Academics

God’s Word is the foundation of our Transitional Kindergarten curriculum and, it is integrated into the heart of all that we teach. We begin each school day with prayer and, throughout the day, teachings from the Bible are part of classroom studies, social activities, and discipline. Our Bible-based curriculum encourages students to think biblically as they practice Christ-like values and character traits. Class lessons explore Bible stories from Creation to Christ’s Resurrection and students memorize nine Bible verses, which correlate with our monthly curriculum.

Our phonics-based language arts program is designed to strengthen pre-reading skills with an emphasis on beginning comprehension skills. Students learn letter names and sounds using Zoo Phonics along with training in phonetic relationships to help them blend sounds into words. As students participate in reading and literature activities, they also develop expressive language skills through rhyming and memory work. By creating their own stories, students are introduced to beginning writing skills and early reading concepts. Correct letter formation and proper pencil grip are also emphasized to promote strong writing habits.

Students begin the year learning about basic maps and globes, including concepts such as neighborhoods, cities, states and continents. Directions, including left and right; north, south, east and west are learned. TK students are introduced to God’s timeline, along with historical figures, events and holidays. We learn about changes that have occurred in history, and how they relate to us today. Studying history brings insight to our students about God’s Sovereign role in history, as well as in today’s world. As part of social studies, students learn about voting and classroom decisions based on voting.

Teaching our TK students about numbers, shapes and patterns also provides opportunities to demonstrate the order and design in God’s Creation. As part of their math lessons, students learn about one-to-one correspondence and are taught to count and recognize numbers to100. At this learning level, various hands-on activities are used to give students opportunities to explore and understand the foundation of concepts. Over the school year, students learn about patterns, graphing, matching, and sorting and simple math operations.

Science gives students an opportunity to explore God’s world through hands-on activities. Using an interactive curriculum, students investigate the weather and seasons, plants and insects and animal homes and habitats. Early level science skills are taught, including creating a hypothesis and documenting the results. And, when our TK students learn science by experiments and cooking, students often get to eat their science projects! As our students gain science knowledge, they also are gaining an appreciation of the wonders of the amazing world God has given to them.

The Transitional Kindergartener is in training as our youngest NorthCreek knight. Students are encouraged to listen, reply, use manners, and engage as learners. The TKers develop patience and awareness through daily interaction with their classmates as they play and explore. Playing is a critical part of the TK classroom and for child development. The dramatic play center hosts a new theme each month where students can pretend, imagine and be creative. Through play we promote higher level thinking, problem solving, taking turns, growing friendships, self-regulation and language development.

Bible is an integral part of the entire kindergarten curriculum as we strive to place God’s Word at the center of all that is taught. Each day begins with prayer, and principles from the Bible are part of our classroom studies, our social activities and our discipline. Our Bible curriculum encourages students to think biblically and to practice Christ-like values and character traits. We explore stories from Creation to Christ’s Resurrection. Kindergarteners participate in Bible memory verses which correlate to our weekly Chapel lessons.

Our kindergarten reading program is phonics- based with an emphasis on vocabulary development and beginning comprehension skills. Kindergartners learn letter names, sounds and how to blend sounds together to read words. Students develop a basic sight-word vocabulary, read short stories, and participate in oral reading and literature activities. The development of expressive language through oral language experiences is a highlight of our program. Our kindergartners experience rich literature and thematic units, including fun dress-up days. The literature is expanded through monthly author studies which include Laura Numeroff and H. A. Rey. Students are introduced to foundational writing skills, with instruction in basic punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure. Training in sound-symbol relationships and developing spelling skills occurs in this foundational year. Correct letter formation and proper pencil grip are also established for strong writing habits.

Students begin the year learning about maps and globes, including oceans and continents. We “build” a neighborhood, complete with houses, to learn about community and transportation. Directions, including left and right; north, south, east and west are learned. Kindergartners also learn about the various holidays and why we celebrate them. We gain knowledge about our first and sixteenth presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and we study many other great leaders while observing Black History. We study Ancient Egypt, the many changes that have occurred in history, and how they relate to us today. This study brings insight to our students about God’s sovereign role in history, as well as in today’s world. Biblical truths from God’s Word, as well as the book, The Story of the World are used in this study of ancient civilizations.

Students are taught to recognize God’s order and design in Creation through numbers, shapes and patterns. At the kindergarten level, various hands-on activities are used to explore and understand each concept. Students learn about sorting, geometry, patterns, positions, numbers to 100, tables, graphs and fractions, addition and subtraction, money, time, measurement, place value with ones and tens and how to count by 2s, 5s and 10s.

The science curriculum is interactive and inspiring for the students, giving them an opportunity to explore God’s world through many hands-on activities. We investigate various types of trees and leaves. The process of wood is followed as it travels from the tree to the factory, and into our lives. We learn about the creation of small animals by way of comparing and contrasting them, discovering their parts and learning how to handle God’s animals gently. Kindergarten students gain knowledge and appreciate the wonders of the amazing world God has given us.

First graders focus on the many gifts provided for us by God. Highlights of our Bible lessons include Creation, our families, friends, possessions, Jesus Christ and God’s care for us. Devotions, prayer, and scripture memorization are hallmarks of our daily routine. Biblical truths directly from God’s Word are interwoven throughout our curriculum. Christ-like values and character traits are emphasized in the classroom, as well as on the playground. Weekly chapel lessons, journal responses, and discussions help us grow in our understanding of the Lord.

Key elements of this program include rich literature, reading strategies, poetry appreciation, writing instruction and many opportunities to practice oral sharing in front of classmates. First graders will develop into fluent readers, phonetic and sight word spellers, and budding writers. Some of the books we explore together in class include Frog and Toad, Keep the Lights Burning Abby, Lily and Miss Liberty, and Coming to America. Book reports are introduced to encourage reading and a love for books. Training in D’Nealian handwriting is given for penmanship development that results in a strong foundation for cursive. This exciting academic year introduces Shurley English which uses rhythm, repetition and jingles to teach grammar concepts. Through a well-rounded, cross-curricular language arts program, students in first grade are given tools to help them reach their God-given potential and, to thrive.

Everyday life is contrasted and compared in different times and places around the world as we emphasize geographical connections on historical events using maps and relationships to the timeline. In first grade, we study Ancient Greece and Rome in order to recognize that while some aspects of people, places and things change over time, God remains the same. We identify valuable contributions made by these ancient civilizations that we continue to use today. In “HIS”-story, students learn that God has perfect plans for each of us as seen throughout the generations.

To build a solid mathematical foundation, first grade math implements direct, systematic instruction, hands-on manipulatives and independent practice. We help students develop conceptual understanding, math competence, and confidence in numerical operations. Multiple strategies are used to develop number sense and problem solving. Students become budding mathematicians, as they investigate data, graphs, money, time, geometry, measurement, fractions and probability. Over the course of the year, addition and subtraction facts are memorized to 12, and doubles facts to 18.

Science is a time of hands-on investigation and discovery. Our units include: Solids and Liquids, Air and Weather, and Plants and Animals. As they work together, students have the opportunity to explore and observe the world that God has created. Fascinating lessons both excite and train young, scientific minds to uncover God’s designs and students record these findings with illustrations. For students, highlights of the year include their discovering how things are made, at our annual “Take Apart Shop” and presenting their own inventions at the “First Grade Invention Convention.”

As we explore Finding God’s Promises in the Bible this year, second graders use the book of Exodus to study the life of Moses. In this study, the promises of God are evident, as the Israelites and their leader see both victory and tribulation as they learn to trust God. One theme of importance in our curriculum is encouraging our students to “conform to the image” of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28). A strong emphasis is placed on character development, with lessons that encourage the students to make wise decisions for themselves.

Our program focuses on reading strategies, writing, and opportunities to share orally in front of the class to help them continue developing reading fluency and comprehension skills and Shurley English’s jingles and repetition makes learning grammer, sentence structure, and writing mechanics exciting. Formal spelling instruction continues, using patterns established in first grade and the eager second graders also begin learning formal cursive handwriting. Book reports introduce students to a variety of genres (fiction, biography, and fantasy). Throughout the year, we also integrate several core literature books in class which include: The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo, Flat Stanley, Molly’s Pilgrim, The Knight at Dawn, and The Courage of Sarah Noble.

We begin the year with our Family Ties unit, learning about family trees, traditions, and where our ancestors are from. We study Earth, Our Home, where students learn geography skills by studying maps, using a compass rose, and identifying the seven continents. Students also learn about the major forms of land and types of water found on earth. The Working World helps students learn about factories, flow charts and trading goods and, students learn more about People, Places and Holidays. In this unit, they study famous Americans and their contributions, historical and natural landmarks, and various holidays celebrated in the United States. During the second half of the year, we study the Middle Ages by travelling back to medieval Europe and Asia to learn about these different civilizations as we recognize that, while time changes, God is the same throughout all of our world’s history.

Second grade mathematics continues to build-on and expand math concepts introduced in earlier grades. Through the use of hands-on manipulatives, students increase their knowledge of number sense, geometry, money and time, fractions and probability, measurement, and multiplication and division. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are practiced by the students as they learn to solve multi-step word problems. Students complete twice-weekly math fact drills, adding and subtracting numbers up to 18, with the goal of attaining memorization and ownership of these important math skills.

Second grade science is an enjoyable year as students investigate, observe, record, and discover God’s creation. Intriguing and active lessons in our FOSS Curriculum are fascinating and engaging for the students, as they train their young minds to uncover God’s design, order and creativity. Our science units include: Pebbles, Sand and Silt, Balance and Motion, and Insects and Plants.

The third-grade Bible curriculum is designed to strengthen the students’ understanding of the Bible. This course includes biblical values that the students can apply to their own lives. We focus on the fruit of the Spirit and godly character traits. These values are learned through studying the lives of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and Daniel. Monthly Bible verses enhance our in-class curriculum, and correlate with our chapel program.

We continue to learn about grammar, sentence structure, and writing mechanics through Shurley English. Composing a correctly formatted paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting facts and details and a conclusion, is learned and applied through publishing several pieces including a “how-to” essay, a persuasive essay, a biography report, and an animal report. Along with practicing cursive, we develop reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary through our literature anthologies and spelling curriculum. Monthly book reports give students an opportunity to learn about different genres including biographies, historical and realistic fiction, and mysteries. Throughout the year, we read several core literature novels, which correspond to our curriculum. These books include Mr. Popper’s Penguins, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Charlotte’s Web.

Students study communities past and present, along with a classically-based study of American history. This study, which spans from King James through the Lewis and Clark Expedition includes a Revolutionary War unit, in which great Americans including George Washington, William Penn and Benjamin Franklin are studied. Each January, students learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. These studies set the foundation for more in-depth American History studies in fifth grade and junior high. In addition, students learn basic map reading skills including map parts such as compass rose, legend, map scale and titles. Field trips to Shadelands Ranch and the Ruth Bancroft Gardens allow students a chance to explore the people and places of our local history.

The third-grade mathematics curriculum includes the information, skills and concepts required by California’s state standards. The curriculum encompasses place value, money and time, addition and subtraction, multiplication concepts, geometry and measurement, division concepts, data and probability, fractions, decimals, and multiplying and dividing greater numbers. Mastery of multiplication facts is a goal. Students practice problem solving and critical thinking skills through multi-step word problems.

We are using the FOSS Curriculum, which enables us to get involved with many hands-on experiments! The curriculum covers foundations for understanding adaptations in physical structure or behavior. Students enjoy learning about plants and snails, but crayfish are our favorites. Experimenting with flashlights, mirrors and reflective light helps them learn about the relationship between energy, matter, and light that has a source. They also study the patterns and movements of the sun, moon, and stars. These studies help them learn not only about science, but also give them opportunities to understand more about our amazing Creator, as they see His order, logic, and creativity in units which include, Structures of Life, Matter and Energy, and Sun, Moon, and Stars.

As we seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and grow in our knowledge of Him, we dig into Scripture to see what God has to say. We study the life of Christ in the Gospels and learn about the Holy Spirit in the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles. We end the year learning about the life of Paul and his missionary journeys through studying his Epistles and the book of Acts. Each week, we hide God’s Word in our hearts by memorizing and reciting scripture, which helps us walk in a manner that brings God glory.

Developing writing skills is a key component of our Language Arts program. Writing an essay about a California mission gives students an opportunity to focus on research, note-taking using key word outlines, forming paragraphs with topic sentences, supporting details, and clinchers. Creative writing is explored through Native American myths, first-person narratives, and poetry! For each writing assignment, students apply the grammar, sentence structure, and writing mechanics that they learn through the Shurley English program completing their final draft in cursive. Students also learn keyboarding and basic computer skills through various assignments, including a PowerPoint presentation on a missionary. Reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary are developed using our literature anthologies and spelling curriculum. Students learn about different genres including biography, fantasy, historical and realistic fiction, mystery, and more, through monthly book reports. We also read several core literature novels in class, which correspond to our history curriculum. These include: Island of the Blue Dolphins, Little House in the Big Woods, By the Great Horn Spoon!, Patty Reed’s Doll, and Sarah, Plain and Tall.

In social studies, we explore and discover our home state of California, as well as learning how it fits into the big picture of the United States. As we learn more about California’s history and geography, we are better able to understand the state we live in, how it came to be a part of the United States, and how it continues to grow. In addition, we get to see some of the sights for ourselves through trips to John Muir’s Martinez Home and Muir Woods, Mission San Francisco de Solano, Old Sacramento and the Railroad Museum, Sutter’s Fort and the Capitol, as well as Columbia State Historic Park!

Fourth-grade math is a time to pull together the basics we have already learned and to build on this foundation. Over the course of the year, we master our multiplication facts, tackle double-digit multiplication, and become experts in long division! Students also acquire many problem-solving strategies such as making tables/lists, using logical reasoning, working backward, using diagrams and graphs, finding patterns, and more. In addition, we begin to work with geometry, decimals, fractions, and yes, even algebra, and we learn why these skills are important.

Fourth-grade science is an exciting time of investigation and discovery. Students conduct hands-on experiments, while making predictions and observations, and thinking critically about the way the world around them works. This helps them to learn about our amazing Creator, and to see His order, logic, and creativity as they study units on Solid Earth, Magnetism and Electricity, and Environments.

Fifth graders survey the Old Testament with the purpose of using various study methods to glean its truths and to apply these truths to their own lives. The goal this year is for the students to have a more in-depth, personal study of Scripture. Our Bible curriculum allows students to practice what they learn with real life scenarios using role playing and discussions. As part of these studies, students create special-focus projects for Christmas and Easter, including writing their own devotions to share with their families.

Developing effective writing skills and competent oral communication are key components of our fifth-grade language arts program. While we continue to learn about grammar, sentence structure, and other writing mechanics through using Shurley English, a major focus this year is in writing thoughtful responses to the reading. Students continue to practice their researching, note-taking and composition skills, culminating in their state report and monthly book reports. In language arts, students develop their reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary through the use of literature anthologies. Core literature novels fifth graders read include, Call it Courage, Across Five Aprils, Sign of the Beaver, The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, The Bronze Bow, Number the Stars, and Clay Marble. As part of their language arts work, fifth graders continue to practice their keyboarding skills.

Fifth grade history begins with a review of geography and a quick overview of Native American cultures. This is followed by a chronological study of exploration, colonization, the fight for independence, westward expansion, and immigration. Students will complete chapter reviews and produce chapter summaries to chronicle main ideas. Weekly geography packets reinforce prior learning and introduce new facts and concepts through the use of world maps and legends. Included worksheets afford students the opportunity to practice map skills. There will be special projects and days related to the following studies: Colonial Life, The Civil War, and The States.

In fifth grade, the concepts of fractions and decimals will be further developed, and students will use all four operations with these number types. There will also be an increased emphasis on algebraic thinking. Other topics that are studied include: statistics, geometry, measurement, probability, percents, and proportions. Special attention is given to critical thinking, problem solving, and mental math. Your fifth grader will not only learn to value math, but will also become a confident problem solver and learn to reason and communicate mathematically as well.

FOSS (Full Option Science System) utilizes a strong, hands-on approach to the world of science. Fifth grade science units include: Living Systems, The Water Planet, and Mixtures & Solutions. Each FOSS unit is composed of numerous investigations, complete with a variety of science labs which are constructed in a small learning group environment. Throughout their study of science, the students investigate the world around them as they deepen their understanding of God’s creation. During the school year, students also participate in special activities including field trips and a weather station project. These activities are designed to expand their understanding of the fifth-grade science curriculum.

Sixth-grade Bible uses the Fundamentals of the Faith workbook by Dr. John MacArthur. This is essentially a systematic theology curriculum designed to walk students through thirteen areas of theology, using the Scriptures as its basis. In sixth grade, we cover the first three areas of the study, which include a Bible history survey, a study of the various biblical genres, a unit on the process of inductive Bible study, and an examination of the character and attributes of God.

Within the classical model of education, sixth-grade is a transition year, as students move into the Dialectic Stage, learning to think more critically and to engage in higher-level reasoning. This is especially true in language arts, which uses the core literature of sixth grade to give them an opportunity to learn to analyze, evaluate, respond and write about the various themes and elements of literature. As part of this in-depth reading, students read The Hobbit, Tales of O. Henry, and Treasure Island. Julius Caesar is read as part of a Shakespearean appreciation unit. Along with in-class literature, students complete independent reading from the Junior High Classics Reading List, as well as free reading. During the course of the year, students complete a variety of writings, including creative, extemporaneous, informative, and persuasive, each addressing a variety of topics and styles. Vocabulary Workshop Level A, by Sadlier-Oxford provides in-depth, quality vocabulary development. This comprehensive grammar curriculum hones the skills learned in elementary school, and helps students transition into high school with confidence. In all aspects of sixth-grade course work, students are directed to consider God’s Word and how it pertains to the topics, situations, or worldviews presented in the curriculum.

The focus of sixth-grade history and social studies is Ancient Civilizations, in which students examine the earliest influential societies and empires from approximately 4,000 B.C. to approximately 500 A.D., including, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, China, India, Greece and Rome. As students make the transition from elementary to middle school, history/social studies is a particularly strong area for skill development in critical thinking and analysis and in integration with other subjects (i.e. language arts and science), skills developed through reinforcing cultural literacy via stories, note-taking, hands-on art projects and re-enactments. This comes through students reading increasingly sophisticated literature as supplementary material, conducting highly animated debate-style, in-class discussions and, most of all through discerning research and correlation with scripture. Old and New Testament historical accounts are consistently brought to bear as the linchpin for understanding and retaining the material. Testing modalities emphasize personal ownership and analysis of material beyond rote memorization. Connections to the modern day are also featured.

In sixth-grade math, basic computation skills students have been learning over the last few years are reinforced, with the goal of applying these skills to real-life situations. Students learn about integers, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, percents, and statistics. Some basic algebra concepts are introduced, and problems are examined from a more algebraic frame of reference. As part of reviewing and reinforcing concepts already learned, students use manipulatives and other math tools. Also, this year, students delve into more complex operations within multiplication and division.

In earth science, we begin with a firm scriptural foundation, cementing the knowledge that God has control over all the earth and its creation. As we delve into the various areas of earth science, students are involved in critical thinking skills, hands-on labs, and preparation for our Junior High Science Fair. Throughout the school year, students investigate the earth’s systems and cycles, its composition and energy resources, along with studying earthquakes and volcanoes.

Health is an area that allows students to learn about their God-given bodies. During the course year, as part of caring for their bodies, students learn about the dangers of tobacco, drugs and alcohol, along with how to practice good hygiene and how to make good food choices. They learn about common illnesses, how to develop a personal fitness plan and how to set goals for themselves. Learning basic first aid and how to take care of simple injuries is important, whether students are caring for themselves, or babysitting others. And, as part of our health education, we also teach graded, gender-centric workshops on sexual education. This program is designed so that, while these topics are being covered with students, a separate parent class is available for those want to know more about what is taught. It is our heartfelt desire that parents take an active role in their student’s learning in this vital area, as well as in answering questions at home and continuing to talk more more in-depth about these topics, if their student is ready.

This course focuses on preparing students to be confident, successful computer users during their junior high and high school years. Each week, students are challenged with meeting minimum typing speed and accuracy requirements. As part of the course, students are given a GSuite for Education account with which they learn how to complete assignments and tests electronically. In GSuite, file organization is learned through Google Drive, class management in Google Classroom, word processing in Google Docs, spreadsheets in Google Sheets and presentations in Google Slides. An additional, important focus of this course is teaching students to safely use the internet and how to understand their computer history. These skills are taught along with other basic computer processes.

This year, we continue work in our Fundamentals of the Faith workbook by Dr. John MacArthur. This is essentially a systematic theology curriculum that walks students through 13 areas of theology using the Scriptures as its basis. This study begins with an in-depth look at the person and work of Christ and continues with topics such as the Holy Spirit, prayer, spiritual gifts, obedience, evangelism and guidance. In all aspects of seventh-grade course work, students are directed to consider God’s Word and how it pertains to the topics, situations or worldviews presented in the curriculum, and to make spiritual/biblical applications wherever possible.

As they continue in the Dialectic Stage of the classical model of education, students’ critical thinking skills and higher-level reasoning are honed through writing analyses, evaluations, and responses to the various themes and elements of the seventh-grade core literature which includes a Short Story Collection by Classic Authors, A Christmas Carol by Dickens, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Taylor, Hind’s Feet on High Places by Hurnard, and Macbeth by Shakespeare. Independent reading from the Junior High Classics Reading List is completed, along with free reading. Students are involved in a variety of writing experiences addressing different topics and writing styles including persuasive/ argumentative, expository and creative. As part of their studies, students continue working in Vocabulary Workshop Level B by Sadlier-Oxford, as this comprehensive grammar curriculum will help them transition into high school.

Students explore God’s unfolding narrative as it spans from Rome’s downfall to 18th century Europe. Through a combination of reading material, ethnic food days, museum trips, and films, students enjoy vicarious visits to almost every continent. In the midst of these delights, we must also taste some bitterness, as we learn what happens when God’s image-bearers, created for eternity, instead live under the curse of sin and mortality. History is littered with conflicts, oppression, and war. Ultimately, however, through our study of empires and civilizations, students will see the pre-eminence of God’s grace, and will behold in different cultures, the progression of the eclectic expression of all that which was seeded in Adam and Eve. As part of our study of American history, during either their seventh or eighth grade year, students have the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. with NorthCreek.

In seventh grade math, we continue to solidify basic arithmetic skills including working with integers, fractions, decimals and percents. We also spend some time in the geometry world, learning about angles, polygons and circles and finding the perimeter, area, surface area and volume of two- and three- dimensional figures. We also expand our knowledge of algebra by solving equations and inequalities, as well as applying those concepts and skills to problem solving situations.

As part of an exciting year in life science and as part of cementing our foundation, we begin our studies by looking at God’s Word, before moving on to learn about cells, DNA, heredity, light, plants and animals. Seventh graders extract DNA, learn about heredity, make a 3-D cell model, debate the issue of evolution, and dissect various organs, plants and animals, all as part of learning more about the world that God has created. Students are involved in various labs, discussion times, group and independent activities as well as being a part of NorthCreek Academy’s science fair. The science fair often leads to our students participating in the County Science Fair, which is held in the spring. Every other fall, our seventh and eighth graders head to Mt. Hermon for a week of science, as part of Outdoor Science School.

Informal logic is another way seventh graders work on their thinking skills. Studying logic is a vital component of the Dialectic Stage of the classical model of education, providing students with an opportunity to learn the rules by which we reason. This also builds on their abilities to discern truth from error, and gives them tools to able to defend their faith. We learn about 28 separate fallacies— bad arguments— giving us insight into how one should not defend a position. Students discuss these in class and create a booklet defining and illustrating each of these common fallacies. Studying logic helps students to sharpen their own reasoning skills and to be more discerning when reading or listening to arguments and opinions that surround them via the media and the people in their lives.

In keeping with our desire to cultivate our students’ hearts and minds in Christ, we host annual sessions on sex education, drug and alcohol awareness, and internet safety for our junior high students.

In eighth-grade Bible, we study the concept of worldview using, Your Word is Truth, from Desiring God Ministries. As part of using this curriculum, various areas of life and cultural issues are examined through the lens of Scripture. Students study relevant Bible passages in order to discern the truth about topics such as the nature of truth, the origin of the world, the environment, biblical manhood and womanhood, marriage, work, entertainment, money and more! The goal is for students to rightly interpret the truth of God’s Word for themselves and to see all of life in light of that truth.

The Dialectic Stage in language arts is a time when students are “digging deeper” into the material, using critical thinking. Faith is integrated with learning, and students are encouraged to be good stewards of their God-given gifts and talents. Core literature, including: The Miracle Worker, Johnny Tremain, The Hiding Place, and The Screwtape Letters, are read by the students and, at the end of the year, they read the unabridged version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as part of preparing and performing a student-led production of the play. Literature is discussed in a variety of ways, including dialectical journals, short answer essays, fishbowl discussions, and debate. As the eighth graders prepare for high school, they will receive experience in writing which includes persuasive/argumentative writing, expository writing, and response to literature writing. Vocabulary is taught both through literature, and through Vocabulary Workshop Level C by Sadlier-Oxford. Lessons are reinforced through daily usage, oral presentations, and creative writing, as well as through weekly assessments. Grammar usage continues to be stressed in their writing, aiding them in their transition to high school. Students are expected to apply what they have learned, by using correct punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar in their writing.

In eighth-grade history and social studies, our focus is on the United States, from its earliest colonial roots in the 1600s, through its place on the world-stage of WWII, along with forays into current events. A sampling of aspects of the study of the U.S. includes: founding, expansion, civics and government, economics, leaders, wars, demographics and burgeoning cultural identity. An appreciation for, and an increasing involvement in U.S. citizenship, is a recurring and underlying theme for the year. This includes frequent and sustained references to Christianity being the foundation and source of any– and all– successes our nation, its citizens and its leaders have experienced! Students use their established knowledge and skills in research, oral participation, expressive written work, hands-on projects and role-playing. These studies, which integrate literature and science, prepare our students for success in high school history, and for active and informed participation in our country’s governance in the future. During either their seventh- or eighth-grade year, students have the opportunity to visit Washington D.C.

During eighth grade, students learn the concepts and skills of an Algebra 1 course, including the solving of equations, inequalities and systems, along with multiplying and factoring polynomials, and graphing and writing equations of lines and other functions. The focus this year, is on critical thinking, persevering in problem solving, and learning to find and generalize patterns. These skills prepare students for the rigors of high school mathematics.

Eighth-grade science is the study of physical science, which involves learning about the patterns, order and predictability of the universe that God created. It involves looking at matter and its structure, as students learn about atoms, chemistry, motion, and forces. Each week, students participate in inquiry-based, hands-on lab activities. They complete a unit on the Universe, to learn about the heavens and how they “declare the glory of God.” As part of building-on their knowledge of the various laws and concepts they have learned, students create a day-long “Exploratorium” that the entire school to participates in and enjoys. The students build catapults, design roller coasters, set-up race tracks, race dominoes and observe the heavens. By participating in our Junior High Science Fair, students have another opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned, and some students choose to enter their projects in the County Science Fair. Every other fall, our seventh and eighth graders head to Mt. Hermon for a week of fun and science at Outdoor Science Camp.

In eighth-grade logic, as part of the Dialectic Stage of classical education, students learn to defend their faith in a reasonable and rational way. We move from approaches to avoid in defending our positions, to learning techniques that will help us to support and defend our faith. We start with the common topics of definitions, testimony, comparison, relationship, and circumstance. This information benefits our students in their other subjects and assignments as they are able to use these techniques to support a thesis, or to improve a science fair hypothesis or as a foundation for building better arguments in debate. After learning how to build and defend arguments, the students progress to studying formal logic, where they learn how to construct three-statement syllogisms and how to determine whether their syllogisms are valid. The fundamental reason logic is taught is to help students learn to think critically.

In keeping with our desire to cultivate our students’ hearts and minds in Christ, we host annual sessions on sex education, drug and alcohol awareness, and internet safety for our junior high students.