Computer
Stone Ridge is committed to preparing students to embrace and master the use of technology. The computer program has been designed to augment our core curriculum, with many technology initiatives put in place to keep our students ahead of the digital divide. Faculty members are required to have their own personal laptops. Sixth graders are participating in an experimental science and technology program. All Stone Ridge faculty, and Upper and Middle School students have their own e-mail accounts that they can access from home as well as on campus, increasing their contact with one another.

The computer lab is equipped with IBM and Toshiba laptops, as well as Apple computers and equipment for graphics, video, robotics, and digital photography. Students master many applications including word processing, spreadsheets, Web design, graphics, multi-media presentations, mathematics, and foreign language programs. Besides the exposure in the classroom, students may elect to work in the computer lab during study hall.

English
The language arts curriculum offers a variety of sequenced and integrated skills. Listening, critical reading, writing, speaking, studying, researching, and analyzing literature provide a framework students can utilize in all their subject areas throughout the four years. Tremendous emphasis is placed on grammar and writing. Students read a variety of novels throughout the English program, which are coordinated with other disciplines. By the Eighth Grade, they are asked to write papers analyzing literary techniques in novels, demonstrating higher level thinking skills.

Fine and Performing Arts
The visual arts program challenges the student to use a variety of materials, techniques, and visual concepts. Some of the areas explored include two and three dimensional media. Emphasis is placed on creative expression, aesthetic perception, artistic heritage, and developing critical thinking skills. The drama program develops and encourages an individual, vivid, presentational style by introducing performance techniques, working on self-awareness and exploring effective and affective behavior. The students work with costumes, props, scripted material, and improvisation, at the same time stressing disciplined approaches and respect for each other’s work.

The music program introduces instrumental music within the Orff pedagogy. Students develop their performance skills on recorders, percussion, and xylophones by participating in classroom ensembles. The curriculum includes performance, theory, composition, improvisation, and listening skills. A variety of musical selections leads students toward an understanding of cultural and historical references and enables them to make connections between music and other disciplines. Middle School Chorus is open to all interested students as an elective. Eighth grade students can concentrate in a yearlong course in music, drama, dance, and visual art.

Foreign Language
The study of French or Spanish begins in the Fifth Grade. Emphasis is placed on the development of skills of speaking and aural comprehension, with special attention paid to pronunciation and intonation. Classes are conducted in the target language.

Mathematics
The Middle School mathematics program progresses from higher elementary mathematics through pre-algebra to algebra I. The curriculum encompasses comprehension and practical applications. The use of hands-on activities, calculators, and computers add variety and enjoyment to the mathematics classroom. Students are expected to advance to geometry and Algebra II once they enter our Upper School.

Physical Education
The Middle School physical education program attempts to recognize the differences in each individual student’s physical potential and limitations in order to set realistic goals for herself. Improvement and effort are rewarded and a value for fitness is nurtured. All grades participate in a wide array of sports including field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, aerobics, fitness, and gymnastics. Swimming is part of the physical education program for all Middle School students, and students must pass a swimming safety test. Health is a component of the Eighth Grade physical education curriculum.

Religion
The religion curriculum in the Middle School presents a comprehensive study of Catholic tradition and doctrine. Each grade level is attentive to scriptural, traditional, and historical development of Catholic experience. The ongoing presence of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit is acknowledged, appreciated, and celebrated in the academically oriented curriculum. Liturgies are student planned under the direction of the Campus Minister and religion teachers.

The campus ministry program allows students to share in faith-filled activities. The worship life of the school is reflected in school and class liturgies, as well as morning prayer in assembly. Campus ministry also provides additional regular and seasonal opportunities for service. The Mother-Daughter Liturgies are special highlights in the spiritual life of the Middle School.

Social action is an integral part of the academic and spiritual life at Stone Ridge. Students participate in a number of activities that help raise their awareness about the needs of their community and of their world. Social action activities are an essential part of the advisory program. Providing food and clothes for a homeless family shelter, working with a group to sew hats for children with cancer, partnering with another school and celebrating the holidays are some of the ways in which students respond actively to the needs of others. 

Science
Fifth Grade covers a wide range of scientific disciplines including biological, physical, and earth science. Sixth graders participate in a physical science, technology-based program.. Seventh and Eighth Grades concentrate on life science and earth science, respectively. Throughout all grades, the emphasis is on experiential, hands-on learning.

Social Studies
The social studies program in the Middle School is a broad examination of the human condition from the earliest world civilizations to modern societies. Focus changes periodically to emphasize particular areas of the world. Various research and study skills are reinforced throughout the program. 

Extracurricular
In the Middle School, students are encouraged to become involved in after-school activities that include computer science, Junior Chorus, team sports, and a drama production. These activities provide students the chance to further develop interests, skills, and friendships. Leadership opportunities are developed in Student Government and the Committee of Games. Blue/Gold competitions channel some of their enthusiasm and promote school spirit. During the winter trimester, fifth and sixth graders may participate in an after-school intramural program. An interscholastic athletic program is available to all Seventh and Eighth Grade students. Students can participate in tennis, volleyball, field hockey, and soccer in the fall; basketball in the winter term; and, tennis, lacrosse, track, and softball in the spring. Transportation is provided to and from games for students on athletic teams. The school owns two seven-passenger vans and a fourteen-passenger bus. A professional bus service provides transportation for school events and activities, including class trips and field trips.

Traditions
As a member of the Sacred Heart community, there are many unique traditions, including: congés, days when students take leave of their regular studies and channel all energy into fun activities and games; goûter, a special treat or snack on special feast days and holidays; Feast of Mater Admirabilis, observed by faculty and students in October, celebrating the miraculous fresco of the Virgin Mary depicted by a young nun in the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1844; Feast Wishes, an all-school gathering before the Christmas holidays where students present fits of song and cards to every member of the administration, faculty, and staff; and Prize Day, a formal assembly at the end of the school year for the distribution of certificates or awards recognizing specific achievement.

Transition to Upper School
Middle School well-prepares students to continue their studies at Stone Ridge in the academically challenging years of Upper School. Transition is facilitated through the Eighth Grade year as students gain more privileges and responsibilities. In the fall, families are encouraged to attend the Upper School Open House to learn more about the college-preparatory curriculum. All Eighth Grade students are also invited to visit the Upper School.