Middle School: Grades 6-8

Middle School Students Studying

"What greater work is there than training the mind and forming the habits of the young?"

St. John Chrysostom  

At St. Anthony School, we combine rigorous academics with faith and character formation, guiding students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 to grow as confident learners, compassionate leaders, and lifelong thinkers. Our curriculum meets the Hawaii Catholic Schools Curriculum Standards and is designed to nurture, inspire, and enrich a culture guided by faith. Through our programs, students develop curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning, while growing in empathy, integrity, and a strong sense of community.

Grades 6–8

English Language Arts (HMH Into Literature)
St. Anthony School’s Middle School students engage in HMH Into Literature, a rich and rigorous English Language Arts program designed to build strong readers, thoughtful writers, and confident communicators. Across Grades 6–8, students explore a wide range of high-interest fiction, nonfiction, drama, poetry, and multimedia texts that deepen critical thinking and broaden their understanding of the world. Through close reading, structured writing, vocabulary development, and grammar instruction, students learn to analyze complex ideas, evaluate evidence, and express themselves with clarity and purpose. Collaborative discussions and real-world connections help students develop their voice while strengthening essential academic skills. HMH Into Literature equips our middle school learners with the literacy tools they need for high school success—nurturing curiosity, creativity, and strong communication every step of the way.

Vocabulary (Wordly Wise, Grades 6–8) is another curriculum resource used to strengthen vocabulary and comprehension across all subjects.

Math (McGraw Hill Glencoe Math)

  • Grades 6 & 7 (Courses 1 & 2): Middle School students build a strong foundation in mathematical thinking through hands-on problem-solving, real-world applications, and interactive lessons that make math relevant and meaningful. Courses 1 and 2 develop critical thinking, reasoning, and collaborative skills.

  • Grade 8 Algebra: Students advance their mathematical skills with McGraw Hill Glencoe Algebra, exploring equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing. Many students earn high school Algebra credit upon successfully completing Grade 8.

Science (Amplify Science)
Middle School students explore the world around them through Amplify Science, a hands-on, inquiry-based science program designed to engage students in real-world problem solving. Across Grades 6–8, students investigate topics in physical, life, and earth sciences, developing a deep understanding of scientific concepts and the nature of science itself.

Social Studies & History (TCI)

  • 6th Grade – Ancient Civilizations and Medieval Times:
    Students explore societies, cultures, governments, and innovations, examining how people lived and solved problems. Hands-on projects and primary sources help students think critically and connect the past to the modern world.

  • 7th Grade – American History: Earliest Settlements through the Civil War:
    Students study early American history, including Hawaiian culture and history using resources such as Kamehameha: The Rise of a King and A History of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Through research, discussions, and interactive projects, they analyze multiple perspectives and learn how historical events shaped communities locally and nationally.

  • 8th Grade – American History: Civil War to the Present:
    Students investigate major events, social movements, and political changes, developing skills in historical analysis, evidence evaluation, and reasoned argument. Projects, debates, and discussions help them connect the lessons of history to contemporary issues and everyday life.

Scholastic Junior (Grades 6–8)
Students engage with nonfiction and fiction texts that strengthen reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking. The program complements the overall curriculum by fostering global awareness, cultural understanding, and curiosity about current events and diverse perspectives.

Religion (Benziger “Be My Disciples,” Grades 6–8)
Middle School students deepen their Catholic faith, exploring Scripture, Church teachings, and moral decision-making. The program encourages students to reflect on their personal values, make responsible choices, and live their faith in everyday life.

Healthy Choices (Grades 6–8)
Students learn safe, responsible, and healthy habits, including nutrition, personal safety, mental health, and social-emotional skills. The program encourages thoughtful decisions, resilience, and habits that support overall well-being.

FRIENDZY Character Development (Grades K–8)
Students explore empathy, respect, integrity, and responsible decision-making. Through discussion, role-playing, and collaborative activities, they build strong relationships and positively contribute to their school community.