English Language Arts 

Grade 6:  Students read and analyze a wide range of literature from different times and cultures, with an increasing emphasis on analyzing informational text on grade level topics in all sixth-grade subject areas. The emphasis in sixth grade is on students’ comprehension of complex narrative and informational texts. They learn academic language and domain-specific vocabulary through their reading and use it in their writing and speaking. In their writing, students in sixth grade develop more sophisticated skills, such as using evidence from a variety of sources to support their purpose or conclusion. To support their writing and speaking, they learn conventions of standard English grammar and usage, capitalization, spelling, and punctuation.

Grade 7:  Students read various genres of literature: Greek mythology, realistic fiction, modern day fairy tales, as well as non-fiction articles. Students also read poetry and examine literary elements used by poets and writers. Students are required to read novels and books of their choice every month, as well as reading two novels as a class. The students write a health research paper in cooperation with Science. Creative writing is strengthed and encouraged through journal entries, poetry, and narratives.

Grade 8:  Students study cross curriculum with the social studies class and meet the Next Generation Learning Standards. Students read literature units based on the Civil War and civil rights, immigration, the Holocaust, Japanese internment, and the Vietnam War. Students also read various genres, including science fiction, poetry, non-fiction, autobiographical, and many more. Students practice New York State English Language Arts essays. Students are also encouraged to write creatively. Grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary and spelling are planned in alignment with the Next Generation Learning Standards .

Social Studies

Grade 6:  World History – This course focuses on the geographic, political, social, and cultural aspects of ancient world civilizations. Students learn about prehistory and the agricultural revolution. They also study the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, Greece, and Rome.

Grade 7:  U.S. History I – This is the first half of a two-year course on American history. The students develop their content writing skills, primary source analysis, and comparisons across time. Topics of study include the Native Americans, early European exploration, colonial life, the American Revolution, the creation of the Constitution, and the early American presidencies.

Grade 8:  U.S. History II – This is the second half of a two-year curriculum. The students develop their content writing skills, primary source analysis, and comparisons across time. Topics of study include the Civil War, Reconstruction, industrialization and urbanization, World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II.

Mathematics 

Grade 6:  Students focus on the use of fractions, statistics, algebraic equations, ratios, rates, geometry, and independent and dependent variables. All of these concepts are correlated with word problems and real life situations.

Grade 7:  Students focus on the number system, expressions, equations, probability, ratios, proportions, statistics, and geometry. The 7th grade curriculum allows the students not only to focus on math concepts but how to use these concepts in real life situations.

Grade 8:  Students focus on skills such as 2D and 3D geometry, numerical roots and radicals. The Pythagorean Theorem, distance formula, solving equations, graphing linear equations, and functions are all part of the curriculum. These topics help prepare the students for 9th grade algebra.

Grade 8 – Honors Algebra 1: This is a high school level course that culminates with students taking the New York State Algebra 1 Regents Exam. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive high school credit.

Science

Grade 6:  Earth Science – An introductory class that focuses on the origin, structure and physical phenomena of the earth.

Grade 7:  Physical Science – An introductory physics and chemistry course where students study atoms, matter, motion and forces.

Grade 8: Life Science – An introductory Biology class where students study living things, cells, plants, animals, and heredity.

Grade 8 – Honors Living Environment: This is a high school level class that culminates with students taking the New York State Living Environment Regents Exam. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive high school credit.

Religion

Grade 6:  Students explore both the Old and New Testaments, starting with the story of creation to the formation of the early Christian Church. Students also spend time focusing on the importance of Holy Communion, as church members prepare to receive their First Holy Communion in 6th grade

Grade 7:  Students focus on the Old Testament, while covering part of Luther’s Small Catechism. Students who are preparing to make their confirmation through the church fulfill the instructional portion of the Confirmation Class.

Grade 8:  Students focus on the New Testament, while completing the rest of Luther’s Small Catechism. Students, who are preparing to make their confirmation in their 8th grade year, will fulfill some of the requirements during the school day. Students will complete their Statement of Faith for Confirmation.

Spanish

Grade 6:  Students attend Spanish class four times a week. Building on prior studies, students learn dialogues, expand vocabulary, and are introduced to Spanish grammar concepts. Additionally, students cultivate understanding and appreciation of Spanish cultures.

Grade 7:  Students focus on topics such as telling time, identifying classroom objects, identifying and describing family members, food, sports activities, the weather, etc. Students will prepare and present a variety of cultural projects, writing compositions and dialogues.

Grade 8:  Students will focus on topics such as giving directions, identifying various forms of transportation, stores, foods, parts of the house, the city and the country, and professions. Students will also prepare and present a variety of cultural projects, writing compositions and dialogues. Students take the FLACS exam as their final exam, which allows them the opportunity to be placed in Spanish 2 in many high schools.