The MOLI Middle School curriculum would follow a supplemented International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. The IB program is a comprehensive, rigorous program that uses an inquiry-based approach to learning and teaching. The core curriculum includes the eight required IB areas:

Most school days would begin and end with “Advisory” — time set aside in the day to support the social and emotional development of students, as well as to practice goal setting and conflict resolution skills.

Learning world languages enhances students’ ability to communicate locally and globally. Research shows that multilingualism promotes critical thinking and intellectual development. In addition to learning a second language 3 times per week, students would have 1 session per week in introductory instruction in a third language. Students could choose one of two language tracks: B-German, C-Spanish; or B-Spanish, C-German. German has been selected because it is a Lutheran heritage language, as well as an important language in intellectual history and international relations. Spanish has been chosen because of its importance in our communities and the world.

All students would have weekly instruction in instrumental music/school orchestra. At the beginning of the school year, students would choose an orchestral instrument to learn. An additional weekly art block will offer a rotation of choir, visual arts and performing arts.

Electives in the arts and sciences would be offered twice a week. Students would be able to choose their electives from a variety of offerings that may include musical theater, filmmaking, Lego robotics, community newsletter, dance and more.

P.E. would be offered two times per week utilizing parks, a local gymnasium (YWCA) and swimming pool (SMC) within walking distance.

Technology would be integrated across the curriculum. All students would be issued an I-pad or e-book device. Books would be provided in electronic format. MOLI MS would have a small library and computer lab and utilize the Santa Monica Public Library branch in Sunset Park.

Students would attend weekly chapel led by the pastor and other church staff where students will be introduced to the Lutheran tradition and the spiritual disciplines of song, meditation, prayer, sacred readings. Students will regularly participate in providing music, Bible readings and reflections in chapel. Chapel will also serve as weekly community meetings supplemented with monthly guest lectures by visiting community leaders such as public officials, artists, diverse religious leaders, leaders of service agencies and community groups. All language arts classes will include Biblical literature units. 7th-graders will take a “comparative religions” class co-taught by the pastor and the humanities teacher. In addition, all students will be expected to participate in 3 Sunday services and 1 special German or Spanish service per year which families will be expected to attend.

A community is a group of people united by common ideals to build a common future. Mt. Olive understands itself as a “church for the whole community.” Students at MOLI Middle School will learn the skills of communication, collaboration, service and the discipline of study. The small class sizes, a small school, engaged teachers and strong parent involvement in the life of the school build community belonging and mutual responsibility. All students will be required to render community service through projects of the parish and projects of their own initiative.

Mt. Olive’s understanding of community begins in our parish, and extends to our neighborhoods, our city, our region and into the world. MOLI Middle School will also prepare students to thrive and serve in our global community by building relationships across borders. We will utilize our international relationships with global partners such as our partner churches in El Salvador, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, as well as mission trips in Mexico and other countries to deepen our students’ knowledge and nurture their ability to understand and live in other cultures.

The values of MOLI Middle School mirror the values that are taught by Jesus Christ and exemplified by our Triune God. These include: self-giving love of neighbor, compassion, self-reflection and transformation, forgiveness and reconciliation, pursuing peace and justice, service, creativity, wisdom, trust, courage, building relationships and community, and unity in diversity. These values undergird the mission and all the ministry of the Mt. Olive community. They are the values expressed in the International Baccalaureate program. IB students are explicitly taught to be: “inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.”

MOLI Middle School would be a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), would seek authorization as an International Baccalaureate World School (IBO), and might seek accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

MOLI Middle School would begin with one 6th grade, and possibly one 7th grade depending on interest, in its first year of operation. It would initially expand to include one each of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. The maximum number of students per class will be 24.

MOLI Middle School would be located on the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church campus at 14th and Ocean Park Blvd. in Santa Monica, CA.

Tuition and fees have not yet been finalized. However, we anticipate an annual tuition of approximately $8,500.

Mount Olive Lutheran International Middle School would admit students regardless of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, and sex.

Current plans would have MOLI Middle School opening September 2012; however, an earlier start date is possible given adequate enrollment. We are currently building an applicant pool. If you are interested in applying to MOLI Middle School for 2011, 2012, 2013, or 2014, please fill out, as soon as possible, our Potential Applicant Form. You can fill it out on-line or mail in a hard copy. Please note that we anticipate strong interest in the school. As soon as they become available, applications for enrollment will be sent out to families in the order that the potential applicant forms are received.

Priority for admission will be given to children of families that have been communing, contributing, active voting members of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church for a minimum of one year before application; and employees of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church and Mount Olive International Middle School.