EXCELLENCE FOR ALL SINCE 1961
MIDDLE SCHOOL
6th Grade
Sixth grade is an exciting milestone as students begin their transition into middle school. They experience a more independent learning environment by switching classrooms throughout the day, learning from departmentalized teachers who are experts in their subject areas, and receiving their own locker. Students also become more involved in school life through opportunities to attend middle school dances, run for Student Council office, and participate in a variety of leadership and extracurricular activities.
Academically, sixth grade is filled with engaging, hands-on learning. Students dive into the study of Ancient World Civilizations through a variety of project-based learning experiences, including the popular Restaurant Fair. Students also complete their first Science Fair project, developing research, critical thinking, and presentation skills.
Math instruction becomes more personalized as students take a placement assessment to determine whether they are best suited for the Advanced Math or Grade-Level Math pathway. Students who qualify for the advanced track have the opportunity to complete Algebra in eighth grade, positioning them to enter Geometry as freshmen in high school.
One of the highlights of the year is a week-long outdoor science education program at Sly Park Environmental Education Center, where students explore nature through hands-on field studies, environmental science, and team-building experiences that create lifelong memories.
7th Grade
One of the highlights of 7th grade is a week-long science enrichment program at Marin Headlands, where students experience hands-on environmental science, outdoor exploration, and collaborative learning in one of California's most unique ecosystems.
In Social Studies, students explore Medieval History through engaging, project-based learning experiences that bring the Middle Ages to life while strengthening research, creativity, and presentation skills. In Science, the focus shifts to Life Science, where students gain a deeper understanding of living organisms and complete a detailed 3D Cell Project that reinforces key biological concepts.
Seventh graders also begin preparing for one of the most anticipated traditions at SJE, the eighth-grade class trip to New York City and Washington, D.C. Throughout the year, students work together to organize and participate in fundraising efforts.
Another important milestone is the introduction of community service hours, which begin in seventh grade and continue through eighth grade. Students are encouraged to live out their faith by serving others, developing compassion, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
8th Grade
The eighth-grade year at SJE is a meaningful culmination of each student's educational journey. It is a year filled with leadership, faith, celebration, and lasting memories as students prepare for the transition to high school. Throughout the year, eighth graders are recognized as the leaders of our school community and are given opportunities to serve as role models for younger students while celebrating the traditions that make graduating from SJE so special.
One of the highlights of the year is the immersive educational trip to Washington, D.C., and New York City, where students experience American history, government, and culture firsthand through unforgettable learning opportunities.
Students also participate in a variety of cherished traditions, including receiving their exclusive 8th grade class shirts, leading the school's Christmas Pageant, and attending a special retreat at the Morello Center with Father Colin to reflect on their faith and prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
Faith remains at the center of the eighth-grade experience. Students celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, attend the Eighth Grade Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament with Bishop Soto, and participate in a memorable Virtues Night around the fire pit, where they reflect on the values and friendships that have shaped them throughout their years at SJE.
As graduation approaches, students have the opportunity to reflect on their journey by participating in Exit Interviews, sharing how SJE has prepared them academically, spiritually, and personally for high school. Their accomplishments are celebrated through social media spotlights announcing their high school destinations, the End-of-the-Year Awards Ceremony, Baccalaureate Mass and Brunch, the beloved Eighth Grade Clap-Out, a celebratory trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and finally, Graduation, where they are commissioned to carry the values of St. John the Evangelist into the next chapter of their lives.
The eighth-grade experience is more than a final year - it is a celebration of growth, faith, friendship, leadership, and the lifelong bonds that make being an SJE graduate truly special.