Middle School

The Humanities curriculum for grades 6–8 integrates Language Arts and Social Studies with increasing depth and complexity across the middle school years.

In sixth grade, students use the McGraw Hill Social Studies program, engaging with U.S. history through narrative text, primary sources, maps, and interactive learning, while grammar and writing are strengthened through NoRedInk’s adaptive platform.

Seventh grade Humanities becomes a fully integrated course where students read literature, nonfiction, poetry, and plays while building vocabulary rooted in Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon word parts; they also conduct research, develop writing skills, and study the regions and nations of Africa, Asia, and the Southwest Pacific, exploring cultural, political, historical, and economic relationships.

By eighth grade, the integrated Humanities program deepens both literary analysis and historical study, focusing on classic and contemporary texts, research writing, and U.S. history from early colonization through Reconstruction, including the founding documents, westward expansion, reform movements, and the Civil War. Across grades 7 and 8, assessments consistently balance reading, writing, history, vocabulary, and grammar/geography, creating a cohesive structure that supports skill progression.

The Math curriculum for grades 6–8 develops strong foundational skills and prepares students for higher-level mathematical reasoning.

Sixth grade uses the Everyday Math spiral curriculum, which reinforces skills over time and includes number theory, fractions, decimals, ratios, algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement, and data analysis.

Seventh grade moves into Pre-Algebra, strengthening arithmetic foundations while introducing the structure of algebra through equation solving, graphing, slope, geometric reasoning, probability, and data sampling; students regularly use Desmos and Chromebooks, building problem-solving and perseverance.

In eighth grade Algebra, students deepen their understanding of core algebraic concepts such as polynomials, systems of equations, exponents, and functions, including linear, quadratic, and exponential models.

Technology supports learning at all levels, while calculators are intentionally limited to moments that enhance conceptual understanding. The overarching emphasis across all grades is on mathematical habits of mind, clear communication of work, and learning through mistakes.

The Science curriculum for grades 6–8 emphasizes inquiry, hands-on learning, and alignment with the 2023 Indiana Science Standards.

In sixth grade, students learn through FOSS, BBS, and STC kits that provide experiential investigations across physical, earth, and life sciences, exploring topics such as ecosystems, energy, waves, and space systems.

In seventh grade, students continue with the STC Middle School Science program, practicing the scientific method, inference, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving through labs, debates, modeling, and writing.

Eighth grade science uses the same hands-on STC framework while shifting focus to advanced topics including weather and climate, genetics, and matter and its interactions.

Across all three grades, students complete notebooks, lab work, experiments, tests, writing assignments, and presentations, with instruction intentionally designed to nurture curiosity, scientific thinking, and collaborative learning.

Technology, particularly Google Classroom, is used daily, and students are expected to demonstrate growing independence and scientific reasoning as they progress through middle school.
 

Technology is integrated as a tool for communication and problem solving in the core units throughout the middle school years. Webpage design, coding, and refining presentation skills are targets of direct technology instruction. Technology is infused in the middle school experience through the use of Google applications. Apps are provided for creating student-generated projects related to their class assignments. This opportunity is available for our students in Grade 5-8 because of the on 1:1 Chromebook program. All students receive an Chromebook when they enter fifth grade. During these four years, the Chromebook is their textbook, assignment notebook, communication system, course folder, and innovation platform. 

The well-established visual arts program incorporates art history and art appreciation with the production of student artwork across multiple media. In music instruction, emphasis is placed on both the development of appreciation for music of various periods and on the understanding of basic theory and harmony. Students have the opportunity to participate in school productions and performances for special events.