The McQuaid Jesuit Middle School educates young men in the Jesuit tradition, according to the teachings of Saint Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
Research clearly indicates that middle school is “make or break” time in several respects. These three years are a pivotal stage in students’ intellectual development and we recognize and emphasize the crucial nature of the social, spiritual, and emotional growth of our young men. No other school in the area educates young men more effectively. We focus on the unique psychological, academic, spiritual, and emotional needs of adolescent boys, and help them achieve in the classroom, on the playing field, and in the community. We strike an ideal balance with the high school. Our middle school program is integral to the life of the school yet maintains its own unique approach to educating young men.
Academic Curriculum
Our sixth grade faculty members teach in dedicated middle school classrooms. Like the rest of the school, classes rotate on a 10-day cycle with core subjects. ELA, literature, mathematics, science, social studies, theology, and an arts elective each meet eight out of the 10 days. Accelerated math is offered for those who qualify. Physical education and technology meet every other day.
In addition to forming friendships inside the classroom, the middle school organizes social events to help classmates form friendships outside the classroom. In the sixth grade these events include:
- Orientation
- Walk for Justice
- Family Meet & Greet Dinner
- First Fall Field Trip
- Fall Activity Night
- Second Fall Field Trip
- Winter Activity Night
- Spring Field Trip
- 6th Grade Retreat
All seventh graders take the same English, theology, science, and social studies classes. Students choose an arts elective. Accelerated math is offered for those who qualify. Students begin foreign language studies by taking the required introduction to Language, a course designed to prepare them for further language study and enhance their English grammar and vocabulary. Physical education and technology meet every other day.
In addition to forming friendships inside the classroom, the middle school organizes social events to help classmates form friendships outside the classroom. In the seventh grade these events include:
- Orientation
- Schola Brevis
- Walk for Justice
- Retreat Days
- Fall Activity Night
- Mercy/McQuaid Combined Winter Activity Night
- Spring Activity Night
- Spring Semi-formal
- End of Year Class Trip
All eighth graders take the same English, theology, and social studies classes. In addition, they choose either a fine arts or high school technology elective. Accelerated math and science courses are offered for those who qualify. Students will begin their first year of foreign language for which they receive high school credit.
In addition to forming friendships inside the classroom, the middle school organizes social events to help classmates form friendships outside the classroom. In the seventh grade these events include:
- Orientation
- Walk for Justice
- New Eighth Grader Luncheon (new 8th graders only)
- Retreat Days
- Fall Activity Night
- Mercy/McQuaid Combined Winter Activity Night
- Spring Activity Night
- Spring Semi-formal
- End of Year Class Trip
Modified Athletics
We offer a wide of range of options for athletic involvement at the modified level, including: baseball, basketball, bowling, crew, cross-country, football, hockey, indoor track, lacrosse, outdoor track, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling. In accordance with New York State law, sixth graders are not permitted to participate in modified athletics.
We encourage the majority of our students at the junior high level to compete at the modified level, but we also recognize that there are student-athletes with the ability and skill to play at the junior varsity and varsity level. In order for a seventh or eighth grader to compete interscholastically at the high school level, he must pass the Athletic Placement Process program as mandated by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.
For more information about our sports offerings visit our Athletics page.
Middle School Office
