Academics
- Students experience an excellent and relevant curriculum balanced in content knowledge and skill development.
Areas of This Page
Art
Bible
English
History
Language
Mathematics
Physical Education
Science
THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL believes in and promotes an appropriately rigorous and challenging course of study, as well as a supportive, nurturing academic environment. Students experience an excellent and relevant curriculum balanced in content knowledge and skill development. The curriculum is appropriately differentiated at each grade level and combines required classes in Bible, English, history, mathematics, science, and physical education with electives in language and performing or visual arts.
The Arts Department
A yearlong course or two semester courses are required in all three grades. Students may choose a yearlong Performing Arts course from the orchestra, band, or chorus offerings. For sixth graders the alternative is an art/drama/music course which has 9 weeks of each area followed by an interdisciplinary 9 weeks. In seventh grade a course including a semester of art and one of drama is available. Yearlong courses in art and drama are also offered. In eighth grade there are several choices: a public speaking/drama course, a yearlong art course, and a dance/drama course.
Bible Department
Two Bible courses exist in the Junior High. In the sixth grade for two weeks of each semester all students study Bible Values. In the seventh grade a semester course is required of all students.
English Department
All students in the Junior High are required to take a yearlong course in English which incorporates grammar, literature, and writing. In addition all sixth graders will have one semester of Language Arts which includes computer skills. All eighth graders participate in a semester workshop course devoted exclusively to writing.
History Department
A wide variety of experiences are found through the history courses taken in the three grades. Sixth graders take a yearlong World Cultures course, seventh graders study a year of United States history, and eighth graders are required to take a semester course in economics.
Language Department
In the sixth grade, students have the opportunity to study French, Latin, or Spanish. Seventh and eighth graders may choose either the beginning level of a new language or the experienced level of a previously studied language. Students are required to continue the same language in the eighth grade.
Mathematics Department
Our mathematics courses are designed to teach good study skills as well as math skills and critical thinking. The sixth graders are all in the same Math 6 course which is a final overview of arithmetic and preview of algebra and geometry. All seventh graders study Pre-Algebra and all eighth graders take Algebra I. Pre-Algebra and Algebra I are offered at two levels. Placement in these courses is determined by the Mathematics Department.
Physical Education Department
All students are required to take three years of physical education/health. The courses have single sex classes and take full advantage of our wonderful campus and its facilities.
Science Department
In grades 6, 7 and 8 students are introduced to fundamental principles and topics related to the major scientific disciplines. The curriculum focuses on process and inquiry, and enables students to manipulate a variety of materials in order to understand basic scientific principles. This learning method empowers students to build their own understanding and aggressively addresses common misunderstandings to make room for correct learning. We believe that this curriculum strengthens students’ appreciation for the sciences and prepares them for the more rigorous, content-specific study of physics, chemistry, and life science in high school.