Grades 5-8
Specialist
Physical Education
Healthy in body, along with heart, mind and spirit, is essential to our holistic educational program.
PE classes focus on movement, teamwork and cooperation. An emphasis is placed on obtaining greater muscle strength, improving hand-eye coordination, developing endurance and positive teamwork. The basic skills involved in traditional sports are developed throughout fifth through eighth grades, with variations of familiar games introduced to practice dexterity and strategy. Students have an opportunity to try a variety of competitive sports during PE class before making the decision to join an after school athletic team.
World Languages
Students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of Spanish and Mandarin through theme based instruction, art, literature, history and geography.
Beginning in sixth grade, students may choose to continue in the study of Spanish or switch to Mandarin. Both language courses are designed to establish the skills and attitudes required to study a world language and culture. Students develop the ability to effectively use the target language in and out of the classroom.
Religion
Respect for religious diversity is a fundamental component of religious education at Episcopal Day.
In addition to attending chapel three days per week, middle school students meet weekly for religion classes taught by the school chaplain. The religious education program is grounded in Christian and Episcopal traditions, and centers on two important themes: academic studies and spiritual development.
The academic studies focus on the stories and lessons in the Bible, including both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, and the beliefs and practices of the world’s religions. During religion classes, students reflect on the moral teachings common to all religions and are encouraged to explore their personal beliefs and family traditions. Students are taught to respect the beliefs and traditions of other students. Seventh and eighth grade students go on retreat each year to nurture social and spiritual development.
Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew
The Episcopal Church of Saint Matthew
1 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94401
650-342-1481
650-342-1481
