Junior High

Grades 6, 7 and 8

The Junior High program is designed to prepare students for a successful high school experience. Our departmentalized program allows each instructor to teach in his or her area of strength. Junior High instructors are specialized in: math, history, science, language arts and religion. Students are assigned a homeroom teacher and rotate through the Junior High classrooms to attend their daily classes.

Designed to meet the needs of all students, the Jr. High math program includes advanced classes for highly capable students who need to be challenged, as well as help for students requiring extra assistance. Our math program offers classes in 6th grade math, pre-algebra, algebra and advanced algebra.

Science is taught in our classroom with collaborative exploration and mini-labs and for larger projects, inside our school's science lab. The Laboratory is outfitted with the newest laboratory equipment including a SmartBoard. Each student utilizes an Chromebook to access Amplify's interactive textbook. Science provides our students with innovated and creative opportunities that drive life-long learning. Courses in Jr. High include earth sciences, biological sciences, physical and chemical sciences and astronomy. Our science program ensures powerful instructional programs that enhance the way our students learn.

In addition to Junior High core subjects, students also have a wide variety of electives from which to choose. Electives are carefully crafted to offer new and exciting ways to meet student needs and provide enrichment. Opportunities include the Speech Team, Math Counts Competition, school and local Science Fairs, Yearbook Committee, Safety Patrol, Sports, Cheerleading, Altar Serving and Student Government. The role of Student Council is to be the voice of Holy Name School students, to promote school spirit, and to support student service and give back to the school. Student Government members are elected by the student body each year.

ADVANCED LEVEL COURSES

Placement of students within Advanced level courses are determined by STAR scores, current and previous teacher recommendations, and grades from the previous school year. Enrollment is also based on availability. Students who are academically prepared and enrolled for an advanced level course will be evaluated closely during the first 6 weeks of beginning the course. It would be determined necessary by the advanced and standard level math or ELA educators if that student would remain in that class or be moved to a standard level math class. Students who stay in the advanced level course will need to remain in that course for the entirety of the school year. Students in Advanced level students will need to maintain at least an average grade to remain in the course level for the following school year.

Advanced Math (6th–8th Grade): Starting in 6th grade, students in Advanced Math are exposed to above grade-level content aligned with the rigor of the California State Standards. Students engage in a challenging and fast-paced curriculum that strengthens conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and real-world application. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and the ability to apply problem-solving strategies across a wide range of multi-step and higher-order problems.

Students are expected to explain their thinking, justify solutions, and make connections between mathematical concepts. Instruction integrates algebraic reasoning, proportional relationships, functions, geometry, statistics, and problem-based learning experiences that deepen understanding and build academic confidence.

The curriculum is intentionally designed to keep students working one year above grade level, preparing them for continued acceleration. By completing Algebra I in 8th grade, students position themselves to bypass Algebra I in high school and begin more advanced coursework earlier, such as Geometry or higher-level math pathways, giving them greater flexibility and opportunity in their high school academic journey.

Advanced English Language Arts (6th–8th Grade): Starting in 6th grade, students in Advanced ELA are exposed to above grade-level texts and writing expectations aligned with the rigor of the California State Standards. Students engage in a challenging curriculum that strengthens critical reading, analytical writing, academic vocabulary development, and effective communication skills across a variety of genres, including literature, informational texts, and argumentative works.

Through close reading, evidence-based writing, structured discussions, and research projects, students are expected to think deeply, articulate complex ideas clearly, and support their thinking with textual evidence. The curriculum is designed to accelerate skill development each year, preparing students to perform at a level above their peers. By 8th grade, Advanced ELA students are well-equipped for honors-level English coursework in high school, with strong foundations in literary analysis, composition, and independent critical thinking.

STUDENT SERVICE HOURS

Service is an integral part of our Junior High program at Holy Name School. By helping at the school and parish, in our neighborhood, and in the greater community, students begin to learn the value of stewardship. Service helps them become faith-filled people and gives students the opportunity to demonstrate compassion, consideration, and respect for others. It also helps our students celebrate, understand, and apply our Gospel values. Both sixth grade and eighth grade students support their community by volunteering at the San Francisco Food Bank. Sixth grade students help to organize our annual coat drive for the homeless and poor. In seventh grade, the students participate in a five-day environmental education program. Students form relationship building skills, develop their relationship with God, learn the importance of stewardship and appreciation for our environment and all its people. This kind of service continues through the Jr. High program and requires that all eighth grade students volunteer 20 service hours in their local community and experience the rewards of helping others. The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the eighth grade.

Our goal is that the graduating students of Holy Name School will exhibit Christian values, make responsible decisions, respect diversity, take responsibility for their decisions and apply the academic education they have secured to move forward in their pursuit of higher education and a life balanced with personal growth, achievement and stewardship.