Middle School
We prepare students to shine as bold, conscientious, and global thinkers.
Our Middle School teachers embrace each child's individual talents and help them envision all they can achieve and change in the world. Teachers encourage a willingness to try new things and provide them ample opportunities to do so.
At San Domenico, students are challenged, celebrated, and nurtured every day in a variety of ways. It is exciting to see students develop leadership skills in Student Council, or to see our Eco-Club members learning and sharing ways we can all help care for our environment. Our core academic curriculum, along with our co-curricular activities, helps our students develop critical-thinking skills and expands their learning.
By eighth grade, our students have gained an exceptional academic foundation and a strong sense of self and purpose. We graduate confident, aware, and ethical young people. Through our creatively taught classes and teachers' guidance in helping students find their own voices and sharpen their critical thinking, we prepare them to engage with the world as genuine, bright, and articulate citizens.
Middle School News
![LS & MS celebrate Hispanic Heritage month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727984498/sandomenico/wzbfhqjbpdimmsjsv9yu/LS-MS-HispanicHeritage100324-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727984498/sandomenico/wzbfhqjbpdimmsjsv9yu/LS-MS-HispanicHeritage100324-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1727984498/sandomenico/wzbfhqjbpdimmsjsv9yu/LS-MS-HispanicHeritage100324-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727984498/sandomenico/wzbfhqjbpdimmsjsv9yu/LS-MS-HispanicHeritage100324-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Middle School hosts K-8 Hispanic heritage assembly full of song, dance, and poetry.
![Homecoming 2024]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727729589/sandomenico/g6ql3btnext3j9tnfn0v/Homecoming093024.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727729589/sandomenico/g6ql3btnext3j9tnfn0v/Homecoming093024.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1727729589/sandomenico/g6ql3btnext3j9tnfn0v/Homecoming093024.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727729589/sandomenico/g6ql3btnext3j9tnfn0v/Homecoming093024.jpg","width":810}])
SD school spirit was on full display as seven teams competed in five sports on campus.
![Middle School Hunter Gatherer Debate]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727364648/sandomenico/uoehqbdisjvvla4m3bdm/MSHunterGathererDebate092624-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727364648/sandomenico/uoehqbdisjvvla4m3bdm/MSHunterGathererDebate092624-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1727364648/sandomenico/uoehqbdisjvvla4m3bdm/MSHunterGathererDebate092624-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727364648/sandomenico/uoehqbdisjvvla4m3bdm/MSHunterGathererDebate092624-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Sixth graders study and debate the merits of ancient ways of life.
![Zakir Hussain and Sunny Yang playing]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726865942/sandomenico/ix8f2nyu3qy70f7ravnd/Hussain-Yang-Duet092024-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726865942/sandomenico/ix8f2nyu3qy70f7ravnd/Hussain-Yang-Duet092024-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726865942/sandomenico/ix8f2nyu3qy70f7ravnd/Hussain-Yang-Duet092024-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726865942/sandomenico/ix8f2nyu3qy70f7ravnd/Hussain-Yang-Duet092024-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Master tabla player Zakir Hussain performs with Virtuoso Program Music Director Sunny Yang at our annual Peace Pole ceremony.
![Celebrating Latin American Heritage Month in Dominican Hall]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726846897/sandomenico/k7vhjonhwn4qx6zwi8nh/LatinAmericanHeritage092024-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726846897/sandomenico/k7vhjonhwn4qx6zwi8nh/LatinAmericanHeritage092024-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726846897/sandomenico/k7vhjonhwn4qx6zwi8nh/LatinAmericanHeritage092024-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726846897/sandomenico/k7vhjonhwn4qx6zwi8nh/LatinAmericanHeritage092024-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, students are studying Latin American history, language, and culture.
![Covers of Books by Sonia Sotomayor]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726766175/sandomenico/f6cth49eykqnieybibqs/SoniaSotomayorBooks-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726766175/sandomenico/f6cth49eykqnieybibqs/SoniaSotomayorBooks-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726766175/sandomenico/f6cth49eykqnieybibqs/SoniaSotomayorBooks-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726766175/sandomenico/f6cth49eykqnieybibqs/SoniaSotomayorBooks-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Librarian Karlyn Strand offers context and reading recommendations in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
![Dancers at the Opening of School Community Reflection]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726265882/sandomenico/wy9rn9daz4tl3yddehfj/OpeningCommReflection091324-thmb2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726265882/sandomenico/wy9rn9daz4tl3yddehfj/OpeningCommReflection091324-thmb2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726265882/sandomenico/wy9rn9daz4tl3yddehfj/OpeningCommReflection091324-thmb2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726265882/sandomenico/wy9rn9daz4tl3yddehfj/OpeningCommReflection091324-thmb2.jpg","width":810}])
San Domenico students, staff, and guests gather for the annual Opening of School Community Reflection.
![The Web of Time and Space in the classroom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726256608/sandomenico/h9duwwesc3lhm7sdr2fm/MSHistoryMural091324-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726256608/sandomenico/h9duwwesc3lhm7sdr2fm/MSHistoryMural091324-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726256608/sandomenico/h9duwwesc3lhm7sdr2fm/MSHistoryMural091324-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726256608/sandomenico/h9duwwesc3lhm7sdr2fm/MSHistoryMural091324-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
An interactive teaching tool becomes a class favorite in Middle School History.
![Middle School math students at the whiteboards]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725569654/sandomenico/j3nmrqlp84boq3pfi9oe/MSThinkingClassroom090524-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725569654/sandomenico/j3nmrqlp84boq3pfi9oe/MSThinkingClassroom090524-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725569654/sandomenico/j3nmrqlp84boq3pfi9oe/MSThinkingClassroom090524-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725569654/sandomenico/j3nmrqlp84boq3pfi9oe/MSThinkingClassroom090524-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Middle and Upper School math classes adopt an innovative teaching and learning methodology to create optimal conditions for learner-centered, student-owned deep mathematical thinking.
![School Ties Summer 2023]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725397858/sandomenico/hfxr2pkzhu9gwcdg1yvz/SchoolTiesSummer2024-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725397858/sandomenico/hfxr2pkzhu9gwcdg1yvz/SchoolTiesSummer2024-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725397858/sandomenico/hfxr2pkzhu9gwcdg1yvz/SchoolTiesSummer2024-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725397858/sandomenico/hfxr2pkzhu9gwcdg1yvz/SchoolTiesSummer2024-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Enjoy the Summer 2024 Issue of School Ties: Study, Reflection, Community, Service
![11th Grade students on the ropes course]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725053521/sandomenico/mfjxeiwqzuimian8opai/FallOrientation-Retreats-083024-thmb3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725053521/sandomenico/mfjxeiwqzuimian8opai/FallOrientation-Retreats-083024-thmb3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725053521/sandomenico/mfjxeiwqzuimian8opai/FallOrientation-Retreats-083024-thmb3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725053521/sandomenico/mfjxeiwqzuimian8opai/FallOrientation-Retreats-083024-thmb3.jpg","width":810}])
Grades 6-12 kick off the new school year by heading outdoors for physical challenges, community building, and exploring nature.
![6th Graders at the start of school]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724432493/sandomenico/yxgsrazwi9gcrtxfpynl/6thFirstDays082324-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724432493/sandomenico/yxgsrazwi9gcrtxfpynl/6thFirstDays082324-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724432493/sandomenico/yxgsrazwi9gcrtxfpynl/6thFirstDays082324-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724432493/sandomenico/yxgsrazwi9gcrtxfpynl/6thFirstDays082324-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Sixth graders share their thoughts during the first week of school.
![Paul Gives Paws a High Five]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724271471/sandomenico/muwquzwao25528d49hk9/PaulPawsHighFive082124-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724271471/sandomenico/muwquzwao25528d49hk9/PaulPawsHighFive082124-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724271471/sandomenico/muwquzwao25528d49hk9/PaulPawsHighFive082124-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724271471/sandomenico/muwquzwao25528d49hk9/PaulPawsHighFive082124-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
The first day of school is underway! While this morning’s household routine may have felt like an abrupt end to summer, today is the culmination of many weeks of planning and preparation on campus...
![Dancers on stage during Middle School Arts in Action]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717541720/sandomenico/gxr2xjmm3w7mczdulfbf/MSArtsInAction060424-thmb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717541720/sandomenico/gxr2xjmm3w7mczdulfbf/MSArtsInAction060424-thmb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717541720/sandomenico/gxr2xjmm3w7mczdulfbf/MSArtsInAction060424-thmb.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717541720/sandomenico/gxr2xjmm3w7mczdulfbf/MSArtsInAction060424-thmb.jpg","width":810}])
Students rocked the house at the Middle School Arts in Action annual celebration of all things performing arts.
![Summer Reading graphic]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717019233/sandomenico/fbeyyxf1apelqyzsf9ng/SummerReading053124.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717019233/sandomenico/fbeyyxf1apelqyzsf9ng/SummerReading053124.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717019233/sandomenico/fbeyyxf1apelqyzsf9ng/SummerReading053124.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717019233/sandomenico/fbeyyxf1apelqyzsf9ng/SummerReading053124.jpg","width":810}])
SD Librarian Karlyn Strand offers tips on finding that perfect summertime page turner.
Curriculum Overview
Students are supported in building positive, meaningful relationships with peers and faculty.
San Domenico is proud to have one of the most extensive Digital Arts programs in the Bay Area.
Students learn to decipher text with a greater awareness of the author’s purpose and strategy.
Students build abstract thinking skills in algebra. We also offer Geometry in Eighth Grade.
Opportunities abound, from introductory classes to private lessons and advanced ensembles.
Through inquiry and discussion, students explore and develop their own beliefs, values, and purpose.
PE includes soccer, basketball, tennis, water polo and swim, flag football, badminton, and more.
Our instructional model integrates inquiry within the framework of personal and societal issues.
We teach critical thinking to help students understand the role of history in the human experience.
Students learn how to understand grading, utilize teacher feedback, navigate Canvas, and more.
We teach students about natural systems from a social, spiritual, cultural, and health perspective.
We study mediums and techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and design.
Students are exposed to Mandarin and Spanish in sixth grade, before choosing one on which to focus.
