Middle School

Discovering talents and building confidence.

Middle School is a time of transition for our girls. They begin to discover their interests and their potential to take on the world. Our faculty and programs cultivate their enthusiasm at every turn, encouraging students to explore new ideas, experiences, and perspectives.

Committed to a deep respect for intellectual values, the Middle School (Grades 5-8) at Stone Ridge seeks to instill in students a lifelong love of learning.

Our Middle School program is designed specifically to serve the needs of girls in their preadolescent years of growth, curiosity, and development. Preadolescent girls thrive on interactive engagement and meaningful connections with peers and adults. When learning is directly tied to the understanding of self and to increased knowledge of the world, girls learn best.

The Advisory program in the Middle School facilitates interaction among students and faculty. Each year, students are placed in an Advisory group of 9 to 11 students and one faculty member. They meet often to pray, discuss school issues, develop peer relationships, build community, and plan activities.

Grade 6 students gather around computers for class project

Our Middle School teachers believe that full engagement and inquiry foster lasting understanding and the transfer of knowledge. As such, our program uniquely serves girls with a hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum as they navigate new landscapes of learning. Stone Ridge educates using Understanding by Design as its pedagogical approach for instruction and curriculum design. Learning, for our Middle School girls, becomes an exercise of purpose, of self-understanding, and of coming to know the world in which they will soon lead and serve as children of the Sacred Heart.

Academic Program Overview

English/Language Arts

The Middle School English/Language Arts curriculum offers a comprehensive, sequential program that integrates vocabulary, grammar, writing, speaking, reading, analytical thinking, and research. Students learn to write coherent paragraphs and well-structured essays, craft original narratives and poems, and develop thoughtful literary analysis. Research and cross-curricular integration enhance learning at every grade level, and students read a diverse selection of literature to sharpen critical thinking and interpretive skills. Across all grades, the program fosters confident, expressive communicators who grow as readers, writers, and thinkers.

Grade 5

Students begin by developing clear, syntactically correct sentences and well-structured paragraphs. Emphasis is placed on understanding audience and purpose, and on building strong writing traits such as organization, word choice, fluency, and voice. Reading instruction introduces literary and poetic devices, figurative language, and the analysis of theme and characterization. Grammar study supports writing clarity, focusing on parts of speech, sentence structure, and conventions. Students are encouraged to find joy in self-expression and to connect with literature through engaging, age-appropriate texts.

Grade 6

In Grade 6, students deepen their understanding of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary while continuing to refine paragraph and essay structure. Instruction emphasizes clarity, organization, and effective use of textual evidence. Students analyze author's purpose, identify figurative language, and distinguish fact from opinion. They also practice summarizing and paraphrasing, helping them synthesize ideas and integrate evidence into their writing. Reading and writing instruction support higher-order thinking, encouraging students to explore complex themes and literary elements such as plot, conflict, and characterization.

Grade 7

Grade 7 students explore various literary genres—memoirs, poetry, feature articles, essays, and more—through both reading and writing. Instruction is guided by the 6 +1 Traits of Writing and focuses on genre-specific characteristics. Students develop analytical reading and annotation skills and participate in rich discussions that enhance oral communication. Grammar and vocabulary instruction are embedded within reading and writing units. Through collaborative learning, independent reading, and writing across genres, students build confidence in expressing their ideas and supporting their arguments with evidence.

Grade 8

In Grade 8, students analyze a range of literary genres, exploring how characters' experiences and decisions are shaped by internal and external influences. Reading instruction supports critical thinking, annotation, and textual analysis. Writing focuses on crafting thesis-driven analytical essays that include close reading and detailed evidence. Students strengthen their writing through drafting, revising, and editing, while refining grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Through discussion and independent exploration, students engage deeply with literature and develop a mature, thoughtful voice as writers and thinkers.

Selected texts at each grade level include a diverse mix of classic and contemporary literature, with opportunities for teacher-selected and student-choice readings that support the curriculum’s goals.

Mathematics

The Middle School mathematics program builds a strong foundation in mathematical thinking, guiding students from foundational arithmetic through Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and, for some, Geometry. The curriculum emphasizes deep conceptual understanding, practical application, and problem-solving. Students engage with hands-on tools and resources that make abstract concepts more tangible, helping them become confident and curious mathematicians. The program fosters collaboration, discovery, and a genuine joy in exploring mathematical ideas.

Grade 5
Students in Grade 5 reinforce and extend key concepts from earlier grades, focusing on a solid understanding of place value and operations with whole numbers and decimals. Work with fractions becomes more sophisticated as students use equivalency to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. They also explore volume in relation to multiplication and addition and begin to approach algebraic thinking through simple expressions and equations. Geometry units explore spatial relationships and real-world applications of perimeter, area, and volume.

Grade 6
Grade 6 mathematics solidifies foundational skills while preparing students for the logical and abstract thinking required in Pre-Algebra. Students revisit fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, and geometric concepts to ensure fluency and understanding. Critical thinking and mathematical reasoning are emphasized through class discussions and collaborative problem-solving. Students begin writing and interpreting expressions, equations, and inequalities, and they explore the structure of the number system, including rational numbers. They also apply geometry skills to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume.

Grade 7
Grade 7 students are placed into one of several Pre-Algebra courses (Pre-Algebra with Analysis, Pre-Algebra, or Pre-Algebra Concepts), which share a common curriculum but differ in pacing and levels of support. All students study the same core concepts, including algebraic reasoning, equations, inequalities, ratios, proportions, and integers. Each course is designed to develop flexible problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and mathematical fluency. Differentiation within and across courses ensures that all learners are appropriately challenged and supported. Placement is determined through a thoughtful review of student performance, assessments, placement exam scores, ERB results, and teacher recommendations.

Grade 8
In Grade 8, students continue in one of several Algebra courses tailored to support varied learning needs. These courses cover foundational algebraic concepts such as solving equations and inequalities, working with linear functions, and analyzing graphs. All students develop problem-solving strategies and critical-thinking skills while deepening their understanding of algebraic structures. Instruction is differentiated by pace and depth, with some students engaging in extended or accelerated content. Students are carefully placed into one of these three levels on the basis of observations from the previous year’s teacher, grades, test scores, placement exam scores, and ERB results.

Geometry

Geometry students begin with foundational concepts such as lines, rays, planes, and angle relationships. The course emphasizes precise mathematical vocabulary and reasoning, particularly through the study of postulates, theorems, and various types of proofs, including two-column and indirect proofs. Students apply algebraic and geometric reasoning to explore similarity, congruence, right triangles, and circle theorems. As the course progresses, students synthesize previous knowledge to derive formulas for area, surface area, and volume of two- and three-dimensional figures. The course emphasizes logical reasoning, visual problem-solving, and abstract thinking.

Science

Rooted in the principles of the Next Generation Science Standards, the Middle School science program is designed to foster confident, curious learners who actively explore the physical, Earth, and life sciences. Through a hands-on, inquiry-based approach, students build a strong foundation in scientific thinking and investigation. The curriculum emphasizes observation, experimentation, collaboration, and analysis—skills essential for understanding and engaging meaningfully with the natural world.

Grade 5 – Environmental Science
In this foundational course, students explore the relationship between living organisms and their environment. Topics include ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impact of human activity on natural systems. Students study the Earth's four interacting systems—geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere—and begin to understand how these systems influence one another. The curriculum also introduces basic principles of physics and astronomy, such as gravity, matter, and observable light patterns. Through investigations and hands-on activities, students build essential skills in data collection, observation, and scientific analysis.

Grade 6 – Physical Science
Students explore the fundamentals of physical science through engaging experiments and interactive lessons. The course begins with a study of the states of matter and phase changes, then moves into chemical properties, reactions, and the periodic table. Students investigate atomic structure, chemical bonding, and how to balance chemical equations. Later in the year, students study electricity and magnetism through real-world applications and guided experimentation. Emphasis is placed on the development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Grade 7 – Life Science
Life Science introduces students to the building blocks of life, beginning with atomic and molecular structures and progressing to cellular biology. Students examine the structure and function of cells, learning about cell processes, reproduction, and genetics. The curriculum includes DNA replication, meiosis, and protein synthesis, laying the groundwork for understanding inheritance and variation in living organisms. Students apply their knowledge through a culminating genetics project and later explore the major human body systems, emphasizing structure, function, and interdependence. Throughout the course, students connect biology to real-world issues and emerging scientific research.

Grade 8 – Earth Science

In this capstone Middle School science course, students investigate Earth’s structure, systems, and atmospheric processes. Units include geology, plate tectonics, weather patterns, and chemical interactions in the natural world. Students study the composition and behavior of Earth's layers, and analyze how tectonic activity contributes to earthquakes and volcanoes. In meteorology, students examine the dynamics of the atmosphere, the causes of weather phenomena, and how different factors interact to influence climate and weather systems. The course concludes with an exploration of matter and chemical reactions, reinforcing students’ understanding of how Earth’s processes are interconnected.

Social Studies

The Middle School Social Studies program encourages students to become thoughtful global citizens who engage critically with the past and present. Through the study of history, geography, culture, government, and economics, students learn to think analytically, evaluate evidence, and make connections between historical events and modern-day issues. The curriculum fosters cultural awareness and civic responsibility, challenging students with age-appropriate content that promotes independent thinking and inquiry. Research, writing, public speaking, and the use of primary and secondary sources are key components of the program across all grade levels.

Grade 5

Grade 5 students begin by exploring why history matters and how historians use evidence to understand the past. They examine how geography shapes civilizations, studying the interactions between people and their environments. Students trace humanity's development from early hunter-gatherer societies to the agricultural revolution, leading to the rise of civilizations. Units focus on Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and Kush, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. Students analyze government systems, religious beliefs, social structures, and cultural achievements. Comparative analysis, map skills, and historical thinking are emphasized throughout the year.

Grade 6

Students in Grade 6 examine a range of global civilizations and their lasting impact on the modern world. Topics include Ancient Rome and Byzantium, civilizations in Asia and the Americas, and influential historical periods such as the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Reformation. Through the study of these societies, students explore systems of government, belief, innovation, and cultural expression. The curriculum integrates research, critical reading, note-taking, and analysis of visual and textual sources to deepen understanding and develop academic skills.

Grade 7
Grade 7 introduces the first half of a two-year study of United States history, focusing on the origins of the country. The year begins with a study of Indigenous cultures of North America and continues through the colonial era, the American Revolution, and the formation of the U.S. government. Students explore foundational documents like the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and examine key events leading to the Civil War, including westward expansion and social and political tensions. Throughout the year, students develop skills in research, writing, and source evaluation, and engage in experiential projects such as debates, mock trials, and group discussions. Connections to current events help link past to present.

Grade 8

Building on the previous year, Grade 8 continues the study of U.S. history, beginning with Reconstruction and extending through major developments in the 20th and early 21st centuries. Key topics include industrialization, reform movements, World Wars I and II, the civil rights movement, and social and political changes in modern America. Students use primary and secondary sources to develop evidence-based arguments and sharpen their critical thinking. Project-based learning continues to play a central role, with activities such as Socratic seminars and historical simulations reinforcing content mastery. Current events are regularly integrated to help students see the relevance of history in the contemporary world.

World Languages

The Middle School World Language program prepares students to become globally aware, culturally competent communicators. Aligned with modern language-learning standards and 21st-century educational goals, the curriculum offers students a rich and immersive experience in either French or Spanish from Grades 5 through 8.

Classes are communicative, interactive, and culturally immersive. Through engaging real-world scenarios, students build proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Instruction progresses step-by-step each year, reinforcing prior learning while introducing new vocabulary, grammar, and conversational contexts. By the end of Grade 8, students complete the equivalent of Upper School Level French 1 or Spanish 1.

Grade 5

In Grade 5, students begin building essential vocabulary and conversational skills related to everyday topics such as family, friends, and school. Through interactive activities—including songs, games, and storytelling—students become familiar with basic sentence structures, spelling conventions, and pronunciation. Grammar instruction introduces the use of definite and indefinite articles, descriptive adjectives, and the conjugation of regular verbs in the present tense. Cultural content is woven throughout to provide meaningful connections to French- or Spanish-speaking communities around the world.

Grade 6

Grade 6 continues to build on foundational skills, introducing more complex grammar and broader vocabulary themes such as daily routines, school schedules, clothing, sports, and home life. Students use possessive and demonstrative adjectives, adverbs, and prepositional phrases in their communication. They expand their use of regular and irregular verbs in the present and near future tenses. Each class includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities, all presented in authentic, culturally relevant contexts to deepen language acquisition.

Grade 7

In Grade 7, students solidify their command of foundational language structures while engaging with more advanced grammar, including the imperative mood, reflexive verbs, direct object pronouns, and progressive tenses. Vocabulary study continues in meaningful, personalized contexts, allowing students to communicate more fluidly and with greater complexity. Technology enhances the learning experience, with students recording and responding to audio-visual prompts and creating short video projects. Cross-curricular connections are emphasized, and students explore everyday cultural products from the Francophone or Hispanic world, developing both linguistic and cultural fluency.

Grade 8

Grade 8 begins with a comprehensive review before moving into more advanced communication, including the use of past tense (preterite/imperfect or passé composé/imparfait) and continued development of present and future forms. Students enhance their descriptive and narrative abilities with richer vocabulary and varied sentence structures. Primary-source materials and multimedia resources support a more authentic learning experience, preparing students to use the language beyond the classroom. Cultural exploration is a key component, with students examining current events, media, and traditions in French- and Spanish-speaking communities. By year’s end, students can express themselves across multiple time frames and participate in spontaneous conversations, ready for continued study at the Upper School level.

Religion

At Stone Ridge, faith formation is an essential part of a Sacred Heart education. As an independent Catholic school within the Archdiocese of Washington, we are guided by the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education and aligned with the standards of the Archdiocese. Rooted in Goal I—"to educate to a personal and active faith in God"—our Religion curriculum invites all students, regardless of faith background, to explore and grow in their spiritual lives.

Through study, prayer, and reflection, students are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with God, a strong moral foundation, and a deep respect for others and for creation. Classes are grounded in Christian values such as compassion, forgiveness, respect, and generosity. At each grade level, students are introduced to age-appropriate topics in Scripture, Church teaching, and theology while also exploring the richness of global religious traditions. Interfaith dialogue, social justice, and spiritual growth are integral to our approach, forming students who live out their faith with purpose and integrity.

Grade 5

In Grade 5, students explore the meaning and significance of the Seven Sacraments. Beginning with the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—students learn how the Holy Spirit is present in their lives and how they can give witness to their faith in daily actions. They then study the Sacraments of Healing—Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick—focusing on Jesus' ministry to the suffering and the importance of conscience, compassion, and forgiveness. The course concludes with a study of the Sacraments of Service—Matrimony and Holy Orders—with reflections on friendship, vocation, and choosing to live with love and integrity.

Grade 6

Grade 6 centers on the Old Testament and the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Students explore foundational stories of faith, including Creation, the Patriarchs, the Exodus, and the leaders and prophets of Israel. Through these stories, they discover how God reveals His love and covenant relationship with humanity. In the second semester, students connect these teachings to the life and mission of Jesus and the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, deepening their understanding of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their lives. Units on virtues, moral decision-making, and social justice challenge students to apply faith-based values in their personal choices and actions.

Grade 7
In Grade 7, students delve into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, reflecting on how the events of Jesus’ life continue to shape our lives today. Beginning with the Creation stories and God’s covenants with humanity, students trace the fulfillment of God’s promise through Jesus, the Messiah. The course explores Jesus' teachings, miracles, and relationships, culminating in the Paschal Mystery and its meaning for salvation, suffering, and eternal life. Students also develop their personal prayer life and learn to see communion with God through prayer as a source of strength, guidance, and joy.

Grade 8

Grade 8 focuses on the role of the Church as the living Body of Christ. Students study the foundations of the Church as established by Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit. They explore the marks of the Church—One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic—and reflect on its mission and identity. Through Scripture, history, and Church teaching, students examine the Church’s relationship with other world religions and the importance of ecumenism and interfaith respect. The course concludes with a study of Catholic Social Teaching, challenging students to discover their own active role in building a more just, compassionate, and faith-filled world.

Visual Arts

The Middle School Visual Arts program invites students to take creative risks, develop their unique artistic voice, and strengthen critical problem-solving skills. Students work with a variety of media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media. Projects often connect with other academic disciplines, reinforcing concepts through visual exploration.

Rooted in the Goals of Sacred Heart education, the program fosters a deep appreciation for the role of art in personal expression and social awareness. Students are encouraged to observe thoughtfully, reflect deeply, and create work that is both personally meaningful and globally conscious.

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts program supports the development of musical skills, creative confidence, and collaborative learning. In Grades 5 and 6, students choose among chorus, band, or orchestra. In Grades 7 and 8, they may select a music ensemble as a yearlong arts elective.

Through active participation in ensemble work, students explore musical traditions, improvisation, and personal expression. Emphasis is placed on technique, discipline, and musicality, while students also build essential life skills such as focus, teamwork, listening, and self-awareness. Formal and informal performance opportunities allow students to grow as artists and as individuals, fostering an enduring respect for the performing arts and each other’s contributions.

Drama

The Middle School drama program immerses students in the world of theater through performance, collaboration, and creativity. Students engage in drama games and structured activities to build self-awareness, vocal and physical expression, and a strong sense of ensemble. Each grade level introduces new techniques and theatrical concepts, encouraging students to explore storytelling, character development, and stagecraft.

In addition to classroom experiences, students may choose to participate in two annual theater productions: a fall musical and a spring play, providing opportunities for deeper engagement with performance and production.

Grade 5

Grade 5 Drama introduces students to the concept of tone in performance, exploring how actors and playwrights convey comedy, tragedy, and everything in between. Students investigate Ancient Greek drama as a foundation for understanding storytelling and theatrical tradition. Through creative exercises, they explore the use of the Greek Chorus, drawing connections to contemporary entertainment. Both solo and group performances help students express emotion, develop confidence, and experience the collaborative nature of theater.

Grade 6

In Grade 6 Drama, students focus on body and voice as essential tools of performance. They study Commedia dell’arte, learning to recognize and perform classic stock characters using exaggerated physicality and expressive gestures. Students adapt familiar stories using this traditional form. The course also explores radio plays, introducing students to vocal techniques, sound effects, and the imaginative possibilities of audio performance. Emphasis is placed on character creation, vocal versatility, and storytelling through sound.

Grades 7 and 8

Drama in Grades 7 and 8 offers a deeper exploration of theatrical forms and production elements. Students examine performance through the lens of Shakespearean theater, using selected scenes as anchor texts to study language, rhythm, and character. Long-form improvisation challenges students to sustain plot and character development collaboratively. The curriculum includes dramaturgy, playwriting, critical analysis, and technical theater, such as costume and set design. Students explore the Elizabethan era, analyze Shakespeare’s sonnets, and connect classical structures to modern forms of expression—including comparisons to hip-hop rhyme schemes. This multifaceted approach equips students with skills in performance, analysis, and creative interpretation.

Physical Education/Sports

The Middle School Physical Education program supports students in developing physical confidence, movement skills, and a lifelong appreciation for healthy living. Through a range of activities, students enhance their physical literacy while deepening their understanding of teamwork, discipline, and personal wellness.

Grade 5

In Grade 5, students engage in a variety of movement-based activities designed to build foundational physical skills and body awareness. Units include both sport-specific and non-sport-specific exercises that focus on:

Agility and adaptability
Strength and power
Flexibility and endurance
Balance and stability
Rhythmic and synchronized movement
Spatial orientation and reaction time

These diverse experiences help students build physical intelligence and confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Grades 6–8

In Grades 6 through 8, students are encouraged to further develop their athletic interests and skills through both organized sports and physical education electives.

Students may choose to try out for interscholastic teams that compete in the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Sports offerings include:

Field hockey
Soccer
Cross country
Volleyball
Basketball
Swimming
Track and field
Softball
Lacrosse
Tennis

Those not participating in team sports engage in enriching physical education classes that explore a wide range of fitness and recreational activities, including:

Self-defense
Swim aerobics
Walking fitness
Yoga
Archery
Handball
Ultimate frisbee
Frisbee golf

Whether through team competition or individual exploration, students develop physical competence, leadership, resilience, and a positive mindset toward lifelong fitness and well-being.

Educational Technology

The Middle School Educational Technology program empowers students to use digital tools with purpose, creativity, and responsibility. Through a sequence of integrated courses and experiences, students gain confidence in using technology to support academic growth, develop innovation practices, and build essential digital citizenship skills.

Beginning in Grade 5, all students participate in the school's 1:1 laptop program, using school-issued laptops to support learning across academic subjects, both in school and at home.

Technology Orientation Seminar (Grade 5)

This foundational course introduces students to the digital tools and systems they will use throughout Middle School. Key topics include:

Hardware and device care (laptops, printing)
Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office
Google Workspace tools
Strategies to support executive function and organization
Multimedia tools for documentation and presentation
Responsible digital citizenship and ethical technology use
Problem-solving strategies for navigating digital environments

Fast Track: Technology Orientation Seminar (Grades 6–8, New Students)

Designed for new Middle School students entering after Grade 5, this short seminar provides a streamlined introduction to essential digital tools and practices, mirroring the content of the Grade 5 seminar. Students gain the skills and confidence needed to integrate seamlessly into the Middle School’s tech-based learning environment.

Data Science & Data Storytelling (Grade 6)

In this interdisciplinary seminar, students develop foundational data literacy skills. Aligned with the Grade 6 math curriculum, the course helps students:

Understand data types, structures, and visualizations
Use data to explore and describe places, people, and patterns
Develop evidence-based narratives using real-world data
Build awareness of how data informs decisions in everyday life
Share their own experiences and observations through data

Engineering & Systems – Mechanical (Grade 7)

This seminar introduces systems thinking and design thinking through mechanical engineering concepts. Students:

Study the mechanics of machines such as bicycles and engines
Apply design-thinking to create physical prototypes
Explore energy transfer, directional forces, and simple machines
Learn principles of human-centered design and user experience (UX)
Communicate their designs through technical and visual documentation

Engineering & Systems – Electric (Grade 8)

Expanding on prior engineering knowledge, this course focuses on electronics and physical computing. Students:

Build foundational understanding of circuits, electricity, and code
Use tools such as soldering equipment and Micro:bits
Design and prototype interactive systems with real-world applications
Explore computational design through the lens of UX and innovation
Develop skills in both mechanical and software integration

Media & Technology (Grades 7–8 Elective)

In this hands-on elective, students explore the intersection of media, journalism, and digital production. Students:

Learn the fundamentals of media literacy and responsible consumption
Write and edit content for various platforms (print, digital, video)
Explore storytelling through podcasts, video, and design
Study the evolution of media and its influence on society
Create multimedia projects using tools in the school’s Maker Space

Seminar: Health and Wellness

The Health and Wellness Seminars are a core component of the Middle School curriculum, supporting students in developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for healthy living. Led by the Middle School Counselor, students in Grades 5–8 participate in monthly sessions focused on age-appropriate topics relevant to their social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

Each seminar fosters a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where students can explore essential aspects of adolescent health through interactive lessons and guided discussions.

Topics covered across all grade levels include:

Mental and emotional well-being
Nutrition and body positivity
Stress management and self-care
The importance of sleep
Navigating friendships and peer dynamics
Conflict resolution and communication skills

Grades 5 & 6

In the early Middle School years, students build foundational health knowledge while gaining confidence in self-awareness and body literacy. Lessons include:

Puberty and hygiene
Personal safety and boundaries
Female and male anatomy
Human reproduction and fetal development
Respect for self and others during times of growth and change

Grades 7 & 8

Older Middle School students revisit earlier topics in greater depth, with expanded focus on:

Healthy relationships and boundaries
Consent and decision-making
Disease prevention and personal health responsibility
Continued mental health awareness and emotional regulation

Instruction on human sexuality and affectivity is rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church. Students are reminded that parents are their primary educators in areas of sex and morality. All responses to student questions are developmentally appropriate, scientifically grounded, and delivered with sensitivity and care.

The Health and Wellness Seminars are designed to help students make informed, values-based choices and develop the confidence, compassion, and resilience they will need throughout adolescence and into adulthood.

Seminar: Study Skills

The Middle School Study Skills Seminar series, designed and led by the Middle School Learning Specialists, equips students with the tools and strategies essential for academic success and lifelong learning. Each grade-level seminar offers targeted instruction that supports students in developing habits of mind and learning behaviors that grow with them.

Through interactive lessons and guided practice, students learn how to approach their work with intention, independence, and resilience.

Core topics include:

Organization of study materials, binders, and digital files
Time management and scheduling strategies
Planning for long-term assignments and balancing responsibilities
Understanding individual learning styles and cognitive strengths
Metacognitive thinking routines to reflect on learning
Growth mindset and the role of productive struggle
Goal setting and progress monitoring
Effective note-taking, paraphrasing, and annotating skills
Study strategies for test preparation and skill reinforcement

The seminar series is designed to build a strong academic foundation while empowering students to take ownership of their learning. These essential skills serve them not only throughout Middle School but also in Upper School and beyond.

Student Support

At Stone Ridge, we recognize the diverse learning styles, strengths, and challenges our students bring to the classroom. In keeping with our mission to provide a rigorous, college-preparatory education while supporting the development of the whole child, we work to ensure each student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Support for students is a shared effort that includes teachers, advisors, learning specialists, the counselor, and the division head—all working together to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Learning Specialists

Stone Ridge’s two full-time Middle School learning specialists serve as dedicated resources for students, families, and faculty. They offer individual and small-group support focused on areas such as study skills, reading comprehension, writing, and executive functioning. Their goal is to help students build strategies that foster independence and success in the academic program.

For students with educational evaluations on file, learning specialists help implement the recommended accommodations, ensuring that each learner’s needs are met in a supportive and confidential manner. Learning specialists also collaborate closely with classroom teachers to provide best-practice support strategies that benefit all learners.

Counselor

Guided by the Sacred Heart commitment to educating the whole person, the Middle School counseling program supports each student’s spiritual, academic, personal, and social development. The counselor plays an active role in the life of the division, providing:

Individual and small-group counseling
Classroom lessons that encourage emotional wellness and personal growth
Support for peer relationships, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy
Consultation with teachers and families
Referrals and resources as needed

Additional programs supported by the counselor include a winter recess social space with games, the Big Gator/Little Gator mentorship program between Grades 5 and 8, and regular participation in team meetings to ensure comprehensive support for every student. The counselor also facilitates parent education workshops and faculty professional development related to student well-being.

Stone Ridge’s student support services reflect our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in an environment where they are known, cared for, and challenged to reach their fullest potential.

Leadership

At Stone Ridge, developing confident, compassionate leaders is at the heart of our mission. As students grow throughout Middle School, they are offered a range of opportunities to explore leadership, responsibility, and service to their community.

Our Middle School Student Council empowers students to take initiative and represent their peers. Students may run for a variety of elected roles, including:

President
Vice President
Secretary/Treasurer
Social Action Chair
Diversity and Belonging Chair
Sustainability Chair
Campus Ministry Chair
Blue/Gold Captains

In addition, each Advisory group elects a Representative who brings student perspectives and ideas to the council, ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to be heard.

Beyond Student Council, leadership opportunities extend across campus life. Students may:

Serve as Admissions Ambassadors, welcoming prospective families and sharing their experiences
Apply to join the Campus Ministry Team, helping plan and lead liturgies and prayer services
Lead service initiatives, spirit events, or other student-led programming

Whether organizing a school-wide campaign or helping a new student feel welcome, Middle School students are encouraged to lead with purpose, kindness, and integrity. These experiences help them grow in confidence, explore their interests, and develop the essential skills of collaboration, communication, and advocacy—preparing them for leadership in the Upper School and beyond.

Advisory

The Middle School Advisory Program at Stone Ridge is a cornerstone of student support and community building. Rooted in the principles of CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) and Developmental Designs, the program fosters meaningful relationships, personal growth, and a strong sense of belonging.

Each student is placed in an advisory group of approximately 8–12 peers and one dedicated faculty advisor. These small groups meet regularly throughout the year to:

Strengthen peer connections
Build trust and community
Foster student voice and agency
Reflect on academic and personal growth
Develop skills in collaboration, communication, and leadership
Plan and participate in group activities and service projects

Advisors serve as advocates and mentors, supporting students in both their academic and social-emotional development. They also act as the primary point of contact for families, helping ensure a consistent and supportive partnership between school and home.

Through the advisory experience, students grow in self-awareness, empathy, and confidence—foundations that enrich their Middle School journey and prepare them for leadership in the broader community.