discovery a sense of
the middle school program
6th–8th grade
With approximately 200 students in 6th through 8th grades, St. Martin’s Middle School opens a new world of opportunities for students where they can put their Elementary skills to the test and explore many new choices. • • • • • • • • • • • •
Science (physical and environmental science, life science, chemistry and earth science) Math (Pre-Algebra in 7th and Algebra I in 8th) English literature (including Shakespeare) Social Studies (U.S. History and World Geography) Foreign Language (Spanish or French) Religion Art Instrumental and Vocal Music Drama Public Speaking Physical Education Technology Education
Students who take part in the Middle School technology program as part of their co-curricular rotation will begin to learn different aspects of computer science, such as computing systems, programming, digital media and robotics. Keyboarding is an important component of the technology program.
“Our two children are very different learners. At St. Martin’s it has been academically challenging for both Caswell and CJ at different levels in different ways.” —Holly King
a place
to step beyond your comfort zone—and soar
A place of expansion Our warm, welcoming spirit—mirrored by our open, inviting new Middle School building—encourages students to take on an academically stimulating curriculum. St. Martin’s teachers are growing into this space by expanding how and what they teach. A few examples: • • •
Speech and Drama teacher Heidi McKerley, who has trained in aesthetic education at Lincoln Center, is launching a spoken language project where students will create music to accompany their recited poetry. Our new Band Room enables St. Martin’s to offer instrumental music to 5th graders, so they can take full advantage of a music education in grades 6, 7 and 8. In our spacious science labs, teachers have tripled the lab time, which supports the best kind of science learning: inquiry-driven and hands-on.
Sense the concentration Two large, airy laboratories—one for Environmental/Life Science, the other reserved for Physics/Chemistry/Earth Science— allow teachers to better facilitate student learning. Both feature college-grade lab tables where students conduct experiments. The physical space and lab set-up supports a wider variety of teaching techniques, thereby meeting the needs of different learners. St. Martin’s Science Coordinator ensures there is a flow to the curriculum, which is critical with students taking science classes every day.
“When students ask questions, those are opportunities for spontaneous teaching. The new labs are spacious enough that we can keep our students’ work out, and use a model to demonstrate when someone asks about a principle or function. Our labs make possible more in-the-moment learning.” —Susan Potenza, Middle School Science Teacher
grounded in
achievement “Our children have grown up here with an appreciation for every endeavor—even the challenging ones. The results are phenomenal, and the kids are still energized. The test of a good school is whether the end result is positive.” —Fred Steck, father of Julia, Lily, Sophie
A place to plan ahead We begin preparing families for the high school application process in 7th grade, provide individual guidance about options, handle all paperwork and coach 8th graders for their admission testing and interviews. St. Martin’s record speaks for itself as our 8th graders typically receive multiple high school acceptances. The 8th grade is honored with several celebratory events, sponsored by the school, the PTO and the Alumni Association, prior to their formal Commencement ceremony.
Foundation for the Future Please scan the QR code with your smartphone to see how the St. Martin’s experience prepares students for success in high school, college, their future careers and in life.
confidence Sense the adventure Experiential learning literally expands our students’ horizons in Middle School. In addition to an annual retreat in the fall, students take class trips in the spring, when they explore social studies and science in more depth. Our 6th graders visit the Great Smoky Mountains where they hike with a park naturalist to investigate the region’s geology and topography. The 7th grade curriculum comes alive on their visit to the Savannah coastal area where they visit Cumberland and Jekyll Islands and take a boat ride at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge led by naturalists to study the swamp’s ecosystem and wildlife. The capstone of the 8th grade year is the week-long class trip to the Grand Canyon, which is directly connected with their science curriculum.
Experiential learning adventures, which reinforce classroom lessons every year, culminate with a trip to coastal Georgia (top) and a weeklong expedition to the Grand Canyon (bottom).
an area to Fall Sports Boys’ Cross Country Girls’ Cross Country Boys’ Soccer Girls’ Volleyball (A and B teams) Winter Sports Boys’ Basketball (A, B, C teams) Girls’ Basketball (A, B, C teams) Spring Sports Boys’ Baseball Boys’ Golf Girls’ Golf Girls’ Soccer Boys’ Tennis Girls’ Tennis
excel
St. Martin’s Warriors compete against schools of similar size and skill through the Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference (MAAC). All teams compete for MAAC standings. In the post-season, coaches select a player for the All-MAAC conference team, with post-season tournament play for top teams/athletes.
Students learn not only the skills of the game but good sports conduct and leadership qualities. They also serve as ambassadors of the school when visiting other campuses. Since 1997, 27 of our athletic teams have gone undefeated in their seasons. Since the MAAC founding in 2006, 25 St. Martin’s teams have won the conference championships. Intramural sports are offered to 4th–5th grade students each season. Beyond the Classroom Please scan the QR code with your smartphone to experience the wide variety of activities St. Martin’s offers, from sports to fine arts to clubs for many interests.
“I see Pre-K to 8 as a huge benefit, and it makes St. Martin’s very unique. This structure places a focus on Middle School, which is such an important time for students to have that extra attention.”
—Wendy Steck, mother of Julia, Lily, Sophie
A sense of resilience Because the pre-teen and early teenage years present many changes both physically and emotionally, teachers and counselors continue to provide the loving, Christian environment that students have enjoyed since Early Childhood. Whether a student needs extra tutoring after school or a confidant to talk with, there are many resources available. Students graduate from St. Martin’s as confident, skilled achievers ready to excel at a wide variety of independent high schools.
Another highlight of the building is the 8th–grade lounge, a special gathering place for our oldest students as they prepare to cross an important threshold in their lives.
Drama rules! Our spring musical involves about half of the Middle School, from onstage to backstage. Students can learn stage direction, set and costume design and other specialties here.
3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road • Atlanta, GA 30319 Phone: (404) 237-4260 • Fax: (404) 237-9311 www.stmartinschool.org