St. Mary
Star of the Sea
Catholic School

Junior High Program
The Junior High Program at St. Mary Star of the Sea fosters meaningful learning experiences for all students, particularly emphasizing the development of higher-order thinking, organizational skills, and social interactions. Sixth graders engage in a well-rounded curriculum that includes World History, reading and writing enhancement, and hands-on Science Lab experiments, while also participating in a leadership retreat at St. Laurence and Queen of Peace High Schools in the spring.
Seventh graders focus on their spiritual and academic growth, preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation and studying American History in depth. They further develop their reading and writing skills through the Lucy Calkins Workshop and continue to cultivate leadership qualities necessary for their upcoming roles.
Eighth graders, as the oldest members of the Junior High, concentrate on preparing for high school with an emphasis on understanding government, critical thinking in Math, and health-focused science studies. They reinforce their language arts skills and deepen their Catholic identity through religion classes, culminating in the preparation and reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Special programs such as the Spirit Day retreat, Saints Parade, and Confirmation round-up provide additional opportunities for spiritual and personal growth. Overall, the curriculum across all grades adheres to the Illinois Common Core Standards and the guidelines set by The Archdiocese of Chicago, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for future success.