• GR 6 students in Middle School Classroom at Sacred Heart Schools Atherton
Academics

Middle School (6-8)

ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE BARAT

Courage and confidence! I cannot repeat this war-cry too often. We should make it our support in life.
At a critical time in a young person’s life, our middle school program provides a collaborative and inclusive academic environment in which every student can thrive, grow, and excel. At every grade level, each student is challenged to discover his/her personal and academic strengths, to explore and master new ideas, and to maximize individual potential across the curriculum.

Through a highly engaging and active curriculum that addresses both spiritual and intellectual growth, the middle school emphasizes development of the whole child, fostering a lifelong love of learning and resulting in a strong academic foundation – preparing our students for high school, college, and a meaningful life beyond.

GR 6-8 Progression

List of 9 items.

  • English

    Vision/Mission Statement:  The Middle School English program focuses on the development of reading, writing, and language skills. Through the use of a multicultural curriculum that emphasizes diverse perspectives, we foster a sense of empathy, belonging, and social awareness. Our students hone the analytical skills necessary to engage meaningfully and think critically about our world.
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  • Mathematics

    Vision/Mission Statement:
     The Sacred Heart Middle School Math Department strives to prepare students to be problem-solvers with a strong foundation in fundamental mathematical concepts. We encourage perseverance and critical thinking through a mix of collaborative work, classroom discussions, and individual practice. We seek to create an environment in which students reason both concretely, abstractly and flexibly in order to make sense of mathematics and apply concepts to real-world situations.
     
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  • Science

    Vision/Mission Statement: The Sacred Heart Science department nurtures a deep understanding of science by engaging in content, developing practices, and reinforcing the crosscutting themes relevant to all scientific disciplines. Using a student’s natural curiosity about the world as the foundation of learning, concepts in Earth, Life, and Physical Science are explored. At all grade levels, students solve problems, collaborate with each other, and communicate their ideas to improve their critical thinking skills.  Our hope is that students will confidently apply their knowledge and skills to new scientific investigations.
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  • History

    Vision/Mission Statement: The Middle School History Department is dedicated to enriching students’ understanding of their world through the study of people and cultures who came before. The curriculum is grounded in:
    • Historical thinking and analysis
    • Critical writing and research
    • Real-world application
    • Global citizenship
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  • Religion

    Vision/Mission Statement: During their middle school years, students progress through spiritually and academically challenging coursework in the Religious Studies Department that results in a foundational understanding of the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Person of Jesus. We use a Catholic framework that incorporates the RSCJ charism while developing a deep understanding and respect for other faith traditions. We incorporate experiential service opportunities in and outside of the classroom that encourage a lived faith experience.
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  • World Languages

    Vision/Mission Statement: The Sacred Heart Middle School World Language Department offers French, Latin, and Spanish classes that focus on the "five C’s" of language learning: Communication, Cultures, Comparisons, Communities, and Connections while using a lens of global cultural awareness.

    Through a variety of engaging, meaningful, and fun classroom activities, assignments, and real-life projects, we give our students ample opportunities to develop each of these areas while also practicing each of the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational.
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  • Fine Arts

    Vision/Mission Statement: The Sacred Heart Middle School Fine Arts Department includes Drama, Chorus, Concert Band, Visual Arts, and Hub. We strive to enhance creativity, improve self-esteem, develop collaborative work habits and give students a foundation in Arts appreciation. Students hone their technical skills while cultivating critical thinking and creative expression.
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  • Physical Education

    Vision/Mission Statement: The Sacred Heart Middle School Physical Education Department, which encompasses both the Athletics and Physical Education (PE) programs, strives to be an integral part of the daily life of students, and the curriculum is designed to complement the work that takes place inside the classroom. Our classes and practices are designed to develop skills, encourage personal responsibility, and increase confidence in physical abilities. We aim to foster social and emotional development in students through teamwork, commitment, and fun. We believe that students, parents, and faculty work together to encourage positive attitudes and conduct necessary to make the Athletic and PE program a rewarding one for the student-athlete.
  • Electives

    Eighth-grade electives are unique learning experiences offered to students in their final year of middle school.  Electives are experiential learning opportunities, designed by faculty who often use these courses to share knowledge and interests outside of their recognized domain of expertise. Electives have both an experiential and an intellectual component and culminate in a presentation of student learning that extends beyond the class itself.

    Our current elective offerings are:
    • Voce (Advanced Chorus)
    • Robotics
    • Designing and Creating in the Hub
    • Student Publications
    • Symphony 
    • Advanced Studio Art
    • One Act Plays

Middle School Cell Phone Policy

Sacred Heart believes in maintaining a safe and effective educational environment for all students and prioritizing student health and well-being. In grades 6-8, students are issued a Yondr pouch to lock their phone and smart watch (if applicable) for the duration of the school day.

GR 6-8 Academic Administrators

List of 3 members.

  • Photo of Francesca Brake

    Francesca Brake 

    Principal - P-8
  • Photo of Kyle Kalmbach

    Kyle Kalmbach 

    Assistant Principal of Academics - P-8
  • Photo of Sharon Sikora

    Sharon Sikora 

    Curriculum Director - MS

Sacred Heart Schools Atherton

Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton

150 Valparaiso Ave
Atherton, CA 94027
650 322 1866
Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, SHS is a Catholic, independent, co-ed day school for students in preschool through grade 12