Demonstrating that spiritual and academic development go hand in hand.

 

St. Mary of the Assumption School is a diverse and global school community in the heart of Brookline Village that is committed to intellectual and spiritual growth, moral development, and academic excellence.

 

At St. Mary’s, we believe that spiritual development is an essential part of a child’s growth and requires as much instructional care and guidance as do core academic disciplines. It is our Catholic faith that informs how we learn, how we treat each other, and how we act every day. Families of all faiths are welcome at St. Mary’s, and we cherish the diversity in our community that reflects many perspectives and ways of worship. It is the elemental Catholic values and emphasis on good works that are central to our identity, define our community, and support each of us as we explore and practice what it means to live a virtuous life.

 
 

 

Opportunities for growth in faith and virtue are abundant, including: 

 

  • Masses throughout the year at the neighboring church, St. Mary of the Assumption
  • Frequent classroom visits from Father Jonathan, the pastor, and Father Bobby.
  • Annual pilgrimage or retreat opportunity for Middle School
  • Virtue of the month with each grade leading a different virtue
  • An orthodox and vibrant religious education curriculum: Spirit of Truth by Sophia Press
  • Engaging and captivating liturgical celebrations inside and outside the classroom
  • Parking Lot Prayers – an opportunity to gather as a community every Monday morning to pray, led by Principal Dr. Nadjarian

Leadership Opportunities at St. Mary’s

 

Leadership opportunities for middle schoolers range from community service to mentorship of younger students. Below is a glimpse of the opportunities available to foster growth of each middle schooler.

  • Partnership with Boston’s Healthcare for the Homeless
  • Upperclass leadership/mentorship opportunities
  • Student Council
  • Student Ambassadors
  • Mandatory community service for middle school students

 

 

Athletics at St. Mary’s

 

Athletics at St. Mary’s is designed to advance specific skills, provide opportunities for competition, lay the foundation for a lifetime of physical well-being, and foster the characteristics that make good sports—teamwork, hard work, humility, and respect. 

Interscholastic teams include cross country, volleyball, and basketball. 

Our middle school students exceed benchmarks for academic excellence.

 

A curriculum designed to provide a solid academic foundation for high school.

 

Math

Students build their knowledge base of ratios, measurements, equations, and expressions through an increasingly complex curriculum. Students are guided to problem-solve independently and understand the “why” behind mathematical concepts.

 

  • 6th Grade: Focus is on foundational skills needed for pre-algebra. Students become confident problem solvers in key topics including measurement conversions, proportions, solving single-variable equations, operations with exponential variables, geometry, ratio, percents, fractions, and probability.
  • 7th Grade: Pre-Algebra : Using the Course 3 Pearson Common Core, students develop a foundational understanding of algebraic concepts required for any Algebra I course set to the Massachusetts Standards. By the end of the year, students are equipped to solve equations and expressions related to rates, proportions, inequalities, multistep one-variable problems, basic linear graphs, geometry, probability, and polynomial functions.
  • 8th Grade: Algebra I : Using the Algebra I Pearson Common Core Curriculum, students develop a thorough and dynamic understanding of Algebra and are prepared to apply multistep equations to complex real-life circumstances using algebraic equations. The curriculum aligns with the current Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for Mathematics.

 

 
 

 

Language Arts

Following the current Massachusetts Language Arts and Literacy Curriculum Framework, students advance the four domains of language (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) with increasing sophistication throughout the middle school grades. Students explore and practice a variety of different literary genres in order to grow their capacity for self-expression alongside the development of practical skills, such as grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, text analysis, and the writing process.

 

Social Studies

Students develop their critical thinking and observational skills throughout middle school and explore thematic topics such as ancient civilizations, geography, and civics. They are challenged with a heavy emphasis on project-based learning, whereby students apply new knowledge to practical situations. Following the Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Frameworks, students in grades 6 through 8 use the McGraw-Hill Networks Curriculum.

 

Science

Students build solid foundations in earth science, life science, and physical science that prepare them for deeper inquiry in secondary school. Through hands-on activities and experiments that correspond to each unit, students develop an understanding of the scientific method and the application of science to the natural world. Students also connect the course material with their understanding of key math concepts, including unit conversions and algebra.

World Languages at St. Mary’s

 

The importance of St. Mary’s students learning world languages extends beyond mere language acquisition. It encompasses personal, academic, and professional development, as well as fostering a more interconnected family of God.

 

Middle schoolers at St. Mary’s choose between Spanish and French for their education in world languages. Languages are offered from grades 3 to 8, who meet 3 times per week for 45 min. By graduation, students are prepared for French or Spanish Level 2.

Scholarships

 

St. Mary of the Assumption School is dedicated to providing need based financial aid to improve the accessibility of our school. We believe that Catholic education should be provided to every family that seeks it. To that end, St. Mary’s has multiple resources to provide financial aid to students enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 8. 

 

 

  • Due to generations of prudent stewardship and management, St. Mary’s is able to provide a limited amount of financial aid to families from our own funds.

  • The Catholic Schools Foundation has been a partner of St. Mary’s for decades in providing financial aid assistance for income eligible families to provide a Catholic education to their children. 

  • The St. Vincent De Paul Society of St. Mary of the Assumption parish is committed to providing financial support to income eligible families seeking financial aid.

 

Families of K2 through Grade 8 students are eligible to apply for financial aid through the FACTS Program be considered for aid. Tuition assistance is available for income eligible families. Applications can be completed online at https://online.factsmgt.com/aid.  Financial Aid awards are determined upon enrollment.

Ready to begin your student’s middle school journey?

 

Choosing a school for your child that meets your family’s needs is a daunting task! We are here to answer all questions and assist you in deciding if St. Mary’s is the best fit for your family. 

 

You are encouraged to complete our Online Inquiry form to receive admissions information from St. Mary’s. We will reach out to you to schedule a visit and welcome you to the St. Mary’s community.