Curriculum

As a dedicated middle school for 40 years, De La Salle Academy has learned how to strike the delicate balance between allowing our students increased autonomy, while standing ready to intervene with the support they need to grow. We understand that middle school is a unique time in a young adolescent’s life where they are in search of their young adult identity as well as their place in the society. Standing firmly in the LaSallian tradition, our teachers are asked to live by the following: 
 

• Care for the whole child – We are not simply instructors of content, but more importantly strive to be models of intellectual curiosity, clear moral values, and well-being.  
   

• Sensitive to the needs of students at the margins of society – While gifted and talented, our students require us to meet them where they are without judgment. While we know all our students have potential and the capability to be successful, there are many out-of-school factors that might hinder their full self-actualization.
   

• We are all life-long learners – We must model for students the vulnerability to be better through our professional development and peer collaboration. As teachers, we are always learning and open to feedback.
   

• We commit to purposeful rigor – We hold students to the highest standards without forgetting that they are in the processes of becoming young adults.
   

• Relationships are central – We must approach knowing our students with the same rigor that we approach curricular planning. We commit to being fully present with each other in everything we do.
   

• Pedagogical relevance – In order to meet students where they are, we are attentive to their contemporary context and issues of the day.
   

• Balance of freedom and structure – Middle school is a time where feeling safe is paramount. Routines, structures, and clarity of instruction provide more safety. Building from a foundation of safety, we can encourage our students to take meaningful and generative risks inside and outside the classroom.
   

• Correction and re-direction – We are first and foremost concerned with building students up, not tearing them down though punishment. We believe that every mistake or poor decision is an opportunity to redeem oneself and repair the harm caused.

 
The school day at De La Salle Academy begins at 8:20 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. Students at De La Salle Academy receive individualized schedules which consist of three core courses (ELA, Math and Spanish/French) taught five periods a week. Students all have required and elective courses in science, social studies, visual and performing arts, and faith and values. These courses use a variety of instructional methods and forms of evaluation to engage and monitor student progress. 

Core Courses include:

• English Language Arts

• Math

  • Arithmetic

  • Geometry

  • Algebra I

• World Languages

  • Spanish I-IV

• Sciences

  • Living Sciences

  • General Science

  • Physics

• Social Studies

  • American Studies I and II

  • Ancient Civilizations

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Special Topics Courses include:

• Applied Philosophy

• Art

• Civil and Human Rights

• Doing Science

• Drama

• Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

• Learning to Learn

• Math Lab

• Moral and Ethics

• Music

• Politics and Society

• Speech and Debate/Public Communication

• Science and Society

• Sociology

 

Selected Extracurricular Activities and Clubs include:

• Chamber Music

• Choir

• Civic Spirit Club

• Community Art Club

• Crochet Club

• De La Salle Magazine

• DLSA Debate Club

• DLSA Media Club

• Drama Club 

• Film Club 

• Painting Club

• Physical Education (Judo, yoga) 

• Playwriting Club 

• Young Engineers Club

 
In addition to academic courses, students are also enriched through programming that encourages the development of leadership skills, supportive relationships with peers and adults, and mental health. Some of these programs include:
 

• Advisory

• 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade retreats

• Support groups

• Individual counseling

• 7th grade evaluation