We believe in equipping a life with a foundation of faith. At St. John’s Lutheran School, our middle school program is focused on the development of the whole child through a faith-based curriculum. Our classes are taught by caring, loving staff that offer decades of experience in Christian education.
Curriculum
Our private middle school program offers students daily instruction in each our core subject areas: Religion, reading, language arts, math, science/STEM, and history. Instruction is provided from a Biblical perspective, drawing meaning for each areas of study from the context of God’s Word.
Core Classes
Religion
Students have religion 4 times a week for 30 mins each day. On the 5th day they attend chapel for 30 mins. We learn about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the role they play in our past, present and future. We focus on growing as His children, reading His Word, Apologetics, and living out our faith.
Students participate in confirmation in 7th & 8th grade, and class is held once a week.
Language arts/literature block
Using a number of classic and current novels, as well as short stories, we focus on literary elements using texts that are of high interest for the students. Throughout the year, we do a number of writing units which include narrative writing, opinion writing, and informative writing, as well as literary analysis, compare/contrast, and argumentative writing. We use the 6+1 writing traits to help students produce writings that are strong in the areas of ideas, organization, voice, sentence fluency, word choice, conventions, and presentation. Seventh grade uses a hands-on approach for grammar, which is used to enhance our writing in the areas of sentence fluency and conventions.
The reading/literature class meets as part of the Language Arts class which is 5 days a week for 40 minutes. Reading Buddies is held two times a month. In this program, the 7th grade students work with the first graders and 8th grade students work with the Kindergarten, reading to them, and helping them create and write stories.
Math (leveled to help students participate in the level that is right for them)
Students participate in the level that is right for them. Students have the opportunity to participate in Course 1, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, or Geometry. In these classes, students are given step-by-step examples to complete the lessons. Students are provided the precise language and structure necessary to build mathematical understanding and proficiency. As students progress through the classes, students will gain mastery of more challenging topics that build on foundational concepts previously taught.
Science
7th grade Science: Students will Study Life Science which includes Viruses and Monerans, Fish and Amphibians, Cells, Tissues and Organisms, Sponges, Cnidarians, Worms and Mollusks, Mammals, The Skelatal and Muscular systems, Digestive and Circulatory Systems. The Studends dissect worms, fish, frogs, fetal pigs and deer hearts.
8th Grade Science: Students will Study Physical Science. Students will study matter, chemical equations, atoms, the periodic table, speed momentum, kinetic energy, and motion. Half of the year is more chemistry and the other half is more physics.
History
Students study World Civilizations in 7th grade. They will study different civilizations and their culture along with the geography of the world. Students also study current events and what is happening in the world today.
American history is taught in 8th grade. Students start with the Civil War and study to present times. Students will learn to think like a historian and analyze events that impacted the United States and the world throughout our history and currently. Students also take a class trip to Washington D.C. every September.
Technology
Each private middle school student in the Junior High is assigned a Chromebook for the year. Every classroom is fitted with a SMART board that allows both teacher and students to actively participate in teaching and learning. Technology is used as a tool to help enhance the curriculum and student outcomes.
Specials
We believe in a well-rounded education. To that end, students have PE, STEM class, art, recess, study hall and flex time several times throughout the week. Additionally, they go to music and have the opportunity to participate in the band program. All resource classes are taught by teachers who specialize in their field.
Physical Education
7th and 8th grade students meet 3 days a week for 40 minutes each time.
Art
Art in 7th grade is designed to build upon the student’s knowledge of the elements and principles of art and design through work with a variety of media and techniques. A continued emphasis on critical judgment is accompanied by an increased focus on art from other times and cultures. 7th grade meets Monday and Thursday for 55 minutes each session.
Art in 8th grade is designed to expand the student’s knowledge, abilities, and critical judgment; to introduce new media and skills; and to emphasize art history. 8th grade meets Tuesday and Friday for 55 minutes each session.
Music
Music class and choir are each offered once a week. All students are required to participate in the school’s choir which meets weekly for 30 minutes. Students are also able to participate in the school’s band program and the bell choir if they desire.
STEM
Students participate in STEM class where they explore the exciting worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through hands-on projects and collaborative learning. The curriculum encourages curiosity and critical thinking as students engage in activities like building simple machines, conducting experiments, coding, and solving real-world problems. By fostering creativity and teamwork, our STEM program aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
Athletics
The Athletic program of St. John’s is dedicated to enriching the lives of its student through sports. Our athletic teams prove that hard work and dedication translates to success on the playing field and on the court. Beyond athletic achievement, the focal point of the program is seeing our student-athletes represent the character of Christ. As we want everyone watching to witness student-athletes who play with passion and purpose.
Class Traditions, Field Trips, and Events
The Junior High years are a time to build lifelong friendships and memories. The years are filled with many traditions you and your students will come to love!
- Reading Buddies and Tribes (Chapel Groups)
- Veterans’ Day Chapel (8th grade)
- Dissections in Science Class
- Auburn Manor Life Stories
- Grandparents’ Day
- Singing in the Christmas Service
- Celebrating holiday parties with friends
- National Lutheran Schools Week
- Donuts for Dads and Muffins for Moms
- Spring Musical
- Spring Fine Arts Festival
- All School Field Trip
- 8th Grade Graduation
Each year students participate in several fun and educational field trips that correlate with our curriculum. Some of them include:
- Washington D.C. Trip (8th grade)
- Northern Star Base Camp
- Lowry Nature Center
- Mayer Lutheran during National Lutheran Schools Week
- Valley fair
- Minnesota Zoo
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