St. Joseph School offers a holistic middle school program that boasts all of the integral factors in helping young minds flourish during these very important years of development. At SJS, we prepare students to grow in their faith, excel academically, and build a strong foundation for success in high school and beyond.
Faith Formation
Participation in First Friday Liturgies
Kindergarten and 8th grade Church Buddies
Each 8th grader is paired up with 1-2 Kindergarteners to sit next to during masses.
Daily Prayer and Reflection
Religion as Core Class
Prayer Services
Each class leads one, and attends one each month
Middle School attends Parish Masses in addition to First Friday Liturgies
Service Projects
7th Grade Prayer Service 2023 Middle School Service Project for Birthday Wishes of Long Island
Academic Excellence
Living Environment and Algebra I Regents courses offered in Grade 8
Accelerated Math instruction in 6th and 7th grade to prepare for Algebra I in Grade 8
State-of-the-art Science Lab and new Science curriculum
English Language Arts Curriculum that includes Literature, Writing, Grammar, and Vocabulary
Social Studies instruction that emphasizes global awareness, civic responsibility, and historical context
Foreign Language instruction in Spanish
Technology integration with 1:1 Chromebooks
Hands-on STEM and 3D Printing
Comprehensive Religion instruction and Sacrament Preparation
Built in TACHS Prep in Grade 7
Weekly special classes include Art, Music, STEM/Technology,Gym, Health
The Aquinas Program (open to 6th, 7th and 8th graders)
a self-guided learning experience that transcends the four walls of the classroom. Students involved in the Aquinas Program will learn to value collaboration, hone critical thinking skills and challenge themselves to become autonomous learners and scholars.
PATHWAYS Elective Courses: One of the most unique and significant component to the SJS Middle School is the long-standing tradition of our PATHWAYS Electives. Each year, our 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders are given an opportunity to take two 9-week courses that are designed to expose our students to careers and skillsets they may not otherwise learn about in their core classes. Some of our past PATHWAYS courses include:
Mock Trial
Mini Medical School
Mini Law School
Intro to Veterinary Medicine
Intro to Sports Marketing
Forensics Crime Investigators
NASA Space Exploration
Artificial Intelligence 101
Young Engineers
Drones & Engineering
The Art of Cartooning
Extracurriculars
CMSAA Sports(2023 Boys CMSAA Basketball Champs and 2024 Girls CMSAA Basketball Champs!)
Fall: Boys and Girls Soccer
Winter: Boys and Girls Basketball
Spring: Boys Baseball; Girls Volleyball
Drama Production
SJS utilizes a professional sound system managed by audio engineers for the performances, the expertise of a costumer in outfitting the cast, and the use of rented sets from Sunrise Theatre Company
New upgrades to the stage and lighting this year!
Student Council
President (8th Grader), Vice President (7th Grader), Secretary (6th Grader) and Treasurer (5th Grader) plus class representatives participate in Student Council service projects, morning announcements, and work to promote school safety and upgrades for the school community.
Paul Effman Band
Weekly instrument lessons that culminate in two performances during Christmas and Spring concerts.
After School Clubs
Clubs vary year to year but include Dance, Art, Pickleball, Weaving, Chess, and more!