Middle School religious instruction begins by exploring the life of Christ in more depth and detail. As students progress lessons transition from learning about Christ toward studying how to remember Christ and who He is even after they have graduated from St. John’s. Using various media (contemporary music and films, television, books, etc.) as learning tools, students begin the process of analyzing what they are exposed to in their world from the Christian perspective. The principles taught in Religion classes, faith in Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel and a Christian world view are fully integrated in to all subjects at St. John’s.

The language arts program reinforces and builds upon the grammar and literature learned in the elementary grades including reading from a novel. Students continue strengthening vocabulary skills with daily exercises and increase their understanding of the elements of sentences through diagramming sentences.

The development of written and oral skills is a focus of the middle school program. Each student prepares a research paper, in MLA format, which includes the prewriting activities of creating and organizing note cards and then outlining. Critical thinking skills are enhanced through presentations, the writing of essays, and journaling. Our goal is to create a community of readers and writers.

Math studies in middle school prepare students for high school math curriculums and beyond. Students in the 6th grade become acclimated with basic abstract thinking by working with equations and develop more complex problem solving skills. As students acquire these skills they are grouped according to mathematics aptitude for the remainder of middle school.

For those who become more adept at learning new concepts in math our program series is comprised of Pre-Algebra in 7th grade, and then Algebra I in 8th grade. At the end of Algebra I students complete the North Carolina State End of Course (EOC) test for high school credit allowing them to take Geometry in 9th grade.

For the average math student our program directs students along the same path, but allows the student one more year of development by taking General Math in 7th grade, and then Pre-Algebra in 8th grade.


The social studies curriculum is an integration of experience and knowledge about human endeavors and human relations designed to foster informed and ethical participation in society. Our approach to understanding these endeavors and world cultures is taught from a Christian world view and responses from a Biblical perspective are encouraged from all students. Coursework focuses on Western civilization, world cultures, and U.S. history. Specifically our 6th grade studies South America and Europe. The 7th grade studies Africa, Asia and the Pacific Realm while the 8th grade focuses on U.S. History (including government concepts). Additionally the 8th grade visits Washington, D.C. in the spring allowing them to experience the government in a new and personal way.

One highlight of the year is when International Day is celebrated in 6th and 7th grades. Each student chooses a country from one of the continents studied during the year. Students prepare a report and display including “artifacts” such as food, clothing, figurines, or other items. The entire school visit the displays and hear presentations from the middle school students.

Our students experience a hands-on program with scheduled lab activities. Our program integrates science with other curriculum areas such as mathematics, language arts, and social studies.

The science program at St. John’s strives to increase each child’s knowledge and understanding of God’s wondrous creation, the interrelationships of things in this creation, and the child’s place in all of this.

Inherent in our program is the goal of cultivating in our students the personal characteristics of good scientists. We hope they will become more curious, persistent in seeking knowledge, intelligently observant of the world around them, and cooperative, responsible, and scientifically literate citizens in an increasingly technological world. We endeavor to have our students develop appropriate and competent skills to work competently with basic lab equipment, carry out simple experiments following the scientific method, understand basic scientific processes and principles operating in the world. Through our program activities, we strive to have our students develop their skills of observing, classifying, measuring, communicating, predicting, recording and interpreting data, and controlling variables.

The faculty at St. John’s recognize the need for students to use computers to learn – not just learning about computers. Because of this philosophy, students are encouraged to use technology in all their course work. Teachers regularly use technology to enhance other curricular areas and students are encouraged to experiment. Students are also guided through the steps of presentation using technology as an aid. Students gain confidence and presentation skills as they learn presentation software. Our software titles include industry standard office titles (word processing, spreadsheet skills, slide presentation software, publisher skills, and note-taking/outlining skills, keyboarding, etc.), as well as Algebra I math programs, and a host of other creativity inspiring software.

Our 8th grade class compiles the entire all-digital school yearbook using our computer lab. Our state of the art computer lab is fully furnished with new computers that are networked together and each controlled by one central “teacher’s” computer. The network insures critical supervision of student’s activities as well as enhanced presentation abilities, and cooperative learning opportunities. Several high quality internet and computer prevention and protection devices are in place to insure the safest atmosphere for our students.

Learning another language is a rewarding experience and enhances the language arts curriculum. Spanish instruction begins at third grade and progresses through eighth grade and helps to develop positive attitudes and excitement toward learning other languages, cultures, and customs.

Students broaden their awareness and understanding of Spanish by acquiring skills of listening, reading, writing, speaking, and translating. An appreciation and awareness for the diversity of all God’s people is gained through their exposure to other nations and languages. Students embrace the language as instruction in the elementary grades introduces the fundamentals and primarily consists of a conversational focus.

The depth of study increases as the students advance through the program. Middle School students develop reading, writing, and translation skills, and continually work to increase their fluency in speaking Spanish..

The curriculum is taught so that each student shall benefit from varied art experiences. To the art student, art education brings an eagerness to create, an enthusiasm to participate and a satisfaction of achievement, while providing freedom for the child to use his own mode of expression using multiple mediums. Art is a complex discipline composed of numerous elements, principles and skills taught in ways appropriate to a child’s cognitive stage and physical abilities. To encourage students in celebration of the creative gifts God has given them student art work is regularly displayed around campus. Students consistently received awards at the annual Dixie Classic Fair school art competition.

There are various common purposes of the drama program at St. John’s. First, the program aims to develop individual self-confidence. This is achieved through the experience of planning for, practicing, and executing plays. Children learn that they can work toward and achieve a goal within a deadline. At the same time, the children learn to overcome their fears of public performance by speaking, singing, and performing on stage. Second, the program seeks to promote effective verbal and non-verbal communication and is designed to provide an outlet for expression and encourage a love for literature and developing of musical abilities.

An emphasis is placed on the importance of teamwork. Ideally, through participation in drama programs, students will make great progress toward becoming well-rounded individuals. Middle school programs are usually fully staged musicals including the use of lights, sets, costumes, makeup, etc. All students are encouraged to participate with additional opportunities in stage management and technical crews.

Past Performances include:

• Annie
• Pirates of Penzance
• You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
• Virtue and Justice Triumph Again/The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf
• The Music Man
• Seussical
• The Wizard of Oz
• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
• Alice in Wonderland
• Omlette: Chef of Denmark
• The Jungle Book

Physical Education at St. John’s enhances the physical development of all children and is designed to teach students a varied of ways to keep their bodies healthy. Classes are designed to provide learning experiences that challenge students to expand their skills and strategies through learning games and physical activities. St. John’s provides a fun, challenging, and comfortable environment as students are encouraged at setting personal goals for development. The positive aspects of good sportsmanship, team play, and individual effort are encouraged on a regular basis. Students develop an appreciation and understanding of various activities including dance, bocce ball, disc golf, and traditional sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track. Special events such as orienteering, dance, and all-school field days give students alternative opportunities to become involved in health and fitness. In addition, students become sensitive to the needs of their bodies and the practice of maintaining a healthy heart through Heart Awareness Month.

At the middle school level, focus is given to advanced development of skills as related to sports. Additionally, health and wellness activities prepare students to care for their physical needs for a lifetime.