The Junior High Language Arts curriculum at St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School develops strong reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills while preparing students for the academic expectations of high school.

Through the study of novels, short fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, students strengthen reading comprehension, literary analysis, listening, and discussion skills. Using the Great Books Foundation's shared inquiry approach, students learn to examine texts thoughtfully, ask meaningful questions, support their interpretations with evidence, and consider different perspectives.

Writing instruction emphasizes grammar, vocabulary, composition, and research, helping students communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. Students use a variety of print and digital resources to support their learning, including the Membean vocabulary program and vocabulary materials that support PreACT preparation.

Teachers use MAP Growth assessments three times each year to monitor academic progress, identify individual learning needs, and guide instruction. Through challenging coursework and personalized support, students develop greater independence and confidence as readers, writers, and communicators.

At St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School, our Junior High Mathematics curriculum builds a strong foundation in mathematical reasoning, computation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Students develop an understanding of mathematical concepts while learning to apply their knowledge to increasingly complex challenges.

Through the Reveal Math program, teachers emphasize conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and multiple approaches to solving problems. Instruction encourages students to explain their reasoning, make connections between mathematical concepts, and develop confidence in their abilities.

Our mathematics program offers a pathway for students to complete Algebra I concepts and skills in eighth grade, preparing them to begin Geometry in high school. This academic progression provides students with a strong foundation for continued success in advanced mathematics.

At St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School, our Junior High Social Studies curriculum encourages students to explore the history, geography, cultures, and governments that shape our world. Through the study of World Geography, United States History, and Civics, students develop critical thinking skills, broaden their perspectives, and gain an understanding of their roles and responsibilities as citizens.

In seventh grade, students begin with World Geography, examining the relationships among people, places, cultures, and the natural environment. Through this study, students develop an appreciation for global communities, cultural diversity, and their responsibility to care for God's creation.

Students then begin a two-semester study of United States History, starting in seventh grade with early colonial America through the Civil War. In eighth grade, they continue with Reconstruction, industrialization, and the events and developments that have shaped modern American history.

During their final semester of Junior High, students study Civics and Government, exploring the structure of American democracy, the responsibilities of citizenship, and the importance of informed civic participation. Students examine the rights and responsibilities of individuals and consider how they can contribute positively to their communities and society.

Through historical inquiry, discussion, and critical analysis, our Junior High Social Studies program prepares students to become knowledgeable, engaged, and responsible citizens who understand the connections between the past, present, and future.

At St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School, our Junior High Spanish curriculum develops students' language proficiency and cultural understanding through engaging, interactive instruction. Students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while building vocabulary, understanding language structures, and gaining confidence in communicating in Spanish.

Our curriculum incorporates Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS), an instructional approach that emphasizes language acquisition through meaningful repetition, comprehensible input, reading, and storytelling. Through classroom discussions, dramatizations, gestures, and multimedia resources, students experience Spanish in ways that make language learning engaging and accessible.

Students also read Spanish-language novels and short stories, strengthening reading comprehension and vocabulary while developing an appreciation for the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking communities.

Through active participation and meaningful communication, our Junior High Spanish program helps students build a strong foundation for continued language study in high school and beyond.

At St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School, religious education and faith formation are integral to the Junior High experience. Rooted in the Catholic faith and the Dominican pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service, our Religion curriculum encourages students to deepen their relationship with God, strengthen their understanding of Catholic teachings, and develop compassion and respect for others.

Religion is taught as part of the academic curriculum, with Catholic values and teachings integrated throughout the school day. In eighth grade, students receive instruction focused on the Sacrament of Confirmation, complementing the sacramental preparation provided by their individual parishes.

Each school day begins and ends with prayer, and students are encouraged to practice kindness, responsibility, and habits of virtue in their daily lives.

Junior High students also participate in age-appropriate service-learning initiatives grounded in Catholic social teaching, global citizenship, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through these experiences, students develop an understanding of social responsibility and discover how their faith can inspire meaningful service to others.

While firmly rooted in the Catholic tradition, St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School welcomes students from a variety of religious backgrounds and fosters a community of mutual respect, understanding, and belonging.

At St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School, our Junior High Physical Education program encourages students to develop healthy, active lifestyles while strengthening physical fitness, coordination, endurance, and teamwork. Through a variety of activities, students build confidence, practice good sportsmanship, and develop an appreciation for lifelong fitness and wellness.

The curriculum introduces students to health and fitness concepts through activities such as yoga, golf, soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, aerobics, and track. Students also participate in fitness training using the school's dedicated fitness facilities, developing strength, agility, coordination, and endurance.

At the end of each school year, students participate in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, which supports their understanding of personal fitness and physical development.

Beyond the classroom, Junior High students have opportunities to participate in extracurricular athletics, including soccer, golf, basketball, volleyball, track, cross country, swimming, cheerleading, and baseball or softball. These experiences encourage teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and school spirit while allowing students to explore their athletic interests.

At St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School, the arts are an essential part of the Junior High experience, encouraging creativity, self-expression, collaboration, and an appreciation for the world around us. Guided by the National Core Arts Standards, our comprehensive arts curriculum provides students with opportunities to explore visual art, vocal and instrumental music, and theater.

In Visual Arts, students develop artistic skills through drawing, painting, printmaking, and graphic design while exploring the elements of color, line, shape, space, texture, and form. The study of significant works of art and connections to other academic subjects help students develop artistic understanding and creative thinking.

Our Performing Arts curriculum encourages students to develop musical knowledge, performance skills, and confidence through vocal and instrumental instruction. Students explore musical concepts through Orff Music instruction and handbell performance while developing an appreciation for music and theater.

Dedicated arts facilities, including a spacious art studio, two music classrooms, and a large theater, provide spaces for creative exploration, instruction, rehearsals, and performances.

Beyond the classroom, Junior High students can participate in theatrical productions, Middle School Chorus, and String Ensemble. Students also have opportunities to share their talents through Mass, school performances, community events, and All West Tennessee vocal and instrumental competitions.

Through these experiences, our Junior High arts program helps students discover their interests, develop confidence, and strengthen their ability to communicate and collaborate creatively.

At St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School, leadership development is an important part of the Junior High experience. Rooted in our Dominican tradition of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service, students are encouraged to recognize their individual strengths, take initiative, and understand the importance of leading with integrity, compassion, and responsibility.

Junior High students have opportunities to develop leadership skills through elected and selected positions, academic and athletic activities, and meaningful service experiences. These opportunities encourage collaboration, decision-making, personal accountability, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities.

Students put leadership into practice by serving as Admissions Ambassadors, participating in the Student Government Association, mentoring children at the Madonna Learning Center, and coordinating service projects. Through these experiences, students learn that leadership is not simply about holding a position, but about using their talents to support and serve others.

By emphasizing servant leadership, St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School helps Junior High students develop the confidence, character, and sense of purpose to become responsible leaders in high school and beyond.

At St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School, technology is integrated throughout the Junior High curriculum to enhance learning, encourage creativity, and strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students learn to use digital tools purposefully and responsibly as they prepare for the academic expectations of high school and an increasingly technology-driven world.

Guided by the student standards established by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), our approach encourages students to become empowered learners, knowledge constructors, innovative designers, computational thinkers, creative communicators, digital citizens, and global collaborators.

Through technology-supported learning experiences, students develop skills in research, communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. They learn to evaluate digital information, communicate ideas effectively, and use technology responsibly to support their academic work.

By incorporating technology across subject areas, our Junior High program helps students develop digital literacy, independence, and adaptability—skills that support continued learning in high school and beyond.

At St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School, we recognize that academic achievement is closely connected to students' social, emotional, and personal development. Our Junior High Student Services and Guidance programs help students develop confidence, build positive relationships, take responsibility for their learning, and strengthen the skills needed for success in high school and beyond.

Guided by the five core competencies established by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—our approach supports students as they navigate the academic and personal challenges of adolescence.

Through our Junior High Mentor and Student-Led Conference programs, students develop greater ownership of their learning, reflect on their academic progress, establish goals, and strengthen communication and organizational skills. Assemblies focused on social and emotional learning provide additional opportunities to explore personal responsibility, healthy relationships, and thoughtful decision-making.

By combining academic guidance with intentional social and emotional support, our Junior High program helps students become increasingly independent, resilient, and confident learners prepared for the opportunities and responsibilities of high school.