The main focus is devoted to the study of God's saving love as it is revealed through his Son, Jesus. Lessons are designed to help young adolescents grow in their knowledge of Jesus, that they may love him more ardently and serve him more generously. The course of study is divided into three major units: Jesus Christ the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
This course uses an anthology and novels to enrich the students' exposure to various types of literature such as fiction, nonfiction, mysteries, myths, etc. Some of the novels read are: The Outsiders, A Christmas Carol, The Devil's Arithmetic, and Farewell to Manzanar. The students do independent reading of chosen novels as well which culminate with a project.
This course explores concepts of percentages, integers, algebra, geometry, probability, graphing, and other topics within the diocesan curriculum for seventh grade.
This course explores a wide range of topics at an accelerated pace that prepares students for Algebra 1.
The English curriculum for seventh grade focuses on three aspects as follows:
- grammar usage and mechanics
- writing, listening, and speaking
- research, study, test-taking strategies
Students are required to write several essays including descriptive, expository, persuasive, and poetry in addition to weekly journal writing.
A comprehensive approach for systematic vocabulary development which helps students expand their vocabulary and prepare for standardized tests is a focus as well.
Life science is the main focus of the course. Discussions about the systems of the body, heredity, and human sexuality are covered. Students also learn basic laboratory skills: handling equipment appropriately, working safely, designing and conducting an experiment, learning proper methods of collecting, recording, averaging, and analyzing the data collected through experimentation. All classes are held in the laboratory with hand-on experience at least twice per week. During this year, students also complete an independent experiment using the Scientific Method and then present their project at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) competition.
Social Studies - World Geography
This course focuses on exploring and discovering the processes that shape the earth, the relationships between people and environments, and the links between people and places. Students also prepare and present a project for the National History Day competition. The instructor enhances the curriculum with United Streaming. Classroom computers are used for student research.