Academics

English 6 students read novels and poems for understanding, making connections to what they themselves have experienced. Students write and present about what they have read to increase their argumentation, study, and technology skills.

Introduction to Science immerses sixth-grade students in the scientific process and fundamentals of science. The groundwork for future studies is established through guided experiments, investigations, and inquiry.

Math 6 transitions students from the whole number arithmetic taught in the lower grades to the foundations of algebra, focusing on number sense and facility.

World Geography students gain a wider global understanding by exploring our world and its people, answering the essential question, "How does geography help shape culture?" The course focuses on the foundational academic skills of reading, research, and writing.

Sixth-grade students take one trimester of Exploratory French, Latin, and Spanish to gain an introductory exposure to the language, culture, and traditions of each. This course has no homework or formal assessments of any kind, which allows for students to fully explore and question which language and culture they have the greatest connection with, so they can make the best decision of where to concentrate their efforts moving forward.

Sixth-grade students continue to develop an understanding that movement and activities are central to health and wellness in their daily lives. In P.E., students:

• participate in sports to work on team building, agility, mobility, and strategy
• develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, teamwork skills, and their grasp of rules and strategies through sports and games

Beginning in sixth grade, students may participate in the after-school Athletic Program. Middle School Athletics offers students a chance to play on teams no matter their skill level to develop confidence and ability, in Fall, Winter, and Spring sports.

Beginning with young adult literature and transitioning to the established classics, English 7 students read to understand how an author uses literary devices to convey ideas and then learn to use them in their own writing.

Life Science is a comprehensive examination of macro and micro living systems, framed and informed by Chesapeake Bay watershed science and conservation.

• Math 7 prepares students for further study in algebra and geometry. Emphasis is placed on continuing to develop and extend problem-solving abilities and number sense.

• Pre-Algebra addresses content that reviews and extends concepts and skills learned in previous courses and prepares students for more abstract concepts in algebra and geometry.

• Algebra I focuses on the fundamental skills and concepts required for all higher math courses. Students learn to switch between graphical and algebraic thinking and explore linear relationships and equations as well as the beginning of quadratic equations.

In Ancient Civilizations seventh graders investigate the relationship between geography and the establishment and formation of ancient cultures. Students show their understanding through collaborative projects, formal papers, and traditional tests.

Students choose Latin, Spanish, or French to study over the course of seventh and eighth grades. Seventh graders take Latin IA, Spanish IA, or French IA, which constitute the first part of the Level I curriculum. The goal of these courses is for students to build a strong foundation in their chosen language.

Seventh-grade students continue to develop an understanding that movement and activities are central to health and wellness in their daily lives. In P.E., students:

• participate in sports to work on team building, agility, mobility, and strategy
• develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, teamwork skills, and their grasp of rules and strategies through sports and games

Seventh-grade students may participate in the after-school Athletic Program. Middle School Athletics offers students a chance to play on teams no matter their skill level to develop confidence and ability, in Fall, Winter, and Spring sports.

English 8 marks the transition from a study of the literal to an analysis of the figurative. Through a study of classic novels, short stories, and poetry, students evaluate how an author creates meaning in a work and are taught how to argue their own assertions effectively in writing.

Earth Science is a project and lab-based investigation of Earth's interconnected and dynamic systems with an emphasis on independent learning and problem-solving.

• Algebra I focuses on the fundamental skills and concepts required for all higher math courses. Students learn to switch between graphical and algebraic thinking and explore linear relationships and equations as well as the beginning of quadratic equations.

• Geometry teaches mathematical reasoning and problem solving by testing conjectures through deductive reasoning and proof work. Students also reinforce their algebraic skills in preparation for Algebra II or Algebra II/Trigonometry.

Through its emphasis on primary sources and different perspectives, American Experience encourages students to develop empathy and deeper understanding. In this way, students develop their research, analytical, critical-thinking, and argumentation skills.

Students continue with the language they selected in seventh grade by taking Latin IB, French IB, or Spanish IB. These courses are the second part of the level I curriculum. The goal of these courses is for students to solidify their foundation in their chosen language to best prepare them for continued study in Upper School.