Middle School Grades 6-8

Our teachers are degreed, career educators who are dedicated to the Christian faith and committed to integrating biblical truth into all aspects of school life. Small student-to-teacher ratios (12:1) are protected for individualized instruction.

Grade levels are organized into academic teams of five to six teachers who deliver instruction in core subjects - history, science, Bible, English, math, and exploration in world languages (grades 7-8). An exploratory team of teachers provide daily opportunities for student self-expression in athletics and the arts.

MPCS middle and high school students utilize a block schedule each semester. Four courses and an activity block are administered on "A" and "B" days. This allows for lengthier class times for deep dives into academic concepts, science labs, and project-based collaboration. Core classes include Bible, English, history, math, science, and world language (grades 7 and 8). The activity block may include tutorial, chapel, Crew, or House activities.

Each middle school student receives a school-issued Microsoft Surface Pro computer for use in the classroom and at home each year. The 1:1 device Connected Learning Program enables students to utilize cutting-edge online technology in teaching and learning, promoting organization and ease of communication. They are taught to be good stewards of this unique benefit, taking ownership for its care and responsible use.

Students also continue to read from printed novels and use paper workbooks or textbooks for many classes so that innovative learning is integrated through both technology and tried-and-true traditional methods. 

Middle schoolers live out servant-leadership through service projects with MUST Ministries, MPCS Family Serve Day, and other Christian Life ministry partners. Students also are involved in advisory groups and bi-monthly Bible studies. In addition, Spiritual Emphasis days are set aside for middle school each year.

The House system also engages students in service, as well as providing mentor relationships across grade levels including opportunities for eighth graders to mentor fifth grade students. 

A student-leaders group exists where students can explore opportunities for student leadership. 

MPCS has built an official middle school House system that supports the mission and vision of our school. All middle school students and faculty are divided equally into five different houses based on scripture: Phileo, Chara, Aequitas, Gratia, and Veritas. Each House is led by two house deans (teachers) and four student leaders. Each House has its foundation in scripture.

ABOUT THE FIVE HOUSES

Phileo: 

• Meaning: Love
• Color: Ruby (passion, confidence, determination, and adventure)
• Scripture: John 15:13
• Representation: Heart, rose, sprig of leaf, crown, and cross

Chara:

• Meaning: Joy
• Color: Emerald (love, compassion, and abundance)
• Scripture: Psalm 5:11
• Representation: Sun, stars, and cross

Gratia:

• Meaning: Grace
• Color: Amber (warmth, wellbeing, and nurturing)
• Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9
• Representation: Lion, lamb, and leather strapping

Veritas:

• Meaning: Truth
• Color: Sapphire (mental focus and order, wisdom, and insight)
• Scripture: Psalm 25:5
• Representation: Tree of life, roots, Bible, and vines

Aequitas:

• Meaning: Justice
• Color: Onyx (focus, discipline, and self-mastery)
• Scripture: Psalm 106:3
• Representation: Scales of justice, greenery, and crossed swords

Every Thursday, students proudly wear their House shirts and engage in House Block, a 35-minute period set aside for House competitions, House meetings, and whole-school assemblies. Each House earns points for a multitude of reasons, including performance of in-House competitions, as well as the consistent demonstration of Christian character, service, and pride for their House. Houses  earn rewards for their achievements with one House earning the ultimate prize — House Champion — at the end of the year.

All of our students have leveraged the opportunity to create new friendships, develop skills through teamwork, and embrace various leadership opportunities through faith, family, and fun in the House system.

Exploratory class options are selected by the student. Offerings include visual art, chorus, dance, band, orchestra, drama, photography, intro to graphic design, and STEAM. In P.E., there are three areas of focus: team sports, outdoor education (utilizing our 6-acre lake), and strength and conditioning.

Advanced content classes are offered in math and language arts for qualifying students. In eighth grade, accelerated (high school-level) math is offered, as well as advanced science (physical science).

Exceptional Learning

The Directed Studies program supports non-traditional learners in developing clear and confident understanding of their God-given gifts. Our specialized teachers spend individualized time working with students with mild learning differences or dyslexia, guiding them to reach their goals in needed subject areas. Students take core classes with accommodations.

Exceptional Learning

Learning occurs best through authentic, hands-on activities promoting problem-solving and relevancy. When lessons are presented with creativity and pertinence, adolescent minds become truly engaged. MPCS students experience this through fully-equipped science labs, math manipulatives, classroom debates, and technology curriculum integration. Questions are encouraged, conversation is promoted, and critical thinking is fostered. Relationships are forged and world views are broadened during grade-level experiential day trips, all included in tuition.

In sixth grade, students conduct research on historical figures or present-day Kingdom-builders. Sixth-graders also produce entrepreneurial business projects for display, with products or services for sale at the annual Business Fair. Students invent or sell a product after developing a marketing plan and display.

In eighth grade, the 20th Century Fair includes extensive research on various subjects concerning the era and dressing up as historical figures for the large-scale fair and presentation to peers and parents. Middle school culminates with the eighth-grade four-day trip to Washington, D.C. which provides context for social studies curriculum they've learned throughout the year.

Black History Bowl (Grades 6-8)
(Begins in November; practice is mainly during lunch and recess with competitions on some weekends.)
Students memorize hundreds of facts pertaining to our nation’s Black history to go on to compete in multiple rounds of competition between neighboring schools in Cobb county. This is a cut team.
Faculty Contact: Mr. Hasani George

Minecraft Club (Grades 6-8)
(Meets during Monday activity block)
Enjoy Minecraft through free play or challenges created by the teacher.
Faculty Contact: Mr. Adam King
 
Chess Club (Grades 6-8)
(Meets once a week in the morning before school at 7:00 a.m. in room 2272.)
Students will learn and play chess in a fun and educational environment. In addition, participation gives members the opportunity to develop good interpersonal relationships, a competitive spirit, and strategic/critical thinking skills. All levels of players are welcome!
Faculty Contact: Mrs. Jessica Robbins and Mrs. Tiffany Gore
 
FLL® Robotics (Grades 6-8)
(Runs from August through February. Meetings occur on Wednesdays after school.)
FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®) Robotics involves robot design and programming using STEAM. The FLL® season culminates at high-energy, sports-like tournaments and transitions into high school FIRST® robotics.
Faculty Contact: Mrs. Sarah Rhine
 
National Junior Honors Society (select students in grades 7 and 8)
(Meets every Monday of the month during lunch/recess.)
An organization dedicated to service, while promoting the values of scholarship, leadership, character, and citizenship. Students must meet specific academic criteria and other criteria as required by the NJHS; application for membership is by invitation.
Faculty Contact: Mrs. Beth Parsons

MPCS middle school also offers extended-day programs for students. 

Explore After-School Programs

Co-Curricular Arts
Art, drama, dance, chorus, band, photography, digital media, and orchestra are available as exploratory classes and as extracurricular activities. 

Drama Club (Grades 5-8)
(Offered during Monday activity blocks)
Students will play drama games in the Black Box Theater and celebrate theatre in our school! We will play and discuss how you can be involved in an internationally recognized organization, the International Thespian Society Junior.
Faculty Contact: Mrs. Meagan Williams

Fluteball Team (Grades 6-8)
(Offered in the spring; meeting times and performances TBA)
This is a flute ensemble that will have various performances. It is open to students who play flute.
Faculty Contact: Dr. Billy Flood
 
Jazz Ensemble (Grades 6-8)
(January through April; after school 2 days per week - TBA)
Musicians who have at least one year of experience and play clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass, piano, drumset, or vibraphone are invited to participate. Performances occur on Family Serve Day in the spring and other occasions during the school year.
Faculty Contact: Dr. Billy Flood
 
Pep Band (Grades 6-8)
(Runs during high school football season)
Musicians who have at least one year of experience are invited to participate. Attendance is flexible for brass and woodwind players; they only need to learn the sheet music packet and attend games when available. 
Faculty Contact: Dr. Billy Flood

Musical Theatre and Drama Productions (Grades 6-8)
A middle school drama and musical are both presented each year. Students have the opportunity to audition for these fall and spring productions. Information about auditions is provided during morning announcements and sent out in middle school newsletters.
Faculty Contacts: Mrs. Jenn Fitzpatrick and Mrs. Meagan Williams

Fantasy Sports Club
(Offered during Monday activity blocks)
Students will manage a team of popular major league athletes from different sports throughout the year and compete with their peers to become the fantasy champion of their league. Students have the chance to discuss current sports with one another, analyze statistics, and have fun running teams with the top athletes in the world.

Metro 10 Athletics
Middle school offers the full array of sports teams offered in the high school. These include baseball, basketball, competition and sideline cheerleading, cross country, fishing (middle school club), football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling.

explore MPC Athletics for information