ELA
In Middle School ELA, students will use Wit & Wisdom. Through this program, students will analyze rich, complex texts that encourage critical thinking, creative exploration, and deep comprehension. Lessons emphasize vocabulary development, evidence-based writing, and collaborative discussions, enabling students to grow as thoughtful readers and articulate communicators. To enhance their learning, students participate in a daily 90-minute ELA class and an additional 30-minute novel study period. During the novel study, students explore a variety of texts that complement their core curriculum, fostering a deeper love for reading and a broader understanding of diverse perspectives. In alignment with the IB-inspired framework, the ELA curriculum connects literature to global contexts, encouraging students to analyze themes of culture, identity, and community. This approach helps students draw meaningful connections between the stories they read and the world around them, preparing them to be reflective, informed, and engaged global citizens.
Math
In Middle School Math, the Illustrative Math curriculum, a problem-based core program designed to align with content and practice standards. This approach emphasizes deep conceptual understanding and active learning. Students learn by solving challenging problems, applying mathematics to real-world scenarios, and articulating their reasoning using precise mathematical language. Lessons focus on fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance as students work to master essential math concepts.
The math instruction takes place during a 90-minute daily block, providing ample time for exploration, practice, and discussion. This extended block allows for a variety of instructional strategies, including hands-on activities, group problem-solving, and individualized support to ensure all students achieve their highest potential.
Aligned with the IB-inspired framework, Illustrative Math connects math concepts to global contexts, encouraging students to see the relevance of mathematics in understanding the world. By examining how math is used to solve real-world problems and make informed decisions, students build skills that extend beyond the classroom, preparing them for academic success and global citizenship.
Social Studies
In Social Studies, our middle school students will study government, citizenship, geography, economics, and history through The Medieval World and Beyond (7th grade) and The World Through 1750 (6th grade). These inquiry-based programs explore civilizations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, encouraging students to analyze historical events, understand their modern implications, and connect the past to the present. Using an inquiry-based approach inspired by the IB Global Context framework, students will critically analyze historical events, examine their implications on modern societies, and make connections between the past and present.
Science
In Middle School Science, students will use Amplify Science in grades 6–8, a program designed to immerse them in hands-on, real-world learning experiences. The curriculum integrates interactive investigations, digital tools, and engineering practices to help students think and work like scientists and engineers. This approach is aligned with the IB-inspired Lens Middle framework, connecting scientific inquiry to global contexts.
Curriculum Highlights by Grade
6th Grade
- Core Topics: Microbiome, Metabolism, Traits and Reproduction, and Weather Patterns.
- Focus: Students investigate scientific phenomena such as how microorganisms affect health, how energy is used in the body, and the interactions between traits and the environment.
- Real-World Connections: Includes an Engineering Internship on metabolism, fostering problem-solving and critical thinking.
7th Grade
- Core Topics: Geology, Plate Motion, Rock Formations, and Natural Selection.
- Focus: Explores Earth’s dynamic systems, the science behind natural phenomena, and the development of life through natural selection.
- Real-World Applications: Engages students in practical applications, such as an Engineering Internship on plate tectonics, simulating real-world problem-solving scenarios.
8th Grade
- Core Topics: Force and Motion, Light Waves, Chemical Reactions, and Earth’s Changing Climate.
- Focus: Examines physics principles, chemical interactions, and the impact of human activities on climate systems.
- Real-World Challenges: Includes Engineering Internships on topics like climate change, empowering students to apply their learning to global issues.
