Classical liberal arts education is founded on the belief that education should seek a higher purpose. Success is measured by the type of young men and women we graduate. Respect, temperance, fortitude, and humility are all characteristics of St. Max Kolbe students. Here you will find descriptions of St. Maximilian Kolbe Academy curriculum for middle school. RELIGION Religious Education at St. Maximilian Kolbe Academy is a formation of the whole person within the richness of the Catholic Tradition. Our students receive formal religious instruction typical of a classroom setting that serves their intellectual development. Recognizing also that the heart requires to be met in a more human way, we intentionally set time aside once a week for the students to consider their experiences in light of the truth, goodness, beauty and justice that transcends human experience and points to Jesus in order to deepen their awareness that He is present Sacramentally and in the ordinary happenings of their day.
At St. Maximilian Kolbe Academy we strive to witness to the fact that the source of human happiness is found in relationship with Christ and His Church. We are intentional about providing our students opportunities for prayer and a moment of silence each day, believing that the voice of God is most clearly heard in the space of prayer and silence (I Kings 19:11-13). The first 15 minutes of each morning, our middle school students and teachers come together to pray the Liturgy of the Hours - morning prayer. Liturgy of the Hours is the daily prayer of Church and is the second highest prayer of the Church following the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which is attended every Friday by the entire school. The religion curriculum uses the texts, Liturgy of the Hours, Compendium of the Catholic Church and Sacred Scripture.
LANGUAGE ARTS - READING - LITERATURE Classical liberal arts education places a strong emphasis on proper and effective use of language in both the spoken and written forms.
SOCRATIC SEMINAR As a classical liberal arts school, St. Maximilian Kolbe Academy engages students through Socratic discussions emphasizing the truth, beauty, and goodness of each subject taught in the classroom. Thoughtful selections from edifying literature and art are chosen for the students to read, annotate and discuss during a one-hour weekly Socratic Seminar. The objective of creating this personalized content and focused discussion time is to elevate student engagement in learning and practicing how to think deeply and seek truth in the world and culture around them.
MATHEMATICS The study of mathematics instills in our students a sense of wonder and awe at the way in which the world displays order, pattern, and relation. The courses stress the fundamentals of math concepts with small group work and individual tutoring when the need arises. Mathematics texts, Saxon Math (classes are taught one level up).
SCIENCE Our science program nurtures the student's curiosity about the world around them. It creates careful observers that see the beauty around them while coming to an understanding of how things work. We have a full working science lab furnished with research grade equipment that includes a sustainable garden that is cared for by the students. Every year, our sixth-grade students participate in an environmental science program lasting several days. The program is located off campus and includes staying overnight at the environmental camp. Texts, Lab Learner Science and Mystery Science.
HISTORY History study in classical education begins with the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The focus then turns to the history of Western Civilization. The classes receive instruction in history and geography of the United States and the world. Texts, Catholic Textbook Project (4th-7th grades), Social Studies by Houghton Mifflin, and Northern Lights (Minnesota History) by Minnesota Historical Society.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical education is an important part of the development of all students. Students in kindergarten through 8th grade have physical education class twice a week. Students are expected to work to develop good attitudes, appropriate skills and an acceptable level of sportsmanship while engaging in physical activities.
ART The study of art at St. Max Kolbe Academy focuses on both art appreciation and rendering in different media. The study of art and the practice of rendering works of art is used to train students to attend to detail, and to study shape and proportion. Students look at art as true beauty. All students receive regular opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects and mediums throughout the year.
MUSIC Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade attend music classes twice a week. Our students learn music fundamentals and are provided opportunities to contribute their musical selections in all-school events for Veterans Day, our Advent Concert and our spring program. Students in 3rd through 8th grade may join the 'Choir of Angels', our after-school choir where they learn various Mass parts for our weekly liturgy as well as prepare and perform special pieces for the Advent program. LEARN MORE Contact us by phone: 763-973-2528 or email: [email protected] to request information or schedule a classroom visit and tour.