Special Programs

List of 10 items.

• Advisories

  Advisories are support groups for students composed of a small group of students, each led by a faculty member. These groups meet weekly to allow members to build their skills in self-assessment, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. They are intended to help students address "normal" developmental issues as they manifest themselves in school, friendships, and family relationships. Advisories are not problem-oriented or reserved for students experiencing specific difficulties. Instead, they allow the faculty to know the students better in a small environment.

• Media

  Students brainstorm, write, direct, film, and produce their own public service announcements, documentaries, commercials, student spotlights, creative pieces for academic pep rallies, and more. Blue Gator Buzz is a student-led weekly newscast showcasing campus happenings and upcoming events. From actors and actresses to editors and producers, students have the opportunity to be involved in the entire video process. Green screen technologies allow for creative expression and cross-curricular connections.

• Middle School Co-Curricular Activities

  In addition to the other activities offered to our middle school students, they can also participate in the following:  Chapel Council, Junior Beta Club, National Junior Honor Society, MATHCOUNTS, eSports, and Wyldlife.

• Middle School Sports

  Beginning in 5th grade, middle school students have the option to participate in the following middle school sports programs: Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Dance, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track, & Volleyball.

   

• Musical and Theatre Productions

  All 5th-grade students participate in a musical production in the fall, while 6th and 7th grade students have the option to perform in a middle school musical each spring.  Many of our middle school students go on to perform in local community theater productions and our upper school theatre program.

• Other Special Programs

  Flex  Program
  We take extra care and support as our 5th graders transition into middle school. Each day, 5th-grade students have a Flex hour where they are placed in small groups with 5th-grade teachers and can work on study skills, reinforce academic skills, and receive extra support during the school day. 

  
  

  “Thrive Program:  Confidence in Any Setting” 
  Integrated as part of the 5th-grade curriculum, students respectfully learn different etiquette, hospitality, and social skills each week and then practice with their peers and faculty members. Lessons on navigating awkward situations, handling disagreements respectfully, making great first impressions, and communicating with body language teach 5th graders how their actions are a language of love and compassion. 

  
  

  Laptops for 7th graders

  While our 1st - 6th graders operate with 1:1 iPads, laptops are leased to our 7th-grade students to work more efficiently and make the transition to upper school seamless and productive.

• Physical Education

  Middle school students have one class period dedicated to physical education instruction every day. Games, obstacle courses, and various activities are appropriately taught, involving the development of all muscle groups. Students enjoy physical education outdoors on the green space playground under the massive live oak trees in mild weather. The outdoor play space is designed with safety in mind, and teachers supervise climbing, running, and jumping on outdoor equipment. During recess, students play kickball, basketball,  football, and Wiffle ball on the outdoor sports court.

• Spiritual Life

  Middle school students attend chapel most mornings at 10:05 am. All Downtown students celebrate Holy Eucharist twice a month on Thursdays. Regardless of their faith traditions, students are encouraged to participate in prayer and song. All students are encouraged to participate in student-led service projects and our traditional Lenten mission projects each year.

• Student Leadership

  Student Leadership is a leadership organization where students develop leadership skills while improving school life. Middle school students can run for elected positions at the beginning of every school year. 
  
  Student leaders work on a handful of projects throughout the year. Some of these include:

  • Listening to and addressing concerns and ideas from their classmates
  • Assisting Administration with school-wide initiatives
  • Assisting parents on orientation night
  • Organizing a successful fall and spring dance
  • Overseeing morning announcements
  • Planning and executing pep rallies, Homecoming Week activities, and other school events

• Study Tours

  Study tours are a distinctive feature of an Ascension education and another way students actively engage with the curriculum, build community, and develop life skills. Trips are optional, and the cost varies based on the destination and length of the trip. These age-appropriate trips allow students to practice personal responsibility and good behavior accompanied by their teachers. 

  
  

  Examples of previous middle school study tours:

  • 5th grade: Five-day Early American History tour of Washington DC and Colonial Williamsburg 
  • 6th grade: Three-day tour of Dallas, Texas
  • 7th grade: Four-day tour of Louisiana visiting historic sites studied during the school year