The Villa Madonna Math Department has seen incredible success in recent years, exceeding the average private school test scores both locally and nationally. Stress is placed on higher-order thinking and reasoning skills in the older grades. We offer Enrichment, and Support Programs in order to encourage every level of learner. Algebra and Traditional Math classes are offered to 8th Grade students, in order to prepare students for high school.
Our Middle School English and Literature curriculum develops strong, confident readers and writers through meaningful engagement with literature and a variety of informational texts. Students build essential skills in reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, research, and critical thinking while learning to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.
Each week, students explore new concepts and texts through a combination of direct instruction, discussion, close reading, multimedia resources, and collaborative activities. Lessons focus on comprehension strategies, literary genres, vocabulary development, and the traits of effective writing. Students learn to analyze texts closely, identify important ideas and themes, make connections, and support their thinking with evidence.
Students read a range of complex and engaging texts and apply the skills they learn across different genres and subject areas. Digital and print resources—including interactive texts, audio materials, and supplemental resources in English and Spanish—provide additional opportunities for students to access and engage with the curriculum.
Writing instruction is integrated throughout the program. Students participate in both shorter assignments and extended projects that emphasize organization, development, evidence, revision, and clear expression. They also engage in research, read across multiple texts, and develop analytical writing skills as they learn to formulate and support their own ideas.
Technology is used purposefully to enhance learning rather than replace it. Students use digital research tools, writing platforms, and collaborative projects to practice skills they will need in high school, college, careers, and beyond.
Student progress is monitored through ongoing classroom work, writing assignments, quizzes, unit assessments, and benchmark assessments. These assessments provide teachers with meaningful information about student growth and help guide instruction throughout the year.
Villa Madonna has a STEM LAB on campus. Students have daily science class and enjoy many hands-on experiments and projects dealing with Earth Science, Biology, Anatomy and many more! Students' test scores in Science are above average both nationally and locally.
Students at Villa Madonna gain a full and rich understanding of history, including American History, Civics, and World History. Students gain an understanding of our local government with a trip to the courthouse in nearby Downtown Tampa. Students participate in mock trials and learn the workings of the justice system.
Villa Madonna is blessed to have a strong religious spirit. The presence of Salesian Sisters, and their involvement in daily student life is priceless. Students in the middle school become an example to our younger students and receive a deep, thorough Catholic education based on the teaching of Saint Don Bosco.
Students in grades 5-8 receive instruction in Spanish. Our talented Spanish teacher makes learning Spanish fun through cooking, singing, acting, and even learning to pray in Spanish!
Our Spanish textbook is interactive through the use of I-pads; students can actually hear the text and the correct pronunciation of phrases - wherever they go!