Middle School
Welcome to Chaminade College Preparatory School's Middle School, where we are dedicated to fostering the intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth of our students. Our dynamic curriculum, faith formation programs, and supportive community provide the perfect environment for young learners to explore their passions, develop essential skills, and build lasting friendships. At Chaminade, we prepare our students not just for high school, but for a lifetime of success rooted in values, leadership, and service.
FAITH FORMATION
At Chaminade College Preparatory School, faith formation is a cornerstone of our middle school experience, deeply rooted in the Marianist tradition. We guide our students on a spiritual journey that emphasizes that the way to Christ is through Mary, nurturing a deep and lasting relationship with both. Through our Marianist Life Community (MLC) program, boys learn the significance of building communities founded on faith and shared values. This program not only teaches them the importance of fellowship but also empowers them to become leaders who serve others with compassion and integrity. By fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, we help our students develop the skills and mindset necessary to make a positive impact in their communities.
Starting in sixth grade, our retreat programs offer students opportunities to step outside the classroom and immerse themselves in experiences that strengthen their personal relationship with God. These retreats encourage reflection, spiritual growth, and deeper connections with peers, creating a supportive environment where boys can explore their faith. Our dedicated teachers and senior leaders serve as living examples of a faith-filled life, modeling the virtues we seek to instill in our students. Ultimately, our faith formation programs aim to prepare our students not just for the challenges of high school but for a lifetime of purpose, guiding them to become the men the world needs them to be.
A CURRICULUM FOR BOYS
At Chaminade College Preparatory School, our middle school program is thoughtfully designed to challenge and support each student, providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive, regardless of their background. Our curriculum is tailored specifically to boys, focusing on their unique learning styles and preparing them for success in high school and beyond. From the moment students join our community, they are immersed in a strong onboarding program that helps them adjust to life at Chaminade, setting the stage for a fulfilling and productive middle school experience. Our House System further enriches this journey, offering boys the chance to learn from senior student leaders and teacher mentors, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging while developing leadership and collaboration skills.
In addition to our core curriculum, Chaminade middle school students benefit from a range of specialized programs that enhance their academic and personal growth. Foreign language opportunities begin early, allowing students to earn credits that will contribute to their high school requirements. Our commitment to STEM education is evident from sixth grade, with courses and activities designed to ignite curiosity and build a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To ensure a seamless transition to high school, students regularly interact with high school counselors who guide them through this important phase, ensuring they are well-prepared academically, socially, and emotionally.
At Chaminade, we strive to create a nurturing environment where every student is challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
A NURTURING, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
At Chaminade College Preparatory School, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive and nurturing environment that helps middle school boys thrive both academically and personally. Our dedicated and consistent middle school staff play a crucial role in this, offering students a stable and familiar presence throughout their time at Chaminade. With many teachers remaining with the students year after year, boys are able to form meaningful connections with their educators, creating a trusting environment where they feel comfortable seeking help and guidance. This continuity not only strengthens the bond between students and teachers but also fosters a sense of community and belonging, essential for their growth during these formative years.
To further support our students' well-being, we have two full-time counselors who are deeply committed to fostering a positive school culture. These counselors lead lessons on bullying and conflict resolution, teaching boys how to navigate social challenges with empathy and respect. They also offer lessons on acceptance and belonging, helping students to understand the importance of inclusivity and community. For students with learning differences, our two full-time learning consultants provide individualized support and evaluation, ensuring that every boy has an equal opportunity to succeed. By addressing the diverse needs of our students, Chaminade creates an environment where every boy is valued, supported, and empowered to reach his full potential.
A POSITIVE CULTURE FOR ALL
At Chaminade College Preparatory School, we are dedicated to cultivating a positive culture where boys can form meaningful friendships and build lifelong relationships. Our House System plays a central role in this, offering younger students opportunities to interact with high school students, creating genuine connections with older peers and teachers. From their first day, boys are welcomed into a smaller House within the larger school community, giving them an immediate sense of belonging and shared identity. This built-in support network helps students make friends quickly, ensuring that they feel connected and valued from the very beginning.
We also prioritize reinforcing positive behavior, recognizing and celebrating the good things our middle school boys are doing every day. Programs like Student of the Month awards, "Good Stuff" assemblies dedicated to showcasing student achievements, and "Gameball Fridays," where exceptional efforts throughout the week are acknowledged, all contribute to a culture of encouragement and positivity. While we give our students the freedom to make their own decisions and hold them accountable for their actions, we do so with an understanding that they are still learning how to make smart choices. Our partnership with parents is vital in this process, as we maintain constant communication to support and guide their sons together on their Esto Vir journey, ensuring that each boy grows into the best version of himself.
SPORTS & EXTRACURRICULARS FOR ALL INTERESTS
Chaminade's extracurricular programs are designed to ignite passions and help middle school boys explore new interests while building lasting friendships. With over 15 clubs to choose from—including Fishing Club, Rocket Club, Esports, and Photography—there’s something for everyone. We encourage our students to join multiple clubs to broaden their horizons, discover new talents, and connect with peers who share similar interests. These clubs provide a supportive environment where boys can try new activities, challenge themselves, and expand their social circles, all while having fun.
In addition to our diverse club offerings, Chaminade boasts one of the best middle school sports programs in St. Louis. Our athletics program is designed to engage students at all levels, helping them develop a love for sports, build teamwork skills, and prepare for high school competition. For those with a passion for the performing arts, our Drama Department offers opportunities to perform in both middle school-only productions and all-school plays, held at the award-winning Skip Viragh Center for the Arts. These experiences not only allow students to showcase their talents but also build confidence and foster a sense of community. At Chaminade, we believe that a well-rounded education goes beyond the classroom, and our extracurricular programs play a vital role in helping our boys grow into well-rounded young men.
In addition to our diverse club offerings, Chaminade boasts one of the best middle school sports programs in St. Louis. Our athletics program is designed to engage students at all levels, helping them develop a love for sports, build teamwork skills, and prepare for high school competition. For those with a passion for the performing arts, our Drama Department offers opportunities to perform in both middle school-only productions and all-school plays, held at the award-winning Skip Viragh Center for the Arts. These experiences not only allow students to showcase their talents but also build confidence and foster a sense of community. At Chaminade, we believe that a well-rounded education goes beyond the classroom, and our extracurricular programs play a vital role in helping our boys grow into well-rounded young men.
EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
At Chaminade, our middle school students are given the unique opportunity to develop a global outlook through their daily interactions and experiences. As one of the few schools in the region with a historic boarding program, Chaminade has welcomed students from across the nation and around the world since its founding. This diverse student body allows our middle schoolers to form friendships with peers from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, fostering an appreciation for different perspectives and ways of life. These connections help broaden their understanding of the world, preparing them to be thoughtful, informed global citizens.
In addition to the diverse community on campus, Chaminade offers a variety of experiential trips that further enhance our students' global awareness. From exploring the natural beauty of Tetons National Park to immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of cities like Chicago, Honolulu, Washington, D.C., Des Moines, and London, our students have the chance to learn outside the classroom and gain firsthand experiences of different environments and cultures. These trips, which span all grade levels, also include service opportunities, teaching our boys the importance of giving back while deepening their understanding of the world around them. At Chaminade, we believe that these experiences are essential in helping our students develop a well-rounded, global perspective that teaches them to be strong servant-leaders throughout their lives.
START YOUR OWN ESTO VIR JOURNEY
Are you ready to begin your Esto Vir journey at Chaminade? We invite you to schedule a shadow visit, apply, or meet with a member of our Admissions Team to learn more about what makes our community so special. Take the first step toward joining the Chaminade family—reach out today!