Middle School as Saint Hilary School is a safe and supportive place, where the uniqueness of each child is recognized. Saint Hilary School is large enough to allow for a breadth of interpersonal experiences and access to a variety of teachers and support staff, yet intimate enough to ensure that all teachers know all students.
While preparing our students for High School, each of their individual talents are nurtured as they are led to care deeply about each other and the world. This balance of personal growth and achievement, as part of a socially responsible community, provide our students the tools they need to lead meaningful, and successful lives.
The Middle School setting encourages interpersonal experience and wide access to a range of teachers, yet one that provides a supportive environment where teachers know their students well. Small class size (between 24 and 32 students per grade) is enhanced by one-on-one and small group instruction. Grades 6 and Grade 8 Literature is taught in small groups. Two Math classes in Grade 8 – Eighth Grade Introduction to Algebra and Eighth Grade Algebra, which is equivalent in content and rigor to a high school course in Algebra One – ensure individual attention in this critical subject area. This balance of scale ensures our students face their social, personal and academic challenges with a team of supportive and caring adults.
Middle School at Saint Hilary School is a safe and supportive place, where the uniqueness of each child is recognized.
In addition to Math and Language Arts, the Middle School’s comprehensive curriculum includes Science, History, Social Studies, Spanish Language, Fine Arts, Music, Public Speaking, and Religion. Critical thinking, role-playing, and hands on, in-depth projects lead students beyond rote learning into true understanding in all of their classes.
A comprehensive physical education program challenges students to participate in athletics, identify their strengths, value sportsmanship, and work as part of a team. In addition, many elements of school life encourage students to stretch their knowledge and skills in ways beyond the standard curriculum.
Art Studio is lead by a professional artist and talented teacher who challenges each student to explore his or her artistic talents and create lasting works of painting, photography, sculpture and more.
Overnight field trips provide unique opportunities for learning and community building. In Grade 8, students go behind-the-scenes during three days at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, while history and government come alive during a week in Washington, DC. In Grade 6, students spend four days in an Outdoor Education Camp, and in Grade 7, students take a spiritual retreat to Yosemite National Park.
While strengthening their knowledge and lived faith experience, students learn about other world religions, bolstering their identity as spiritual beings who appreciate other faiths. In Grades 7 and 8, students complete service hours, to experience the rewards of assisting others. Tutoring, helping the homeless, and assisting in warm clothing drives are some of the many community service opportunities provided through the very active Parish outreach.
Leadership Student Council is a highlight of Middle School. Ten elected students attend a summer leadership camp in preparation for their upcoming term, during which they lead all-school assemblies, plan Spirit Days and other fundraising and fun-raising activities.
Finally, all students in Middle School are paired with “buddies” in Kindergarten, and Grades 1 and 2, a three-year mentoring program which bridges the gap between Elementary and Middle School, and helps younger students become part of the Saint Hilary School community.
The balance of personal growth and achievement, as part of a socially responsible community, prepare our students for success in High School and throughout their academic careers.