Middle School

As the parent of a rising middle schooler, you are well aware that your child is approaching a time of transition — academically as high school approaches; socially as navigating relationships becomes more complex; and emotionally as decision-making becomes more impactful and responsibilities increase. 

Middle school is a big deal, and you want to be sure your son or daughter is being challenged and influenced in the right ways by the right people who have his or her best interests at heart. 

At Monte Vista Christian School, our middle school program is designed to help students discover new interests and passions while also learning to think critically and be more self-sufficient in all aspects of their lives. Below, you’ll find a brief overview of what we offer, including school culture, academic offerings, High School prep, and campus safety. 

To get the best feel for our middle school program and all we have to offer, we encourage you to schedule a visit with admissions. 

Upstanders, Not Bystanders 

Middle school is a critical time for introducing students to how best to resolve conflict, ask hard questions thoughtfully, and treat others with empathy and respect. We guide our students through this process by teaching them to: 
 
  • Honor themselves and each other. As a Christ-centered community, our students are recognized when they exemplify Christian character. Team-building activities and community check-ins ensure students are actively practicing the principles of respectfulness and kindness.
  • Form authentic relationships. At MVC, we are very intentional about individualized instruction and relationship-building. We keep our classes small so that teachers can really get to know their students, and we’ve built time into the class schedule to ensure students are able to receive personalized support on a regular basis.
  • Spiritual and character development. Weekly chapel and small-group meetings are times for spiritual growth and guidance. Student leadership and community service instill the importance of service above self.
  • Make wise choices. Middle school students receive care before consequences as we see any missteps as opportunities for growth and character development.

“My son attended MVC Middle School from 2018-2021 through the pandemic.  The school administration and staff provided an exemplary educational experience for my boy throughout these challenging years.He grew immensely both academically and emotionally in the warm and supportive environment uniquely provided by MVC.  I have no doubt that my boy acquired the most outstanding preparation possible at MVC Middle School for his future education.” - Alexa, MVC parent

Distinctives 

An International Baccalaureate Education   

Our college-preparatory IB program is an opportunity for exploration, discovery, and inquiry. Lots of hands-on, project-based learning takes place in our classrooms, labs, and creative spaces as students explore the core subject areas of math, individuals & societies, Bible, language acquisition (foreign language), language & literature, physical education, and science.   
 

Fostering Critical Thinking 

Students learn best by asking, answering, and exploring thought-provoking questions. This inquiry-based approach helps teach how to apply their thinking to relevant and diverse situations. The result? Exceptional communicators, idea-generators, and problem solvers who don’t shy away from challenges or obstacles. 


Leadership Opportunities  

Middle school students participate in California Junior Scholarship Federation (CJSF), take on responsibilities through Student Leadership positions, and student-athletes lead on and off the field or court.


Electives, Extracurriculars, and Fine Arts  

MVC middle schoolers discover new talents, passions, and possible career paths as they choose electives that interest them — art, ceramics, chorale, Makerspace, Mustang Band, photography, power skills, theatre, voice, and yearbook. Performers and musicians can perfect their craft through fine arts classes, including instrumental, visual, and vocal arts. 
 

Competitive Athletics  

Middle school student-athletes work on skill development, sportsmanship, and teamwork playing basketball, cross-country, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, track, and volleyball. Our Mustangs enjoy state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including an equestrian center, six USTA regulation tennis courts, multiple baseball and softball fields, two gymnasiums, practice fields, and one of the best artificial turf and track facilities in California.
 

An Individualized Approach to High School Prep 

MVC’s middle school program is designed to ensure students move on to high school confident, capable, and prepared. We’re very intentional about how we instill values, determination, and character in our students — we make it personal. 
 

Teaching Accountability

Guidance counselors work on goal-setting one-on-one with students throughout the year. Self-advocacy and self-management are explicitly taught through ACCT periods  — a time dedicated to students advocating for their learning needs by seeing their teachers for extra help as well as  a time for chapel, clubs, and tutorials. 

Increasing Autonomy 

Middle school students are given more and more choice over their electives and extracurriculars as they begin dabbling in what most interests them. Sixth grade students can take a more advanced math class and choose between vocal or instrumental art. Seventh and eighth grade students can also take advanced math classes and choose their elective courses each semester. 
 

Mentorship through Fellowship

Daily interactions across campus provide opportunities for relationship-building. Guidance counselors provide one-on-one counseling and meetings. Coaches mentor student-athletes while small group sessions during chapel provide direction. Teachers lead inside and outside the classroom through clubs, service projects, and student organizations. MVC high school students mentor middle school students through tutoring and campus activities.

“The impact Monte Vista Middle School has had on my life has been huge, as I learned important 21st century skills that any successful learner would need. This includes strong presentation skills, organizational skills, a mastery of technology and self-management skills. Not only were my years in Monte Vista Middle School fun, but they were also challenging. That challenge was channeled into growth. This was because of the environment on Monte Vista’s beautiful campus and the truly family-type community and care. Everyone on this campus truly cares about and for you. I grew to be a stronger student and learner.” - Hunter, MVC student

A Safe Environment for Learning and Growing 

Nestled on 105 acres in the Monterey Bay area, we take our students’ safety — physical and emotional — very seriously. Our gated campus has trained security personnel on duty whenever school is in session. Bullying is never tolerated here, whether in person or online. We have a Care Team, which includes a full-time licensed mental health therapist, dedicated to the needs of our students. 

Schedule a Tour and Experience the MVC Difference

There’s no better way to decide if we’re the right fit for your middle schooler than to come visit! Schedule an in-person tour and see firsthand why so many families in Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and southern Santa Clara counties  choose Monte Vista Christian for their kids.