Middle School
Grades 7-8
Preparing Students for High School – And Life
The middle school years are a pivotal time in a student’s development. At Community Lutheran School, Grades 7–8 provide a supportive, Christ-centered environment where students are challenged academically, guided personally, and encouraged to grow as leaders.
Families from Readlyn, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Waverly, Denver, Oran, Fairbank, Littleton, Sumner, Tripoli, Klinger, and surrounding communities choose CLS for this strong, faith-filled foundation.
Small class sizes, strong relationships, and intentional instruction allow teachers to meet students where they are - academically, socially, and spiritually - while preparing them confidently for the next stage of their education.
Small Class Sizes. Personal Attention.
One of the greatest strengths of CLS middle school is its small class sizes. Teachers know each student well and tailor instruction, provide timely support, and challenge students appropriately.
This personalized approach allows:
- Instruction to adapt to individual learning needs
- Students to engage deeply and ask questions
- Teachers to address academic gaps or strengths early
- Strong, trusting relationships between students and teachers
Students are not lost in the crowd - they are known, supported, and encouraged.
Academic Growth with Purpose
Faith, Character, and Integrity
Faith formation remains central during the middle school years. Students continue participating in daily prayer, Scripture, religion instruction, and weekly chapel services. Just as importantly, CLS partners closely with parents to reinforce the values students are learning at home - creating consistency and clarity during these formative years.
At this stage, instruction intentionally focuses on:
- Applying faith to real-life situations
- Developing character, integrity, and responsibility
- Making thoughtful, faith-informed decisions
- Understanding personal identity rooted in Christ
Teachers and staff model and reinforce these values daily, walking alongside both students and families as students navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence and faith.
Leadership and Peer Influence
Middle school students at CLS are given meaningful opportunities to lead. As the oldest students in the school, they serve as role models for younger classmates – whether in chapel, classrooms, events, or daily interactions.
Through leadership opportunities and increased responsibility, students grow in confidence, empathy, and accountability – learning that leadership is rooted in service.
Athletics & Extracurricular Opportunities
CLS offers athletic opportunities for middle school students while also partnering with Wapsie Valley to allow students to participate in additional sports and activities beyond what CLS offers.
This partnership provides students with broader athletic experiences while allowing them to remain rooted in the supportive, faith-centered environment of CLS.
Preparing for What’s Next
By the end of eighth grade, CLS students are well prepared for high school - academically, socially, and spiritually. Families consistently share that students leave CLS confident, capable, and grounded in their faith.
They move forward with:
- Strong academic skills
- Confidence in who they are and what they believe
- Leadership experience
- A foundation of character and integrity
