Curriculum

Sixth grade marks the exciting transition to middle school. Students are introduced to departmentalized learning, develop organizational skills, and build the academic foundation for future success. The focus is on exploration—of Scripture, ancient civilizations, Earth’s systems, and foundational math concepts.

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Bible – Old Testament Survey (Route 66)

Students are introduced to the structure and themes of God’s Word, examining each of the 66 books of Scripture. They learn how God uses imperfect people to reflect His grace and how the whole Bible points to Jesus. By year’s end, students can name each book and explain its main theme, characters, and purpose.

English Language Arts

Targets growth in grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Through fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, students practice reading strategies and comprehension skills. Writing focuses on narrative, informative/explanatory, and argumentative forms. The goal is increasing overall literacy and writing ability.

Mathematics

Explores ratios and rates through real-world problems using visual models like tape diagrams and double number lines. Students build fluency in dividing fractions, decimals, and whole numbers, then dive into rational numbers and their properties. The year concludes with foundational algebra skills—expressions and equations.

Science – Earth & Space Science

Invites students to explore God’s creation through the study of our planet and its place in the universe. Topics include Earth’s systems (atmosphere, oceans, landforms), water and rock cycles, weather, climate, natural resources, and the solar system. Hands-on inquiry helps students appreciate God’s handiwork and understand our stewardship responsibility.

Social Studies – Heritage Studies (Ancient Civilizations)

Engages students to think like Christian historians. The course covers ancient civilizations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas while building skills in reading and interpreting maps and charts. Students focus on the theme of Creation, Fall, and Redemption, learning to recognize God’s story throughout human history.

Electives

Students select from offerings including Art, Band, Choir, Drama/Theatre, Intro to Strings, S.T.E.M., Creative Writing, Game Theory, Focus Math, Focus Reading, Narrative Studies, Media, P.E., Weight Training, Structural Design Lab, and Student Council.

Seventh grade builds on the foundation of 6th grade with increased academic rigor and independence. Students explore the life of Christ, journey through world history, examine living systems, and develop more complex mathematical reasoning. Critical thinking and analytical skills become central to learning.

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Bible – The Life of Christ (The God-Man)

A comprehensive study exploring the identity and purpose of God’s Son as revealed through His earthly ministry. Students are challenged to respond to the gospel while taking a deep look at Christ’s life, ministry, and teachings through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. By year’s end, students identify major themes, understand Jesus’ claims, and recognize how their lives should look different because of who He is.

English Language Arts

Continues developing grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at a higher level. Through varied literary genres, students strengthen reading strategies and comprehension. Writing instruction advances in narrative, informative/explanatory, and argumentative forms, increasing overall literacy sophistication.

Mathematics

Begins with mastering operations on rational numbers using visual models like tape diagrams and number lines. Students explore proportional reasoning through real-world applications including indirect measurement and scaling. The second half focuses on multi-step equations and inequalities, graphing functions, and key geometry concepts including the Pythagorean Theorem.

Science – Life Science

Explores the beauty and complexity of God’s design in living organisms and ecosystems. Students study cell structure and function, genetics, heredity, and the diversity of life—from microscopic organisms to plants and animals. They examine how living things interact with each other and their environment, using cell theory to develop physical and conceptual models.

Social Studies – World Studies

Provides a fresh look at world civilizations through a Christian worldview. Beginning with a review from Creation to Christ, the course progresses chronologically around the world—studying empires, cultures, Christianity, and world religions through the emerging 21st century. Students examine the ebb and flow of civilizations while recognizing God’s sovereignty throughout history.

Electives

Students continue selecting from Art, Band, Choir, Drama/Theatre, Intro to Strings, S.T.E.M., Creative Writing, Game Theory, Focus Math, Focus Reading, Narrative Studies, Media, P.E., Weight Training, Structural Design Lab, and Student Council.

Eighth grade prepares students for the transition to high school. Academic expectations increase significantly as students develop the study habits, time management, and critical thinking skills needed for success. The curriculum emphasizes practical wisdom, American foundations, physical science principles, and pre-algebra concepts that lead directly to high school coursework.

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Bible – Acts & Epistles (Wise Up)

Students spend the year studying the wisdom of Proverbs, learning how Jesus desires for us to live in ways that honor God and love others. As they reflect on these principles, they become better equipped for the responsibilities and decisions of young adulthood. Students examine wisdom through the lives of Biblical characters and see how true wisdom is fully represented in Jesus.

English Language Arts

Further develops and reinforces skills from previous years at an advanced level. Through fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, students continue strengthening reading strategies and comprehension. Writing instruction advances in all forms, preparing students for the demands of high school English courses.

Mathematics – Pre-Algebra

Begins with rational numbers and multi-step equations and inequalities—fundamental concepts for Algebra 1. Students transition into linear and nonlinear functions, writing equations, making tables, and creating graphs. The second half covers geometry concepts including constructing angles/lines, congruency, and similar polygons. The year concludes with data science. Qualified students may take Algebra 1 for high school credit.

Science – Physical Science & Chemistry

Explores fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry including planning and conducting investigations, characteristics of matter, atoms and atomic theory, the periodic table, changes in matter, states and forms of energy, heat transfer, sound and light, work/force/motion, and electricity and magnetism.

Social Studies – The American Republic

Unfolds United States history through richly detailed narrative and engaging presentation. Starting with the discovery of the New World, the course traces America’s path to the present day. Students come to understand the distinctiveness of American values and government while appreciating the importance of our nation’s history.

Electives

Students select from Art, Band, Choir, Drama/Theatre, Intro to Strings, S.T.E.M., Creative Writing, Game Theory, Focus Math, Focus Reading, Narrative Studies, Media, P.E., Weight Training, Structural Design Lab, and Student Council.

Middle school students choose from a wide variety of electives offered on a semester or yearlong basis. These courses allow students to explore interests, develop talents, and discover new passions.

High School Credit: Qualified 8th graders may take Algebra 1 at the high school campus for credit. Requires principal approval, strong MAPS scores, previous math grades, and entrance exam completion.

Promotion Requirements: Students who fail two or more academic courses (Bible, History, Science, Literature, English, Math) over the year may be required to complete summer school for promotion.

Guidance Counseling: Available to assist families with course selection, academic planning, and preparation for high school.