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Grades 6-8

Middle School

Empowering Middle Schoolers Through Faith and Excellence

Saint Agnes School’s middle school program (Grades 6-8) provides a well-rounded Catholic education focused on an excellent education and personal growth. Students benefit from specialist classes in art, music, physical education, STEM, drama, and world languages (Spanish/Latin). Honors classes in Mathematics and English Language Arts are available for eligible students in Grades 7-8, and students may join the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).

Social-emotional support is a priority, with dedicated counseling for Grades 6-8. Classrooms feature interactive technology such as SMART Boards, Chromebooks, and iPads to enhance learning. Students also engage in faith formation through liturgies, adoration, and confession, fostering spiritual growth alongside academic achievement.

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Middle schoolers in class

Middle School Curriculum

Our middle school program promotes academic, spiritual, and social growth in a supportive environment with small class sizes of approximately 20 students. Aligned with MA State Frameworks and Archdiocese benchmarks, the curriculum includes honors courses in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics (Grades 7–8) and electives such as Art, Drama, STEM, and Health. Rooted in Catholic values, the program emphasizes faith, character building, and moral development.

Faith-Based Learning

The theory and practice of the Church’s social teachings are embedded into the curriculum.

Faith Across Subjects

Scripture and Catholic intellectual tradition are used in all subjects to help students think critically and ethically about the world around them.

Character Formation

The moral and spiritual life of the school, through its culture, climate, and curriculum, is designed to help students identify, define, and live in accordance with core principles of Catholic social teachings and habits of mind that aid in the development of strong moral character.

Individualized Learning

Classroom instruction is designed to help all students’ strengthen and grow their multiple cognitive intelligences, meeting the needs and capabilities of all students and their individualized learning needs.

Engaging and Active Lessons

Classroom instruction is designed to engage and motivate all students through the implementation of rigorous, standards-based instructional objectives, activities, and assessments aligned to best practices in cognitive learning science.

Holistic Development

Classroom instruction is designed to intentionally address Catholic habits of mind and the affective dimensions of learning, which include emotional, social, moral, spiritual, and motivational development.

Building Core Skills

Curricula prepare students with the knowledge, understanding and collaborative skills to become creative, reflective, literate, critical, and moral evaluators, problem solvers, and decision makers.

Interdisciplinary Learning

Curricula prepare students to think and to learn within and across all academic disciplines helping to better uncover God’s revelation.
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Global Awareness

Curricula prepare students to become socially responsible global citizens by providing access to learning experiences within and across core subject areas (English language arts, mathematics, religion, social studies, science) that address questions of how to live morally in our current society.

Problem-Solving Activities

Classrooms allow students the chance to use the engineering design/problem solving process (i.e., ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve) to develop meaningful solutions to challenges in our classroom, school, and community through the lens of the Catholic worldview.

Technology Skills

Classrooms provide students the chance to become expert and responsible users of technology, able to create, publish, and critique digital media and respectfully communicate in ways that reflect their understanding of content, Catholic culture, and technology skills.

Artistic Expression

Classrooms allow students the chance to use the engineering design/problem solving process (i.e., ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve) to develop meaningful solutions to challenges in our classroom, school, and community through the lens of the Catholic worldview.

At Arlington Catholic, we incorporate Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM) throughout all grades, providing hands-on, experiential learning starting in ninth grade. Our teaching centers around faith, which promotes daily critical thinking and problem-solving. We see this approach as a means to explore God’s creation while highlighting the harmony between faith and reason in scientific exploration.

Our well-equipped labs allow students to perform advanced biotech experiments such as PCR, DNA gel electrophoresis, and proteomics, rivaling those of professional research facilities.

Science

AP and Honors courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, and more.

Extracurriculars: Science Team, AC Codes, 3D Printing Club, Women in STEM

Technology

AP Computer Science A & Principles.

Extracurriculars: AC Codes, Robotics Team

Religion

Catholic values are integrated throughout the curriculum with courses on Morality, Social Justice, and Theology.

Extracurriculars: Service, Leadership, Campus Ministry

Engineering

Introduction to Engineering.

Arts

AP Art Studio, AP Music Theory, Honors Painting & Drawing, Theater Arts, Sculpture, Chorus, and more.

Mathematics

AP Calculus AB & BC, AP Statistics, and advanced math courses from Algebra to Pre-Calculus.

Extracurriculars: Math Team, Chess Team

Core Subjects:

English: Build critical reading, writing, and thinking skills using the 2017 ELA Framework.

Math: Strengthen Pre-Algebra skills and explore equations, geometry, and data analysis.

Religion: Study Sacred Scripture and God’s plan of salvation.

Science: Explore life, earth, and physical sciences through inquiry-based learning.

Social Studies: Delve into ancient civilizations using the G.R.A.P.E.S. framework (Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economics, Social Structure).

Latin: Learn the basics of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and Roman culture.

Spanish: Introduce vocabulary and culture to prepare for advanced language studies.

Electives:

Art: Weekly creative projects using various mediums.

Drama: Focus on acting, character creation, and improvisation.

STEM: Integrated into core and elective courses for 21st-century skills.

Core Subjects:

English: Build on Grade 6 skills with a focus on evidence-based writing.

Math:
Traditional: Pre-Algebra concepts.
Honors: Accelerated curriculum with complex algebraic problem-solving.

Religion: Explore Jesus’ Gospel message and the Sacraments.

Science: Investigate systems and cycles in Earth, Life, and Physical Science.

Social Studies: Study ancient civilizations with immersive simulations and geography.

Latin: Continue Latin studies with deeper cultural and linguistic exploration.

Spanish: Develop vocabulary and grammar while exploring Spanish-speaking cultures.

Electives:

Art: Weekly creative exploration.

Drama: Learn technical theater elements like set design and lighting.

STEM: Integrated with project-based learning opportunities.

Core Subjects:

English: Deepen critical analysis and independent writing skills.

Math:
Traditional: Strengthen Algebra 1 concepts.
Honors: Advanced Algebra 1 with quadratic equations and rational expressions

Religion: Study morality, Church history, and civic responsibilities.

Science: Advanced abstract thinking in Earth, Life, and Physical Science topics.

Social Studies: Explore U.S. founding documents, civic engagement, and government systems.

Latin: Prepare for high school Latin with advanced grammar and cultural studies.

Spanish: Prepare for Level 2 Spanish in high school.

Electives:

Art: Weekly creative activities.

Drama: Playwriting, directing, and full play production.

STEM: Advanced projects integrated into core studies.

Where potential becomes purpose

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From their first steps in the classroom to graduation day, students are supported, challenged, and inspired to become the best version of themselves.
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Naughton, Nate

Nathaniel Naughton
AC ’90
Associate Principal for Academics, 6-12, Social Studies Teacher

Nate is a 1990 graduate of Arlington Catholic and has worked at our school since 1995. He has served as a Social Studies teacher, Department Chair, Associate Principal, and now Associate Head of School. He is happy to support our students, faculty, and staff each day and feels truly privileged to have spent his entire career on Medford St.
Barrett, Steve

Steve Barrett
Associate Principal: Operations & Management, 6-12

Steve serves as the Associate Principal of Operations at Arlington Catholic High School, where he is dedicated to supporting students’ growth in faith, academics, and community. He also serves as the Coordinator of International Students.

Upon graduating from Boston College with a BS in Political Science in 1986, Steve began teaching History at Matignon High School, and has been a Catholic educator and administrator in several schools for the past 39 years. He also holds a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from American International College. Steve joined Arlington Catholic in 2008 as the Dean of Students and served as Director of Admissions for a decade before his appointment to his current role.

Steve and his wife Erin are proud parents of two AC alums- Stephen Class of 2010, and William Class of 2014.

Sullivan, Laurie

Dr. Laurie Sullivan
Associate Principal, K0-8

Dr. Laurie A. Sullivan is a dedicated Catholic school leader with extensive experience as a principal, associate principal, and instructional consultant across PreK–12 settings. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Boston College and has led initiatives in school improvement, faculty mentorship, and faith-based formation. Dr. Sullivan is passionate about advancing academic excellence and nurturing the whole child in mind, heart, and spirit through inclusive, mission-driven leadership.

John Graeffa
Principal/Head of School

John Graceffa has devoted the past fourteen years of his professional life to Saint Agnes School/Arlington Catholic High School, serving in key leadership roles including Dean of Students, Vice Principal, Principal, and most recently, Acting Head of School. A proud graduate of Springfield College, he holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in Education.

Before joining the SAS/AC community, Mr. Graceffa spent the early part of his career in public education as a high school history teacher at Waltham High School, where he also coached soccer, basketball, and tennis. He went on to serve as Principal of Waltham High School for 23 years, earning widespread respect for his dedication to student success and academic excellence. In addition, he served for eight years as an elected member of the Waltham School Committee and participated actively in several educational organizations throughout his career.

Reflecting on his transition into Catholic education, Mr. Graceffa shared:

“As my decision to retire from public education came to fruition, I aggressively sought to work in Catholic education for the opportunity to encourage the awareness of God in daily life, embrace the culture of service and giving back to those in need, instill values of caring for each other and empathy for others, develop young leaders, and place an emphasis on moral and character development. I was fortunate to have this opportunity at Saint Agnes School / Arlington Catholic High School. I have embraced the opportunity to have Catholic values interwoven and embedded in the spiritual, academic, social, and physical life of our students and faculty.”

Mr. Graceffa’s leadership has left an indelible mark on the SAS/AC community, where his passion for faith-based education and holistic student development continues to shape the school’s mission and future.

Fr. Marc Bishop

Very Reverend Marc J. Bishop, V.F.
Pastor
St. Camillus Parish and St. Agnes Parish, Arlington, MA

Fr. Marc, a native of Billerica, MA, was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on May 26, 2001, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston, MA. Father graduated from Austin Preparatory School in the Spring of 1991 and graduated from Seton Hall University in May 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

He entered St. John’s Seminary in the Fall of 1995. After graduating from seminary with a Bachelor of Philosophy and Master of Divinity degrees, he was ordained at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on May 26, 2001. His first assignment was St. Mary Parish (Chelmsford). Fr. Marc happily served there for four and a half years before being called to service in the active-duty military. Fr. Marc, then a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve, was on active duty with First Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines from January 2006 to December 2006. He served the religious needs of the Marines and Sailors in Al-Fallujah, Iraq, from March 2006 to October 2006. In February of 2007, Fr. Marc received the Vincent Capadano Reserve Officer Association’s Chaplain of the Year Award. Fr. Marc was also honored by the Massachusetts District, Bishop Healy Province, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus with the Father Joseph T. O’Callahan 2007 Memorial Award, “… for outstanding and significant contributions to the principles of patriotism, brotherly love and love of country…”

Fr. Marc was a member of Team Ministry at Holy Family Parish (Amesbury), from February 15, 2007 to June 30, 2008; he served as pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish (Methuen/Lawrence) from July 2008 to June 2010. July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2014, Fr. Marc was Pastor of both St. Rita Parish (Lowell) and Ste. Marguerite Parish (Dracut). He served as the Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish (Marlborough) from July 2014 through May 2018. He also served as the Vicar Forane of Vicariate One of the West Region of the Archdiocese of Boston, ending May 31, 2018.

He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Catholic School Foundation. Father Marc enjoys athletics and served as an assistant coach for the Lowell Catholic Varsity Boys Ice Hockey Team for eight seasons, most notably assisting the team to a 2017 Division II State Championship. Fr. Marc is Pastor of St. Camillus Parish (Arlington/Belmont) and St. Agnes Parish (Arlington), appointed by His Eminence Sean P. Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, on June 1, 2018. Fr. Marc is currently the Vicar Forane for Vicariate IV of the North Region.