Middle School Curriculum

5th Grade

WRITING: The fifth grade writing class is designed to enhance students’ communication skills through reading, writing, speaking, and studying the English language. The primary focus of the class is reading texts critically and using those texts as a foundation for various writing styles, demonstrating the rules of grammar and oral expression. Students will engage with a variety of fiction and nonfiction, including short stories, infographics, poetry, and articles. Each quarter, students will produce work that connects authentically with the real world, allowing them to apply their learning in meaningful ways. Writing assignments will include journal writing, timed responses, and creative pieces, with a strong emphasis on producing work that has a real-world impact or relevance. GUM (grammar, usage, and mechanics) will also be an important part of this class. Our goal is for students to enjoy the reading and writing assignments and to look forward to coming to class every day because they are expanding their experiences, connecting with real and fictional people, and learning more about themselves and others while making a tangible impact through their work.

READING: This class focuses on reading comprehension and the use of reading strategies to become actively involved in the reading process. Throughout the course of the year, students will be writing, speaking, and collaborating about various texts, including novels, short stories, nonfiction articles, and poetry. Students will strengthen vocabulary through a study of Latin and Greek roots as well as their independent reading. Activities, assignments, and units will encourage meaningful connections to the text, create a deeper understanding of the material, and lead to the development of new ideas. This class is centered on enhancing reading comprehension and applying effective reading strategies to engage actively with various texts. Over the course of the year, students will participate in writing, speaking, and collaborative discussions about a range of literature, including novels, short stories, nonfiction articles, and poetry.

Vocabulary development will be a key component, with a focus on the study of Latin and Greek roots, as well as vocabulary building through independent reading. The activities, assignments, and units in this class are designed to foster meaningful connections to the texts, deepen students’ understanding of the material, and encourage the development of new and original ideas.

6th Grade

Sixth-grade English Language Arts builds on the foundation of academic inquiry and the processes established in fifth grade ELA. Students practice critical reading and response by asking questions, forming connections, making predictions, inferring themes, and synthesizing the content of works they study with their own world. Through these approaches, students learn to think creatively and relate to the written word on a much more personal level.

By the end of the year, students will have practiced writing in different styles and reading various genres. Throughout the process, they will continue developing key skills, including active listening and contributing thoughtful, relevant ideas in both their writing and discussions. Hands-on practice with research, vocabulary, and grammar and mechanics occurs in a variety of ways that aim to engage students with the written word and spark interest and curiosity as they learn more about themselves and others.

7th Grade

The seventh grade English Language Arts curriculum emphasizes creative thinking, critical reading, and analytical writing. Through regular journaling, students begin to develop their own voices and ideas, giving them a sense of ownership over their academic and personal growth.

Students explore diverse literary genres that prompt thoughtful reflection on significant themes such as coming-of-age, adversity, and empathy. These themes are often explored through literary conflicts like character vs. self and character vs. society. The selected texts allow for inquiry-based projects that challenge students to investigate key aspects of writing, such as voice, audience, and purpose. Additionally, students become active participants in their learning through open-ended discussions and collaborative analysis of literature.

Writing skills are cultivated through targeted lessons, spanning a variety of units designed to strengthen their abilities. Students are introduced to new literary terminology and work to expand their vocabulary through text-based studies and other academic resources. Grammar and mechanics are reinforced through in-depth lessons, with written assignments expected to meet high standards of clarity and presentation. By the end of the year, students will have learned to take responsibility for their intellectual growth, demonstrating increased maturity and independence. They will be prepared to engage with more abstract thinking and tackle increasingly sophisticated literary and cultural texts.

7th Grade Honors

Students taking English 7 Honors demonstrate consistent excellence in the subject, showing a strong personal interest, independent commitment to coursework, and consistently high-quality work on assignments. Honors students should be able to clearly articulate why the advanced course aligns with their academic strengths and goals.

In addition, Honors students are expected to engage in more sophisticated literary analysis than what is typically expected of their college prep peers. They should be eager to delve deeply into texts, actively revise their writing, and contribute thoughtfully to class discussions. Honors students must be prepared to handle a faster pace of work, more rigorous assignments, and higher evaluation standards. Those who are well-suited for Honors English thrive on the challenge of elevated coursework and appreciate the collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment where critical and creative thinking are celebrated among like-minded peers.

8th Grade

Students in English 8 are challenged by reading, writing, and oral analysis tasks that contend with the complex universal struggles that come up in literature. Students are expected to empathetically consider perspectives different from their own, and they are asked to draw connections that explain how characters, times, and places are unified by shared values and experiences. 

Additionally, eighth graders are asked to consider their own identity development and to appreciate and celebrate their own heritage and culture. To do this, students read a mix of young adult and traditional literature in a variety of styles and genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and a Shakespearean play. In addition to periodic creative writing tasks, eighth graders write critical, argumentative essays throughout the year. They are evaluated on their demonstration of a strong analytical process from annotations to notes, from outlines or proposals to drafts, and from revisions to final conclusions in polished products. Students constantly engage in academic argumentation, through writing and oral analysis, in short daily tasks and long-term projects. They research on a regular basis, learning how to access tools and resources to improve their contextual awareness and to gain a fuller understanding of the language they encounter. New vocabulary comes from the books students read, and they leave eighth grade with the ability to recognize and use words of the discipline, including the language of essay writing and research as well as common literary terms. Grammatical study occurs throughout the year using Grammar for Writing, reinforcing skills important for writing.

Eighth grade ELA requires students to act as emerging scholars with a high demand for thoughtful, clear communication. The increased workload and added emphasis on personal responsibility helps prepare students for ninth grade English and Upper School courses.

8th Grade Honors

Eighth grade students taking Honors English must consistently demonstrate excellence in the subject, exhibiting a strong personal passion, independent dedication to their coursework, and consistently high-quality work on assignments. Honors students should be able to clearly explain how this advanced course aligns with their academic strengths and goals.

In addition to meeting these expectations, Honors students are required to engage in more advanced literary analysis than their college prep peers. They should have a desire to explore texts in greater depth, actively revise and improve their writing, and participate meaningfully in class discussions. Honors students must be ready to manage a faster pace, more demanding assignments, and higher evaluation standards. Those who excel in Honors English embrace the challenge of advanced coursework and value the intellectually stimulating environment, where critical and creative thinking are shared among motivated peers.

Middle School mathematics is centered on fostering a deep conceptual understanding of mathematical principles, while also developing procedural fluency and automaticity. Through an inquiry-based approach, students explore key areas such as numbers and operations, algebraic reasoning, geometry, data and statistics, and measurement. The goal is to cultivate persistent problem-solvers who are capable of employing a variety of strategies with precision. Students are encouraged to model real-world scenarios using mathematics and to construct clear, logical arguments while also analyzing and critiquing the reasoning of others. This approach prepares students to engage thoughtfully and confidently with mathematical challenges.

5th Grade

The Math 5 curriculum emphasizes mastery of operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. In addition, students will explore key topics such as geometry, pre-algebra, data analysis, and measurement. A strong focus is placed on helping students understand not only the “how” of mathematical algorithms but also the “why” behind them. Students are encouraged to build on prior knowledge and newly acquired skills to solve more complex problems. The curriculum challenges students to apply higher order thinking skills, fostering a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and their real-world applications.

6th Grade

In Math 6, students build on their mathematical foundation by applying operations with integers and positive rational numbers to solve a variety of problems. Key concepts include understanding and using ratios and rates, representing proportional relationships through equivalent ratios, solving problems algebraically using equations and inequalities, calculating the area of geometric shapes, and understanding the coordinate plane.

The primary goal of Math 6 is to develop independent, self-advocating mathematicians. The increased level of challenge and rigor in sixth grade math is designed to support the growth of these critical skills, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and confidently tackle complex mathematical tasks.

6th Grade Advanced Math

In Math 6 Advanced, students build on the foundational content and skills of Math 6 while being challenged with a greater number of higher-order thinking questions. These complex problems require students to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information at a deeper level. The advanced curriculum is designed to push students beyond basic understanding, encouraging them to think critically and engage more rigorously with mathematical concepts.

7th Grade Math Foundations

Math Foundations 7 is designed to strengthen students’ fluency with essential mathematical skills, such as operations with rational numbers and introductory algebraic reasoning. This course provides a comprehensive overview of key mathematical strands, including numbers and operations, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and algebra. Through focused instruction and practice, students will develop a solid foundation to support their continued growth in mathematics.

Pre-Algebra

Pre-Algebra begins with the study of the tools of algebra: variables, equations, and properties. Units of study include operations with integers, ratios, and proportions, solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable, and graphing linear equations in two variables on the coordinate plane. Concepts from 2D and 3D geometry are incorporated throughout the year with an emphasis on problem-solving and communication in the language of mathematics. 

Pre-Algebra Honors

Pre-Algebra Honors begins with the study of the tools of algebra: variables, equations, and properties. Students explore inequalities and graphing linear functions on the coordinate plane along with solving linear systems. Additionally, students learn to apply the laws of exponents to variable expressions and perform basic operations with polynomials. This is an in-depth and comprehensive honors course that challenges students to apply mathematics in conceptual and abstract ways. 

Algebra 1

College Preparatory Algebra 1 is a course designed to help students develop their algebraic thinking and reasoning skills, ignite enthusiasm for problem-solving, and strengthen understanding of mathematical procedures and concepts. Topics studied include equations and inequalities in one variable, linear equations and inequalities in two variables, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and polynomials, factoring and quadratic equations, rational expressions and equations, and radical expressions and equations. Communication using the academic language of mathematics and continued strengthening of basic skills are additional points of emphasis in this course. 

Algebra 1 Honors

Algebra 1 Honors is a fast-paced course designed to challenge students and move them forward in their algebraic thinking and reasoning. Topics studied include equations and inequalities in one variable, linear equations and inequalities in two variables, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and polynomials, factoring and quadratic equations, rational expressions and equations, radical expressions and equations, and exponential functions. Throughout this course, emphasis is placed on problem-solving, communication using the academic language of mathematics, and continued strengthening of basic skills. Some of the key goals for this course are for students to discover an appreciation for mathematics, to become confident and independent problem-solvers, and to successfully master the skills necessary to be fully prepared for future mathematics courses. Students learn to apply mathematics in daily activities and seek to understand why and how mathematical concepts and skills work, rather than simply memorizing and replicating algorithms. 

Middle School science covers a broad range of topics, including life science, physical science, earth and space science, and engineering. Across all courses, emphasis is placed on developing critical scientific skills, such as formulating questions, defining problems, and creating and using models to study various phenomena. Students also focus on analyzing and interpreting data, constructing evidence-based arguments, and evaluating the reasoning of others, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry and critical thinking.

General Science

General Science is a fifth grade science course and covers many topics in Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. Students will start the year with an investigation of what scientists do and how one can use this information while developing the growth and survival of living things. They will then move on to learn about matter, forces, and motion, and finish the year with a unit on engineering and design. A majority of the course will be spent doing several hands-on projects that keep the students inquiring about and understanding.

Earth Science

Earth Science explores the physical world in which we live. It is an introduction to geology, meteorology, and astronomy. The composition, structure, and dynamics of the Earth from its very center to the outer edge of our atmosphere are studied. Topics include an introduction to Earth, including geologic time and physical composition, plate tectonics, volcanoes and earthquakes, properties of the atmosphere, weather factors and patterns, Earth/sun/moon relationship, and space exploration. how things “work” and exploring a wide range of scientific concepts. At the end of the year, students will have the opportunity to participate in a science fair. They will use their understanding of the scientific method, along with their knowledge of the different topics learned throughout the course, in order to create, answer, and present a scientific question they have come up with during our course. 

Life Science

Life Science covers a wide variety of topics in several different areas of science. The topics explored include the nature of science and measurement, cell structure and function, heredity, and the human body. We will also examine plant and animal biology as well as some ecology. Throughout Life Science, students engage in inquiry-based lessons to develop appropriate science skills and scientific attitudes. Hands-on activities and labs are a part of each unit.

Physical Science

Eighth grade Physical Science emphasizes the main concepts that create the backbone for Upper School Physics and Chemistry. This class uses many project-based learning tools to reinforce the major topics discussed in this class. Students will gain confidence throughout the class in seeing the relationship between math and science while honing and building their basic algebra skills. 

Middle School Social Studies courses are designed to help students discover more about themselves, their families, their communities, their country, and their world. From fifth to eighth grade, our classes are structured around activities that encourage students to explore through research, investigate with critical thinking, and communicate by writing or speaking clearly and, when appropriate, objectively. Students are not simply taught about the major events and important players of history. Instead, they actively engage in the process of historiography, studying and practicing the varied approaches and perspectives that create meaningful cultural narratives. 

World Geography

World Geography introduces fifth graders to the globe! Their excitement for exploration is given an academic lens: geography. As students make their way around the world, they learn about the resources, culture, government, and history of faraway places and new people. Students practice their research and analytical skills through the use of provided maps, graphs and charts, electronic media, library resources, and common reference materials. Students engage in class discussions and make short practice presentations as they learn to engage in academic conversations that incorporate facts and diverse perspectives. Students’ time in World Geography prepares them to collaborate with others, including external experts, their teachers, and their peers. This course encourages students to investigate the many factors that make places unique and impact the events and beliefs of diverse, rich communities around the globe.

Ancient Civilizations

This sixth grade history course focuses on the beginnings of civilization and the many advancements and challenges presented by human society. In this course, students will examine the features of civilization and  the effects of geography on civilization, the arts, government, etc. This is a study of human achievements. This is a study of human values. This is a study of how citizens learn, adapt, and thrive to meet challenges and create solutions to current and future issues. Through the study of these many facets of a civilization, this course aims to prepare students to be difference makers in the world –  leaders, innovators, discoverers, problem-solvers, and harbingers of change. By digging deeper into the civilizations of antiquity, students examine the achievements and challenges that all civilizations encounter, compare and contrast them to modern day communities, and extrapolate lessons from antiquity that can be applied today to make our world a better place to work and live. 

Middle Ages

Seventh grade students study the cultural, economic, geographical, historical, and political developments of Western Civilization in Europe, along with the geographic regions of East Asia, West Africa, and Southwest Asia and Northern Africa. They will compare and contrast the history and geography of civilizations that were evolving concurrently in Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia from  the 15th to 18th centuries.

Students will investigate the growth of economic interactions among these civilizations, focusing on the exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and goods. They will also explore the indigenous populations of the Americas and assess the long-term effects of European exploration in the New World.

In addition, students will analyze how geography influenced the development of civilizations as part of their broader study of world history and geography. This course will also introduce students to the historical contexts of ancient and major world religions, deepening their understanding of global cultures and traditions.

United States Studies

United States Studies focuses on analyzing key events in U.S. history, beginning with the Revolutionary War and concluding with World War II. Through the exploration of these significant periods, students will gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s past, helping them become more informed and responsible citizens of the future.

A central component of the course is the National History Day project, which spans the entire first semester. This project allows students to develop and refine their research and analytical skills. Additionally, students will encounter increasing expectations for clear and concise written communication.

Middle School World Language courses are designed to introduce students to languages other than English and to the diverse peoples who use these languages in their daily lives.  Students build linguistic proficiency, gain confidence to communicate their ideas and opinions in the target language, learn to navigate the target language for meaning in a variety of cultural situations, and compare the products, practices, and perspectives of target cultures to their own culture and community. In the middle division, we focus on the foundational linguistic skills and structures that build toward an intermediate-low proficiency level as we aim to foster an intellectual curiosity and appreciation for others who share this planet with us. 

6th Grade

French 6: Sixth grade French is an exciting, lively introduction to the French language and French-speaking cultures. This course is designed for students who have no prior knowledge of French. The goals for this course are for every student to have the confidence to have short, simple conversations in French, using lots of practiced and memorized language at a novice level, develop an understanding and appreciation for French-speaking communities around the world, and to read and write simple sentences in French.

Latin 6: This class is an introduction to Latin as a spoken and written language. We will learn the rules for Latin pronunciation, the Roman alphabet, basic vocabulary for greetings, how to ask and answer basic questions and the fundamental grammatical concepts of the language. Likewise, we will explore some basic features of Greco-Roman civilization, most specifically religion, mythology, history, and geography, and begin to explore the profound influence Latin has had on Western Civilization.

Spanish 6: Sixth grade Spanish is an exciting, lively introduction to the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures. This course is designed for students who have no prior knowledge of the language. The goals for this course are for every student to have the confidence to have short, simple conversations in Spanish, using lots of practiced and memorized language at a novice level, develop an understanding and appreciation for Spanish-speaking communities around the world, and to read and write simple sentences in Spanish. 

7th Grade

French 7: is an introductory course designed to equip students with an elementary level of proficiency in the four basic skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will communicate using phrases and simple sentences that encourage interaction, creativity, and familiarity with the culture. They will attain these skills through a wide variety of learning methods that encourage active participation and involvement. To aid students in developing an appreciation for the cultures of French-speaking peoples, students explore their daily life and interactions through discussions of their various cultural practices, traditions, attitudes and behavior. At the end of this course, students will be prepared to enter the French 8 course in eighth grade. 

Latin 7: Students will explore the geography of the Roman Empire, including its size, shape, and major regions (provinces, seas, rivers), and learn about key cultural aspects like Roman slavery and military life. They will also be introduced to the basics of Greco Roman polytheism and religion. Throughout the course, students will master hundreds of new vocabulary words related to geography, body parts, animals, daily activities, clothing, and more. Additionally, they will begin to understand the structure of Latin, a highly synthetic language that relies on changes within words, rather than word order, as the primary means of communication.

Spanish 7: Spanish 7 is an introductory course designed to help students attain an elementary level of proficiency in the four basic skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will communicate using phrases and simple sentences that encourage interaction, creativity, and familiarity with the culture. They will attain these skills through a wide variety of learning methods that encourage active participation and involvement. Students will develop an appreciation for the cultures of the Spanish-speaking people through discussions about their various cultural practices, traditions, and behaviors. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to enter Spanish 8. 

8th Grade

French 8: French 8 is a continuation of French 7 and is designed to help students expand their level of proficiency in the four basic skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  Students build linguistic skills and their ability to communicate using accurate and simple sentences. Students attain these skills through a wide variety of learning methods that encourage active participation and involvement.  Students are encouraged to apply the skills learned in class to engage in meaningful interactions to give and receive information. Additionally, students are given opportunities to use language creatively and exhibit an understanding and familiarity with the target culture. Students also continue to increase their appreciation for Frenchspeaking cultures through exploration of their cultural practices, traditions, and behaviors.  After successful completion of this course, students will be prepared to enter Upper School at the French II level. 

Latin 8: Students will study the three major periods of Roman history and explore the geography of the Roman Empire, including its size, shape, and key regions (provinces, seas, and rivers). They will also examine key cultural similarities and differences between ancient Rome and modern society, focusing on areas like slavery, military life, religion, sailing, trade, and education. The course challenges students to learn over 1,000 vocabulary words related to geography, body parts, animals, daily activities, clothing, and more. Additionally, students will adapt to the unique structure of Latin, a synthetic language that relies on changes within words, rather than word order, to convey meaning.

Spanish 8: Spanish 8 is a continuation of Spanish 7 and is designed to help students reach an acceptable level of proficiency in the four basic skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students expand their ability to communicate by using accurate phrases and simple sentences that encourage interaction, creativity, and familiarity with the culture. Students attain these skills through a wide variety of learning methods that encourage active participation and involvement. Students develop an appreciation for the cultures of the Spanish-speaking people by exploring their various cultural practices, traditions, and behaviors. After successful completion of this course, students will be prepared to enter Upper School at the Spanish II level. 

Middle School Fine Arts courses are designed to provide students with opportunities to explore their creative potential and curiosity in a supportive and inclusive environment. We offer a safe space for self-expression, where students are encouraged to try new things in both the visual and performing arts. Engagement in the arts fosters an appreciation for self, others, and the world. It also cultivates essential skills such as creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. We believe that the arts play a vital role in the development of the whole person and are a fundamental part of the human experience. Through exploration, active participation, and self-reflection, students gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the arts, preparing them to continue their creative journey in the Upper School program.

5th Grade

Band 5: Beginning band is open to all fifth grade students who have an interest in playing an instrument! Students have the opportunity to try two instruments that interest them with assistance and advising from the Band Director. After the selection process, students will participate in a class ensemble setting with their peers while studying the fundamentals of music theory, history, and of course, the function and proper care of their instrument. Students will be expected to practice regularly and perform in Winter and Spring Concerts.

Chorus 5: This class serves as an introduction to choral singing. For performances, the fifth grade chorus joins the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade chorus classes to form a larger chorus, with each grade level taking the vocal parts best suited to their voices. Repertoire is varied and tries to expand the student’s musical horizons. Sight-reading and music theory are included to develop each student’s independent musicianship. Performances include a Fall Concert, a Holiday Concert, Choral Festival, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and a Spring Concert, as well as various assemblies and potential field trips. In addition, students may audition for the MTVA Regional Elementary Honors Choirs.

Theater 5: Students  bring stories to life using their imaginations, voices, and bodies. Through scene work, students explore objectives and obstacles to drive their narratives. The class draws on mythology, folktales, fairy tales, fables, and legends as our guides. As a highlight, students create a radio drama, crafting and performing original stories with dialogue, sound effects, and character voices. This project blends traditional storytelling with modern media, helping students understand narrative structure while having fun and being creative. Above all else, in this class we will learn to collaborate well with their peers and respect each other’s ideas. 

Visual Art 5: Students will explore a variety of visual art materials and processes. Drawing, painting, and sculpting will be included as students develop content from the observed to the imagined. 

6th Grade

Band 6: Beginning band is open to all sixth graders who have an interest in playing an instrument! Students have the opportunity to try two instruments that interest them with assistance and advising from the Band Director. After the selection process, students will participate in a class ensemble setting with their peers while studying the fundamentals of music theory, history, and of course, the function and proper care of their instrument. Students will be expected to practice regularly and perform in Winter and Spring Concerts.

Chorus 6: Sixth grade chorus continues the work of vocal development and builds on the skills developed in fifth grade chorus. For performances, the sixth grade chorus joins the fifth, seventh, and eighth grade chorus classes to form a larger choir, with each grade taking the vocal parts best suited to their voices. Repertoire is varied and tries to expand the student’s musical horizons. Sight-reading and music theory are practiced daily to encourage each student’s independent musicianship. Performances include a Fall Concert, a Holiday Concert, Choral Festival, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and a Spring Concert, as well as various assemblies and potential field trips. In addition, students may audition for the MTVA Regional Elementary Honors Choirs. 

Theater 6: Students focus on key plot elements and conflicts to create their  own plays based on characters they develop. Using their imaginations, voices, and bodies, students  bring these characters to life and craft engaging stories. The class culminates in a Sketch Comedy production, where students will write and perform their own sketches. Students will also study the history of Sketch Comedy and explore types like Fish Out of Water, Parody, and Alternate Reality. This hands-on approach helps students grasp comedic techniques and narrative structure, culminating in a performance that is sure to entertain while teaching students soft skills like empathy and teamwork. 

Visual Art 6: Students will explore a variety of visual art materials and processes. Drawing, painting, and sculpting will be included as students develop content from the observed to the imagined. 

7th/8th Grade Visual Arts

Visual Art 1 - Artventure, Exploring Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture: Students will engage in a variety of projects, including drawing, painting, and sculpture. Using observation, photographs, and their imagination as inspiration, they will be encouraged to develop unique and expressive works of art. Each project will challenge students to explore different techniques and mediums, fostering creativity and artistic growth.

Ceramics and Sculpture 1 – Clay Chronicles From Handbuilt Treasures to 3D Marvels: In this class, students will focus on working with clay during the first half of the semester, utilizing basic hand building techniques to create functional and nonfunctional art pieces. In the second half of the semester, students will explore the use of armatures and learn how to create three-dimensional artworks using materials such as papiermâché and cardboard. This course emphasizes the development of foundational skills in sculpture and creative problem solving.

Drawing 1 – Dynamic Drawing, Exploring Drawing Techniques and Materials: In this course, students will be introduced to a range of drawing techniques and materials. They will learn to draw from observation, reference photos, and personal experiences. Students will explore various mediums, including pencils, colored pencils, pens, pastels, and alcohol ink markers, developing technical skills and creative expression through their artwork.

Painting 1 – Brush and Beyond, Journey Into Watercolor and Acrylic Painting: In this course, students will be introduced to fundamental painting techniques using watercolor and acrylic paints. They will create works on paper and canvas, learning to apply various techniques and approaches to develop their painting skills and artistic expression.

Digital Art and Design - Unlocking Digital Creativity and Design: In this course, students will learn foundational skills in digital art and graphic design. This introductory course will focus on digital drawing, graphic design principles, and marketing concepts, along with an introduction to digital photography. Students will explore creative tools and techniques to develop their digital artistry and design proficiency.

7th/8th Grade Performing Arts

Stage Makeup - Face Forward: In Stage Makeup, students will explore the transformative power of makeup as they design, practice, and perform various looks on themselves and others. Through hands-on demonstrations, guided tutorials, and practical exercises, students will learn essential techniques for enhancing facial features, creating character transformations, and mastering the art of stage presence. With a focus on creativity, precision, and collaboration, students will unleash their artistic talents and develop confidence in expressing themselves through the medium of makeup. By the course’s end, students will have honed their artistic skills and be able to design and execute makeup for just about any project!

Musical Theater - Triple Threats in Training: In this blended Musical Theatre class, students will embark on an exciting journey through the realms of acting, singing, and dancing, as they delve into the art of musical storytelling. From Golden Age Broadway tunes to contemporary showstoppers, students will learn to master vocal techniques, tell a story through songs, and execute choreography with flair and precision. Through rehearsals, ensemble work, and performance opportunities, students will ignite their passion for musical theatre while honing their skills in teamwork, discipline, and stage presence. Join us as we celebrate the magic of musical theatre and unleash our inner stars on stage!

Acting - On Stage Storytelling: In Acting, students will embark on a transformative journey in honing their theatrical prowess. Through dynamic exercises, improvisations, and scene studies, participants will refine voice projection, body language, and emotional expression. Exploring diverse genres, from classical to contemporary, students will sharpen their versatility as performers. Opportunities for individual and group performances abound, fostering confidence and skill refinement in a supportive atmosphere. The culmination of the course will be a  performance showcasing the multifaceted talents of our budding actors. Join us as we explore the dramatic arts, where each student emerges as a confident and versatile performer ready for the spotlight.

Chorus Cantare (Treble Voices): Students will continue on their musical journey toward becoming a more independent musician. This course offers a dynamic and inclusive space where young singers can explore the art of choral music in a supportive and empowering environment. Through a diverse repertoire spanning various musical genres and styles, students will learn vocal techniques, music theory fundamentals, and ensemble skills. Emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and selfexpression, Cantare provides opportunities for personal growth and musical exploration, instilling confidence and a lifelong love of singing. Events during the year include concert performances, concert performance assessment (field trip), Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and a Lower School assembly. Students may audition for the Middle School Honor Choir. By combining the seventh and eighth grade girls, this opens up the possibilities for doing harder music in two and three parts with only treble voices. More focus can be given to vocal technique for achieving those elusive high(er) notes.

Chorus (Tenor/Bass Voices): Students will continue on their musical journey toward becoming a more independent musician. Through a diverse repertoire spanning various musical genres and styles, students will learn vocal techniques, music theory fundamentals, and ensemble skills. Through collaboration and mutual respect, this course cultivates a strong sense of community and fosters confidence, self expression, and a lifelong love for singing. Events during the year include concert performances, concert performance assessment (field trip), Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and a Lower School assembly. Students may audition for the Middle School Honor Choir. By combining the seventh and eighth grade boys, this opens up the possibilities for working blend and tone in the male voice. The focus of class can center on vocal technique for the male voice, as well as working on songs written only for boys to allow them to sing harmonies!

Beginner Band: This is where students learn the fundamentals of playing instruments. If you have one year or less experience on your instrument or you want to begin playing, this is the place for you. Intermediate/Advanced Band Intermediate Band is a skill-building class focused on building technique and confidence in sight-reading, fundamentals, and performance. This is a great place to hone your skills and prepare for more advanced music. This is where any seventh grade, first-year player would start or students with previous experience could make agreed-upon instrument switches. Advanced Band emphasizes skill development in sight-reading and performance while also preparing students for MTSBOA Mid-State Band auditions. This class is designed for students who have demonstrated strong proficiency in note and rhythm recognition as well as rehearsal techniques.

A major goal of the technology courses in the Middle School is for students to learn to use technology tools strategically and responsibly. Coding is introduced in sixth grade science and employed in the Robotics classes offered in seventh and eighth grades.  Throughout the technology courses offered, students employ the engineering design process, which includes defining problems, asking questions, designing prototypes, testing functionality, and improving designs through revision and further testing.  

5th Grade

Legos and Simple Machines: Fifth Grade STEM is a foundational course experience providing students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the content connections that exist between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This introductory fifth grade course will provide students with introductory skills and a foundation with Lego building and simple machines. 

6th Grade

EV3S and Intro Engineering Basics: This introductory sixth grade course will provide students with introductory skills and a foundational knowledge base in coding and the engineering design process. Students will learn to code and manipulate their EV3 robots and build prototypes using the design process. This course is intentionally designed to help prepare students for entry into the 7th/8th Grade Engineering Design & Function course as well as the 7th/8th Grade Robotics classes. 

7th/8th Grade 

7th/8th Grade Robotics: Robo Revolution with EV3S EV3: provides a structured sequence of programming activities in real-world, project based contexts. The projects are designed to get students thinking about the patterns and structure of robotics, programming, and problem-solving. Students will work through four main units during the course – movement, sensors, decisions, and the final project. Students will learn to write programs that move the robot forward, backward, make turns, and control the robot’s gripper arm. They will also learn how to use sensors to detect touch, ultrasonic sound, and color. These lessons will help students code the robots to make decisions and repeat sequences of commands. The final project will be the culmination of using all these lessons to solve a series of challenges.

7th/8th Mechanical Mayhem with VEX EXP: Vex Robotics is an inquiry-based course that uses a hands-on approach to introduce basic concepts of robotics, focusing on the construction and programming of the VEX Exp robots. This course will provide students with a foundation in content and skills associated with robotics, electronics, physics, and principles of engineering. Using the VEX Exp system students will be able to create fast and easy builds that enable experimentation. In Vex Robotics, students will also have the opportunity to explore 3D printing using the Tinkercad platform. This course is designed to help students explore their designs and to empower them to make an informed decision if they choose to pursue any of the Capstone programs in our Upper School.

7th/8th Grade Engineering Design, and Function

EDF1 - Engineering Design and Function, and 3D Pens: Engineering, Design, and Function is an inquiry-based class that allows students to use hands-on, interactive, and participatory methods to develop their critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems that can impact our community and environment. In this class, students will plan and carry out tests with their own prototypes and collaboratively discuss how to improve the prototype’s function. Students will research, test, and learn how to communicate their designs by using interdisciplinary studies from their core curriculum classes. In EDF1, students will also use 3D pens to create, design, and modify their prototypes. This class is designed to be a fun way for students to investigate, experiment, and discover with open-ended inquiry that can prepare students for the EDF2 Course.

EDF2 - Engineering Design Application and 3D Printers: A student proficient in this course will understand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a collection of interrelated disciplines, rather than a series of isolated fields. Students will research, test, and learn how to communicate their designs by using interdisciplinary studies from their core curriculum classes. They will also learn how to use and apply knowledge from the Tinkercad modeling platform to print to a 3D printer. This is a hands-on, interactive, and participatory class where they will develop critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems that can impact our community and environment. Students will come away from this course with a thorough understanding of how the STEM disciplines work together to investigate the world, define problems, and create optimal solutions to benefit society. They will be introduced to the practices of science and engineering; and they will explore various STEM fields to empower them to make an informed decision if they choose to pursue any of the Capstone programs in our Upper School.

The Wellness program at Battle Ground Academy integrates physical fitness, athletic training, co-ed team sports, and movement-based activities to promote lifelong wellness within the Battle Ground Academy community. This course also emphasizes teaching core values that align with the mission of Battle Ground Academy, supporting students’ academic, physical, and social development. The ultimate goal of the Wellness program is to embody Battle Ground Academy’s motto of Character, Scholarship, and Excellence, encouraging students to lead balanced and healthy lives.

5th Grade Wellness

Our newest members to the Glen Echo Campus are guided into and through new standards of responsibility, accountability, and participation, where the level of expectations in each are a little more intentional. Fifth grade students are held accountable for dressing and keeping up with a Wellness uniform, maintaining a locker, and practicing the value of respect for their peers in a new environment (e.g., the locker room). Much of the class focus is learning how to behave and function as a Middle School Wellness student by learning the values of participating at each students’ greatest potential (effort) and maintaining a positive attitude in team settings through our sports units at a developmentally appropriate level. The goal of the sports units is to expose our students to many different hand-eye and foot-eye coordination skills, gain an appreciation and understanding of teamwork, and to ignite curiosity for future participation in our school athletics programs. At the start of each class, students will spend time obtaining a foundation of proper movement patterns through our body-weight and age-appropriate fitness model, which follows a similar course to that of the Upper School program, but on a very basic and foundation level. Students will learn technical terms to squat, lunge, push, pull, and land properly by using only their body weight. Finally, fifth graders will learn strategies to navigate food choices in the dining hall through our nutrition program aimed at the middle school age. 

6th Grade Wellness

All sixth graders participate in a Wellness curriculum that is sport and fitness-based. Sports covered in wellness are taught in a developmentally appropriate and safe manner. Students will experience fundamentals in soccer, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, base/softball, floor hockey, speedball, flag football, and ultimate frisbee. Building on what these students learned as fifth graders, the fitness model will continue to focus on the foundation of movement patterns, but at a more challenging level than that of their fifth grade year. As their body grows, so will their strength; therefore, keeping up with that growth and helping it stay coordinated in our movement patterns remains the focus of rehearsing technique in pushing, pulling, squatting, lunging, landing, and running form. While this program may follow the Upper School model, we recognize the complexity of how different every middle school body is, so our program is adjusted to meet the age and/or ability level of each student. Finally, sixth graders will practice and develop good nutritional habits through our nutrition program. This program is specifically designed for our Middle School and will help educate our students on proper eating habits, as well as help our students make good decisions when they are presented with choices. 

7th Grade Wellness

Seventh grade students will experience a more intense and intentional assessment of their movement patterns and strength abilities in Wellness. While the days of playing sports in class aren’t as prominent in seventh grade wellness, they aren’t eliminated from the curriculum. Wellness students will always experience sports in class, but it will be limited. Much of our time in class will be spent on proper movement patterns as we challenge students in their abilities of agility, speed, and power. Concentration in each of these areas will be tested in their skill sets of pushing, pulling, squatting, lunging, landing, and running. Creating an environment of athletic movement and strength will assist in their overall health and in their sports, should students choose to participate in school athletics. Finally, this is the year we reinforce good habits of eating, resting, and exercise, but introduce psychological performance themes that represent our athletic values (H.E.A.R.T.). These themes always spark great conversations with our students, which begins to build a foundation of what it means and what it takes to compete at a Battle Ground Academy Upper School level.

8th Grade Wellness

All eighth grade students will participate in a Wellness curriculum that is movement and fitness based. While the fitness model follows the Upper School Wellness Program, the middle school version for eighth grade will be centered on challenging students to produce more power and/or reps of body-weight exercises. They will also be assessed in their agility, speed, and endurance. Students can expect to visit the Jewell Athletic and Wellness Center at least once a week to experience the Upper School environment and get a little taste of what the future holds in that facility. The expectation of our 8th Grade Wellness class won’t look or feel much different than the summer Wildcat program. The idea of the 8th Grade Wellness fitness and conditioning program is to prepare students for the Upper School model, where they will face more complex movements in and out of the weight room. Mastering technique will promote our students to “get behind the glass doors” sooner, which is our ultimate goal. Finally, we will continue to promote and discuss the Battle Ground Academy Athletic Program Values (H.E.A.R.T.) to prepare them for what will be expected in the Upper School athletic culture.