Jr. High Academics
Click on each tab to see a broad overview of the goals and content of each subject area*.
Grades 6, 7, & 8
The objective of the language arts curriculum is to educate students to develop strong reading comprehension skills (literal comprehension as well as critical thinking), writing ability (developing vocabulary, using proper grammar, spelling, and good paragraph structure, as well as creative thinking and the ability to express their thoughts well), and oral presentation skills.
The literature curriculum exposes students to a broad range of readings—fiction, essays, short stories, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Small groups share their work, learn about the process of writing, and develop editorial skills to improve what they write. Each year students research and write a comprehensive research paper on different topics, learning how to read and evaluate primary and secondary sources, including on-line as well as print resources, take effective notes, create outlines and structure their work, and write coherent paragraphs with good organization, and write papers that flow from one paragraph to another. Students also learn how to make effective oral presentations. Our Reading and Writing Lab promotes a comfortable and quiet atmosphere that encourages strategic thinking, reading for enjoyment, class discussion, presentations by students or invited speakers, and is used as a retreat and reward at the end of the week.
Grades 6 & 7
The math curriculum covers a wide variety of mathematical concepts relating to the following general areas: numbers and operations; geometry and measurement; data, statistics and probability; and finally, functions and algebra.
Grade 8
The math curriculum includes expressions, variables, and functions; rational numbers; solving sentences; graphing relations and functions; analyzing and solving linear equations; polynomials; factoring; quadratic equations; and data, statistics, and probability. Algebra I is also introduced.
Grade 6
The goal is to give students the start to a better understanding of Life Science (cells, heredity, adaptation, and ecosystems), Physical Science (matter, moving objects, light, color, and sound), and Earth Science (technology and weather, earth processes, exploring the universe, resources and conservation). The curriculum this year is the foundation of what the students continue learning in the next two junior high years.
Grade 7
The objective is to deepen the understanding of Life Science beginning with human biology and health (bones, muscles, skin, digestion, circulation, respiration, fighting diseases, nervous and endocrine system), animals (sponges, cnidarians, worms, fish, and amphibians/reptiles), and ecology, bacteria, plants, and cells.
Grade 8
The goal of the final year of the science curriculum is to dive deeper into the understanding of Earth Science, focusing mainly on aspects of exploring planet Earth, Earth’s changing surface, water, weather and climate, and astronomy.
The objective of the junior high school social studies curriculum is to develop good citizenship by giving students a knowledge of the past that enables them to understand the present and wisely anticipate the future. In class discussions, students are encouraged to connect an understanding of historical events with current events. Using a variety of learning approaches designed to engage a wide range of learning styles, students are encouraged to understand major themes and critical issues in social studies and apply this understanding to the complex issues we face today. The following content is covered:
Grade 6
World history beginning with the evolution of human society from prehistory to the rise of civilization and the earliest cities; major early civilizations, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages in Europe.
Grade 7
The Americas from the time of the earliest migrations from Asia via the Beringia land bridge; the early Native American civilizations in South, Central, and North America; colonial settlement by Europeans; the development of the United States up to the Civil War including the Constitution and structure of American government.
Grade 8
American history beginning with the Civil War and continuing up to the present covering social, political, economic, military, and historic events that have shaped our country.
Grade 6
In the first year of the junior high religion curriculum, students are introduced to the Old Testament and the covenants therein as a story of love between God and man. God’s revelation of Himself to the Hebrew people is explored as well as the continuation of that revelation in the New Testament in the person of Jesus Christ. God’s fidelity to mankind despite man’s disobedience is seen as an example of God’s perfect love.
Grade 7
The goal this year is to deepen the personal understanding and relationship that each student has with Jesus Christ. To accomplish this objective, the person of Jesus is studied through careful examination and reading of the New Testament, a review of Catholic doctrine and tradition. Emphasis is placed on developing an appreciation for Jesus’ Incarnation, teachings, and mission, and expressing this appreciation in the student’s life of Christian love and service.
Grade 8
The objective of the final year of the religion curriculum is to familiarize students with two thousand years of Church history and make the lessons learned relevant to the lives of these young adults. This course covers the formation, growth, and mission of the Church, the lives of saints and other historical figures who made a significant impact on Catholicism, basic Church doctrine, and the liturgical calendar.
The Spanish program is intended to deepen the student’s appreciation of the Spanish culture through instruction in language and culture including but not limited to the roots of the language, history, traditions, etc. We utilize a multimedia approach with text, workbooks, listening activities and class projects. The Spanish program can include virtual travel to Spanish Speaking countries using video-conference technology.
Grade 7
First year of Spanish is an introduction to the Spanish language. Students learn some basic vocabulary and grammar. They also study the cultural customs of Spain and Mexico.
Grade 8
Second year of Spanish begins with a review of the previous year’s Spanish studies. More advanced learning includes an expansive Spanish vocabulary and grammatical instruction as well as exploring more cultural customs from areas not covered in the previous year.
Click on the following links for printable brochures of the curriculum for Grades 6 – 8.
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