Social Studies
In the seventh grade, DeSales Middle School students study U.S. History (Syllabus)  from colonization through revolution, the Constitution, westward expansion, the Civil War, and ending with Reconstruction.  World Geography (Syllabus) in the eighth grade centers on the Five Geographic Themes: location, place, human/environment interaction, movement and region.  The students produce a variety of projects using program technology such as Power Point and Publisher covering the Five Themes or various cultures of world countries. 

Religion
Students will engage in a survey of the basic principles of the Catholic faith.  Students will also gain a greater understanding of the foundations of Christianity and the structure of the Catholic Church. Most importantly, however, students will strive to strengthen their personal relationships with Jesus Christ through application of the course content.

Science
At Walla Walla Catholic Schools we believe in the following quote. "Science without God is like a bird without wings". Well...here at DeSales, we are going to soar! The study of creation is simply awe-inspiring. By studying matter and how intricate it is and the many patterns and principles that govern our physical world, we will come to better appreciate the wonders of Our Creator!

The Middle School Science Curriculum is driven by textbooks and enhanced with hands on experiments and activities in labs. Seventh Grade focuses on Life Science including many different topics -all related with living things. Eighth Grade Earth Science includes many different topics - all related with the earth and space. Each class takes several field trips throughout the year that pertain to the topics they are studying.

Mathematics
DeSales Middle School Mathematics deals with the enduring mathematical truths that transcend time, applied in fascinating new ways as contemporary culture advances.  This occurs in three primary ways.  The first is a final mastering of computational skills and geometrical relationships.  The second is the application of these skills to real world uses, such as proportions, percents, area and volumes.  The third is the development of abstract ideas and logical constructs which prepares our students for success in future studies.

All students will be well prepared for high school courses.  Some students will be ready to begin Algebra their 8th grade year which, would allow for them to take Calculus before leaving high school.  Other students will start Algebra their 9th grade year.  When a student takes these courses is not as important as the fact that they do take them.  All decisions are ultimately made by parents with the advice of the math department.

Language Arts
In seventh and eighth grade the students begin the Wordly Wise vocabulary program which not only works on word definition, but usage, synonyms, antonyms, etymology, and prefixes, roots, suffixes.  A variety of short stories and novels are examined using plot development, character analysis, theme and setting.  They continue using the Write Source series with the four step process of definition, recognition, function and creation.  Composition includes narration, description, comparison/contrast, and expository.  Students work through each composition with prewriting, drafting, revision, and proofreading.  Acquisition of the  aforementioned skills empower middle school students to experience success at the high school level and establish a firm foundation toward the goal of a DeSales High School Graduation.   

Novels read in Seventh grade/Syllabus

• Shane
• Where the Red Fern Grows
• Holes
• The Giver
• The Outsiders

Novels read in Eighth grade/Syllabus

• The Hobbit
• The Pearl
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• The Diary of Anne Frank
• The Book Thief

Junior High Physical Education
This course promotes the development of a physically educated person by learning a variety of healthy skills through activity.  The main objective of the course is for students to develop their skills through full effort and participation so they can find enjoyment in a healthy active lifestyle.  Many of the sports played in this class will be team based sports that focus on working together and seeing the benefits of sportsmanship in competitive style games.  Sports include:  Soccer, frisbee golf, ultimate frisbee,  flag football, basketball, pickleball, volleyball, badminton, floor hockey, team handBall, weight lifting, small sided team games, kickball and softball.