Grades 6-8

In partnership with Schola Scientiae LLC, Our Lady of Mercy Academy has embarked on an educational journey like no other with our groundbreaking Lablearner Curriculum, meticulously designed to harness the innate power of human learning. Our new lab includes the latest research-grade science equipment for our students to dive into immersive science experiments for hands-on encounters with the wonders of science! The Lablearner curriculum seamlessly weaves together the brilliance of Next-Generation Science Standards and the richness of current ELA and Math standards to provide a learning experience that spirals continuously, allowing students to revisit, reinforce, and master concepts, ensuring a deep and lasting understanding. This fusion creates a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to learning that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, setting our students on the path to becoming a well-rounded scholar.

Sixth-grade social studies students explore history from ancient, early civilizations through medieval Europe. To deepen their analytical skills, the GRAPES framework is applied to each unit of study, allowing students to examine the Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economics, and Social structure of each culture.

In seventh and eighth grade, students travel through American history, spanning from the early ages of exploration in the United States up to and including current times. Throughout the middle school social studies curriculum, students actively engage in experiential learning through dynamic activities such as mock trials, debates, and historical simulations.

Sixth-grade students complete their foundation in basic math through the study of fractions, decimals, percentages, and measurement with an introduction to plane and solid geometry and multi-step problem-solving. The foundation of our math curriculum and instruction is the mastering of computational skills while developing vital critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.

To ensure students are properly challenged and supported as they move forward, placement tests are administered at the end of both 6th and 7th grade. Based on these results, students in grade 7 are placed in either Math 7 or Pre-Algebra 7. In the 8th grade, students progress into either Pre-Algebra 8 or Algebra 1. Our Algebra 1 course is fully equivalent to a high school-level curriculum; students who successfully complete it may have the opportunity to test out of Algebra 1 in high school and directly enter Geometry in the 9th grade.

Our reading curriculum combines skill instruction with an introduction to the appreciation of literature. Students in literature 6, 7, and 8 read quality multi-cultural works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama to develop an understanding of and appreciation for literature.

Oral, written, and grammatical communications are emphasized in every Middle School language arts program. To help our students become proficient communicators, a strong focus is placed on grammar, and we teach writing as a developmental process that requires consistent practice. Therefore, writing is treated as an integral part of our Literature and Language Arts curriculum

At OLMA, religion is both an academic subject and a way of life. We instill in our students a lifelong commitment to the Church and service to others. Students gain a thorough understanding of Catholicism through the study of the life of Christ, the Old Testament, Church history, the Apostles' Creed, and Catholic morality. Our pastor, Father Vincent, is a frequent visitor to campus and actively teaches our 7th-grade Religion class.

All students from K–8 participate in monthly school liturgies as well as various prayer services and activities to celebrate our Catholic traditions. This includes our special Prayer Partner program, where 8th graders are paired with kindergarten students to serve as mentors and role models, helping the young learners grow in their faith. Together, these prayer partners attend Mass and participate in a variety of meaningful activities to celebrate our faith during Advent, Lent, and Easter.