The transition from elementary to intermediate school at Mater Christi includes not only a new building, but the introduction of several teachers guiding instruction for two years in the core classes of language arts, math, science, social studies, religion, and now Spanish. Academic rigor, executive functioning skills, and social dynamics change and grow by leaps and bounds during these years between elementary and middle school. Students are nurtured and led through these formative years by a skilled and highly collaborative team of core and support services teachers who integrate the study of these enmeshed subjects into a holistic learning experience. Students continue their creative and physical development in art, music, makerspace, and physical education classes, which meet every week.