Academics

Middle School

Empowered Learning and Leadership

Our global goal is to guide students to become critical thinkers

… lifelong learners, and leaders in the 21st century.  These core elements allow students to discover relationships between daily instruction and their lives.  Field trips and learning labs are instrumental in teaching students to see ideas, perspectives, and new places from different points of view by opening up areas for discussion and investigation. 

Academics Middle School

Reading and Social Studies

Students read a variety of literature from the contemporary novel-in-verse The Crossover to more traditional classic literature related to history class. It examines Europe up to and including Medieval Times with many immersive activities.

Math and Science

Earth and Space Science explores the connections between land, ocean, and atmosphere, while reaching beyond our planet to discover our place in the universe. Accelerated students begin Pre-Algebra, while at-pace students take a rigorous 6th-grade math class.

Reading and Social Studies

Reading provides examples of strong writing skills with an emphasis on critical thinking, identifying purpose and themes, and understanding arguments. Students will read from a variety of texts that mirror the time periods studied in history, including novels like The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and others. History in 7th grade begins with pre-Columbian society and includes U.S. history up to the Civil War.

Math and Science

Math classes are divided into two levels, Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1. The Pre-Algebra course lays the foundation of algebra by introducing the language of algebra, its properties, and methods of solving equations. The Algebra 1 course is for advanced-pace students. In science, students will gain a basic knowledge of the vast biological field and will perform scientific investigations of living organisms.

Reading and Social Studies

Students read widely and class may include novels such as The Old Man and the Sea, The Outsiders, To Kill a Mockingbird, and They Called Us Enemy. These novels relate to the U.S. History curriculum, which begins with the Civil War and Reconstruction and moves through the Cold War. Students do research projects to strengthen critical thinking skills.

Math and Science

There are two math classes, Algebra 1 and Geometry. Students take Florida’s end-of-course exams and may be eligible for high school math credit. Chemistry is an introductory course, preparing students for further studies in high school and college chemistry. Emphasis is placed on chemical principles and their applications, problem solving, and the development of laboratory skills.

Special Areas

Students attend at least one special area class every day, including Art, Music and Instrumental, PE, Spanish, and Computer. Students strengthen their skills in the arts through drawing, design, song, and arts appreciation along with cultural studies. Students will acquire conversation basics in Spanish and safe digital skills in computer class. Middle School PE places an emphasis on cardiovascular and core fitness, strength and conditioning with continued emphasis on team sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

When students graduate from St. Barnabas Episcopal School how many go on to advanced programs?

How is technology integrated into the school curriculum?

How does your school academically screen new students?

How does academic learning progress from sixth through eighth grade?
Middle school academics are designed to steadily increase in rigor and independence. Students move from guided exploration and skill-building in sixth grade to advanced reading, research, abstract thinking, and high school–level expectations by eighth grade.
Students read a wide range of literature that connects directly to their history studies, from medieval Europe to U.S. history through the Cold War. Instruction emphasizes critical thinking, discussion, writing, and research as students learn to analyze texts and ideas more deeply.
Students attend daily special area classes including Art, Music and Instrumental, PE, Spanish, and Computer. These courses strengthen creative skills, physical fitness, language development, cultural understanding, and responsible digital citizenship.
Through advanced coursework, research projects, leadership opportunities, and increasing responsibility, students develop the academic habits, confidence, and independence needed for success in high school and future studies.

Exploring Faith, Creativity & Play

The bible-based studies curriculum consists of a variety of activities that are provided during each week. They correlate with our Fruit of the Spirit life skills. The students memorize and recite the Lord’s Prayer as well as hear Children’s Bible stories each day.

Faith. Virtue. Excellence.

The St. Barnabas Difference

Our academic program is rooted in Christian values and strengthened by meaningful relationships. Students are known, supported, and challenged by educators who care deeply about both achievement and character.

A-Grade School

Student scores are well above grade level on national standardized tests.

10,000+ Hours

Volunteers gave over a total of 10,000+ hours to the community last year.

97% Participation

97% of students participate in an athletic event before graduation.

Invest in the future

What is the I Heart SBES Fund?

The I Heart St. Barnabas Fund was established so that members of our community can give back to the School they love. All funds raised within the I Heart St. Barnabas Fund help close the gap between what parents pay for tuition and the actual cost to educate our students.