In grades 5-8, educators facilitate the mastery of skills necessary for students to adapt to their evolving minds and an ever-expanding workload. Coursework is designed to build on the strong foundation laid in the elementary years in the areas of math, science, language arts, social studies, and foreign language. Students are encouraged to apply the concepts learned and stretch their thinking as they progress through the rigorous curriculum. Organization and study skills are stressed during this time, with a focus on note-taking, outlining, and study techniques. Experiential learning is a key component, and students are encouraged to implement what has been learned and make real-life connections. Our oldest students mentor our younger students, forming strong bonds and building faith in the knowledge that the OLV community is a source of strength, encouragement, and support within our walls and beyond.
Students in our Middle School Academy are able to take advantage of our upgraded, technologically advanced classrooms in The G.R.A.C.E. Center. These rooms are equipped with Smart TVs, fiber connectivity and personal Chromebooks. These modern spaces afford the students natural light and climate control so that they can focus on their studies. Middle School Academy students are required to take the 8/9 PSAT, an early indicator of college readiness, in the spring of their teighth grade year.