Your child will receive a strong spiritual and academic
foundation in a place where they are known and loved.
In their middle years at the Rock Academy, our students deepen their knowledge in multiple academic areas while growing in their understanding of the Christian faith, as they begin to make it their own. They begin to develop a secure understanding of their strengths and passions, and gain a fervor to live out their calling and make significant changes in the world.
Creating a sense of belonging in a warm, inclusive community.
A hallmark feature of the Rock Academy experience is our close-knit community of parents, teachers, and coaches who work together to support our students to achieve great things. Our Middle School students learn that building strong relationships with God and with each other is the key to lifelong success, professionally and personally. Our uniquely diverse culture is one of inclusiveness — a place where students feel safe and loved, and capable of accomplishing new things.
Preparing students to excel in high school.
We ensure students leave Middle School ready for the next step in their academic career. Your child will be immersed in a complete curriculum intended to prepare them for high school. Our curriculum is designed to make our students curious about the world around them, and, therefore, interested in school. Interactive learning with real world applications is the norm. Each class will develop students to be deep thinkers, dynamic communicators, and “Do Something” Christians — the three distinctives of the Rock Academy experience.
Spring 2026
Interdisciplinary Project
Science With Purpose:
Exploring God’s World Through Innovation
Project Description
Students will explore scientific advancements in physics and chemistry throughout history — and how faith and worldview shape the way discoveries are made, understood, and used.
Project Description:
Students will work individually to research a major scientific advancement in physics or chemistry, explore its historical context, analyze its scientific impact, and connect it to biblical principles and ethical considerations.
The project will culminate in a tri-fold board presentation and a written essay.
Interdisciplinary Learning Goals:
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Helping students find their identity in Christ
Middle School is a critical time of individual, social, and spiritual development. Students are transitioning and going through the process of trying to figure out who they are and who they want to become. The Rock Academy disciples students to find their identity in Christ. Each child is special in God’s eyes, and He has a beautiful plan for their lives. We encourage our students to explore their gifts and talents to find out who God uniquely created them to be.
Curriculum
Bible
Middle School Bible: God’s Faithfulness
In Bible class, students will become more familiar with the Bible in its entirety, exploring the themes and central characters found in the Pentateuch, History Books, Poetry, Prophets, Gospels, and Epistles. They will be introduced to the continuity of Scripture and how the promises and plans of God have woven their way through Scripture and into their own lives. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between God and His people, seeing the same patterns, themes, promises, and plans that they find in Scripture in their lives as they grow in not just their understanding of, but their relationship with God as well.
English
Middle School Language Arts/Honors Language Arts
This course is focused on developing Godly readers, writers and thinkers who can communicate with honor and clarity. Students in this course will write daily, develop reading comprehension skills, speaking and listening skills. In this course, your child will read in whole-class settings, literature discussion circles and embark upon independent reading adventures. Throughout the year your child will be exposed to a variety of texts, thoughts and opinions that will hone their critical thinking and analysis skills. In addition, students will be writing an essay a month. Students will learn new skills about the writing and the revision process as they work in peer-editing workshops and receive instructor feedback. Students will become deep thinkers, dynamic communicators and do something Christians through middle school level reading, writing and speaking.
Math
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra prepares students for the study of Algebra. Topics covered include problem-solving, expressions, variables, algebraic properties, linear equations, inequalities, functions, ratios and proportions, percents, Cartesian coordinate system, factors and fractions, rational numbers, statistics and probability.
Algebra 1
Algebra 1 is a first-year course in Algebra that covers fundamental topics including the following: linear equations and inequalities, quadratic functions and their graphs, and linear systems of equations. The topic of word problems is also given extensive development to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. This course emphasizes on building a firm foundation for future math courses.
Geometry
Geometry is an introductory course that uses the properties of common geometric figures to build more abstract concepts of logic and reasoning. Deductive reasoning skills are developed by using theorems and definitions to develop formal proofs. The topics covered are basic plane geometry such as points, lines, and planes as well as three-dimensional geometry. Properties and relationships of parallel and perpendicular lines will be covered throughout the text to build a deeper understanding of the properties of triangles and other polygons and build an understanding of congruence, similarity and proportions. These topics will provide the basis of an exploration of the special properties of right triangles and basic trigonometry. An interactive classroom environment that involves student-led discussions and presentations foster a deeper understanding of subject matter and sharpen communication and collaboration skills. Outdoor explorations encourage students to connect the theoretical classroom work to the world around them to encourage deeper thinking about the topics in general and to contemplate the order and grandeur of the Lord’s Creation.
Science
Middle School Physical Science
Physical Science explores the wonders of God’s creation while gaining insight into the intricate design and order of the natural world. This course provides a fundamental understanding of chemistry and physics while aligning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students will engage in laboratory investigations and hands-on activities. In this course, an emphasis will be placed on integrating scientific practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas as outlined in the NGSS framework. Some topics that will be explored include matter and its interactions, motion and forces, energy, waves, and human application. Students will become aware of science and career opportunities.
Middle School Life Science
Life Science delves into the wonders of God’s creation while understanding the order and design of living things. This course provides a fundamental understanding of biology while aligning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students will engage in laboratory investigations and hands-on activities. In this course, an emphasis will be placed on integrating scientific practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas as outlined in the NGSS framework. Some topics that will be explored include molecules to organisms, structures and processes, ecosystems, heredity, and biological unity and diversity. Students will become aware of science and career opportunities.
History
Middle School Medieval and Early Modern Times
Students will examine the development of cultures from around the world! We will take a tour to study the social, cultural, and technological changes that occurred in Europe, Africa, Asia, The Americas and Oceania. Through a Christian world perspective, this course will show God’s hand in the history of the world, emphasizing the role of individuals in history and the role of Christianity at various points in time. Students will examine the growing economic interaction among civilizations as well as the exchange of ideas, beliefs, political perspectives, and commodities. Through texts, illustrations, maps, and photographs, students will explore the past and gain insight into the people behind the events of the past and the influence in the world today.
Middle School History of the United States
In United States History, students will examine the story of this country from its earliest beginnings to recent times. They will not only learn about the influential people, events, and foundations of what made this country what it is today, but will delve deep into God’s providence, to examine the continuity and change in which Christians helped to develop the American culture and nation. Students will look at the various cultures, religions, and economic systems. Students think critically, make deep connections, and pose defendables claims on the development of the U.S. Through collaboration and cooperative learning, students will explore different perspectives in which history is viewed. Through texts, illustrations, maps, video documentaries, and photographs, students will explore what is means to be an American and how this nation has grown.
Physical Education
PE builds upon gross-motor and locomotor patterns worked upon in Elementary PE. As this course aims to develop a foundation of physical fitness, students are exposed to a wide variety of age- and level-appropriate exercises for strength, cardio-respiratory endurance, and flexibility. Additionally, students are provided with opportunities for positive social interaction with others through competition and a variety of sports.
Electives
Art-7th Grade
Students learn the foundations of design by creating intentional, artful compositions. The curriculum focuses on drawing and painting while introducing key concepts like color theory and the principles of art. Students will experiment with various media to build a strong technical base for their own creative work.
“Things They Don’t Teach You in School”-7th Grade
Student-led teaching of the things they want to learn but aren’t typically taught in school. Examples: how to change a tire, credit cards, cooking, taxes, insurance, investing, and so on. Students will get to pick (with the teachers’ approval) a subject they want to teach the class.
Spanish-8th Grade
The MS Spanish course is an interactive introduction to foundational language skills through reading, writing, listening, and speaking, aiming for basic proficiency. The curriculum focuses on conversational skills, essential grammar (present/past tense, noun-verb agreement), and cultural exploration of Spanish-speaking countries, preparing students for high school language studies.
Truth, Lies and AI-8th Grade
This course challenges Middle School students to examine social media, websites, and other sources of information to determine what is true, what is not true, and how the use of Artificial Intelligence can make it difficult to discern truth from lies. This course also incorporates opportunities for students to grow in their personal identity and to know their true identity is found in Jesus Christ. Students will also grow in their understanding of the appropriate use of AI, the limitations of AI, and the misuses of technology.
Middle School Associated Student Body
There is not just one way to lead in the world. God has given each individual the ability to lead and that will look different from person to person. ASB stands for Associated Student Body and consists of a group of students that represent the entire student body of the Rock Academy Middle School. ASB is responsible for providing student activities and voicing concerns and ideas of Rock Academy Middle School students to teachers, administrators, parents, and community members. The main objective of ASB is to make students feel connected to school and each other through involvement in community-building activities and events. The MS ASB organizes various student activities such as fellowship events, rallies, sports tournaments, and the MS Spring dance. The goal is to unify the Middle School, grow community, and provide a fun break from academics! The MS ASB also has the responsibility of hosting the MS Student Snack Store. Through a student-run store, students can learn about important aspects of the business world, including: cost and profit, customer service, making change, ordering and receiving merchandise, accounting for sales receipts and expenses, sales tax, and advertising. The store is CASH ONLY and has choices of snacks or beverages.
FAQs
What is the Rock Academy’s student-teacher ratio?
Our student-teacher ratio is 14:1. Because of this, our teachers have the opportunity to truly know and understand each child, allowing them to build lasting relationships and help develop each child’s gifts and abilities fully.
What is the average class size?
The average class size at the academy is 17.
How rigorous are the academic standards at the Rock Academy?
The Rock Academy provides a challenging academic program which trains students to be deep thinkers, dynamic communicators, and do-something Christians. Our program is not rigorous for the sake of rigor, though. The students, faculty, and staff delight in the joy of learning! We hold high expectations of both our students and faculty, coupled with a community of grace and acceptance where students are known and loved for who they are.
Do you accept students with learning needs?
Yes. The Rock Academy Educational Support Program specializes in the creation of individualized academic support plans for students in grades K-12 who are challenged with mild learning difficulties. Students’ in the Program benefit from a personalized combination of classroom, small group, and one-on-one instruction. Students are taught through a multi-modality learning environment supplemented with strategies designed to meet their specific academic learning needs. Learn more.
How diverse is the student body?
- Ethnically Diverse: Our student population roughly matches that of San Diego.
- Social-Economically Diverse: Our tuition plans are tailored to each family’s budget, and roughly 1/3 of our families receive needs-based tuition assistance.
- Academically Diverse: We set the bar high! While rigorous and college preparatory, our program also offers individualized academic support plans for students who are challenged with mild to moderate learning difficulties.
What extracurricular opportunities are offered?
We believe that co-curricular enrichment is a necessary part of a well-rounded education. Elementary students have the opportunity to participate in school-wide drama productions, and grades 4-6 can play on one of our athletic teams that compete against other schools. In the middle school and high school, there are a plethora or artistic opportunities and athletic teams. 90% of or 7 -12 grade students participate in athletics, or in a visual/performing arts activity. Learn more on our Student Life page.
Is there a uniform policy?
Yes. Students at the Rock Academy wear a comfortable uniform that consists of shorts, pants, skirts, polo shirts and jackets. Uniforms reduce clothing-related peer pressure, creates uniformity between socioeconomic classes, and tend to cost less than traditional youth clothing.
