Middle School

The Fifth Grade English curriculum transitions students from thinking solely about the plot and characters of literature to understanding novels on a deeper level by focusing on motivation, inference making, analysis, and the use of literary devices. Students are introduced to several literary forms including fiction, poetry, biography, mythology, period novels, and short stories. Exploring the theme of Personal Responsibility, they read Beyond the Bright Sea, The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963, Breaking Stalin's Nose, On My Honor, and Tales of the Greek Heroes. Students also participate in an in-depth study of poetry, learning about devices such as meter and rhyme; and they work through problems and design solutions in project-based learning events throughout the year. The ultimate goal of the course is to establish the foundation for future literary analysis, while continuing to expand students' vocabulary and improve their reading comprehension, writing and grammar skills.

The content emphasized in the math curriculum includes numeration, operations, data analysis, geometry, measurement, patterns, functions and algebra. Fifth graders are expected to be able to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division efficiently and accurately. Students use concrete materials to investigate mathematical concepts. Problem-solving approaches and logic further develop critical-thinking skills. Throughout the year, students receive a thorough review and extension of place value, addition and subtraction of large numbers, and basic multiplication facts. The study of the concept of division and how it relates to fractions, decimals and percentages is introduced. Once students understand the definition and function of a fraction, they are exposed to the ideas of equivalent fractions, improper fractions vs. mixed numbers, fraction inequalities, the addition and subtraction of fractions, and ultimately, changing fractions into decimals and percentages. Data collection, data analysis, and graphing are also studied. Students are encouraged to verbalize and record their mathematical processes and thinking.

The fifth grade science curriculum emphasizes the development of science process skills through the introduction of physical, life, and earth sciences. The curriculum is inquiry based and relies heavily on hands-on activities conducted in class and in the field. The primary focus is on learning the skills associated with experimentation such as measurement, observation, drawing conclusions, and designing and documenting experiments. Students learn the process of maintaining a lab notebook throughout the year to document the preparation for and results of their experiments. Fifth graders learn that science is both a process of discovery and a body of knowledge that is constantly evolving.

The fifth grade social studies class is designed to help students become more thoughtful and critical readers, deliberate and skilled writers, and involved and responsible human beings. The curriculum addresses the exploration, founding, and growth of the United States from the time of the early Native people through the creation of the Constitution. Through a colonial simulation activity, students make the economic, cultural, social, and religious decisions necessary to survive and to develop a colonial community in early America. In fifth grade, students learn the foundation for the primary-source research process they will continue to use throughout Middle School. The ultimate goal of fifth grade social studies is to engage students in a creative and innovative study of the past so that may better understand its relation to their present and future.

After having studied Spanish throughout Lower School, fifth graders rotate between German, French, and Spanish classes, studying each language for one quarter. Computational Thinking rounds out the fourth of four quarters. The curriculum in each fifth-grade world language class strives to enable students to acquire and convey basic information as a traveler. Students engage in a dialogue in the target language, incorporating greetings, and exchange information about names, spelling of names, addresses, and telephone numbers. Students also study the target countries, particularly their geography and currency. As part of the currency study, students learn how to count, readying them to master the art of telling time correctly. In May of the fifth-grade year, students select which one of the three world languages they will study through eighth grade.

Sixth grade English challenges students to enhance their communication skills through writing and speaking and to increase critical thinking skills through novel studies and by engaging with other works. Students build upon established grammar skills using IXL; they expand vocabulary by reading and through practice with Membean; and they read a variety of genres, journal, write essays and develop creative pieces, participate in discussions, and refine the process of formulating their own questions. In sixth grade, students explore the theme of "Myself in Relation to Others" through their novel and other studies. Class reads include a self-selected biography or autobiography, A Christmas Carol, A Long Walk to Water, and Freak the Mighty. Units include: A Walk in Another's Shoes; Empathy, Sympathy and Compassion; My Voice and Values--Your Voice and Values; and Don't Judge a Book by its Cover.

In sixth grade math, students review and extend their understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division operations. Fractions and mixed numbers are introduced and examined in detail. Percent problems and conversions are studied throughout the year. In statistics and graphing, students create and interpret multiple types of graphs for meaning, and they differentiate between the uses of data landmarks. Geometry topics explore angle relationships, transformations, coordinate graphing, classifications, and definitions of polygons, area, perimeter, circumference, surface area, and volume. Through probability and statistics, students learn to solve real-world problems using mathematics. The process for solving one-step and multi-step algebraic equations is introduced along with using rates and proportions to solve for missing values. Students use math vocabulary to express themselves and interpret new concepts covered throughout the year.

In sixth grade, students continue to develop skills important for science as they observe, measure, classify, predict, control variables, formulate hypotheses, interpret data and make inferences. The curriculum covers nature of science, weather and water, geologic changes on Earth, force and motion, and a survey of the kingdoms of organisms. Students will increase their understanding of how Earth's major systems interact with each other. The inquiry-based curriculum builds upon the foundation established in fifth grade and includes individual and collaborative long-term projects throughout the year.

The sixth grade Ancient Civilizations course is an in-depth exploration of influential civilizations that still have an impact on the world today. It is the first part of a two-year concentration on world history. The class focuses on key elements from significant civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome. The curriculum cultivates an awareness of civilizations and examines how they developed, endured, and collapsed, while analyzing the legacy these civilizations have left today's world. Additionally, students develop an understanding of how geography often influences societal development and how to extrapolate historical information from primary cultural sources such as art, government, religion, language, and architecture. Students focus on the theme of culture and learn to appreciate how it shapes their daily lives and society. The class fuses ancient history with modern technology to create an engaging and creative environment for learning, in which students continue to practice primary-source research and writing skills.   

French
Sixth grade French introduces basic vocabulary associated with self-introduction, greetings, family members, counting, colors, basic food and telling time. Proper pronunciation is modeled and refined. The grammar focuses on recognition of gender and proper part of the speech. Cultural traditions are explored through cooking and skits.

German
Sixth grade German equally addresses listening comprehension, written skills, and oral skills. The curriculum includes: an introduction to Germany and the German culture; greeting and saying farewell; introducing oneself and someone else; numbers and telephone numbers; asking where someone is from; phrasing a question; family members, time (normal and 24-hour); the days and the months; coordinating nouns with their correct definite articles; reading and discussing a first reading selection.

Spanish
Sixth grade Spanish students further develop their ability to speak, listen and write in the target language. Students learn the infinitive verbs ending in ar, er and ir; expressing agreement or disagreement; the gender and number of the nouns; and adjective-noun agreement. They learn how to conjugate regular verbs in present tense. They start using the verbs ser and estar in expressions.

Reading, writing, and critical thinking are at the heart of the seventh grade English curriculum. As students read short stories, poetry, and novels they continue to develop their critical reading skills. Literature studies include The Outsiders, The Giver, Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl, and The House on Mango Street, as well novels independently chosen by students. Writing projects comprise a variety of genres such as journals, personal narratives, short stories, poetry, and literary analysis. Students study grammar and vocabulary both in the context of their reading and writing, as well as through the use of adaptive programs such as IXL and Membean, which allow for differentiated instruction tailored to each student’s skill level and individual progress.

Seventh Grade Pre-Algebra is designed to help students transition from the concrete concepts of arithmetic to the abstract concepts of algebra and geometry. The course integrates these three areas while making connections to probability, statistics, and the use of technology. This course provides opportunities for students to individually and cooperatively visualize, discuss, and demonstrate mathematical concepts.

In seventh grade, students independently and collaboratively learn in an integrated science course that introduces the principles of physical and life sciences and how they relate to each other. Through traditional and project-based modalities, students learn about matter, motion and forces, cells and genetics, and the human body. Additionally, key skills are emphasized, such as collaboration, critical thinking, communication, creativity, and technology proficiency. Students research, conduct experiments, collect, analyze, and synthesize information, create models, and communicate what they’ve learned.

Seventh grade history is a continuation of the two-year world civilizations program and focuses on the history of North Africa, Europe and Asia since the collapse of the Roman Empire. Students explore the connections to the mathematical and scientific achievements of Islamic civilizations in collaboration with the math curriculum. Famous figures from the Italian Renaissance come alive as young historians discover the connections between artists, patrons, and popes in the age of humanism. Science, art and history connect when students create their own frescoes using traditional methods and materials. Throughout the course, students examine historic artifacts and interpret their meaning in order to practice writing analytically. Finally, students become historians themselves during an extended inquiry project. Using original research garnered from family oral history, each seventh grader spends the year investigating a topic of historic importance in the life of his or her family. After careful research, students transform their learning into a mini-documentary blending their own primary source interview with music, images and video found in the public domain. Students share their learning with the larger community by presenting their films at a St. John's film festival.

French
Seventh grade French develops basic understanding of grammar and vocabulary with emphasis on greater detail and competency. The course explores the vocabulary associated with school and classroom, describing people, objects, life in the city, and home interiors. Grammar includes learning the four main irregular verbs, être, avoir, faire, and aller. As well as regular –er verbs in the present tense. A more in-depth study of adjectives and prepositions is pursued. Cultural traditions are explored through skits, and projects.

German
Seventh grade German equally addresses listening comprehension, written skills, and oral skills. The curriculum includes: asking and telling what someone is doing; talking about interests, likes and dislikes; talking about school; sequencing events properly; weather, time increments; countries of Europe, languages; asking where someone is from and giving the same information; Germany and German culture.

Spanish
Students begin to develop complex communication skills. They learn how to use a variety of irregular verbs and stem-changing verbs. The verbs ser and estar receive particular emphasis, and students learn to write compositions using both verbs properly.

Eighth grade English completes the high school preparatory phase of students’ education, and eighth grade English prepares students to complete high school level work with facility. The novels read, Of Mice and Men, Animal Farm, Night, To Kill a Mockingbird, concern themselves with, among other things, the relation between the individual and societal position and power. Therefore, one of the main areas of focus this year is rhetoric—i.e., the use of language to get someone to do something. The study of literature extends to discussions and assignments that challenge students to evaluate not only their own position in society, but also their role as a reader, writer, and effective communicator.

Fundamentals of Algebra
Fundamentals of Algebra is designed for eighth grade students whose mathematical development warrants a deliberate introduction to and reinforcement of essential algebraic concepts. This class covers algebraic expressions, real number operations, equations, inequalities, graphing, formulas, and word problems. Students work individually and cooperatively to explore and extend their knowledge. As in Algebra I, connections to geometry, probability, statistics, and technology occur as students progress through the course. The Fundamentals of Algebra class follows a high school Algebra I curriculum, but does not complete the entire course. The teacher moves at a pace appropriate for the particular group of eighth graders. Students who take Fundamentals of Algebra in eighth grade generally take Algebra I or Honors Algebra I as first-year high school students.

Algebra I
Algebra I is offered to eighth grade students who have demonstrated a secure understanding of pre-algebra concepts in seventh grade. The course begins with a review of algebraic expressions, simple linear equations and inequalities, and real number operations. Students build upon this knowledge to explore equations and inequalities both symbolically and graphically, functions, exponents, radicals, polynomials, quadratics, proportionality, and rational equations. Throughout the course, problem-solving skills and techniques are reviewed and strengthened. Pattern recognition is at the core of mathematical knowledge, and connections between algebra and geometry, probability, statistics, and technology occur naturally as the course progresses. The Algebra I class follows a high school Algebra I curriculum. The teacher dictates the pace of the class to complete the curriculum by the end of the school year. Depending on a student's mastery of concepts in eighth grade Algebra I and the selected high school's math philosophy, an Algebra I student may place out of Algebra I when entering high school.

Algebra I Advanced
Algebra I Advanced is offered to eighth grade students who have demonstrated a secure mastery of pre-algebra concepts in seventh grade. The course begins with a review of algebraic expressions, simple linear equations and inequalities, and real number operations. Students build upon this knowledge to explore equations and inequalities both symbolically and graphically, functions, exponents, radicals, polynomials, quadratics, proportionality, and rational equations. Throughout the course, problem-solving skills and techniques are reviewed and strengthened. Pattern recognition is at the core of mathematical knowledge, and connections between algebra and geometry, probability, statistics, and technology occur naturally as the course progresses. The Algebra I Advanced class follows a high school Algebra I curriculum. In this advanced version of Algebra I, students will be challenged to explore and extend concepts in greater depth, strengthening their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The teacher dictates the pace of the class to complete the curriculum by the end of the school year. Depending on a student's mastery of concepts in eighth grade Algebra I Advanced and the selected high school's math philosophy, an Algebra I Advanced student may place out of Algebra I when entering high school.

Eighth grade science emphasizes a strong foundation in physics and chemistry while exploring the connectedness of STEM topics. Central to the physical sciences is the concept of energy -- how it is transformed, transferred, and used. Students explore the importance of energy at the physical, atomic/chemical, molecular, and biological levels while learning about different types of energy, how energy is conserved, and the roles of energy in everyday life. Throughout the course, significance is placed on critical thinking, research and experimental design, and scientific writing to prepare students for scientific study at the high school level.

In eighth grade history, students explore the founding principles of the U.S. by analyzing historical and current events through the lenses of the three branches of government. Students study how Congress reflects the ideals laid forth in the founding documents, and they analyze moments when the laws are unable to solve a crisis and America has gone to war. Students also examine landmark court cases that have helped guide the course of the U.S. The purpose of the course is to discover how the nation's handling of present affairs is the result of many significant rules, conflicts, and decisions in the past. The eighth grade U.S. History curriculum includes essential questions that students strive to answer as they gain insights about history and the world around them. The class emphasizes the development of writing, critical thinking, debating, and research skills through the use of primary and secondary sources, current events, art, and music. Students work individually and collaboratively on several projects throughout the year, including a Mock Trial project in the second semester.

French
Eighth grade French extends the students’ vocabulary and grammar material. More independent work in all areas of the language is encouraged. The students explore the vocabulary associated with clothing, holidays, sports and leisure time and food. The grammar includes learning all three verbs groups (-er verbs, -ir verbs, re-verbs) in the present tense. Past and anticipated action are also explored. Reflexive verbs are introduced. All forms of adjectives are taught. Cultural comparisons and investigations are also covered through skits, and projects.

German
Eighth grade German equally addresses listening comprehension, written skills, and oral skills. The curriculum includes: reviewing previous curricula; choosing from a menu and ordering at a café or restaurant; expressing likes and dislikes; making requests and giving advice; exploring German cuisine—foods, eating establishments, beverages, ice cream flavors; handling modals, future tense and negation; asking about prices, describing and choosing clothing; talking about a department store; writing a letter or a card; talking about birthday presents, and exploring the most important celebrations of life events in German culture.

Spanish
Students write, speak and understand more complex Spanish. They learn affirmative tú commands, the present progressive tense, a great variety of irregular and stem-changing verbs, direct object pronouns, and indirect object pronouns. They learn how to conjugate regular verbs in past tense and how to use this in conjunction with the present tense.