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Middle School
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A Transformative Middle School Experience
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At St. Theresa Catholic School, our middle school program offers a unique blend of rigorous academics, faith formation, and joyful student life. Designed for students in grades 6 through 8, our student-centered approach empowers learners to grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially—preparing them for a successful transition to high school and beyond.
St. Theresa Catholic School has been honored as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School, this award is considered the highest honor an American school can achieve. Among the select few schools chosen each year, St. Theresa is one of only 40 non-public schools nationwide and the sole recipient in Austin for 2023. This places our school in the top 15% of nationally normed tests in language arts and mathematics.
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Why Choose STCS Middle School?
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Academic Excellence
Our curriculum builds on the strong foundation laid in elementary grades.
Think critically and independently
Scores in the top 15% of nationally normed tests in language arts and mathematics.
Develop strong study habits and executive functioning skills
Explore new disciplines through rotating electives
Excel in math with honors placement options including Algebra I and Geometry
Participates in Final Exams for high school prep
Homework that builds accountability for high school independence
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Faith-Based Formation
Our Catholic identity shapes everything we do while following St. Theresa's "Little Way."
Daily religion classes tailored to grade level (Old Testament, Discipleship, Communion of the Faithful)
Weekly Mass and liturgical participation
Seasonal traditions: Adoration, Rosary, Reconciliation, Divine Mercy Chaplet
Offsite retreats: St. Thomas More Youth House (6th & 7th), The Pines Catholic Camp (8th)
Service is central to our mission. All middle schoolers complete service hours
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Athletics
94% of middle schoolers participate in our sports program
All inclusive no-cut teams starting in 1st grade
Offering Flag Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Track & Field, Golf, Tennis, Soccer, and Cheer
All coaches and parent volunteers are trained in the Play Like a Champion Today character education program
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Meet Our Expert Middle School Faculty
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Subject Teacher Credentials & Highlights Religion Mrs. Sara Nespoli Master’s in Theology, 30+ years catechesis Social Studies Mr. Ted Frost 20+ years teaching, Socratic & field-trip based Science Ms. Maria Shield 37 years teaching, hands-on labs Math Mrs. Stone (Honors) Former engineer, Algebra & Geometry expert Spanish Dr. Jose Puga Doctorate, retired U.S. Army, immersive approach ELA Ms. Lynne Brown 40 years experience, strong reading & writing fluency Student Support:Academic Coordinator: Mrs. Debbie Spurlin
Counselor: Mrs. Nancy Puga
Learning Support: Mrs. Holly Rasoulian (Certified Academic Language Therapist)
Health services: Full-time RN support
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Graduates of St. Theresa
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Where Do Our Graduates Go?
STCS graduates are confident, compassionate, and well-prepared. Most go on to:
St. Michael’s Catholic Academy
St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School
Top-rated local private & public schools
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Closer Look at Curriculum
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6th Grade: A Transitional Year
Independent class rotation begins
Camp Champions overnight trip
Core and Essentials- Religion
- English Language Arts and Reading
- Life Science
- Social Studies (World Geography, History, and Cultures)
- Mathematics (Math 6 or Math 7)
- Foreign Language - Spanish
- Essentials (PE & Health, Drama Music, Art, Technology, Little Way Seminar)
The "Little Way"- Coordinated class-wide service projects across Austin
- Catholic Schools Week day of service at local charity or other service provider
- Ministerial service in Mass and classroom
- 6th graders serve as mentors to 1st grade students
- Campus ambassador program
FaithOffsite retreat at St. Thomas More Youth House
- Weekly participation in the school Mass
- Participation in the Worldwide Children’s Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration
- Advent and Lent Reconciliation services
- Participation in Fall and Spring school-wide praying of the Rosary
- Praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, litanies, and other Catholic devotions
- Exposure to Catholic sacramentals and indulgences
- Multiple faith-based projects in Religion class and elsewhere to apply faith principles
- Application of Catholic Social Teaching and principles of justice to service and other aspects of life
- Saint of the Day and student-led prayer related to the saint of the day in Religion class
- Class visits to the church for quiet prayer and reflection, Scripture reading, prayer services, and catechesis
- Liturgical Music practice in the church every week
Unique to 6th Grade- Independent schedule with classroom and instructor rotation each period
- Overnight science field trip
- Full range of interscholastic athletics
- Fall play and Spring musical
- In the Spring students may attend Middle School dances
- Participate in year end Finals for high school prep
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7th Grade: Deepening Knowledge
Full-year language
Choice of electives
Port Aransas field trip (science & history)
Eligible for National Junior Honor Society
Required & Elective Courses- Religion
- English Language Arts and Reading
- Earth Science
- Texas History
- Mathematics (Grade 7 Math, Pre-Algebra or *Honors Algebra 1)
- Foreign Language: Spanish
- Physical Education
- Extensive Electives:Instrumental Exploration, Popular Music, Film TV & Game Music, Abstract Art, Existent & Whimsical Creatures, Portraiture, Robotics, MakerSpace, Financial Literacy, Synergy & Compassion, Ministration, and Social Discourse
The "Little Way"- Coordinated class-wide service projects across Austin
- Catholic Schools Week day of service at local charity or other service provider
- Ministerial service in Mass and classroom
- 7th graders serve as mentors to 2nd grade students
- Campus ambassadors
- Offsite retreat at St. Thomas More Youth House
- Weekly participation in the school Mass
- Participation in the Worldwide Children’s Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration
- Advent and Lent Reconciliation services
- Participation in Fall and Spring school-wide praying of the Rosary
- Praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, litanies, and other Catholic devotions
- Exposure to Catholic sacramentals and indulgences
- Multiple faith-based projects in Religion class and elsewhere to apply faith principles
- Application of Catholic Social Teaching and principles of justice to service and other aspects of life
- Saint of the Day and student-led prayer related to the saint of the day in Religion class
- Class visits to the church for quiet prayer and reflection, Scripture reading, prayer services, and catechesis
- Liturgical Music practice in the church every week
Unique to 7th Grade- Student eligible to join National Junior Honor Society
- Social Studies and Science based 3-day, 2-night trip to Port Aransas
- Flex Clubs including Extreme Math, Cheer, Improv, Quiz Bowl, and Sports
- Attend Dances
- Participate in Final Exams for high school prep
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8th Grade: Leadership & Legacy
3-day retreat at The Pines
Washington, D.C. trip
High school readiness activities
Special Mass roles and commemorative projects
Required & Elective Courses- Religion
- English Language Arts and Reading
- Physical Science
- U.S. History (early colonial period through Reconstruction)
- Mathematics (Pre-Algebra, *Honors Algebra and *Honors Geometry)
- Physical Education
- Communication Applications
- Extensive Electives: Instrumental Exploration, Popular Music, Film TV & Game Music, Abstract Art, Existent & Whimsical Creatures, Portraiture, Robotics, MakerSpace, Financial Literacy, Synergy & Compassion, Ministration, and Social Discourse
The "Little Way"- Coordinated class-wide service projects across Austin
- Catholic Schools Week day of service at local charity or other service provider
- Ministerial service in Mass and classroom
- 8th graders serve as mentors to 3rd grade students
- Campus ambassadors
- Pines Catholic Camp retreat in fall and afternoon of reflection in spring
- Weekly participation in the school Mass
- Participation in the Worldwide Children’s Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration
- Advent and Lent Reconciliation services
- Participation in Fall and Spring school-wide praying of the Rosary
- Praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, litanies, and other Catholic devotions
- Exposure to Catholic sacramentals and indulgences
- Multiple faith-based projects in Religion class and elsewhere to apply faith principles
- Application of Catholic Social Teaching and principles of justice to service and other aspects of life
- Saint of the Day and student-led prayer related to the saint of the day in Religion class
- Class visits to the church for quiet prayer and reflection, Scripture reading, prayer services, and catechesis
- Liturgical Music practice in the church every week
- 3-day, 2-night religious retreat to The Pines Catholic Camp
- Serve as Ushers in Mass
- Standard Bearer & Master of Ceremony in Mass
- Organize the 5 Days to Raise campaign to present a school gift
- National Spanish Exam
- Visits to high schools and high school expo held at school
- Participate in finals for high school prep
- Special Grade 8 commemorative photos
Where do most 8th grade students from St. Theresa's go to high school?
It will vary annually. STCS students typically attend St. Michael's Catholic Academy, St. Dominic Savio or their local public school. Approximately 1/3 at each of the 3 high school options.
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"We are forever grateful for the kindness everyone has shown our daughter. Truly an amazing community we are so happy to be a part of. " - Christina, 8th grade parent
"She’s challenged and thriving. STCS is exactly where she needs to be. Thank you!" - Michelle, 6th grade parent
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