English
(meets twice daily)
In English classes, students study the basic
elements of grammar, literature, vocabulary,
and written expression. Students learn proper
grammar usage in order to improve their writing
and proofreading skills. Students learn the
elements of literature and improve their reading
comprehension using literature texts as well
as novels such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Where
the Red Fern Grows, A Wrinkle in Time, and Romeo
and Juliet. Through projects and papers, students
become able to demonstrate their comprehension
of the material. Students learn a structured
writing process that progresses from simple
sentences to expanded paragraphs and research
papers. Students’ reading and oral vocabulary
are improved through direct instruction of new
vocabulary.
Math (meets twice
daily)
The primary purpose of the math class is to
develop math skills in the areas of concepts,
computation, and application. Students continue
to review the basic operations while expanding
their ability to apply basic concepts to a higher
level of application. Direct instruction of
new material, cooperative groups, guided and
independent practice are teaching strategies
used to engage students and maintain attention.
Grade-level texts and materials are used in
a curriculum which progresses from General Mathematics
to Pre-Algebra & Geometry to Algebra 1.
Social Studies
The Middle School social studies classes are
designed to teach the content of grade-level
materials while continuing to improve skills
in reading comprehension, note-taking, test-taking,
and written expression. All material is read
aloud in class and thoroughly discussed. Students
master essential strategies to learn factual
information and are also directly taught how
to demonstrate their knowledge in written form.
Projects, videos, PowerPoints, and hands-on
experiences help to enhance the students’
learning and understanding of material. Specific
classes include World Geography, Civics, World
History and American History.

Science
The Middle School science program is also designed
to teach grade-level content while continuing
to improve skills in reading comprehension,
note-taking, test-taking, and written expression.
All material is read aloud in class and thoroughly
discussed. Students master essential strategies
to learn factual information and are also directly
taught how to demonstrate their knowledge in
written form. Hands-on laboratory experiences
help students grasp scientific concepts that
are introduced in texts and understand the scientific
method. Middle school students are exposed to
various scientific concepts related to earth,
physical, and life science each year. Projects,
videos, PowerPoints, and hands-on experiences
help to enhance the students’ learning
and understanding of the material.
Exploratory
Students attend a period of exploratory each
day, participating in structured physical education,
art, or another exploratory class. Students
participate in an adaptive PE program that teaches
isolated skills and leads up to implementing
them in team games. Emphasis is placed on teamwork,
sportsmanship, and following directions. Students
are exposed to traditional team games, eccentric
games, swimming, exercises, problem-solving
activities, ropes course initiatives, and low
and high ropes course elements. The Meet the
Masters curriculum is utilized to introduce
students to famous artists and their techniques.
Students imitate these masters’ techniques
through lead-up activities and culminating projects.
Other exploratories sometimes offered are computer,
Latin, and reading comprehension.
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