Middle School

Our integrated Humanities program combines literature, history, religion, writing, art, and current events into an engaging, discussion-driven learning experience. Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, students explore essential questions and themes through connected units of study that help them make meaningful connections across disciplines.

Students explore ancient civilizations while reading high-interest novels such as Bud, Not Buddy, The Lightning Thief, and The Red Pyramid. Through collaborative discussions, analytical writing, research, and creative projects, students strengthen communication, critical-thinking, and perspective-taking skills while developing confidence as readers, writers, and thinkers.

Using EdGems, students build strong conceptual understanding in ratios, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, and introductory algebraic thinking. The program emphasizes flexible problem-solving, perseverance, and a growth mindset toward mathematics.

Our hands-on, project-based science curriculum encourages students to investigate real-world questions through labs, engineering challenges, collaboration, and inquiry aligned to NGSS standards. Students develop curiosity, scientific thinking, and communication skills while exploring the natural world.

STEM learning is intentionally woven throughout the middle school experience. Sixth grade students begin exploring coding, robotics, engineering design, and introductory 3D printing concepts, helping them develop creativity, innovation, and computational thinking skills through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

Students deepen their understanding of Scripture and Catholic identity through study of the Old Testament and exploration of what it means to be created in God’s image. Faith formation is woven throughout the daily middle school experience.

Students explore Medieval World History and Washington State History through an integrated Humanities approach that blends literature, social studies, religion, art, writing, and current events into a cohesive learning experience.

Novel studies include The Canterbury Tales, Code Talker, Animal Farm, and The Boys in the Boat. Students engage in seminar-style discussions, collaborative projects, narrative writing, argumentative essays, and research experiences that challenge them to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives and ideas.

Using EdGems, students strengthen proportional reasoning, algebraic thinking, geometry, and data analysis skills through rigorous problem-solving experiences designed to build both competence and confidence. Students are encouraged to think flexibly, explain reasoning, and embrace productive struggle as part of the learning process.

Our science program emphasizes inquiry, experimentation, collaboration, and project-based learning. Students investigate scientific phenomena through hands-on experiences aligned to NGSS standards while developing essential STEM and communication skills.

Seventh grade students continue expanding their STEM experiences through coding, robotics, engineering challenges, and 3D design projects. Students are encouraged to think creatively, solve problems collaboratively, and apply scientific concepts through authentic, real-world applications that extend beyond the traditional science classroom.

Using the Catholic Connections curriculum, students study the New Testament and the early Church while also participating in enrichment experiences through the Missionary Disciple Institute from the Seattle Archdiocese and Maryknoll.

Students engage in a rich Humanities curriculum integrating U.S. History, literature, religion, writing, art, and current events through essential questions, collaborative discussion, and interdisciplinary learning experiences.

Novel studies include My Brother Sam Is Dead, Nothing But the Truth, The Crossover, and Night by Elie Wiesel as part of an in-depth Holocaust study and research project. Students strengthen analytical writing, discussion, research, and presentation skills while learning to think critically, communicate thoughtfully, and engage deeply with historical and ethical questions.

Students are placed in either 8th Grade Math or Algebra using EdGems. Coursework emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem-solving, algebraic reasoning, statistics, functions, and preparation for advanced high school coursework. Students are challenged to think critically, persevere through challenges, and build mathematical confidence.

Students engage in collaborative labs, engineering challenges, and inquiry-based investigations that develop critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and communication skills. Our project-based science program encourages students to ask questions, solve problems, and explore the world around them.

As part of OLL’s growing STEM program, eighth grade students engage in advanced opportunities involving coding, robotics, engineering design, and 3D printing technology. Students utilize design-thinking processes to create, prototype, test, and refine projects while building innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for high school STEM pathways and future-focused learning opportunities.