Middle School

At St. John XXIII, our Middle School curriculum blends traditional instruction with hands-on experiences and technology to engage the whole student. Core subjects include English Language Arts, Math, Religion, Social Studies, Science, Spanish, Art, Music, Health, and Physical Education.

Grades 5 through 8 offer more advanced academic challenges, expanded leadership and service opportunities, and a wide range of co-curricular experiences. Math classes are ability-based, with Pre-Algebra and Algebra offered to students based on readiness. Middle schoolers also participate in retreats, student council, band, choir, and fine arts electives.

Our students are encouraged to explore, invent, and create in our STEAM Lab, Outdoor Classroom, and Greenhouse. Technology enhances learning in every classroom, with SMART Boards for interactive lessons and Chromebooks to supplement instruction. Middle School at SJ23 fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in a supportive, faith-based environment.

Middle School Electives (25-26)

At St. John XXIII, electives give students the opportunity to explore their interests, develop new skills, and discover hidden talents beyond the core curriculum. Offered in a variety of areas—from arts and music to STEM, athletics, and leadership—our electives encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students select electives each trimester, allowing them to try different experiences throughout the year while deepening their passions.

Arts & Creativity

Art Journaling 101 (Mixed Media)
Students express thoughts, emotions, and experiences through journaling with a wide variety of media—sketching, painting, collage, stamping, printmaking, markers, pastels, watercolor, fabric, and more. Focus is on the creative process, not the outcome.

Jazz & Paint
Students create detailed paint-by-number artworks (landscape, retro, travel, or National Parks) and collaborate on a large group piece while enjoying classic jazz and fine art appreciation.

Paint by Number
Students learn techniques, history, and benefits of paint-by-number art. Beyond creating personal masterpieces, they gain stress-relief, focus, and artistic skills that benefit all areas of art.

Open Crafting (Project-Based Learning)
Students design and create their own craft projects, using classroom and brought-in materials. They’ll set goals, plan steps, problem-solve challenges, and manage deadlines while enjoying creative studio time.

Geo Art
Math meets art! Students explore concepts such as mazes, insect symmetry, patchwork patterns, and hyperbolic paraboloids, bringing mathematical ideas to life through artistic design.

Art Chopped
Inspired by Food Network’s Chopped, students work in teams to create art using “mystery materials” in fun, timed challenges.

STEM & Innovation

Food Truck Frenzy (STEAM)
Students design their own food truck business by developing a marketing plan and 3D-printing a custom food truck model.

Virtual Robotics
Using the Virtual Robotics Toolkit, students code and build robots in a simulated environment. The same coding can be used on real robots, preparing them for future robotics experiences.

Music & Performance

Pep Band
Students learn marching band formations and pep band music. No prior band experience is required—non-band members play snare drums or toms.

Beginning Conducting Course
Students learn the fundamentals of conducting: keeping time, transposing, and rehearsal techniques. The class concludes with students conducting a piece performed by their peers.

Ukulele Crash Course
Students learn the basics of ukulele playing, from fingerpicking to strumming, and may even perform songs by the end of the course.

Athletics

Floor Hockey
Students learn the fundamentals of floor hockey—rules, strategies, and skills—before competing in team games that build teamwork, fitness, and sportsmanship.

Pickleball
Students practice techniques, develop their skills, and play both singles and doubles matches in this fast-growing sport.

Student Life & Leadership

Media Productions
Students learn videography and content creation while producing school news updates, event coverage, and creative projects for the school and parish.

Yearbook
Students design and create the school yearbook, developing skills in layout, writing, photography, and editing. Commitment is for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

Gardening & Sustainability

Gardening 101
Students learn greenhouse and garden care, as well as food preservation and preparation techniques using produce they’ve grown.