top of page

06-08

Middle School

Image by Ben Mullins

Overview

RMCA's Middle School serves grades 6-8, providing students with a glimpse of the high school experience while maintaining a supportive, smaller school environment. The curriculum expands to include more course offerings, electives, and a wider range of extracurricular activities and events.


Middle School Student Clubs                                          

S2S (Student to Student), Student Council,                       

NJHS (National Junior Honor Society),                           

Chess Club, Art Club, Drama Club,                                     

SWAT Club (Students Working Against Tobacco).              


Middle School Field Trips

International Towne (6th Grade)

International Towne (6th Grade)

Walk DC Trip (8th Grade)

Skate City (Quarterly Order Winners)


6TH GRADE

  • English: Comprehension & Response, Writing to Audience, Writing to Analyze, Narrative Writing, Informative/Explanatory Writing, Persuasive Writing

  • World History and Geography: World Geography, Lasting Ideas from Ancient Civilizations, The Enlightenment, The French Revolution, Romanticism, Industrialism, Capitalism, and Socialism, Latin American Independence Movements

  • American History: Immigration, Industrialization, and Urbanization, Reform

  • Mathematics: Ratios and Proportional Relationships, The Number System, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, Statistics and Probability

  • Science: Light and Matter, Thermal Energy, Weather, Climate and Water Cycling, Plate Tectonics, Natural Hazards, Cells and Systems


7TH GRADE

  • English: Comprehension & Response, Writing to Audience, Writing to Analyze, Narrative Writing, Informative/Explanatory Writing, Persuasive Writing, Fiction, Non Fiction & Drama, Poetry, Foreign Phrases commonly used in English

  • History and Geography: Early Americans and First Europeans, European Exploration and Colonization of the Americas, The Revolutionary War, Creating a Constitution, The New Republic, Westward Expansion, The Civil War, Immigration, Industrialization, and Urbanization, Social Movements, World War 1, The Twenties and Great Depression, World War II, Postwar America

  • Mathematics: Ratios and Proportional Relationships, The Number System, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, Statistics and Probability

  • Science: Chemical Reactions and Matter, Chemical Reactions and Energy, Metabolic Reactions, Matter Cycling and Photosynthesis


8TH GRADE

  • English: Comprehension & Response, Writing to Audience, Writing to Analyze, Narrative Writing, Informative/Explanatory Writing, Persuasive Writing, Fiction, Non Fiction & Drama, Poetry, Foreign Phrases commonly used in English

  • History and Geography: Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and Kush, The Israelites, The Ancient Greeks and Greek Civilization, Ancient India, Early China, Rome, Islamic Civilizations, Maya, Inca and Aztec Civilizations, Imperial China, Renaissance and Reformation, Exploration, Trade, and Settlement, Europe and Russia in the Middle Ages, West African Kingdoms, World War II and the Postwar World, East and South East Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Latin America

  • Mathematics: The Number System, Expressions and Equations, Functions, Geometry, Statistics and Probability

  • Science: Contact Forces, Sound Waves, Forces at a Distance, Earth in Space, Genetics, Natural Selection And Common Ancestry

The Core Knowledge Sequence is a detailed outline of specific content and skills to be taught in language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, and the fine arts. As the core of a school’s curriculum, it is intended to provide a coherent, content specific foundation of learning, while allowing flexibility to meet local needs.

Teachers

Hilary Calvert

English/Literature Teacher, Middle School Team Lead
I’ve been at RMCA since 2016 and taught 5th grade for seven years before moving up to teach middle school English in 2023. Prior to working at RMCA I worked as a 3rd grade para in District 20 and spent a year running a before and after school program for District 49. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English and education from the University of Northern Colorado in 2011. I completed my master’s degree in Library Science in 2015 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. This fall, I’m hoping to begin another master’s degree in educational leadership at Western Governors University. I spend a lot of time hanging out with my family. I am the oldest of 5 kids. Two of my siblings are married and I have three sweet nephews and one niece (on the way). Even though I grew up in Colorado Springs, I was born in Wisconsin. My family and I are HUGE Green Bay Packer fans. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, reading, taking care of my many houseplants, yoga, and doing arts and craft projects. My favorite subjects are grammar, literature, and history.

Olivia Dixon

History, 6th - 7th
Hello! My name is Mrs. Dixon, and I’m excited to continue teaching history this year at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy. Some of you may remember me as Ms. Kruse—I recently got married, and I’m now thrilled to start this new chapter as Mrs. Dixon! I love teaching history because it’s full of real people, meaningful events, and stories that help us better understand how we got to where we are today. In our classroom, we’ll explore the past through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, writing, and creative projects that bring history to life. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog, Piper, who we love to spoil every chance we get. I also enjoy reading, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends. I can’t wait for us to dive into the past together—because history isn’t just something we learn, it’s something we experience! Get ready for a fun and fascinating journey through time!

Haylee Downs

History, 7th - 8th
Hello! I’m Mrs. Downs, and I’m excited to be your history teacher this year! This is my sixth year in education and my third year at RMCA. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Middle School Social Studies emphasis from BYU–Idaho in 2017. I’ve taught middle school social studies, 3rd grade, 5th grade, and K–6 STEAM. My husband, Steve, and I have been married for 10 years. We moved to Colorado six years ago and love calling it home. Our three children attend RMCA as elementary students, and we feel blessed to be part of this school community. I believe students thrive when teachers and parents work as a team. My goal is to help students understand the story of humanity, appreciate our nation’s history and freedoms, and develop skills that will serve them for life. I look forward to a fantastic year of learning together!

David Kagarise

Science (7th - 8th)
David Kagarise is a graduate of Mitchell High School (1983) and has been teaching since 2008. He spent ten years at James Irwin Charter High School (2008–2018), where he taught Computer Science, Science, Math, and Physical Education, and also served as the varsity softball coach from 2012–2018. From 2018–2025, he continued his teaching career at Sierra High School before joining RMCA. In addition to his classroom experience, Mr. Kagarise has been extensively involved in athletics. He has officiated high school football and basketball, umpired youth baseball and adult slow-pitch softball, and most recently served as the head coach of a Sierra D2 Middle School football team in 2024. He is the proud father of three adult children: Jonas (28), Brittany (26), and Nicholas (25). Brittany currently serves in the United States Navy, while Jonas and Nicholas are pursuing their college degrees. Mr. Kagarise is honored to bring his experience and passion for teaching to RMCA and is very excited to be part of the community.

Catherine Knott

English/Literature, 6th - 7th
Hi, I'm Catie Knott! This is my fourth year in 6th and 7th grade English at RMCA and my 6th year teaching overall. I love building relationships with students and watching them grow and mature throughout the year. I enjoy cooking, running, coffee, and of course, spending time with my husband and one-year-old son. I'm excited to make this a great school year!

Kristen McKelvy

Math (6th-7th)
My name is Kristen Mckelvy. I currently teach math and have been an educator for 6 years. I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy golf, cooking and crafts in my free time.

Christine Ogden

Math (7th-8th)
Greetings! My name is Christine Ogden. This will be my second year teaching 7/8 Math, and my 4th year here at RMCA. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry from UCCS but I really love math! I have a wonderful husband and two amazing children who attend RMCA. As a family we spend a lot of our summers camping and riding ATV's. I am so excited to see how far we can help your kids go in math this year!

Alicia Rhodes

Science (6th-7th)
Bio Coming

Jennifer Cuna

Teacher Assistant (4th-8th)
Hello my name is Jennifer Cuna. This is my second year working as a Teacher Assistant, and I truly enjoy being part of the RMCA family . I’m a Colorado native and would never leave this beautiful place. Ive been married to my amazing husband for 14 years. I am a proud mom of three. My oldest daughter will be graduating in May with her nursing degree, my middle daughter is in college pursuing a teaching degree, and my youngest son is in eighth grade here at RMCA. When I’m not running my own business or working at the school, I love spending time with my husband and kids. Especially nights and weekends at a baseball field with my son. In my free time, I enjoy crafting, reading, and of course, coffee!!

Lisa Robbins

Teacher Assistant (K - 8th)
Hi, my name is Lisa Robbins. I’m starting my 5th year working at RMCA. I’ve lived in Colorado for 25 years. I was raised in Iowa, but later moved to Colorado to attend Fort Lewis College in Durango. I’ve been married to my amazing husband, Justin, for 19 years. Our two sons attend RMCA. Our oldest son is starting middle school and our youngest son is entering 5th grade. In my free time I enjoy having lunch with friends, reading, and watching my sons play baseball.
White Brick Wall

Middle School House Systems

RMCA's House system helps create a community for every student by building unity and school pride. It also gives them opportunities to contribute to the school and be recognized.

Image by Antoine Rault
bottom of page