Middle School
Bible
For all grades, our Bible program is focused around making Jesus the most important thing in their lives. Students keep journals and write in them every day to document what God is doing in their lives. Students are expected to memorize Scripture and to apply the teachings /concepts of it to their daily life experiences. We want each student to know God's truth for instruction, application, and transformation of his/her heart and mind, We want our students to have an eternal, God-honoring impact in their homes, in their communities, and on our culture.
Grade 6 - Route 66
Students will complete a survey of the Old Testament using the Route 66 curriculum. Students will learn key themes in each book and how to apply the truth of the Old Testament to their lives.
Grade 7 - Route 66
Students will continue to use the Route 66 curriculum in the first semester to complete a survey of the New Testament. Students will learn about the Church from a New Testament perspective as well as the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In the second semester, students will study the concept of Grace through an in-depth study of the Book of Galatians. Students will learn the power of Grace then and now in their lives. In the second semester, students will do an in-depth study of the Book of John by examining the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. Students will be able to apply the words and works of Jesus Christ concerning the details of their lives.
Grade 8 - Lightbearers
Students will use the Lightbearers Curriculum by Summit Ministries to examine ten areas of study that are foundational for the development of a biblical worldview concerning man, life, and truth. Many questions will be asked and answered throughout this course such as “Where did everything come from?”, “Who am I?”, “Why are we here?”, “What happens when we die?” The goal is to answer these questions from a biblical perspective as well as help students learn how to defend their faith in a relative culture.
English
Middle School English is where students come to master their writing and literary analysis skills in preparation for high school. During these years, students will learn about and apply the fundamentals of grammar, composition, word study, and literary elements. They will experience different genres of literature and recognize literary terms as they are used in it. The writing process will be applied to several forms of expository as well as narrative writing.
Grade 6 - CommonLit 360, Sadlier Vocabulary for Success
Sixth graders will analyze text structure and author's craft, write to texts, extract evidence for research, use the writing process to construct expository essays and narrative stories, and collaborate with peers. Grammar focus will be on pronouns and parts of speech. Word Study will include vocabulary instruction for grade-appropriate domain-specific terms as well as thematic vocabulary, spelling, and root word analysis. Writing style and sentence structure will be evaluated.
Grade 7 - CommonLit 360, Sadlier Vocabulary for Success
Seventh graders will analyze literature and relationships between genres, including drama, stories, nonfiction, and poetry. Students will write concisely in response to texts, as well as follow the structure of the writing process to compose narratives, arguments, informational essays, and research. Grammar instruction will cover several different subtopics, including, but not limited to, modifiers, phrases and clauses, and types of sentences. Word study will include vocabulary instruction for grade-appropriate domain-specific terms as well as thematic vocabulary, figures of speech, spelling, and root word analysis. Seventh-grade English students will collaborate with peers and evaluate one another's reasoning. Students will be expected to present information using multimedia and visual displays when applicable.
Grade 8 - CommonLit 360, Sadlier Vocabulary for Success
Eighth graders will analyze literature and identify relationships across texts, evaluate author's craft, and demonstrate knowledge of literary terms. Students will write concisely in response to texts, as well as follow the writing process to compose narratives, informational essays, and arguments. Composing and presenting a speech is part of our curriculum this year. Grammar instruction will focus on verbals and verbs, as well as review parts of speech. Word study will include vocabulary instruction for grade-appropriate domain-specific terms as well as thematic vocabulary, analogies, figures of speech, spelling, and root word analysis. Students will be expected to integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations.
Math
Fun times await you in Math where we explore math concepts from Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, and more! Each grade level has a grade level and an advanced track. The advanced track provides students with an accelerated pace and enrichment activities to ensure students are continually challenged.
Grade 6 - A Beka
This course covers a broad range of topics and is designed to be an overview of a variety of math domains. Topics covered may include, Geometry, Algebra, Computation, Statistics & Data, Probability, and Graphing. Advanced classes will cover additional topics and cover concepts at a deeper and more complex level.
Grade 7 - Glencoe Math/McGraw Hill
This course continues to solidify the foundation of topics learned in previous grades as well as build new skills for algebraic thinking and problem-solving. Two tracks promote student success at their level. One track introduces pre-algebra concepts including a review of natural number arithmetic, new types of numbers such as integers, fractions, decimals, and negative numbers, and factorization of natural numbers. The other track completes pre-algebra including topics not limited to, Integers, Solving Equations, Graphing, Functions, Percent Problems, Ratios and Proportions, and Geometry (as it relates to algebraic problems).
Grade 8 - Glencoe Math/McGraw Hill
This course has two tracks that foster continued success. One track completes the pre-algebra curriculum, including Integers, Solving Equations, Graphing, Functions, Percent Problems, Ratios and Proportions, and Geometry (as it relates to algebraic problems), and gives students a strong foundation for success in Algebra 1 in High School. The other track covers Algebra 1 concepts such as Factoring Quadratics, Solving Quadratics, Radical Equations & Expressions, and Rational Expressions. Students in this track, moving on to public high school, are encouraged to take the end of course (EOC) assessment at the public school they will attend upon graduation from SPCS, potentially earning high school credit for the course. Students moving on to private school will receive the Algebra 1 credit.
Science
The goal in science is for students to use scienctific principles and processes appropriately in making personal decisions about the creation of Earth. Students will develop and understand scientific, technological, and mathematicl literacy.
Grade 6 - TCI
This course will include a broad overview of topics related to Geology, Astronomy, and Meteorology. Students will explore these areas through inquiry and lab experiments and investigations.
Grade 7 - TCI
This course will include a broad overview of topics related to all forms of living things. Topics covered, but not limited to, are; the animal kingdom, ecology, the basics of life, the plant kingdom, and the human body. Students will explore these areas through inquiry and lab experiments and investigations. Students also participate in our annual Sea Exploration Camp at the end of the year.
Grade 8 - TCI
This course will include a broad overview of topics related to Physics and Chemistry. Topics covered, but not limited to, are; motion, force, energy, atoms, and chemical elements. Students will explore these areas through inquiry and lab experiments and investigations.
Social Studies
Middle School Social Studies is divided into three grade relevant sections allowing students to gain an understanding and appreciation of Ancient World History, Civics, and United States History and uses TCI Online Interactive Social Studies Curriculum, a blended learning curriculum that brings learning alive!
Grade 6 - TCI
In this course, students study cultures and time periods throughout the History of our World. Using various methods of teaching, students explore different civilizations, the rise and fall of empires and events that have led us to the modern day. (History Alive! The Ancient World).
Grade 7 - TCI
Using various methods of teaching, students study the roles, rights, and responsibilities of United States citizens and determine methods of active participation in society, government, and the political system. (Government Alive! Civics, Geography, and Economics).
Grade 8 - TCI
In this course, students study the changing culture of the United States of America. Using various methods of teaching, students explore the creation of the United States, through Manifest Destiny, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and world powers. (History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism).