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Middle School Curriculum
In the Middle School, students continue to advance in the core curriculum. Learning activities are designed especially for their
level of attention and energy. Besides core academics, students develop their physical bodies in gym class and their artistic
abilities in chorus and art. Middle School students have access to a fully equipped computer lab and make use of technology skills
to complete class assignments.
English
- Level 6 English
Level 6 English continues to build the foundations of reading, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar.
- Level 7 English
In Level 7, the emphasis is on the analysis of literature, examining literary techniques
and diverse writing styles through extended exposure to novels, poetry, short fiction, and non-fiction.
- Level 8 English
Terminology, analysis techniques, vocabulary acquisition, and grammar comprise the mainstays of Level 8 English. The course covers a diverse collection of literary genres, including the reading of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Classics
- Students read and learn to appreciate classic works of literature that uplift, instruct, or otherwise edify developing Middle School students.
History
- Level 6 Geography
Level 6 geography is designed to teach the rudiments of the discipline, including map skills and geographical vocabulary. The geography course contains a current events component, as well.
- Levels 7 & 8 United States History
U.S. History is a two-year course. Level 7 students study the years between Columbus and Reconstruction, while Level 8 students focus on the years between Reconstruction and the Cold War.
Brookfield Academy Mini-Economy
- This award-winning market simulation program exposes students to the basics of political and economic activity in the United States.
BAME activities include all Level 7 and Level 8 students.
Languages
All Middle School students study Latin for at least two years, covering the same material taught in a high school Latin I class.
A third year of study is optional. Level 7 and 8 students have the option of adding French or Spanish to their language studies.
- Latin
- Latin I A & B
Beginning Latin students learn basic vocabulary and grammar, while developing
an understanding of Roman culture, including its historical significance and contemporary relevance. Additionally, studying
Latin helps students enhance general language and grammar skills.
- Latin II A
This elective course introductes the passive voice of all tenses, deponent verbs, adjective and adverb comparisons, and subordinate construction using subjunctive participles, and infinitives.
- Eymology and Mythology
This course covers the study of etymology (the roots of English words) and mythology, with the specific aim to help students understand and appreciate the various mythologies of the past, especially Greek and Roman. Students study the gods, goddesses, and monsters, as well as the heroes of classical cultures.
- Spanish
Spanish I & II introduces the vocabulary and grammatical structures needed to acquire basic proficiency in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. These two elective courses are open to Levels 7 and 8t.
- French
French I & II courses develop proficiency in the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These two elective courses are open to Levels 7 and 8.
Math
- Pre-Algebra
The focus at this level is on strengthening arithmetic operations involving whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, and integers. This course is typically taken by Level 6 students. A fundamentals of pre-algebra course is offered for those students who need to build skills and gain confidence before pursuing the topics covered in the standard pre-algebra course.
- Introduction to Algebra
A sequel to the pre-algebra course, this class moves students to a more abstract level of mathematical thinking. This course shifts to reasoning and problem-solving skills. It also reinforces geometric theory and algebraic concepts.
- Algebra I
Algebra I concentrate on the basic skills that are necessary for success in future math courses. Major topics are polynomials, factoring, and quadratic equations. A separate fundamentals of algebra course helps students complete their study of pre-algebra and to progress into algebraic concepts at their own pace through individualized instruction.
- Geometry
Geometry allows students to apply inductive and deductive reasoning to postulate and
theorize abstract concepts. Students must have the permission of the Head of Middle School to take geometry.
Science
- Earth Science
Level 6 students study earth science, learning map reading, geological principles, and
astronomy. Students perform a multitude of labs and activities to explain thesis concepts.
- Life Science
Life Science, taught in Level 7, examines the characteristics, needs, and chemistry of
a living organism.
- Physical Science
A Level 8 course, the study of physical science focuses on the atom, the basic structure of matter, the periodic table, elemental properties, and other chemistry-related topics.
- Lab Science
Lab Science, an elective course, is devoted to dissection, graduating from simple organisms to mammals and individual organisms. Students are taught to recognize the increasing complexity of life forms.
Fine Arts
- Art
Middle School art classes stress creativity and craftsmanship as the most important elements
to assure students' constant skill improvement and developing enthusiasm for art. Art history is taught to help students understand
and appreciate other artists and other art forms.
- Chorus
Chorus is an elective option for Middle School students.
Library and Technology
- Middle School library resources help students do their research efficiently and effectively. The library also helps students
to continue the habit of reading for pleasure by providing quality works of fiction and non-fiction. Via classroom instruction,
students learn multiple technological skills, including keyboarding, Internet skills, and research techniques.
Physical Education
- Student at this level learn to work in cooperative and competitive groups, while valuing individual physical accomplishments.
They come to understand that practice and effort are needed to be successful at any physical performance.
Resource and Support
- Staffed by Middle School faculty members, Resource and Support provides academic enrichment in classroom coursework, as well as helping students further develop their organization, study, and problem-solving skills.
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