The Middle School at St. Mark’s Day School (Grades 6-8) is a pivotal time of growth, preparing students for the academic rigors of high school while fostering personal responsibility, leadership, and intellectual independence. Our curriculum challenges students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with complex ideas in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Core Academics

Our core academic program is designed to build deep conceptual understanding and advanced skills across all major disciplines.

• English Language Arts: Students engage in the sophisticated analysis of diverse literary genres, including novels, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. They hone their writing skills through persuasive essays, research papers, and creative pieces, focusing on developing a strong authorial voice, logical argumentation, and advanced grammatical precision.
• Mathematics: The math curriculum builds a strong foundation for higher-level mathematics. Depending on their readiness, students progress from advanced arithmetic and pre-algebra concepts to a full course in Algebra I. This course culminates in the NYC Regents Exam in Algebra I (Common Core), giving students an opportunity to earn a high school credit.
• Science: Our lab-based science program emphasizes hands-on investigation and the scientific method. The Life Science curriculum in 8th grade is specifically designed to prepare students for the NYC Regents Exam in Living Environment, allowing them to earn a high school credit. Over the three years, students also explore key topics in Earth Science (geology, meteorology) and Physical Science (chemistry, physics).
• Social Studies: The social studies curriculum takes students on a journey through world history. Students study ancient civilizations, the medieval world, and modern global history. Emphasis is placed on analyzing primary source documents, understanding cause and effect, and exploring diverse cultural and political perspectives.

Special Subjects

Our enrichment courses provide a well-rounded education, allowing students to explore their passions and develop new talents.

• Religious Studies: Students delve into comparative religion, ethics, and moral decision-making. The curriculum encourages critical thinking and open discussion about faith, values, and one’s role and responsibility in a global community. A service-learning component is integrated into the program.
• Foreign Language: Students continue their study of a world language (such as Spanish or French), moving towards proficiency. The focus shifts to more complex grammar, conversational fluency, and reading authentic texts, preparing them for advanced high school language courses.
• Music: Middle School students can choose to deepen their musical talents through instrumental ensembles, choir, or digital music production. They study music theory and history, with numerous opportunities for performance and collaboration.
• Arts: The visual arts program offers students a chance to explore advanced techniques in drawing, painting, ceramics, and digital media. Students develop a portfolio of their work and study major art movements and artists throughout history.