Language Arts
English – Students master specific skills at each grade level involving grammar, correct usage, sentence structure, capitalization, punctuation and both written and oral communication skills.
Spelling is offered for students in grades 5 & 6. The curriculum consists of these areas: review lessons, practice masters, challenge words, cross-curricular lessons and weekly spelling tests.
Reading for grades 5 & 6 – The curriculum focuses on these concepts: reading stories, comprehension, vocabulary, study skills, listening skills, literary appreciation and writing stories. The text is an anthology of authentic children’s literature and is supplemented by a practice book of activities to strengthen and enhance skills.
Literature for Grades 7 & 8 involves the reading and study of various classic novels, short stories and poems. Student discussions center on author, plot, setting, mood and theme. Assignments concerning specific topics are given individually or in groups through special activities, role playing, character sketches and compositions. Students define specific words from each selection and use these words in activities, tests and compositions.
Mathematics
Students in grades 5, 6, & 7 cover the basic operations of whole numbers, decimals and fractions. Graphing, statistics, geometry and measurement, ratio, proportions, percent, area, volume and probability are also introduced, reinforced and developed.
Qualifying students in grades 6, 7, & 8 are offered transition/pre-algebra and algebra. Concepts covered enable students to move from arithmetic through the beginning algebraic concepts of integers, evaluating algebraic equations and inequalities, through first year algebraic concepts of problem solving strategies, the coordinate plane and graphing square roots, sets, exponents and polynomials.
Science
Students in grade 5 investigate interactions among living things, processes that change the earth, matter and energy and forces in motion.
Students in grade 6 explore cells, reproduction, heredity, classification, interactions in ecosystems, cycles on earth and in space, oceans and weather, forces and motion.
Students in grade 7 study the five kingdoms of living organisms, as well as animal behavior, ecology, ecosystems and biomes.
Students in grade 8 discover earth science with concentration on the earth’s changing surface, water, air, atmosphere and climate, energy and waste management.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum for grade 5 focuses on geography and the Eastern Hemisphere. Grade 6 explores ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Students in grade 7 investigate the earliest Americans 30,000 BC-AD 1492 through the Reconstruction. Grade 8 begins with the New West (1850) to the present.
Music
Students are introduced to a variety of the world’s finest songs through singing and listening sessions. Students also participate in small group communion meditation pieces, Christmas concert and Living Stations.
Art
Students are introduced to a variety of art and craft projects using a variety of media. Students are encouraged to be independent and creative thinkers. Weekly sessions are offered.
Please Note: All students are also provided the opportunity to attend computer, Spanish and physical education/wellness classes on a weekly basis.
