Pre-Algebra 8

Pre-Algebra 8 covers the tools of Algebra, operations with integers and rational numbers, expressions, equations, and inequalities, ratios, proportions, and similar figures, percent, linear functions and graphing, powers and nonlinear functions, real numbers and right triangles, distance and angle, surface area and volume, statistics and probability.

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 students are taught expressions, equations and functions, linear equations, functions and inequalities, equations of linear functions, exponents and exponential functions, and quadratic expressions and equations.

Algebra 1 Honors

Subject matter in Algebra I Honors includes expressions, equations, and functions, linear equations, functions, and inequalities, equations of linear functions, exponents and exponential functions, quadratic expressions and equations, quadratic functions and equations, radical functions and geometry, rational functions and equations.

English 8

English 8 prepares students for the demands of high school English. Students will practice using higher order thinking skills to facilitate sound comprehension of both fiction and non-fiction text, including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and expository text relating to historical context and current events. Students will also combine grammar, writing, and vocabulary to continuously improve their oral and written communication skills. Upon completion of the course, students will understand how to use text evidence to analyze plot, theme, and characterization; additionally, students will be proficient in the proper use of grammar, vocabulary, and writing concepts and skills in a variety of genres.

Advanced English 8

Advanced English 8 prepares students for honors and advanced placement English in high school.  It is distinguished by a rigorous pace and the emphasis of higher order thinking skills necessary for comprehension of advanced level text.  Students will read novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and expository text relating to historical context and current events. Students will also combine grammar, writing, and vocabulary to continuously improve their oral and written communication skills. Upon completion of the course, students will understand how to use text evidence to analyze plot, theme, and characterization; additionally, students will effectively implement the proper use of advanced level grammar, vocabulary, and writing concepts and skills in a variety of genres.

Modern World History 

Modern World History is designed to prepare the student for high-school level historical exploration by providing students with a practical understanding of the historical underpinnings of current world events. Starting with the Fall of Rome, this class traces the major themes, philosophies, interactions, and civilizations that have shaped our modern world. To accomplish this, students investigate historical thinking, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts, and the historical events of the last 1,500 years. 

Advanced World History 

Advanced World History is designed to prepare students for honors and advanced placement (AP) high school history courses.  While covering the same topics and course syllabus as Modern World History, it places a greater emphasis on classroom discussion facilitated by enhanced reading and writing assignments, and is thus characterized by a faster pace and greater classroom rigor.  While students will have to master and be able to recall a great deal of factual data, their ability to use that data to form opinions and support them with evidence is the overall goal and will be the key to their success in class.

Physical Science

Eighth grade Physical Science stresses an in-depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy. Major areas covered during the school year include organization and use of the periodic table, chemical nomenclature, physical and chemical changes, temperature and heat, electricity and magnetism, fluids and forces, and work, force, and motion. This class counts as an Upper School Science requirement. 

Bible

8^th Grade Bible is broken into 2 segments – Logic and Apologetics. Using The Argument Builder curriculum, students will learn to recognize different types of persuasive techniques and fallacies that attempt to derail them, as well as how to build strong arguments that support their beliefs. By knowing how to support their beliefs, they are better equipped to explain those beliefs to others as well as not being easily swayed by others who are using weak or illogical arguments. In the second portion of 8^th Grade Bible, we study Apologetics. The goal of Apologetics is to strengthen students’ ability to understand and explain what they believe and why they believe it to help them stand firm in their faith. Particular attention is given to how to refute current challenges of Christianity. Popular world religions are also explored with special consideration being given to the religion of Islam.

Visual Art 

Students express themselves creatively through drawing, graphics, sculpting, painting, 3D ceramic sculpture, and digital art to develop skills and concepts. Composition, technique, the elements of art and principles of design, and attention-to-detail are explored. 

Digital Art and Photography 

Using a variety of tools, including computers, iPads, apps, and key programs from Adobe's "Creative Suite" (including Photoshop), students work on a wide variety of projects and photography. These can include photo manipulation, collage, logo design, varieties of digital mark‐making, and drawing, along with some limited video and animation work.  

Band 8

Students begin the year diving into various styles of music and exploring not only the traditional band repertoire but popular styles of music to complement the traditional. As a result, students are exposed to a wide range of music and playing techniques. 

Drama 8

This Musical Theatre course is designed to allow students to grow as actors, singers, and dancers and is an exploration of American Musical Theatre. Students will study acting techniques and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers. Since this is a workshop course, students prepare material for class presentation and critique. There is also a focus on the audition process as well as musical theatre history. In culmination, students will work toward the Middle School Musical which is performed in the Spring. Students must be enrolled in the Drama course to participate in any school production.  

Innovating with STEM 

This course leverages the Innovation Lab and the Design Process to help students “compete” in various project challenges. Through marine engineering, students seek to keep our oceans clean by building Seaperch underwater vehicles. With automotive engineering, they will design & build solar cars to race in various challenges. Through biomedical engineering, students use hydraulic prosthetics to accomplish various tasks. Finally, using the “Art of Innovation” mindset, students design, build and market an innovative product prototype in a “Shark Tank” or Kickstarter style contest. 

Digital Production

Introduction to several aspects of video and graphic production. From shooting and editing video to special effects and motion graphics, this course introduces the basics of these skills and builds upon them throughout the year.