MySSES

Middle School

Whether they are critically dissecting a novel in class, conducting an experiment in one of our large, modern science labs, or seeking practical applications for mathematical concepts, Middle School students at St. Stephen’s encounter a curriculum that is challenging, engaging and designed to help them make the transition to a highly rigorous upper school academic environment.

Facilities

Along with one of the finest private school faculties in the country, academics at St. Stephen’s are supported by first-rate facilities, including classrooms and computer labs outfitted with the latest technology. Recent additions to our Austin campus includes the 14 classroom Temple Academic Center, Wycliff and Freeman dormitories, Booth Student Center, Dining Hall, Bowen Fine Arts Studios, Dell Pedestrian Green, and the Spartan Fitness and Wellness Center. The new buildings received several architectural awards and have given students beautifully designed spaces to develop their mind, body, and spirit.

Course of Study

Middle School is a critical time, a bridge between elementary education and secondary education, between late childhood and adolescence. Our distinguished Middle School faculty is diverse and accomplished in a wide range of fields, as well as united in its passion for helping students make this transition a successful and rewarding one.

St. Stephen’s interdisciplinary approach to learning enables Middle School students to collaborate on projects within a course and across departments.

Sample Course of Study

List of 3 items.

Grade 6

English, Fine Arts, Global Connections, Health Discussion Groups, Information Literacy, Languages (Spanish, French, Chinese or Latin), Math, Fitness and Science
Grade 7

American Studies, English, Fine Arts, Health Discussion Groups, Languages (Spanish, French, Chinese, or Latin), Math, Physical Education, and Science
Grade 8

Cultures and Governance, English, Fine Arts, Math (Math III, Algebra I, Algebra I-A or Geometry), Languages (Spanish, French, Chinese or Latin), Fitness, Science and Theology

Middle School Fitness

Physical activity, recreation and competitive development are vital to a Middle School student's growth. At St. Stephen's, students in grades 6 to 8 are required to participate in athletics or fitness classes on five days of the seven-letter-day rotation. Students may choose to participate on an athletic team, in a fitness or Devil's Canyon Adventure Program class, or in the Soccer Academy or Tennis Academy. The school year is divided into three seasons with more than 15 different athletic options offered throughout the year. The Middle School athletic program operates under a no-cut policy, and coaches support all levels of athletic ability, from novice to expert.

Fitness classes introduce traditional sport offerings in a non-competitive environment and expose students to select non-traditional activities and games, such as ultimate Frisbee, yoga or pickleball. In addition, the Devil's Canyon Adventure Program utilizes more than 200 acres of campus trails for hiking and competitive mountain biking. All students are required to participate in the fitness program.

Middle School Athletics Offerings

Fall: Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Flag Football and Volleyball

Winter: Basketball, Soccer and Swimming

Spring: Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Tennis, and Track and Field

Middle School Courses

Middle School Service Learning

Middle School Faculty

Middle School Daily Schedule

The daily schedule is organized around chapel services, classes, study, meals, athletics, and extracurricular activities. A seven-day, rotating schedule allows ample flexibility and variation and encourages boarding and day school students to learn to make decisions about their use of time.