Middle School Academics

At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, our mission is to develop capable, Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, we are committed to partnering with parents and the church to raise lifelong learners who use their gifts and the fruits of the Spirit, in faith, to touch a troubled world with God’s grace.

Academics

Within the classroom, our students experience a rich and challenging liberal arts program that contains the full offering of core curricula, including math, science, english/language arts, history and geography, and religion. Our middle school is departmentalized, meaning that students move about the building during the day to receive instruction from different teachers, all of whom hold specialized degrees within their specific subject area.

As 8th graders, our students have the option to take Spanish I, algebra I, and geometry courses for high school credit. Doing so allows them to take more advanced coursework and college classes during their high school years.

Complementary Classes

In addition to core subjects, we incorporate art, music, physical education, financial literacy, and Spanish into our curriculum. Our distinctive music program includes classroom music, band, choir, orchestra, tone chimes, and guitar ensemble at the middle school level. Private music lessons are also available during the school day as a convenience for families who wish to enjoy uninterrupted family time in the evening. Lessons are available for piano, voice, strings, and band instruments (additional fees apply).

Technology

Technology is incorporated into instruction on a daily basis through the use of smartboards and mobile devices. Our middle school uses 1:1 Chromebook technology within the classroom.

Recess, Brain Boosts, & Learn-Move-Grow

Research shows that physical activity has a positive effect on physical and mental health as well as academic performance. That’s why our middle school students participate in zoned recess activities every day. The program provides a physically and emotionally safe “zoned” activity space that promotes improved student health, behavior, and academics. Activities are determined by our Active Recess Committee and rotate through zones on a weekly basis. In 2017, our program was identified by the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation Commission as a “research-based, powerful, and replicable” best practice.

An extension of our zoned recess program, classroom teachers incorporate “brain boosts” into the school day every 20 minutes. The boosts are designed to increase brain activity and help students get 30-60 minutes of daily physical activity, which helps improve academic performance and overall wellbeing.

In 2017, we launched Learn-Move-Grow, an exciting new program designed to keep kids learning, moving, and growing. The program is all about promoting healthy brains, because we know that nutrition and movement directly affect a child’s learning, concentration, sleep, behavior, and overall health.

Extracurriculars

Beginning in 6th grade, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of athletics. We compete both locally and regionally in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. At the high school level, we currently complete as a class B school.

Other extracurricular opportunities that become available in middle school include a variety of music, theatre, math and STEM-based activities. A variety of camps are also available during the summer months.

By tapping into the personal interests of our faculty and staff, we also host a variety of middle school clubs during study hall time. The clubs are led by a variety of school personnel and change periodically based on both student interests and staff expertise. Examples of clubs we’ve hosted include photography, yearbook, knitting and needlepoint, strength training, and boardgames.  

8th Grade Leadership and Earth Science Camp

Each fall, our 8th graders spend four days at a Leadership and Earth Science Camp in the Black Hills. During the trip, students help set up camp and prepare meals, engage in small group devotions, and participate in new activities that may lie outside of their comfort zone while visiting sites like Badlands National Park, Wind Cave, Sylvan Lake, Evans Plunge, Mount Rushmore, the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, and more. Each activity is designed to help students develop soft skills—those personal attributes that enable individuals to interact effectively and harmoniously with one another, learn what it means to be a servant leader, and establish a sense of community that sets the tone for their school year in a very natural way.

Community & Leadership Opportunities

Community and leadership opportunities are important components of a healthy and vibrant middle school. At the beginning of the school year, kindergartners are welcomed into family groups comprised of students in grades K-8. Middle school students serve as family leaders as students work together throughout the year to complete a variety of service projects and activities. Middle school students also participate in numerous other multi-grade activities throughout the year, including music programs, chapel services, science fair, and field day.

Conflict-Resolution & RECONCILIATION

At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, we use resources from PeaceWiseYouth to teach our students Christ-centered conflict resolution and reconciliation skills. By employing the skills taught through PeaceWise, our students learn problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout the course of their lives as friends, employees, spouses, parents, and community members.

SCHEDULE YOUR CAMPUS VISIT

Setting foot on campus plays an important role in helping us understand your family’s needs and giving you a true understanding of what it means to receive a Sioux Falls Lutheran School education. As a result, the first step in our admissions process is to schedule a campus visit. Please contact our admissions team at 605-335-1923 to book your visit. We look forward to meeting you!

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Sioux Falls Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational or admission policies, athletics, and other school administered or sponsored programs.

SCHEDULE YOUR
VISIT TODAY

Call 605-335-1923

What families are saying:

“As our kids have entered the middle and high school years, we’ve realized that the other Christian voices in their lives are getting more and more important. So just understanding all the great Christian people around here—the Christian role models and influencers—that would not just be allowed to speak into their lives, but encouraged each and every day to talk to them about their relationship with Jesus was too much for us to pass up.”
–Dave, SFLS Parent

“There are many reasons why I love going to Sioux Falls Lutheran. I would say the main point would be because we get a Christian education. It's great because it sets a good foundation for your morals and ethics, and when you go out into the world people are going to see that and that's going to define your character… I feel very confident with the teachers I have. They are leading us down a great path, and I can't wait to see where that takes me.”
–Emma, SFLS Class of 2023

“I trust that our kids are safe and cared for at SFLS. I know they are learning at a rapid rate in each school subject, and most importantly–they are learning about how to be a Christian.” 
–Brian, SFLS Parent

“The faith and values that were instilled by the community at SFLS have helped form a solid foundation that has guided me through life so far. They have also prepared me to pass those same values and faith on to my future students.”
–Ryan, SFLS Class of 2006

“Sioux Falls Lutheran School set me up with a great education that carried over into high school and will soon serve me well in college. SFLS is the reason why I have the passion for music I do right now. But more importantly, it has a great, welcoming, Christ-centered atmosphere, which is why SFLS will always be such a family to me.” 
–Kadie, SFLS Class of 2013

School Blog: