Middle School Curriculum Overview
Middle School Course Study
6th Grade
English: Composition (Prentice Hall Writers Workshop), Vocabulary, Literature, Spelling, and
Grammar
Math: Middle School Math course 1
Science: Life Science
History: Ancient History – Journey Across Time
Inductive Bible Study: “God’s Amazing Creation”, “Digging Up the Past”, “Intro to Abraham”
Life Skills: Study Skills “Learning to Learn”, “The Protectors”, Habits, Citizenship
Elective Rotation: Art (da Vinci, Rembrandt, Caravaggio), Music, Computer, Physical
Education
7th Grade
English: Literature, Grammar, Vocabulary, Spelling, Introduction Genres of Composition
Math: Math 7 or Pre-Algebra
Science: Life Science, Geology
History: World History, Geography
Inductive Bible Study: Book of Exodus, Study of Covenant
Physical Education
Elective Rotation: Art (Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, O’Keeffe), Music, Computer, Latin
8th Grade
English: Literature, Grammar, Vocabulary, Spelling, Assorted Genres of Composition, Writing
a Research Paper
Math: Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1 (Algebra I is offered for High School credit)
Science: Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science
History: American History to 1877, Tennessee History
Inductive Bible Study: Lightbearers, World View class
Physical Education
Elective Rotation: Art (modern artists 1850-1950), Music, Computer, Latin 1 (Computer and
Latin 1 are offered for High School credit)
Middle School Writing Curriculum
6th Grade
5 Paragraph Essay Format
o Descriptive Essay
o Narrative Essay
o Persuasive Essay
o Expository Essay
The students use a “writer’s notebook” to help in the planning and organizing of their writing,
and then are introduced to the proper writing form, using the five paragraph format. The fiveparagraph essay format requires the student to write an introductory paragraph, which includes a
three-point thesis statement. Three body paragraphs follow, with each paragraph representing
the successive points for the thesis statement. Finally, the students must close the essay with a
concluding paragraph, restating (in different words) the thesis statement.
Journal Writing
Each week, after discussion of the week’s Bible verse, students journal about the meaning and
personal application of the verse.
Short Story and Poetry Writing
Students are required to write creatively in both the Short Story and Poetry units of the
curriculum. Many of these narratives are entered in competitions throughout the year.
7th Grade
5 Paragraph Essay Format with 3 Point Thesis Statement
o Descriptive Essay
o Autobiographical Event Essay
o Persuasive Essay
o How-To Essay
th
In 7 grade, the focus is on proper format. The five-paragraph essay format requires the student
to write an introductory paragraph, which includes a three-point thesis statement. Three body
paragraphs follow, with each paragraph representing the successive points from the thesis
statement. Finally, the students must close the essay with a concluding paragraph, restating (in
different words) the thesis statement.
Journal Writing
Each week, after discussion of the week’s Bible verse, students journal about the meaning and
personal application of the verse.
Short Story and Poetry Writing
Students are required to write creatively in both the Short Story and Poetry units of the
curriculum. Many of these narratives are entered in competitions throughout the year.
8th Grade
8th grade students repeat the processes of essay, journal, short story, and poetry writing they
practiced in their 7th grade year. The difference is, 8th graders have learned and practiced the
proper formats, and are then taught to focus on more advanced vocabulary, higher-level grammar
skills, and deeper points of interest.
Research Paper
Students are required to choose an author about whom they wish to write a research paper.
Students are taught each process of research writing, form guided library research, to choosing
the most interesting facts from their research, to documenting sources using MLA format.