Middle School | Grades 5-8
Middle school is a season of big questions, growing independence, and exciting discovery. Rooted in CHA’s mission to glorify God and assist families through Christ-centered education, our middle school program inspires students to pursue spiritual maturity and academic excellence.
Christ-Centered | Academically Strong | Community Focused
Katelyn Freitas
Director of Middle School Teaching & Learning
As Director of Middle School Teaching & Learning, Katelyn Freitas enjoys partnering with students, families, and faculty to cultivate academic excellence, spiritual growth, and Christ-centered leadership. Her passion is creating a positive school culture where students are encouraged to follow Christ faithfully, think critically, and discover the unique purpose God has for their lives.
“Middle school is a unique season of growth. Our desire is for every student to be known, challenged, and encouraged as they deepen their faith and prepare for what God has for them in the future.”
– Katelyn Freitas
A Middle School Experience with Purpose
CHA middle school students are equipped to become:
- Growing Believers
- Skillful Learners
- Respectful Peers
- Responsible Individuals
These Four Cornerstones of Christian Education shape classroom learning, chapel experiences, leadership opportunities, service projects, and student life. From Welcome Week to 8th grade graduation, students are encouraged to build unity in Christ, strengthen relationships, develop personal responsibility, and discover their God-given purpose.
CHA Cornerstone Pledge
With the Lord’s help, today I commit to be a growing believer, skillful learner, respectful peer, and responsible individual, all for the glory of God.
A Biblical Worldview Leads to Faith Formation
A biblical worldview is woven throughout every aspect of the middle school experience. Through Bible classes, Christ-centered academics, weekly chapel, mentoring relationships, and small-group discussions, students learn how God’s Truth applies to everyday life.
Students participate in weekly Wednesday chapels and discipleship groups, as well as special Boot Camp days that explore apologetics, Scripture, culture, leadership, and Christian living. These immersive experiences challenge students to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and confidently live out their faith.
CHA’s Pack Program: Community, Character & School Spirit
CHA’s middle school Pack Program creates a unique experience built around belonging, mentorship, leadership, and team building. Students in grades 5–8 are placed into a Pack made of up two smaller Dens that intentionally connect students across grade levels. Through shared experiences, discipleship opportunities, and friendly competition, students develop meaningful relationships that strengthen their middle school community.
Meet the Packs
Pack Highlights
- Cross-grade friendships and mentoring
- 8th grade leaders with two staff mentors
- Weekly Pack and Den gatherings and activities
- Spirit Week competitions
- Winter Olympics
- Games and team challenges
- Elementary buddy activities
- Leadership and service opportunities
- Pack character and development recognition
Students earn Pack Points by living out CHA’s Four Cornerstones and demonstrating Christlike character, responsibility, leadership, and encouragement. The result is a vibrant community where students learn be part of a team and support one another while growing in their walk with Christ.
Academic Excellence with Purpose
Chapel Hill Academy provides a strong, Christ-centered academic program designed to prepare students for high school and beyond.
Students develop strong foundations in:
- Biblical Worldview & Bible Study
- English, Writing & Literature
- Mathematics
- Science (STEM)
- History & Social Studies
- Technology*
- Fine Arts
- Health & Physical Education
As students mature, they begin exploring electives and academic pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and future goals. Advanced math opportunities allow students to progress according to readiness and achievement while maintaining a high standard of academic excellence.
Middle School Curriculum Matrix and Math Sequence Chart
*Chapel Hill Academy is committed to following research related to technology and the impact it has on developing brains. Students are limited in the use of EdTech yet provided specific training according CHA’s SET Plan (Sequenced Educational Technology).
Service & Missions
At CHA, students are encouraged to put their faith into action.
Through local service opportunities, Missions Month, chapel speakers, and outreach projects, students learn what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ. They develop compassion for others, gain a deeper understanding of global missions, and embrace the Great Commission in meaningful ways.
Missions Month provides special opportunities for students to learn about mission work around the world through guest speakers, grade-level projects, and schoolwide outreach initiatives.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Some of the most memorable middle school experiences happen outside the classroom.
Students participate in field trips, team-building experiences, retreats, service projects, and educational travel opportunities that strengthen friendships and bring learning to life.
7th Grade Spring Retreat
Seventh graders spend several days at a Christian camp where they participate in worship, devotions, team-building activities, recreational experiences, and spiritual growth opportunities alongside classmates and teachers. This experience takes place in May of each year as they begin to look ahead to 8th grade, their final year at CHA.
8th Grade East Coast Capstone
As a culminating middle school experience, eighth-grade students travel to Washington, D.C. to explore the Christian foundations of America’s history while building lifelong memories with classmates before their 8th grade graduation, the culmination of their years at CHA.
Enrichment, Athletics & Student Leadership
Middle school students have countless opportunities to discover, develop, and use their God-given gifts both inside and outside the classroom.
Athletics
Students build teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and healthy habits through competitive and recreational athletic opportunities.
Opportunities Include:
- Cross Country
- Volleyball
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Nordic Skiing
- Track & Field
Eighth grade students may also have opportunities to participate in select Southwest Christian High School athletic programs according to partnership guidelines.
Fine Arts
Students are encouraged to cultivate creativity, confidence, and excellence through a variety of artistic experiences.
Opportunities Include:
- Choir & Music Studies
- Junior Band
- Concert Band
- Visual Arts
- Drama
- Musical Productions
From concerts and showcases to dramatic performances, students are given opportunities throughout the year to develop their talents and glorify God through the arts.
Leadership
At CHA, leadership begins with serving others. Students are encouraged to influence their school community through discipleship, servant leadership, mentorship, and school involvement.
Opportunities Include:
- Worship & Tech Team
- Student Advisory Committee
- Pack Program Leadership
- Monday Morning News Broadcast
- Service Days
- Missions Month Projects
- Elementary Buddy Programs
- Chapel Leadership Opportunities
- Bible Studies
Whether producing the weekly Monday News Broadcast, planning events, leading worship, serving younger students, participating in mission-focused initiatives, or encouraging peers through the Pack Program, students learn to lead with humility, confidence, effective communication skills, and Christlike character.
