Middle School:
Grades Six through Eight
Please email mshead@fredericksburgacademy.org with questions about Middle School.
Whether it’s dressing in togas to celebrate Caesar’s birthday or analyzing rocks on the shore of the Potomac River, Middle School students are active participants in the learning process. Small classes and creative teachers provide students with the chance to explore subjects beyond their textbooks; writing skills are stressed and taught throughout all areas of the curriculum. In addition to core academic subjects, the arts play an important role in the development of each student during the middle school years by challenging students to explore and expand their creativity. -Head of School Karen Moschetto |
Middle School Curriculum
The Middle School curriculum is designed to build upon the strong foundation of knowledge and skills developed in the Lower School and to prepare students for the academic challenge of the Upper School. Small class size, collaborative learning opportunities, high teacher expectations, and a strong college-preparatory curriculum help students grow intellectually and emotionally, developing both academic skills and greater self-confidence. Students take six core courses including English, math, science, foreign language, social studies, and a fine arts course. Students also take physical education and health. Students may begin the ninth-grade year with as many as two Upper School credits in math and one in foreign language.
Grade Six:
English: A thematic approach to reading; focus on character development, critical thinking skills; emphasis on oral, written communication. Writing Workshop 2 days weekly.
History: World Geography.
Language: Exploratory French, Latin, and Spanish. Every student takes a trimester of each in order to gain an introductory exposure to the language, culture, and traditions of each.
Mathematics: Middle School Math 6 (problem-solving; computation with decimals, whole numbers, fractions; geometry; graphing; percents; integers) or Middle School Math 6 Honors (a transition course designed to introduce students to the concepts, skills, and problem-solving strategies needed to be successful in algebra and geometry.) Students are tested to determine placement.
Science: Introduction to Principles of Science.
Fine Arts and Electives: Grade 6 rotation (Technology, Music, Study Skills.) Band (2-3 days per week.)
Grade Seven:
English: A thematic approach with emphasis on distinguishing genre; Shakespeare, classics, modern novels; expository and creative writing. Writing Workshop one or two days per week.
History: Ancient Civilizations.
Foreign language: Latin IA, Spanish IA, French IA. Meets three days weekly. Students must choose one language to study over the course of two years.
Mathematics: Middle School Math 7 (continued instruction in basic mathematical skills needed for pre-algebra), Pre-Algebra, or Algebra I (problem solving, graphing, rational expressions, factoring, polynomials, radical expressions, and quadratics.)
Science: Science 7.
Fine Arts and Electives: Grade 7 rotation (Art, Drama, Health.) Band (2-3 days per week.)
Grade Eight:
English: Thematic approach to literature, emphasis on analysis; themes correlated with American History; students are encouraged to examine their own experiences and beliefs.
History: US History and Civics.
Foreign language: Latin IB, French IB, Spanish IB. Meets five days weekly.
Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry.
Science: Science 8.
Fine Arts and Electives: Studio Art, Film Making, Film Studies, Band, Theatre and Music, Model United Nations
