Middle School (5th - 8th)

A strong academic foundation prepares students for success in high school and beyond. Middle school students engage in core subjects including math, science, language arts, and social studies, while also exploring enrichments such as art, drama, technology, and creative writing. 

As students transition to a multi-teacher environment, they develop independence, organization, and critical thinking skills. Our faculty utilize engaging teaching methods and varied instructional approaches, all centered on helping students grow into confident, capable learners. 

Spiritual formation is at the heart of the middle school experience. Students participate in daily Bible classes, weekly chapel services, and small groups designed to foster authentic relationships and a deeper understanding of God's Word. 

Through intentional discipleship, students are encouraged to apply their faith in meaningful ways, shaping both their character and their daily lives. 

Middle School is a time to explore new interests, build friendships, and grow in confidence. Students are a part of a dynamic and supportive community where they are known, valued, and encouraged to step outside their comfort zones. 

From classroom collaboration to campus activities, students develop leadership skills, social awareness, and a sense of belonging that carry over into high school.

The NCS MS Athletic Program is intentionally divided into two distinct divisions to best serve the developmental needs of our student-athletes. The 5th and 6th Grade Developmental Division emphasizes participation, skill development, confidence, and a love of competition. The 7th and 8th Grade Competitive Division builds upon that foundation through tryouts, performance-based participation, and increased competitive expectations as students prepare for high school athletics. This structure provides every student with the opportunity to grow while offering an appropriate pathway for athletic development, leadership, and competitive excellence within a Christ-centered environment.

Middle School Team Sports

Baseball - Boys
Basketball - Boys, Girls
Cheerleading - Girls
Cross Country - Boys, Girls
Football - Boys
Golf - Boys, Girls
Soccer - Boys, Girls
Softball - Girls
Track - Boys, Girls
Volleyball - Girls
Wrestling - Boys, Girls

At NCS, our Visual and Performing Arts program encourages students to discover and develop the creative gifts God has given them. Through engaging art classes, students explore a variety of artistic techniques while building creativity, confidence, and self-expression. Our theater program provides opportunities for students to develop communication, collaboration, and leadership skills as they participate in productions that inspire and entertain. Students are challenged to pursue excellence while using their talents to glorify God and positively impact others. Whether creating in the art studio or performing on stage, students are encouraged to develop their skills in an environment that values creativity, character, and Christ-centered purpose.

Middle School Choir

MS Choir is open to any fifth through eighth-grade student with a desire to sing. This group sings a variety of musical styles and continually works to improve sight-reading and vocal technique. Teamwork is stressed as an important component of choral singing. Their performances include Praise and Thanksgiving, a Christmas Concert, a Spring Concert, and various other events.

5th-8th Grade Band and Strings 

Band and Strings classes are open to any 5th-8th grade students who play an instrument or want to learn. No prior experience is required. Instruments include violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, percussion, and more! Students will learn to read music, play an instrument of their choice, and perform in ensembles for concerts and school events such as Praise and Thanksgiving, the NCS Auction, and our winter and spring concerts. Students will learn how to play a variety of music styles.

Art

Art Appreciation is a nine-week course in which students learn the basics of drawing and painting, as well as color theory. With each project the students complete, they will learn about a famous artist as part of the art appreciation component. The overarching objective of this course is that students gain an understanding of God as the ultimate artist and that we are made in his image; therefore, we have a desire to create. They will be encouraged to think creatively in their sketchbook assignment at the beginning of each class.

Drama/Theater

The Theater program at Nashville Christian is a K-12 spectrum of classes and performance opportunities that help students discover their God-given talents. Middle school students can study the dramatic arts for 9 weeks, during which they are introduced to theater vocabulary and history. Improvisation and theater games provide active application of the curriculum. 

Middle School House System: The "Aerie"

An aerie is an eagle’s nest. It is also defined as a house or a fortress on a hill. At Nashville Christian School, The Aerie is a House System for the Middle School. This House System is designed to encourage middle school students to live out the school’s vision through games and other events that challenge them academically, athletically, spiritually, and socially. Each student is "drafted" into a House at the beginning of 5th grade; membership ends upon completion of 8th grade. The four middle school houses are Faith, Truth, Honor, and Service.

The Aerie engages all middle school students in a competitive environment in which their respective House earns points through various activities and individual merits of positive behavior. The House that accumulates the most overall points at the end of each year is awarded "The House Trophy." A "House Senate" will be formed to provide leadership opportunities for all middle school students. Every year, an election is held for each House to select a Senator, a Secretary, and a Treasurer; these elected leaders will serve as the middle school governing body. The Senate and each individual House will meet regularly with faculty advisors throughout the school year.

All Middle School students have access to school counseling through classroom lessons and individual support. Classroom counseling lessons focus on topics that are developmentally appropriate for students in fifth through eighth grade, including emotional well-being, character and identity, decision-making, conflict resolution, stress management, leadership, and more. Lessons are designed to equip students with practical skills while supporting their academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Individual check-ins and short-term counseling support are available as needed, providing students with a safe, confidential space to process challenges, develop healthy coping strategies, and receive encouragement. The school counseling program partners with families and faculty to help students navigate the unique opportunities and challenges of adolescence while fostering resilience, character, and Christ-centered values.