

7th-Grade Curriculum

8th-Grade Curriculum

District Contact

Dr. Brad Arrowood

Director, Middle School Education

Email

p: 828.464.8333

 

Project Based Learning (PBL) unleashes a contagious, creative energy among students and teachers.

Through student-led projects solving real-world problems. students develop deep content knowledge, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills.

Making education better through research-based PBLs.

Online Catawba Logo

Online Catawba

Learn virtually with the flexibility of learning at your own pace, while still having the same access to local teachers, technology, arts, athletics, and other extracurricular activities as traditional Catawba County Schools students... and it's FREE if you're a resident!

Learn More