Grades 6-8

The middle school years at Holy Family Catholic School are a time of remarkable academic growth, leadership development, and spiritual formation. Students are challenged to become confident, independent learners while preparing for the rigor of high school and beyond.

Academic Excellence

As students transition between subject-specific teachers, they learn to manage multiple classes, organize their work, strengthen study habits, and take greater ownership of their learning. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication.

Language Arts focuses on analytical reading, persuasive and creative writing, research, and discussion, while mathematics provides a strong pathway through Pre-Algebra and Algebra. By the end of eighth grade, students have completed Algebra 1, positioning them for success in advanced high school mathematics.

Technology is intentionally integrated throughout the curriculum. Every middle school student is equipped with a school-issued iPad and utilizes digital tools that enhance collaboration, research, organization, and responsible digital citizenship.

Spanish

At Holy Family Catholic School, our Spanish program equips students with the language skills and cultural awareness needed to communicate confidently in an increasingly interconnected world. Students develop proficiency in the four essential language domains—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—while gaining an appreciation for the rich traditions, history, and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.

Middle school students deepen their language proficiency through increasingly rigorous instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, conversation, and cultural studies. Students participate in collaborative activities, presentations, research projects, and authentic language experiences that strengthen both communication skills and cultural understanding.

A distinguishing feature of Holy Family’s Spanish program is that seventh- and eighth-grade students complete a High School Spanish I curriculum. As a result, our graduates consistently demonstrate exceptional preparation and frequently place into Spanish I Honors or Spanish II upon entering high school, giving them a strong academic advantage as they continue their language studies.

Faith in Action

Faith is at the heart of the middle school experience. Students deepen their relationship with Christ through religion classes, prayer, weekly Mass, service projects, and leadership in the liturgy.

Middle school students serve as:

Altar Servers
Lectors
Choir members
Student Ambassadors
Student Council leaders

They also lead the school community through special liturgies, prayer services, and annual traditions, including the Living Stations of the Cross during Lent.

Leadership & Student Life

Holy Family’s small-school environment provides every student with opportunities to discover their talents and grow as leaders.

Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of academic, artistic, and extracurricular programs, including:

Academic Decathlon
Mock Trial
Student Council
CYO Athletics
Choir
Spring Musical
Innovation & Design
Student News Crew
Student Ambassadors

These experiences foster confidence, teamwork, leadership, and public speaking while encouraging students to pursue their individual passions.

Service Learning

Service is an essential part of a Holy Family education. Middle school students actively live out the Gospel by serving both the parish and the broader community through meaningful outreach opportunities, including:

Serving at local nursing home Masses
Assisting with food distribution through parish outreach ministries
Visiting elderly parishioners and community members
Participating in school and parish service initiatives throughout the year

Through these experiences, students develop compassion, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Experiential Learning

Learning extends far beyond the classroom through memorable educational experiences that reinforce classroom instruction and build lifelong friendships.

Signature Middle School Experiences

Each middle school grade offers distinctive experiences that enrich classroom learning, strengthen friendships, and foster faith, leadership, and service.

Grade 6

Skirball Cultural Center
Outdoor Science School
Hindu Temple Visit
Walk Through Ancient History
Senior Christmas Luncheon
Spring Musical

Grade 7

Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
Giving Bank Service Project
Hosts of the Annual 8th Grade Luncheon
Spring Musical
Washington, D.C. Educational Trip (Grades 7 & 8, offered every other year)

Grade 8

Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI)
Ministry to Shut-Ins
Living Stations of the Cross
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Marching On Dinner
Disneyland Grad Day Celebration
Eighth Grade Luncheon
Spring Musical
Graduation

These experiences extend learning beyond the classroom while cultivating leadership, strengthening faith, encouraging service, and creating lifelong memories as students prepare for high school and beyond.

Preparing for High School

Holy Family graduates leave middle school academically prepared, spiritually grounded, and confident in their abilities. Our graduates are accepted into many of Southern California’s most respected Catholic and independent high schools, where they continue to excel as scholars, leaders, and people of faith.

Beginning in sixth grade, students and families receive guidance throughout the high school admissions process. Families are encouraged to attend open houses, shadow days, placement testing, and admissions events, and to work closely with school administrators to identify the best high school fit for each student.

Schoology: Staying Connected

Holy Family utilizes Schoology as its learning management system to keep students and families connected. Through Schoology, parents and students can access classroom announcements, assignments, homework, assessments, grades, calendars, and important communications from teachers, helping families stay informed and engaged throughout the school year.