The formative years of Middle School are full of rich experiences and unique learning opportunities. During this time, our faculty continues to build upon the foundations established during Early Childhood and Lower School, while challenging our students to push their own limits and take risks. Being equipped to succeed in high school—as well as life in general— is only one aspect of a Middle School education. Our true goal is to shape individuals who will better our world, who are not afraid to test the limits, and who know how to overcome failure and move forward.
Our Middle School program includes overnight trips designed to enhance the curriculum and expand a student’s worldview. Fifth and sixth graders spend two days at Camp Allen to practice team building and participating in experiential learning. In seventh grade, Texas history comes alive as students visit San Antonio and Austin and experience firsthand what they have studied in the classroom. Our eighth graders revisit American History as they travel to Washington D.C. for five days each spring.
Students experience many “firsts” in Middle School, including changing classes throughout the day, learning how to use a locker, honing organizational skills and—beginning in 6th grade—becoming familiar with using a laptop for their coursework. The many “firsts” of Middle School often come with academic, social, and spiritual challenges. For this reason, each boy is assigned to an Advisor and Advisory group beginning in the 5th grade. These groups and their Advisor stay together for the entirety of their time in Middle School, sharing struggles, participating in team building, and constructing a support system.
The Regis Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum is designed to deliver a multi-sensory reading and writing program based on research-based instructional strategies that have been developed by the National Reading Panel. This challenging curriculum seeks to:
Regis students learn to become effective readers and writers with a thought-provoking curriculum that encourages respect for differences while also serving to build community. Vital skills necessary for success in High School and upper learning are highlighted throughout the Regis Middle School ELA curriculum including: MLA Guidelines, Cornell notetaking, annotation, and close reading strategies.
5th Grade: With support and guidance, Regis fifth grade students read purposefully, acquire and use a wide range of vocabulary, and gather relevant evidence when supporting their own points in writing and speaking.
6th Grade: In sixth grade, Regis students appreciate nuances in language and can discern and build upon an author’s ideas, articulate their own ideas, while becoming proficient in new areas such as research. They construct and refine their knowledge through writing and speaking.
7th Grade: Seventh grade students work diligently to understand what an author or speaker is saying while questioning assumptions and assessing the veracity of claims. Students actively seek to understand and evaluate other points of view critically and construct effective arguments.
8th Grade: Regis eighth grade students comprehend and evaluate complex texts across a range of types and disciplines and convey intricate research and arguments. By reading classic and contemporary works of literature, they can inhabit worlds and have experiences much different than their own.
The Regis Middle School Mathematics curriculum is rooted in the premise that students must develop a deep understanding of the mathematical skills they acquired in Lower School. A thorough understanding of procedural and conceptual knowledge is essential in helping our students understand the more complex mathematical processes presented in Middle School and beyond. We facilitate their experiences by:
The Regis Middle School Mathematics curriculum is guided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) best practices, highlighting communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and connections. The aim is to extend and strengthen number-sense skills, problem-solving techniques, and work toward building the foundation necessary to describe numerical and geometric patterns and relationships.
5th Grade: The Regis fifth grade math curriculum examines computation skills used in operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percent, ratios, and proportions, metric and customary measures, probability, integers and geometry. These skills are further polished and reinforced through problem-solving with real-world applications.
6th Grade: Regis sixth grade math students focus on operations with and uses of fractions, decimals, and integers; scientific notation; metric conversions; order of operations; rates and ratios; percent; exponents and square roots; commutative and associative properties; and dimensional analysis.
7th Grade: The Regis seventh grade math curriculum (Pre-Algebra) expands on the areas of number theory, geometry, and other pre-algebra concepts and skills. As students are introduced to higher abstract thinking levels, they are taught to apply previously learned skills to solve more complex problems. Seventh grade Pre-Algebra seeks to prepare students for eighth grade Algebra I by investigating essential mathematical topics with an emphasis on process and problem-solving. Students will have extensive practice using fractions, decimals, percent, integers, exponents, variables, indirect measurements, volume, and graphing on a coordinate plane. Additionally, seventh grade math students will solve proportions, multiple-step equations, and inequalities.
8th Grade: All Regis eighth grade students follow a high school level Algebra 1 curriculum. Algebra 1 serves as a foundation aimed toward exposing students to the continued study of upper-level mathematics they will encounter in high school. Students develop an understanding of variables, expression, and equations and their use in problem-solving. The Algebra 1 course also explores the foundations of algebra through the study of fundamental axioms, definitions, and properties.
We are pleased to include a Math Specialist and a Math Interventionist as members of our Regis faculty. These content area specialists partner closely with classroom teachers to provide continuing, comprehensive support. Specialists are actively involved in classroom instruction, curriculum planning, assessment analysis, coaching best practices of instruction to math faculty and collaborating with teachers to ensure the consistency and effectiveness of the math curriculum across grade levels. Our specialists provide students with small group and individualized instruction both within the classroom and in the Regis Math Institute, a dedicated space for STEM and mathematics discovery!
5th Grade: Students are exposed to two foreign languages throughout the year, rotating through French and Spanish. Each course offers an introduction to the language and culture where students are exposed to the languages’ sound systems and common vocabulary.
6th Grade: Beginning in sixth grade, students choose one language on which to concentrate their study through eighth grade.
7th Grade: Seventh grade students continue the focused study of the foreign language chosen in sixth grade.
8th Grade: Eighth grade students continue the focused study of the foreign language they chose.
5th Grade: Students engage in hands-on science learning that emphasizes critical thinking and science process skills using FOSS (Full Option Science System), Baylor College of Medicine science curriculum kits and the Rice University developed STEM-Scopes program. These experiences guide the students in building their content knowledge. During this year, the students explore the topics of landforms, levers and pulleys, and weather and water.
6th Grade: Students engage in hands-on science learning that emphasizes critical thinking and science process skills using FOSS (Full Option Science System), Baylor College of Medicine science curriculum kits and the Rice University developed STEM-Scopes program. These experiences guide the students in building their content knowledge. Inquiry experiences guide the students in building their content knowledge. During this course, the students explore planetary science, earth history, and electronics and robotics.
7th Grade: Students engage in hands-on science learning that emphasizes critical thinking and science process skills using FOSS (Full Option Science System), Baylor College of Medicine science curriculum kits and the Rice University developed STEM-Scopes program. These experiences guide the students in building their content knowledge. During this course, the students explore cells, diversity of life, classification of living things, living systems and ecosystems.
8th Grade: Students engage in hands-on science learning that emphasizes critical thinking and science process skills using FOSS (Full Option Science System), Baylor College of Medicine science curriculum kits and the Rice University developed STEM-Scopes program. These experiences guide the students in building their content knowledge. The goal of the course is for students to experience science, develop their understanding and knowledge of the natural world, to engage in scientific thinking and processes, and to communicate in a scientific manner. During this course students are introduced to both chemistry and physics.
5th Grade: Fifth grade social studies focuses on the story of place and people during the early history of the United States, including topics such as geography, Native Americans, explorers, colonization, the American Revolution, the development of the United States government, expansion and the Civil War. Throughout the year students learn how to use their textbook and additional resources to put together the story of the time, place and people being studied.
6th Grade: Sixth grade Social Studies is an overview of World History. This course gives an understanding of the emergence of the modern world through the study of its past. Students examine the social, political, economic and geographic aspects of the world at large. A strong emphasis is placed on connecting the past to current events.
7th Grade: This course develops the seventh grade student’s historical knowledge about the unique formation of Texas and how the state continues to fit within the larger context of the national and international scene. The scope and sequence of Texas history begins with early exploration and colonization, moves through formation of Texas as a republic and continues through to the modern Texas era. Emphasis is placed on the unique, multicultural character of the state, along with the geographic factors that shape its course.
8th Grade: This course is an overview of United States history, government and politics. The scope and sequence of this curriculum begins with European exploration and discovery of the New World, continues through American Independence and ends with the Civil War and Reconstruction era. An added component of this course is the study and discussion of current events through the use of contemporary media. Additionally, through chronological study, this course examines the social, political, economic and geographic aspects of the United States.
5th Grade: Fifth grade religion seeks to deepen the students’ understanding of the truths of our faith contained in the study of the sacraments, the life of Jesus, the Sacred Heart Goals, and the community of the Church. The students study the history of each of the sacraments and learn about being a member of the body of Christ.
6th Grade: The emphasis of the sixth grade program is the study of the Old Testament as the revelation of God in the history of His people. The students utilize their text, the Catechism, the Bible, small group study and prayer journal entries to enhance and expand their understanding of these subjects. While continually incorporating the Sacred Heart Goals, students also learn about lives of the saints, examine the sacraments and study the importance of religious holy days as they occur during the year.
7th Grade: Seventh grade religion focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The course covers the teachings of Jesus during His public ministry and the sacraments He instituted. Additionally, the textual material presents Jesus’ challenge to each person to follow Him, to become His disciple and to live His teachings. As in previous grades, students are encouraged to find meaningful ways to incorporate the five Sacred Heart Goals in their daily lives. The 7th and 8th grade religion courses each include a two-week module on human sexuality, as required by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Topics in Family Life include purity, chastity, and duty to God, family, and community.
8th Grade: This course focuses on the teachings and traditions of the Church as well as Church history from its beginning at Pentecost. Topics include nourishing God’s gift of faith, ancestors in faith, what it means to be Catholic, Catholic morality, Catholic social teaching and liturgical seasons of the Church. As leaders of the school, 8th grade students are encouraged to find meaningful ways to model living out the five Sacred Heart Goals in their daily lives. The 7th and 8th grade religion courses each include a two-week module on human sexuality, as required by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Topics in Family Life include purity, chastity, and duty to God, family, and community.
5th Grade: Technology in art is a big focus for fifth grade. Students will create works of art using photography, digital media, design thinking, ceramics, drawing and more. These skills will be tied into the art elements and principles of design that the students focused on while in the lower grade levels.
6th Grade: In sixth grade, the students will learn to demonstrate technical skills, effectively using a variety of art media and materials to produce drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures, fiber-art, photographic imagery and electronic media-generated art. They will illustrate these skills through themes from direct observation, personal experience and traditional events.
7th Grade: In seventh grade, the principles of design become more prominent as the students develop their art skills. The students will be asked to illustrate ideas from direct observation, imagination, personal experience and school and community events. They will produce drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures, fiber-art, photographic imagery and electronic media-generated art using a variety of materials and tools in traditional and experimental ways.
8th Grade: Eighth grade students choose either art or music as an elective. Students will select appropriate art materials and tools to interpret subjects or themes when producing drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures, photography/film making and electronic media-generated art both traditionally and experimentally. They will apply design skills to their art to communicate effectively ideas and thoughts in everyday life.
5th Grade: In fifth grade, students learn the basic computer applications used in the curriculum of the other Middle School courses. This includes an introduction to the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and Power Point) and reinforcement of keyboarding skills.
6th Grade: The laptop program begins in sixth grade. Students use their new laptop computers to learn the applications used in other Middle School courses, including an introduction to the iLife Suite (iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band) and iWorks (Keynote, Numbers, and Pages), as well as reinforcing skills learned in the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and Power Point).
7th Grade: Students use their laptop computers to begin to master the applications used in other Middle School courses. These include the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and Power Point), the iLife Suite (iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band) and iWorks (Keynote, Numbers, and Pages).
8th Grade - STEAM: In eighth grade, students complete projects that incorporate science, technology, engineering, art and math. From making Rube Goldberg machines to programing Spheros, the students’ creations are only limited by their imaginations.
5th Grade: Students continue to learn basic music notation while developing a rich repertoire of folk, patriotic, multicultural, and seasonal songs. Using Solfège Syllables and Curwen Hand Signs to sing scale-tone melodies, they will continue to hone their musical skills. Students sing at liturgies and prayer services.
6th Grade: In sixth grade music, students develop their skills through studying theory, instruments, singing, creating and composing, and preparing for music performances. Additionally, brass hand bells are introduced in sixth grade. Technology is incorporated using a variety of music software, as well as having the students create their own music video.
7th Grade: Seventh grade music focuses on advancing the students’ technical skills and knowledge, as well as allowing them to discover new talents. Students experience music by studying theory, instruments, singing, creating and composing, and preparing for music performances. Technology is incorporated using a variety of music software, as well as having the students create their own music video.
8th Grade: Eighth grade students choose either art or music as an elective. To fulfill their Fine Arts elective, eighth grade students may enroll in a semester of Music Composition or Musical Theater. In the eighth grade Composition class, students compose using classroom instruments, GarageBand software, web composing sites, and Makey Makey Invention Kits. Students in the eighth grade Musical Theater class create many theatrical styles of work, including an original musical to share with their Little Brothers at the end of the semester.
5th Grade: Fifth grade physical education develops individual athletic skills, introduces the rules and skills of team sports and promotes overall fitness. Throughout the year, the students practice skills to help them maintain good cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Before each Regis athletic season, the students are introduced to that season’s sport: soccer at the beginning of the year, basketball in the late fall and rugby in the winter. In addition, the students learn the skills and rules for football, baseball and track. All P.E. classes are guided by the Achieve curriculum. Health is also taught during P.E.
6th Grade: Sixth grade physical education develops individual athletic skills, introduces the rules and skills of team sports and promotes overall fitness. Throughout the year, the students practice skills to help them maintain good cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Before each Regis athletic season, the students are introduced to that season’s sport: soccer at the beginning of the year, basketball in the late fall and rugby in the winter. In addition, the students learn the skills and rules for football, baseball and track. All P.E. classes are guided by the Achieve curriculum. Health is also taught during P.E.
7th Grade: Seventh grade physical education develops individual athletic skills, covers the rules and skills of team sports and promotes overall fitness. Throughout the year, the students practice skills to help them maintain good cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Before each Regis athletic season, the students review that season’s sport: soccer at the beginning of the year, basketball in the late fall and rugby in the winter. In addition, the students learn the skills and rules for football, baseball and track. All P.E. classes are guided by the Achieve curriculum. Health is also taught during P.E.
8th Grade: Physical Education develops individual athletic skills, covers the rules and skills of team sports and promotes overall fitness. Throughout the year, the students practice skills to help them maintain good cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Before each Regis athletic season, the students review that season’s sport: soccer at the beginning of the year, basketball in the late fall and rugby in the winter. In addition, the students learn the skills and rules for football, baseball and track. All P.E. classes are guided by the Achieve curriculum. Health is also taught during P.E.
5th and 6th Grade: Study Skills lessons instruct students in successful study habits and test-taking strategies. The students learn strategies for successfully answering true/false, essay, multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. Students learn how to be more productive and time efficient during their study time. Additionally, students reflect on and evaluate their work while setting short and long-term goals.
Starting in fifth grade, all students participate in the Advisory program. Each student is part of an Advisory group that meets daily for a variety of activities such as team-building, discussions of topics relevant to adolescent students, study skills, health lessons and more. The Advisory members, as well as their advisor, stay together for the remainder of Middle School, creating close relationships and support structures and giving each student an adult who is particularly invested in them.
To register for a Virtual Parent Visit or our January Open House, please submit an inquiry on the Regis Admissions page today! We are offering division-specific virtual visits for parents interested in The Regis Experience for their son(s), and an in-person experience on January 31.
Please contact Sarah Davenport, Director of Admissions, with any questions. We look forward to connecting with families throughout the Admissions process this year!
