By fifth or sixth grade, a child’s mind begins to think more analytically. The Logic Stage is when students start to notice cause and effect, how different fields of knowledge relate, and how facts fit together into a logical framework. These students begin to develop their natural capacity for abstract thought while continuing to nourish their curiosity.

HISTORY

History provides students with many different perspectives on the people who shaped the world. The middle school history courses require students to evaluate their views and interpretations. Students are active participants on this journey into the past and apply lessons from this class to their everyday life and their understanding of current events. Class sessions focus on history, geography, archeology, civics, educated reasoning, current events/ connections, and writing.

A variety of strategies cover these topics. These strategies may include lectures, whole group, and small group discussions, research, and activities.

ENGLISH

English introduces students to various literary genres and focuses on English language skills. Class sessions focus on literature, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and writing. A variety of strategies cover these topics. These strategies include lectures, whole group, and small group discussions, research, and activities.

Students read a variety of novels related to specific periods in history. They also study grammar, vocabulary, and spelling; and develop writing skills by connecting writing to novels and other courses.

MATH

Middle school students will use the Saxon math program. Saxon’s instructional approach breaks complex concepts into simpler increments, recognizing that smaller pieces of information are easier to teach and easier to learn. The instructions, practice, and assessment of those increments are systematically distributed across grade levels.

Once a topic is presented, students are continually exposed to the topic in the daily problem sets that follow. The available courses are Saxon Course 2, Course 3, and Algebra 1. Some students may advance into high school math courses if they meet the placement criteria.

LATIN

The study of Latin helps improve English vocabulary because it is the foundation of the English language, it improves grammar knowledge and understanding through a structured grammatical framework, and is a good base for future romance language studies such as Spanish and French. It is the trademark of Classical Education. Students are placed in middle school Latin I, II, or III based on previous experience, regardless of their grade level.

SCIENCE

Middle school science introduces students to various fields of study in life, earth, and space science; emphasizes learning and applying the scientific method. A variety of strategies will be used to cover these topics. These strategies will include lectures, lab experiences, research, projects, whole group, and small group discussions, and inquiry activities.

General Music

The general music course teaches a basic vocabulary of music elements that can inform the discussion, appreciation, and study of selected musical works. Each grade also studies a designated core of musical content, with attention to specific historical periods, composers, and genres, as outlined in the Core Knowledge Curriculum. Some in-class music performances, both vocal and instrumental, will accompany these studies, at the discretion of the instructor.

Orchestra

Middle school students have the opportunity to further their musical skills through a large ensemble experience. In an orchestral ensemble, students will choose from one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Repertoire will be selected to best fit the needs of the ensemble and graded, evening performances will be required. In addition to the performance aspect of this course, music theory and history will be taught in accordance with the Core Knowledge Curriculum.

Band

A second large ensemble aimed at furthering instrumental skills is band. As with the orchestral option, students will select one of the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, or percussion. Additional instruments may be added at the discretion of the director. Repertoire will be selected to best fit the needs of the ensemble and graded, evening performances will be required. In addition to the performance aspect of this course, music theory and history will be taught in accordance with the Core Knowledge Curriculum.

Choir

Middle school students wishing to further their vocal music studies may select choir. Participation in this ensemble will involve the study of foundational vocal techniques, including but not limited to breathing, sound production, pitch-matching, and tuning. Singing will be a daily expectation. Repertoire will be selected to best fit the needs of the ensemble and graded, evening performances will be required. In addition to the performance aspect of this course, music theory and history will be taught in accordance with the Core Knowledge Curriculum.