Middle School

WSCA's Christian Middle School Program

At West Shore Christian Academy, we create a learning environment where middle school students are equipped to realize their identity in Christ and discover their God-given purpose. Our Christian middle school provides a rigorous academic program, co-curricular experiences, and leadership opportunities.

Through our intentional 5th–8th middle school model, students experience strong academic preparation, meaningful discipleship, and opportunities to grow as leaders while developing the skills and character needed for high school and beyond.

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A Day in the Life of a Middle School Student

Middle school at WSCA combines academic excellence with Christ-centered discipleship in a supportive environment where teachers know students personally, encourage spiritual growth, and challenge them to pursue excellence for the glory of God.

HOMEROOM

Each day begins with homeroom, where students participate in a brief devotional, prayer, and school announcements. Students also benefit from advisory and Flex Time opportunities that provide academic support, enrichment, and relationship-building experiences.

Core Classes

Middle school students engage in a challenging curriculum that includes reading, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and History.

Courses are designed to develop critical thinking, communication skills, and a biblical worldview while preparing students for future academic success.

specials

Middle school students participate in a variety of specials that enrich their educational experience and encourage creativity, wellness, and personal growth. Specials may include art, physical education, music, and STEM Innovation Lab experiences.

electives

Students also have opportunities to explore their interests and develop their God-given gifts through elective offerings. Electives may include Foundations of Worship (Grades 6–8), Jazz Band (Grades 6–8), Yearbook (Grades 7–8), Band, Orchestra, and Choir.

A Purposeful Middle School Experience

Our middle school is intentionally structured to meet students where they are developmentally while preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of high school.

Cohort Model

Students learn within two middle school cohorts: Grades 5–6 (Early Middle School) and Grades 7–8 (Middle School).

This model allows students to build meaningful relationships, receive age-appropriate support, and grow in independence as they mature.

Leadership Opportunities

Middle school students are encouraged to grow as servant leaders through opportunities such as Bible Buddies with younger students, service projects, peer mentoring, and leadership roles in chapel, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

STEM Innovation Lab

Middle school students benefit from access to our STEM Innovation Lab, a hands-on learning environment where students explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

Students engage in engineering challenges, robotics and coding experiences, collaborative problem-solving, project-based learning, and applied STEM exploration.

The STEM Innovation Lab helps students become creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators while strengthening their academic learning through hands-on application.

Special Experiences

Weekly Chapel

Athletics

Middle school athletics provide students with opportunities to grow in teamwork, discipline, and Christ-centered character while competing at a high level within the CCAC, District III, and PIAA frameworks.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, 5th-grade students will be considered part of the middle school athletic program for participation and tryouts, with the exception of baseball. Students in 5th grade may also continue to participate in elementary intramural sports.

WSCA offers a wide range of interscholastic sports across fall, winter, and spring seasons. For a full list of middle school sports, visit our athletics page.

Junior Musical

WSCA’s Junior Musical Production is part of the WSCA Performers program. This fall experience provides students in Grades 5–8 the opportunity to participate in a Christ-centered theatrical production, growing in confidence, creativity, and collaboration through acting, singing, and stage performance.

Rehearsals take place after school in the fall, with performances in November. Students in Grades 7–8 may also have opportunities for backstage crew involvement.

Service Opportunities

Middle and high school students participate in a Day of Service each spring, where they serve alongside classmates at local organizations and churches throughout the greater Harrisburg area. This experience gives students the opportunity to live out their faith in practical ways while learning the value of teamwork, humility, and service to others.

Additional service opportunities are also woven into the school year, including experiences during J-Term each January.

J-Term

J-Term is a dedicated time for middle school students to engage in immersive, hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom. Students participate in project-based learning, collaborative challenges, and experiential activities designed to deepen understanding and strengthen problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills.

J-Term gives students opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful ways while exploring new interests and growing as independent learners.

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Spiritual Emphasis Retreats

The 5th-8th grade Spiritual Emphasis program focuses on our CSAGH Profile of a Graduate. The week-long Spiritual Emphasis program promises to be a significant time for our students as they explore the following key topics:

- Living for Christ
- Serving with Humility
- Leading Boldly
- Confidence in Skills, Strengths, and Experience

One class period will be devoted to this program each day of the week. Students will attend regular classes during the other periods of the day. For the first three days, students will listen to speakers who will focus on the first three Portrait of a Graduate traits. The talks will end with an opportunity for small-group discussion with their homerooms. On Thursday, students will think through their skills, strengths, and experiences, specifically in the context of a spiritual gift inventory and reflection with their homerooms. We culminate the week with a Team Building Activity to bring together all we have learned practically and collaboratively.

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Preparing Students to Impact the World for Christ

The middle school years are a critical time of growth and discovery. At WSCA, students are challenged academically, nurtured spiritually, and equipped to become leaders who impact the world for Christ.

Are you ready for your child to thrive both spiritually and academically at West Shore Christian Academy? We would love to hear from you!

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