The Middle School

Curriculum Overview

Language Arts
Middle school Language Arts classes focus on literature, reading comprehension, applied grammar, vocabulary development through ACT words and Greek & Latin stems, writing, and composition. Regular practice with research, keyboarding, and a variety of educational technology apps is integrated into instruction.

Mathematics
Middle school students are introduced to an accelerated math sequence in sixth grade with a study of math concepts and applications.  Projects like abacus-building and researching important mathemeticians in history help math come alive for 6th graders. This course prepares students who are ready to enroll in Pre-Algebra at the seventh grade level and Algebra 1 at the eighth grade level.

Science
The middle school science program teaches physical science in sixth grade, life science in seventh grade, and earth and environmental science in eighth grade.  Students in eighth grade have the opportunity to obtain high school credit for earth and environmental science. The middle school science curriculum is hands on, with separate classrooms for lectures and labs. Science coursework can also be complemented by introductory agriculture electives such as agriculture science and biotechnology.

Social Studies 
Students begin with a study of ancient civilizations and world geography, then gradually narrow their focus to U.S. history with an emphasis on North Carolina history. This is a thorough grounding for students' more in-depth history studies in the Upper School.