In Middle School, students transition from a theme-based curriculum to a curriculum that is more specialized in specific academic areas.
7th Grade Curriculum
G7 Mathematics
In the realm of mastering algebraic foundations, students deepen their understanding of variables, expressions, and equations, gaining proficiency in solving linear equations and inequalities through various methods. They learn to translate real-world situations into mathematical equations and inequalities and represent and analyze proportional relationships. Delving into exponents and rational numbers, they master operations with exponents, simplify and compare rational numbers, and apply these concepts to solve real-world problems involving rates, ratios, and proportions. They also understand and calculate percent change and error, and compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions.
In geometry and measurement, students analyze and classify three-dimensional shapes based on angles, faces, and symmetry, calculate surface area and volume of complex shapes, and apply concepts of scale, similarity, and congruence to solve geometric problems. They explore area and perimeter in complex two-dimensional shapes and solve problems involving scale drawings. They use facts about supplementary, complementary, vertical, and adjacent angles to write and solve equations for unknown angles.
In data analysis and probability, students analyze complex data sets, create statistical representations, calculate measures of central tendency and dispersion, and analyze trends and correlations to draw conclusions and make predictions. They formulate and test hypotheses based on data analysis. In probability and statistics, they expand their understanding of probability concepts, calculate probabilities using various methods, and analyze and interpret statistical experiments and surveys.
Financial literacy empowers students to apply advanced budgeting and personal finance management skills, calculate compound interest, taxes, and loan payments, and analyze the costs and benefits of different financial decisions. They understand the risks and rewards associated with various financial products and services. Communication and collaboration skills are honed as students communicate mathematical ideas clearly, explain reasoning, collaborate in group projects, and present findings creatively using various methods.
Technology integration plays a significant role as students utilize advanced educational technology tools to explore complex math concepts, visualize data, and solve problems interactively. They create and present math projects using digital tools and develop critical thinking and digital literacy skills. A positive math attitude is cultivated as students develop a growth mindset, a sense of curiosity, and resilience in tackling challenging math concepts. They persist in solving problems, celebrate successes, and recognize the importance of math in shaping our world.
Connecting math to the world, students apply math concepts to solve real-world problems across diverse disciplines, analyze data related to current events, and recognize the ethical implications of data analysis. They develop a sense of curiosity and wonder about the role of math in understanding the universe.
G7 English Language Arts
Students embark on a journey to master advanced vocabulary and etymology, expanding their knowledge through the study of root words, affixes, and context clues. They delve into complex figurative language and literary devices, honing their ability to apply sophisticated vocabulary in both oral and written communication. Enhancing reading fluency and text analysis, they read complex texts expressively, analyze diverse text structures, and identify an author’s voice, tone, and purpose to deepen their comprehension.
Research and inquiry skills are refined as students formulate precise questions, evaluate sources for credibility and bias, and synthesize information effectively, presenting their findings through various methods. Writing skills and content development are elevated as they compose well-organized essays, utilize various writing styles, and consistently apply correct grammar and punctuation. Critical thinking and argumentation are fostered through the analysis of diverse viewpoints, identification of logical fallacies, and engagement in constructive debates.
Literary appreciation is expanded through the analysis of diverse literature, identification of literary elements, and active participation in discussions and creative projects. Technology and media literacy are integrated as students utilize digital tools for research and collaboration, practice responsible online behavior, and develop critical media literacy skills. Collaboration and communication skills are enhanced through effective group discussions, respectful feedback exchanges, and confident presentation of ideas.
Independent learning and goal setting are developed as students set personal goals, utilize learning resources, and reflect on their progress. Finally, students celebrate reading and writing as creative expressions, developing a lifelong love of reading, sharing the joy of literacy with others, and exploring creative writing in diverse genres and forms.
G7 Science – Life and Physical Sciences
G7 Social Studies
8th Grade Curriculum
G8 Mathematics
There are two options for 8th grade math. Students can either take the ‘regular’ 8th grade mathematics course or they can take Algebra 1. Students who intend on pursuing higher levels of mathematics in high school, such as full courses in Pre-Calculus and Calculus or a course in Statistics, choose to take Algebra 1 in 8th grade.
Students will master algebra and functions by delving into linear equations and inequalities, solving systems of equations through substitution, elimination, and graphing. They will explore quadratic equations, their properties, and solutions, and be introduced to the concepts of non-linear functions, understanding their graphs and transformations. This knowledge will be applied to analyze real-world situations, translating them into mathematical expressions, equations, and functions.
Expanding their understanding of real numbers, students will encounter irrational numbers, absolute values, and inequalities. They will delve into probability concepts, including conditional probability and Bayes’ theorem, and analyze probability distributions and random variables, applying these concepts to real-world scenarios and games of chance.
In geometry and measurement, students will classify three-dimensional shapes, calculate surface areas and volumes, and explore similarity and congruence, applying theorems like Pythagoras. They will also tackle geometric problems involving circles, arcs, and sectors.
Data analysis and statistics will see students analyzing complex data sets, calculating measures of central tendency and dispersion, and drawing conclusions from trends and patterns. They will also interpret statistical concepts like confidence intervals and sampling bias.
Financial literacy will be emphasized as students develop budgeting and personal finance management skills, understand compound interest and amortization, and analyze the risks and rewards of financial products. They will make informed financial decisions based on mathematical analysis.
Communication and collaboration skills will be honed through clear communication of mathematical ideas, step-by-step justification of solutions, effective group collaboration, and creative presentation of math findings using various methods.
Technology integration will involve the use of advanced educational tools to explore complex math concepts and create projects using digital tools like graphing calculators, spreadsheets, coding, and simulations, developing critical thinking and digital literacy skills.
A positive math attitude will be cultivated by fostering a growth mindset, developing curiosity about math applications, persisting in problem-solving, and recognizing the beauty and importance of math.
Students will connect math to the world by applying math concepts to solve real-world problems across various disciplines, analyzing data related to current events, and understanding the ethical implications of data analysis.
Finally, preparation for high school math will involve exploring pre-calculus concepts, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and strengthening foundational knowledge to build confidence for the transition to advanced math courses.
G8 English Language Arts
Students embark on a journey to master vocabulary nuance and sophistication by delving into etymology, context clues, and synonyms with subtle shades of meaning, enhancing their understanding of complex figurative language and literary devices. They apply this enriched vocabulary in both oral and written communication, showcasing precision and mastery of word choice. Reading fluency and expressive interpretation are elevated as students read complex texts with prosody and dramatic techniques, adapting their style to suit various text types and analyzing an author’s voice and purpose within diverse contexts.
Research and inquiry skills are refined through formulating focused questions, identifying credible sources, and synthesizing information for varied presentations, all while adhering to academic integrity. Writing skills and content development are elevated as students compose well-organized essays with strong thesis statements, relevant evidence, and logical transitions, employing various writing styles to cater to different audiences. Analytical thinking and argumentation are fostered through the evaluation of diverse viewpoints, identification of logical fallacies, and engagement in respectful debates.
Literary appreciation and engagement expand as students analyze literature from various cultures and historical periods, identifying literary elements and participating in discussions and creative projects. Technology and media literacy are integrated as students utilize digital tools for research and creative expression, practice responsible online behavior, and develop critical media literacy skills. Collaboration and communication skills are enhanced through effective group discussions, respectful feedback exchanges, and confident presentations.
Independent learning and goal setting are developed as students set personal goals, utilize learning resources effectively, and reflect on their progress, demonstrating a growth mindset. Finally, students celebrate reading and writing as lifelong pursuits, exploring diverse genres and authors, sharing the joy of literacy with others, and finding creative ways to express themselves through writing.
G8 Science – Earth Science
G8 Social Studies
