Overview
In our Middle School (grade 6-8), the curriculum reflects the philosophy that young adolescents learn best when exposed to learning experiences that are highly experiential, authentic, and interdisciplinary in nature. The whole world becomes the classroom for students in these grades through hands-on opportunities, the integration of technology throughout the curriculum, as well as the exposure to leadership and life-skills.
Our newly-launched, innovative Middle School “Renaissance Program” provides a unique educational experience for our students in grades 6-8, fostering academics along with their leadership skills, building their character, promoting higher-level thinking skills, and instilling a life-long love of learning.
Through a cohesive inter-disciplinary approach, our standards-based curriculum is designed to improve student literacy in reading and writing and in the complex problem-solving skills of mathematics. The STREAM-based (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) curriculum allows students to explore how these different disciplines interrelate not only in the classroom but also in real world situations.
Middle School Objectives
The Middle School wing boasts a State-of-the-Art Science Lab, Computer Lab and a brand new Learning Lab called “The Renaissance Room” with educational flexible seating options for differentiated learning styles, cooperative learning stations, and collaborative learning tools and academic project-based assignments and activities.
The QCA “Renaissance Program” strives to create a comprehensive educational experience where learning comes to life, where students are engaged in their own discoveries and where academic immersion is a way of life!
In addition, students will have many opportunities to develop solid skills in the following areas:
World Culture
Exposure to (3) different languages through our World Culture Exploratory approach to conversational language and history in Spanish, French and Latin
Life Skills
Intentional instruction in Life Skills, addressing Organizational Skills, Executive Functioning Skills, Research Skills and Real-Life Practical Skills to prepare for success in high school and beyond
Oratory Skills
Public Speaking Skills and practice
Civic Involvement
Civic Leadership and Service
Arts Immersion
Fine Arts integration
Field Experience
Hands-On Field Trip experiences in and around Boston, designed to enhance the curriculum such as Museum of Fine Arts, Science Museum, Huntington Theater, Gardner Museum, Commonwealth Museum, Edward Kennedy Institute , Gillette and Red Sox STEM Program, Boston Ballet and Boston Symphony Orchestra
Service Opportunities
Relevant Service/Outreach Opportunities to contribute to society and support the needs of others through Charity organizations such as My Brothers Keeper, Cradles to Crayons and local Food Banks
Applied Technology
Applied Technology integrating Robotics, Digital Literacy and a Maker Space
Faith Development
The Religion Curriculum is designed to meet the needs of adolescent inquiry and discovery of the role that their faith plays in their every-day life
What to Expect
The physical and emotional development and unique challenges faced by our students entering adolescence are understood and respected in the Quincy Catholic Academy Middle School. Our program provides the stability and consistency that adolescents need to feel safe and supported. In addition, they need to be encouraged to take educational risks and take ownership of their own learning. The curriculum taps their growing capacity for critical thinking, problem solving, and working collaboratively.
As the leaders of our student body, our middle school students are encouraged to assume important responsibilities and leadership positions. Students strive for academic honors, mentor and tutor younger students, and assume positions as officers of the Student Council. Fulfillment of service hours is an expectation. Each student is held to a high ethical standard and develops a strong sense of morality that will strengthen them as they embark on the next step in their education.
With self-confidence, a solid academic base, and a strong foundation of faith, our responsible and respectful “leaders” are tremendously successful, wherever they go in their next chapter.
Every year, graduating Grade 8 students are accepted to many reputable local high schools. 75% of this year’s graduating class will be attending Catholic high school next year. Graduates have been accepted and awarded scholarships to many private and Catholic high schools including:
- Archbishop Williams High School
- Boston College High School
- Cardinal Spellman High School
- Notre Dame Academy, Hingham
- Fontbonne Academy
- Thayer Academy
- Quincy Public High Schools
- Xaverian High School
- Dexter-Southfield Academy
- The Woodward School
- South Shore Christian Academy
- Ursuline Academy
- Milton Academy
- The Newman School
