Are you a solid student who’s just not satisfied with the level of challenge at your present school? Then McQuaid Jesuit’s Middle School may be just the place for you. In the classroom and in every phase of life on campus, we push our middle school boys to tap hidden talents and develop their potential to the fullest.

What kind of boy thrives at McQuaid Jesuit Middle School? One who is hungry for knowledge, loves to have fun, and isn’t willing to wait to see what he can achieve!

Overview of our Program 

A First-Rate Academic Program   

Seventh Grade Curriculum English Mathematics Life Science Social Studies Latin 7 Religious Studies* Health & Computer Literacy* Fine Arts* (Art, Music, Drama, Band, Chorus) Physical Education*	Eighth Grade Curriculum English Mathematics - Pre-Algebra                               Science - CPS Social Studies Foreign Language (1 HS credit) Religious Studies* Computer Literacy & Health* Fine Arts* (Art, Music, Drama, Band, Chorus) Physical Education*
*indicates 1/2 credit course. **McQuaid Jesuit offers acceleration in Math, Science and Foreign Language.

A Supportive and Challenging Environment

McQuaid Jesuit Middle School strikes an ideal balance: we are integral to McQuaid Jesuit yet maintain our own unique middle level approach. Similarly, we offer both a challenging and a nurturing environment for our students. Housed in a separate wing of the school, the middle school is distinguished by features such as the atrium (as a gathering space for our students) and our middle school office and conference room. Every day, during flex time, recess, and a dedicated middle school lunch period, students have the opportunity to work together and to socialize with each other, as well as with their teachers. In these, and many other ways as well, our students benefit from the cooperative spirit that is so fundamental to middle school education.

An Approach Rooted in Teamwork and Respect

Respect is the cornerstone of our school. Respect governs all of our interactions and behaviors. We acknowledge the dignity and worth of one another and strive to value one another in our conduct and attitudes.

Our superb middle school faculty is bolstered by a cohesive team approach-- an essential factor in creating higher achievement, a vibrant school climate, and more regular contact with parents. The middle school team is unified by a common educational philosophy, and the team meets on a regular basis. At times, parents are invited to team meetings-or may request a meeting-- in order to address student concerns more directly.

Cura Personalis (Care of the Individual)

The philosophy of McQuaid Jesuit Middle School is to provide each student with challenging and thoughtful teaching, cura personalis, or care for the individual, and motivation in a spiritual environment. With a talented team of dedicated faculty, a caring, conscientious middle school office team (Mr. Behan and Mrs. Wagner), a resourceful, fun-loving middle school counselor (Fr. Jack), and numerous academic advisors and an advisement period, our students greatly benefit from the cura personalis (care for the individual) that is so fundamental to Jesuit education.

Each student is assigned to an advisement group with approximately twelve other students. This group meets with an advisor one period during every six-day cycle. While the primary purpose of advisement is to assist our students as they adjust to and continue to excel in the academic climate at McQuaid, ample opportunity is provided for students to socialize and to participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities during this period as well. Cura personalis extends well beyond the confines of the student's academic performance to a genuine concern for students as individuals.

Strong Athletics & Diverse Activities

Modified teams (combined 7th & 8th grade teams) in football, soccer, cross-country, volleyball, basketball, bowling, indoor track, lacrosse, and baseball. Middle school students can also compete on high school level teams after passing a physical fitness "stress test."

Middle School students can participate in myriad high school clubs and activities, as well as those offered strictly to middle school students.

Academic Policies Specific to the Middle School

1. Students will be required to fill out a “Blue Sheet,” an accountability sheet for each missed homework assignment.  When a student has accumulated 3 blue sheets in a marking period (2 blue sheets for Art, Computers, Drama, Music, and Religion) they will be turned in to the middle school office and mailed home, along with a letter from the Dean of the Middle School. 

2. If a student’s progress declines substantially (as determined by the Dean of the Middle School, the counselor, or the faculty), or if a student compiles a third set of blue sheets in a single marking period, he will be assigned to Mandatory Study Hall (MSH) during Flex.  The student will be placed in MSH for a minimum of five weeks, and he will sign a contract that stipulates the guidelines of MSH and underscores the student’s commitment to reverse the present trend.  The student’s homeroom teacher will oversee Mandatory Study Hall.  Whether a student is released from MSH or not is determined by the Dean of the Middle School and the faculty. If a student compiles an additional set of blue sheets in a single marking period, the student will be assigned to a three-hour structured study hall on a Saturday.  The Dean of the Middle School will oversee the structured study hall.

3. Teachers will record tests, long-term assignments, and projects in a monthly calendar maintained in the middle school office.  Students should not have more than three full-period tests on any given school day.  

5. Teachers will provide a written explanation of his/her grading system and other policies to the students and the parents during the first weeks of classes.