Academic Program Overview
An Education That Goes Further
At San Miguel, students experience rigorous learning in a joyful, student-centered environment designed to close the opportunity gap and prepare them for success in high school and beyond.
We enroll approximately 90 boys in grades 6–8 each year, 90% of whom come from low-income households and often enter two to three grade levels behind. Through a comprehensive core curriculum and innovative instructional practices, we accelerate learning, personalize instruction, and help each student achieve his full potential.
Our Programs
San Miguel offers a variety of ways for students to stay active and explore their talents .
At San Miguel School, we know that academic success begins with social, emotional, and mental well-being.
Our Approach
San Miguel’s whole-child, high-expectations model integrates academics, social-emotional support, and extended learning time. Key components include:
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Data-driven and differentiated instruction aligned to national standards
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Multidisciplinary curriculum with a strong focus on language arts and STEM
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Extended learning time — a 9-hour school day (until 5 p.m.) and a 200-day academic year with summer programming for students who need extra support
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Small classes with an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio
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On-site and virtual counseling services
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Talented, highly trained faculty supported continuously throughout the year via four formative coaching cycles
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Experienced tutors providing one-on-one support
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Graduate support services throughout the year to help students transition and thrive
How We Deliver Results
We begin the year in early August with diagnostic assessments to understand each student’s strengths and needs, setting individualized learning objectives. Our STEM and humanities teams collaborate weekly on instructional design, multidisciplinary projects, and continuous improvement. This ongoing process ensures that every student receives the right support at the right time.
Personalized Learning at the Core
Personalized learning is the cornerstone of San Miguel’s success. We continually assess each student’s skills and progress, using data to tailor instruction, accelerate growth, and close achievement gaps. Our focus on individual learning journeys not only boosts academic outcomes but also fosters confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Athletics at San Miguel School
At San Miguel, athletics are a vital part of our whole-student development. Physical activity, teamwork, and healthy competition complement our academic program, helping students grow in character, confidence, and leadership.
All students participate in physical education (PE) classes, and we encourage them to take part in team sports as well. Through athletics, our students learn the fundamentals, develop fitness habits, and experience the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Athletic Opportunities
San Miguel offers a variety of ways for students to stay active and explore their talents:
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60+ minutes of daily physical activity through recess, PE, and Fun Friday competitions
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Team sports including:
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Soccer
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Basketball
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Lacrosse
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Flag Football
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Cross Country
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San Miguel’s soccer and basketball teams compete through the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) program, giving our students a chance to test their skills in organized league play.
A Tradition of Excellence
We could not be prouder of our San Miguel athletes. They compete with integrity, resilience, and heart:
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Soccer Varsity City Title Champions in 2006, 2016, 2019, and 2021
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Multiple Junior Varsity Championships
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Lacrosse Winners Lacrosse 2023 Champions
Come See Us in Action
Whether on the field, court, or cross-country course, our young men are building healthy habits and lifelong skills. We invite you to come cheer on the Stars and see the energy, teamwork, and sportsmanship that make San Miguel athletics so special.
Counseling at San Miguel School
At San Miguel School, we know that academic success begins with social, emotional, and mental well-being. Our comprehensive school counseling program, led by Mr. Luis Calvo, offers a full range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of our students and their families.
Counseling at San Miguel School
Individual and Group Support
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One-on-one counseling to help students navigate personal challenges.
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Grade-level sessions on topics such as bullying and cyberbullying, suicide prevention, social media safety, and stress management.
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Weekly virtual check-ins and quarterly progress meetings with every student to monitor growth and address concerns.
Specialized Transition Support
Transitioning to middle school—especially to a private, all-boys environment—can be challenging. For our 6th graders, we emphasize:
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New Student Boot Camp to build confidence and community.
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Ongoing social-emotional learning integrated into the school day.
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Parent engagement opportunities to strengthen home–school collaboration.
Expanded Resources and Partnerships
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Each fall, San Miguel hosts school counseling interns from George Washington University, expanding our capacity to provide individualized attention.
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Our online classroom portal offers extensive mental health resources for students and families.
The Arts at San Miguel School
At San Miguel, we believe the arts are essential to a well-rounded education. Through hands-on art experiences, students learn to think creatively, solve problems, and express themselves in new ways—skills that carry into every part of their lives. In addition to their twice weekly art class, students have the opportunity to explore their creativity through music lessons and our breakdancing club.
Art at San Miguel School
Creative Exploration
Our art program invites students to explore a variety of media and techniques, from drawing and painting to sculpture and mixed media. Each project emphasizes both technical skills and personal expression, giving students the freedom to experiment and discover their own artistic voices.
Integration With Learning
Art at San Miguel is woven into our broader academic program. Students often work on cross-curricular projects that combine art with social studies, language arts, or STEM topics. This integration helps students see how creativity and critical thinking support one another.
Exhibitions and Community
Throughout the year, student artwork is displayed in hallways, classrooms, and special showcases, celebrating the creativity and effort of our young artists. We also invite parents and the community to view student exhibitions, reinforcing pride and confidence in our students’ achievements.
Our Commitment
By prioritizing art alongside academics, San Miguel helps students develop confidence, empathy, and lifelong appreciation for the arts. Our program nurtures not only artistic talent but also the resilience and imagination that benefit every aspect of life.