Shrine Catholic Schools challenge our students to achieve excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, service to others and leadership, all while giving glory to God the Father and exemplifying the mission of Jesus Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
At Shrine Catholic Academy, we exemplify Christ by reflecting, challenging and aspiring to become the middle school students and disciples we are called to be.
English:
English 6: Students will develop as writers and thinkers with a focus on grammar and vocabulary instruction. Writing genres explored are argumentative, informational, and creative. Students are given daily opportunities to write through a variety of prompts and to share their writing with others.
English 7: Students develop their writing, grammar and vocabulary skills through a systematic approach integrating written, oral and collaborative work. Comprehensive study of grammar mechanics, written and oral presentations, journal writing, two research reports, information, expository and creative writing are also key areas of concentration.
English 8: Students will develop as writers and thinkers with a focus on grammar and vocabulary instruction. A variety of writing genres are explored and research skills are developed. Students are given daily opportunities to write through a variety of prompts and to share their writing with others.
Literature:
Literature 6: Students will read, discuss, and analyze a variety of texts. Class novels, genre studies, book clubs, read alouds, short stories, poetry, and informational texts are utilized. Students will respond to text in written, oral, and visual formats. Cross-text relationships are explored through text and media. When responding to text, students will use evidence to support their opinions.
Literature 7: Students learn the importance of reading, interpreting, discussing and analyzing a variety of texts. They formally write about what they are reading by using evidence from the text to support their viewpoints. Students also respond to literature by creating art and presenting findings to the class. Ultimately, students understand how texts—both fiction and non-fiction—connect to their world.
Literature 8: Students work with drama, allegory, satire, and dystopian storylines. They analyze these readings while learning and reviewing literary terms, applying themes, and exploring the deeper meaning of texts. Students respond to the readings in a number of ways: formal essay writing, informal responses, gamification, presentations, and drawings. Students also research a person of interest to formulate a realistic resume and furthermore create a fictitious story with this person as their main character.
Math 6: Students will apply and extend their knowledge of whole number, fraction and decimal computation to algebraic and geometric concepts. They will also be extending their problem solving skills to more complex real life situations. Topics include: integers, expressions, equations, inequalities, geometry, ratios, statistics and probability. From here qualified students will be eligible for entry to either Math 7 or Pre-Algebra.
Math 7: Students will extend their study of numbers of computation and will be introduced to algebraic and geometric concepts and their application to problem solving in real world contexts. Topics include: integers and rational numbers, expressions, equations and inequalities, rations and proportional relationships, percent and proportional relationships, geometry, statistics and probability. From here qualified students will be eligible for entry to either Math 8 or Honors Algebra I.
Pre-Algebra (7th grade): Students will be introduced to algebraic and geometric concepts and the application to problem solving in real world contexts at an accelerated pace. Topics include: integers and rational numbers, expressions, equations and inequalities, ratios and proportional relationships, geometry, statistics and probability and linear relationships. From here qualified students will be eligible for entry to either Math 8 or Honors Algebra I.
Math 8: Students will deepen their knowledge of algebraic and geometric concepts and their application to real world contexts. Topics include: exponents and scientific notation, multi-step equations, geometry, graphing and writing linear equations and data analysis.
Honors Algebra (8th Grade): Students will study the use of algebraic skills in a wide range of problem solving situations. The concept of functions is emphasized throughout the course Topics include: algebraic expressions, relations and functions (linear, quadratic and exponential), linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations, polynomials, and radical functions and equations. Students will learn to problem solve with a graphing calculator.
Science 6: Through a lens of inquiry and exploration, students will venture to explore topics related to the 4 spheres of the earth: the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and in the most detail the geosphere. They will learn about rocks, minerals, and the physical features of the earth and how they relate to one another and how humans have a major impact on the world and the resources around them. After exploring the earth, they will visit outer space in their studies and will learn about the universe as a system relating to our experience on earth. There is a shift in simply memorizing science terms, vocabulary and basic science concepts to being able to critically think through a problem, apply their knowledge, and most importantly begin to explain why and how things happen in the world around them.
Science 7: Students will develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be living, the diversity of living organisms and the interdependence between them. Specific topics include ecology, heredity, biological evolution, structure and function and human body systems. The emphasis is on developing inquiry skills and problem solving techniques while developing an understanding of major biological concepts. Lab experience and technology will reinforce concepts to everyday life.
Science 8: Students are introduced to the concepts of physics and chemistry. Specific topics include matter and energy, atoms, the periodic table, chemical reactions, motion and forces, electricity, magnetism, sound and light. In this inquiry based setting, students are encouraged to explore and investigate real-world applications.
History 6: In sixth grade, our students will be examining the Eastern Hemisphere. In doing so, they will explore the ancient world, including Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome and China. Further they will analyze more modern events like the French Revolution, WWI, WWII. Then they will explore the continent of Africa including its diverse culture and geographical features. Finally, our students will gain an understanding for the world around us by connecting the history with a variety of current event activities.
History 7: American History from the late colonial era through the Civil War and Reconstruction (1750s-1870s) will be explored through a variety of media, such as textbook, videos and primary sources. Additional topics include: the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, the Constitution, the creation/evolution of political parties, the geographic expansion of the United States, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Critical thinking, cause and effect, connections to the present and effective reading strategies and study habits will be emphasized.
History 8: Students will explore American History from the era of Reconstruction to the Present (1880s-2000s). Students will utilize a variety of different sources to develop an understanding of this information. In addition to textbook material, students will make use of technology, videos and primary sources to achieve mastery in this subject area. Topics will include: Reconstruction, second industrial period, WWI, 1950s, beginnings of the Cold War and major Cold War policy decisions/actions, Gulf War, New Millennium etc. There will be an emphasis placed on project based learning and use of primary sources in order to develop critical thinking skills, effective reading strategies and efficient study habits. Students will also learn how to formulate an evidence based essay. By the end of the course students will have an understanding of the major eras in U.S. history.
Shrine Catholic Academy’s theology (religion) teachers follow the Archdiocese of Detroit Religion Curriculum. Students are introduced to many significant concepts in the Catholic faith, including Old Testament, New Testament, liturgy and sacraments, events in Church history, and morality. In addition to studying theology as an academic subject at the middle school level, all students, both Catholic and non-Catholic, are encouraged to consider and deepen their own relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
6th Grade: The key scriptural focus for the sixth grade year is the Old Testament. Students are introduced to utilizing the Bible for both study and personal prayer. They are encouraged to make connections between events in the Old and New Testaments, and the ways the events of the Old Testament prepared God’s people for salvation in Jesus Christ.
7th Grade: This course will focus on three essential aspects of the history of Catholicism. It will begin with an analysis of the Gospels, placing them in the historical context of First Century Christianity. It will continue with an examination of the evolution of Christian orthodoxy and the establishment of the early Church. It will conclude with a survey of the later history of the Church, from the Middle Ages to modernity. Students enrolled in the parish Confirmation program will also begin their preparation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the celebration of Confirmation.8th Grade: This course will focus on three essential concepts. It will begin with an examination of the liturgical expression of our faith, tracing the development of Catholic worship and Catholic culture across the centuries. It will continue with an examination of the ways in which we express that faith through our actions, focusing on the foundational concepts of Christian morality and how they relate to challenges Catholics face in the contemporary world. It will conclude with a survey of key developments in the promulgation of Catholic theology and doctrine. Throughout the discussion of all three topics, individual class units will seek to promote in-depth comprehension of Catholic doctrine and provoke critical analysis and personal reflection. Students enrolled in the parish Confirmation program will continue their preparation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the celebration of Confirmation.
Study Skills
A class meant for students requesting more one-on-one instruction to bolster time spent with core and elective teachers. Students learn relationship building, individual organizational techniques, and responsibility for grades and expectations. A class that substitutes one elective course each quarter.
Physical Education6th Grade Band
This class is offered to any and all instrumentalists in the 6th grade. As a group we will perform together with fundamental skills at the forefront. We will perform pieces of varying difficulty, style and learn and review the basics of tone, rhythm, note reading and musicianship. Players of all skill levels are welcome. Full Year Course, replaces Academic Flex Homeroom.
Study Skills
A class meant for students requesting more one-on-one instruction to bolster time spent with core and elective teachers. Students learn relationship building, individual organizational techniques, and responsibility for grades and expectations. A class that substitutes one elective course each quarter.
Leadership Life Skills
In 9 weeks, students will learn the importance of being honest with themselves, how to use the internet, AI, and social media responsibly, how to understand body language and communication skills, and what it means to truly be accountable, respectful, and compassionate. Students will also undertake the responsibility of cooking and cleaning and learn basic skills like map reading and directional awareness.
Study Skills
A class meant for students requesting more one-on-one instruction to bolster time spent with core and elective teachers. Students learn relationship building, individual organizational techniques, and responsibility for grades and expectations. A class that substitutes one elective course each semester.
Academy Clubs
Altar Servers - Any student can participate in the Mass with altar server training.
Other Liturgy Opportunities - Ministry support throughout the Mass includes lectoring, hosting, bringing up the gifts, etc.
Student Council - Officers are elected each year in all 3 grades to support dances, Catholic Schools Week, and service projects.
Scouts of America - Boys and girls learn skills to be active citizens and best engage nature with respect and leadership.
Music Connection Choir - Students sing for performance and engage in a trip to Cedar Point each year. (before school)
Board Game Club - Students play competitive or social board gaming with donut treats (before school)
Anime Club - Students learn what anime is, how to draw it, watch it and create it.
Shrine Academy Honors Society - Students with Academic criteria show leadership, service and integrity to build their character for the high School level. (8th graders only)
Yearbook Committee - Students build the yearly Academy Yearbook where they learn writing skills and photograph compilation, making memories that last.
SWAG Shrine Writers and Artists Guild - Students share art and writing features with a group of like-minded creative students. (after school)
Chess Club - The study of Chess promotes critical thinking, creative problem-solving and a strategic dynamism among peers. Leads to competitive play. (7th and 8th grade students after school)
Music Ministry Club - Students play instruments and sing liturgical music for use at all-school Masses (7th and 8th grade students during lunch periods)
ASL American Sign Language Club - Interested young people learn ASL to gain the basic knowledge and communication skills necessary to socialize, communicate, help, or guide those with hearing impairments, in addition to learning how to communicate when being silent is required.
Shrine Schools are working with FACTS, a tuition management company. With a FACTS Tuition Payment Plan, parents can choose from multiple convenient payment options to suit their needs. The Shrine Tuition Office handles all questions regarding FACTS tuition payments for Shrine Catholic Academy. Families that are paid ahead on tuition and withdraw their student during the school year, may be eligible for a tuition refund.
There are no tuition refunds for students who are asked to withdraw or are expelled. Report cards
and/or student records will be held for families delinquent in tuition payment. Students may not be
allowed to participate in graduation due to delinquent tuition payments.
Students with excessive tardies.
Students whose families fail to meet financial responsibilities to the school or parish previously
attended.
Students whose academic report card cumulative GPA shows failing grades in nearly all subjects.
Acceptance of new students will not be final until all records are received and verified.
Parents of students leaving Shrine Catholic Schools will be asked by the new school to complete a
records request form. Student cumulative records will be forwarded upon receipt of this request.
However, if fees and/or tuition are in arrears, grades or transcripts may be withheld until such
amounts are paid in full. Students may also be asked to withdraw due to disciplinary/academic
reasons. See Code of Conduct.
All Academy students pursue an academic curriculum based on six core subjects: Religion, English,
Literature, Math, Science, and History. Honors courses are available for
Math at the 7th and 8th grade levels.
Students are required to maintain a 71% (D) in each of their 6 core classes
(English, Math, Science, History, Literature and Religion)
and/or be without any F’s in any class at quarter-end.
Grading Scale
A 93-100
B 83-92
C 72-82
D 60-71
F 59 or below
Conduct 1=Excellent Behavior 2=Acceptable Behavior 3=Needs Improvement
4=Unacceptable Behavior
Classes and Homework
One of the major goals of the Academy is to prepare students for the challenges and
responsibilities of a high school curriculum. Toward that goal, the class work and homework are
often more challenging than students have been accustomed. Sixth Grade, in particular, is a time of
adjustment to increased academic work. Students are encouraged to make full use of this agenda and
their Weeks at a Glance (WAGs) in planning their time to its maximum advantage. Academy students
will take exams twice a year in their core classes. Exams are scheduled in January and June.
Shrine Catholic Academy graduates will:
Reflect
Challenge
Aspire