Our Lady of Victory 

Catholic School

Through Sadlier’s We Believe, sixth-grade students focus on the Old Testament, salvation history, and the fulfillment of prophecies through Jesus’ Incarnation. Seventh graders use RCL Benzinger’s Blest Are We Faith in Action: The Story of Jesus as well as Ascension’s Altaration: The Mass. We focus on the life of Jesus, the Gospels, and our life within the Church. Eighth graders prepare for Confirmation, celebrated in the spring, using Ascension’s Chosen series. We focus on Church doctrine and the history of the Catholic Church from Pentecost to today. 

Students review all common Catholic prayers and lead their class in prayer. They learn the Magnificat of Mary, the Memorare, and the Divine Mercy chaplet, in addition to helping lead the Rosary. They also attend weekly Mass and host Mass at least once a quarter.

6th Grade Religion Curriculum Map
7th Grade Religion Curriculum Map
8th Grade Religion Curriculum Map

The middle school math program uses the Cengage/National Geographic Learning's Big Ideas Math curriculum aligned to the Archdiocese of Detroit standards. On-level students take sixth-grade, seventh grade, and eighth-grade math. Honors class advance through sixth-grade, seventh grade, and eighth-grade content at a faster and more in-depth pace. Advanced sixth-grade students begin at seventh-grade math, complete eighth-grade in seventh grade, and take Algebra 1 in eighth grade. We use IXL for supplementation, targeted practice, and adaptive practice.

On Level 6 Curriculum Map
Honors 6 Curriculum Map
Advanced 6 Curriculum Map

On Level 7 Curriculum Map
Honors 7 Curriculum Map
Advanced 7 Curriculum Map

On Level 8 Curriculum Map
Honors 8 Curriculum Map
Advanced 8 (Algebra 1) Curriculum Map

OLV Middle School Math Placement

Our middle school science curriculum uses the LabAids curriculum through SEPUP (Science Education for Public Understanding Program), a hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum, taking a deeper look into science topics. We follow the Next Generation Science Standards through the guidance of the Archdiocese of Detroit to integrate critical thinking skills with Catholic identity. Sixth grade looks at the solar system; geology; land, water, and human interactions; and weather and climate. Seventh grade looks at biology, cells, body systems, reproduction, biomedical engineering, and ecology. Eighth-grade studies chemistry, energy, waves, and force and motion.

6th Grade Science Curriculum Map
7th Grade Science Curriculum Map
8th Grade Science Curriculum Map

Students in sixth through eighth grade use McGraw Hill resources for social studies. The sixth grade uses Discovering World Geography and focuses on the physical and cultural aspects of countries and regions. Seventh grade learns about world religions and ancient history in Discovering Our World, A History of the World. Eighth graders continue their study of American history from the American Revolution to the present in Discovering Our Past - A History of the United States Early Years. We follow the state of Michigan's 2019 social studies standards for instruction.


6th Grade Social Studies Curriculum Map
7th Grade Social Studies Curriculum Map
8th Grade Social Studies Curriculum Map

Sixth through eighth grade have explicit grammar instruction with Loyola Press's Voyages. The program instructs on and reinforces all parts of speech for constant, consistent review. Students complete a formal narrative, opinion, informative, and persuasive piece, using research and all steps of the writing process with rubrics correlated to the Archdiocese of Detroit standards.

6th Grade Grammar and Writing Curriculum Map
7th Grade Grammar and Writing Curriculum Map
8th Grade Grammar and Writing Curriculum Map

In addition to various short stories, nonfiction units, and small-group book clubs, students complete the Notice and Note signposts for independent reading of books of their choice. As a whole-class novel, Sixth graders read The Westing Game and The Watsons Go to Birmingham. Seventh graders read the novels Warriors Don't Cry, The Outsiders, and The Giver, and the play A Christmas Carol. Eighth graders read the novels Animal Farm, Night, and To Kill a Mockingbird, and the plays The Diary of Anne Frank and Twelve Angry Men. Students also learn and apply Latin and Greek roots through Vocabulary from Classical Roots and the 30-15-10 List by Kelly Gallagher. We use IXL for supplementation, targeted practice, and adaptive practice.

6th Grade Literature Curriculum Map
7th Grade Literature Curriculum Map
8th Grade Literature Curriculum Map