6th -8th Grade Program

Building on a strong mathematical foundation, students at NDAE use technology to bring real­-world math problems to life. Students collaborate with one another and with hands­-on manipulatives to develop a variety of problem solving strategies. They work to model good mathematical practices including perseverance, applying prior knowledge, and constructing viable arguments. Real­-life math application, from calculating the sales tax on a video game to analyzing average daily water consumption, makes the content relevant to students’ lives as they progress to more challenging topics of study.

Middle school language arts students learn to articulate and express their ideas and beliefs through rigorous and meaningful experiences with a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. A core element of the language arts program is the development of students' communication skills. Students practice communicating across a variety of platforms, including engaging classroom discussions, written narratives and essays, technological presentations, public speaking, and media and art. Students become experts in effectively navigating the different expectations and challenges of these different forms of communication. As their communication skills evolve, students engage in actively reading and analyzing a text to develop their higher ­level critical thinking skills, build their general knowledge and vocabulary, and participate in a larger global community, fostering a life-long appreciation for literature.

NDAE scientists bring a love of science, excitement for discovery, and a passion for learning to the classroom each day. With the use of FOSS, the Full Option Science System, a research-based, active learning science curriculum, students explore their world through experimentation when building volcanoes, looking at cells under a microscope, dissecting chicken wings, and combining the principles of physics to solve real­ world problems. Enhanced by technological tools, middle school scientists are constantly being challenged to think critically, persist, and become independent and conscientious leaders.

NDAE's middle school social studies program allows students to engage with the past while making connections to their own lives. Students have opportunities to bring history to life through hands­-on experiences like mummifying chickens, simulating life in feudal Japan, and creating iMovie commercials for historic events. Students read, write, and think like historians. Students analyze primary and secondary texts and ask critical thinking questions while using technology to develop a thorough understanding of how the world they live in today came to be. These learning experiences, both collaborative and individual, support students in their development of 21st century skills needed to be successful in high school and beyond.

At NDA, students build a strong foundation in Scripture, the sacraments, and Catholic values. They learn to express their faith through both words and actions, drawing inspiration from the parables of Jesus and connecting timeless lessons to their daily lives. Through classroom discussions, prayer, and reflection, students come to understand that God doesn’t call the perfect, He equips each of us with the grace and gifts needed to serve.

Religion class at NDA is a dynamic and inviting space. With flexible seating and an environment designed to spark reflection and conversation, students experience religion as both relevant and “cool.” The classroom is a space where students can ask big questions, explore Catholic teachings, and feel at home growing in faith.

Beginning in the early grades, students are encouraged to see challenges as opportunities for growth, connecting the Old Testament, Habits of Mind, and Growth Mindset with God’s invitation to live with purpose and compassion. They recognize their unique spiritual gifts and actively share them in our school community leading prayer services, participating in Mass, and engaging in acts of service.

Faith in action is woven into every grade level. Whether it's donating to our Buck-a-Stuff drives, organizing collections for the poor, sending care packages to troops, or simply choosing kindness each day, students strive to lift others up and lead by example.

In middle school, students participate in Community Time as part of their religion curriculum, a dedicated period to build relationships, discuss relevant and often complex topics, and hear from guest speakers who challenge and inspire. This time helps students navigate the social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of adolescence while fostering a deep sense of belonging and connection to one another and to trusted adults on campus.

Eighth graders take their learning further by studying Tattoos on the Heart by Fr. Greg Boyle and visiting Homeboy Industries. Through this experience, they explore the themes of forgiveness, grace, and social justice, and reflect on key principles of Catholic Social Teaching, including the dignity of work, care for creation, and solidarity with those in need.

At NDA, we believe in using technology with purpose. Our middle school follows a 1:1 iPad program where students use devices as learning tools when and how the teacher determines it enhances instruction. iPads support access to digital textbooks and allow students to demonstrate their understanding in creative, engaging ways, such as through podcasts, slide presentations, and video projects.

At the same time, we prioritize real-world connection and presence. NDA maintains a phone-free environment while on campus and our teachers intentionally balance screen time with hands-on activities, discussion, and collaborative learning. By using technology mindfully, we help students build focus, creativity, and critical thinking skills that prepare them for the future without compromising the values of the present.

Our middle school elective program is designed to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen community. Each trimester, students in grades 6–8 choose from a wide range of mixed-grade elective courses from cooking, improv, and robotics to printmaking, fitness, and leadership.

Electives are intentionally crafted to reflect the passions of our faculty, who have the freedom to design courses they’re excited to teach. This model sparks authentic engagement from both students and teachers. All electives are graded on a pass/fail basis, encouraging students to take responsible risks, try something new, and grow in ways that go beyond a traditional academic setting.

Whether exploring new interests, developing emerging talents, or building friendships across grade levels, students gain real-world skills and discover more about who they are and how they learn best.
 

Students who practice what they're learning in a hands­-on environment can retain three and a half times as much information than just sitting in a desk and listening intently. From calculating the speed and velocity of toy cars, to running an earthquake simulation with Jell­-o, to skinning a chicken wing to examine bones, muscles, and skin, students in Science are engaged in a variety of hands­-on activities designed to enhance learning. But hands­-on projects are not limited to Science. Students recreate Rome and run a Warlords of Japan simulation in Social Studies. They put their math skills to use to calculate water consumption rates and solve other real­-world problems in Math and while working the Bake Sales and Snack Shop. They participate in service opportunities and plan religious services in religion, and run and lead the TK buddy program and School Families events to gain valuable leadership skills. Class curriculum is also enhanced by field trips designed to support instruction. Eighth ​graders take field trips to the Museum of Tolerance when reading the Diary of Anne Frank in Language Arts and Homeboy Industries following their reflection and analysis of Tattoos on the Heart​  in Religion. Seventh graders travel to the LA Science Center to complement their science curriculum and sixth graders venture to the Getty Villa to learn about Greek, Roman, and Etruscan life and artifacts supporting both Social Studies and Language Arts.

In accordance with our mission, philosophy, and SLEs, we strive to nurture socially responsible citizens ­ persons of moral integrity who make a positive difference in today’s world. Church doctrine states that “(A) person is formed for b​eing­ with ​and for ­others,​ which is realized in love” (Educating Together in Catholic Schools). NDAE forms such persons by providing students with many opportunities to serve others. Making sandwiches for a local food pantry, collecting Halloween costumes for a women’s and children’s shelter or donating toiletry items for a homeless shelter, NDAE students and their families serve the local community. Additionally, each class sponsors a service organization. Throughout the year students learn about their class’s organization and raise money for their cause through Buck­a­Stuff donations. In addition to these outreach projects, there is a concerted effort to serve each other on campus, as each student, teacher, administrator, and parent strives to lift each other up through words and actions, SLE awards, character education, and anti-­bullying campaigns. At NDAE we love, serve, and grow together as a family.