We are committed to having our middle school students become flexible, resilient readers who read for pleasure as well as for academic purposes. Our Language Arts curriculum includes literature selections that complement the social studies and/or science curriculum. We recognize the importance of students learning ever-growing skills, strategies, and habits to become powerful readers as they engage in reading more than just a few books throughout their middle school years.

SIXTH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS
Sixth Grade Language Arts combines the study of literature, vocabulary, grammar, and composition through a reading and writing workshop model. Over the course of the year, students will read self-selected, independent reading books as well as book club books in different genres and text types. The course emphasizes the interaction between readers and text. Students will learn to make connections with prior knowledge and previously read texts and ask questions to clarify comprehension. We will study short stories and novels together in class and engage in projects to develop and demonstrate a deeper understanding of reading and writing skills.

SEVENTH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS
Seventh Grade Language Arts combines the study of vocabulary, literature, grammar, and composition using a reading and writing workshop model. Over the course of the year, students will read and discuss self-selected and book club novels as well as a variety of short stories and informational texts. This class will focus on the development of critical thinking through literature discussions, reading responses and analysis, creative expression, and oral presentations, as well as research projects. The use of 21st century technology skills and reading and writing for authentic audiences and purposes will also be emphasized.

EIGHTH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS
The Eighth Grade Language Arts course uses a reading and writing workshop model to balance creative work with rigorous writing practice and literary analysis that not only prepares students for Upper School English but allows for the engaging exploration of literature and self. Students will express themselves critically, creatively, and collaboratively, as they interact daily with complex texts. In addition to a variety of short stories and poems, students will read and discuss various novels.

PRE-ALGEBRA
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of mathematical concepts through the innovative Eureka Squared curriculum. Students will engage in rigorous activities and discussions to deepen their understanding of number sense, operations, geometry, algebraic thinking, and data analysis. Through hands-on exploration and real-world applications, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Utilizing a blend of
traditional instruction, manipulatives, and technology, students will build a strong mathematical foundation to prepare them for Algebra and beyond.

ALGEBRA 1A
Algebra 1A is an engaging course designed to solidify fundamental math concepts essential for higher learning. Students will explore angle relationships, 3-D figures, and the basics of geometry to develop spatial reasoning skills. They will explore ratios, proportions, and percents, learning their real-world applications and problem-solving techniques. An emphasis will be placed on operations with rational numbers, paving the way for expressions, equations, and inequalities to be mastered. The course will also cover the fundamentals of functions and linear relationships, including slope, graphing, and writing equations. Through interactive lessons and practical examples, students will build a strong mathematical foundation, empowering them to confidently tackle more advanced math concepts in their academic journey.

ALGEBRA 1B
Algebra 1B is an immersive middle school math course designed to deepen students' understanding of algebraic concepts. Delving into linear relationships, students will grasp the intricacies of slope, intercepts, and graphing, laying the groundwork for advanced topics. Building on this foundation, learners will tackle systems of equations and inequalities in two variables, honing problem-solving skills through real-world scenarios. The course progresses to explore properties of exponents, polynomials, and quadratic equations, fostering the skills of problem solving and reasoning. Students will also dive into exponential and radical functions and their applications. Through interactive activities and authentic applications, students will develop a strong mathematical toolkit, equipping them for success in higher-level mathematics and beyond.

ALGEBRA 1
Algebra I is an intensive course cultivating a robust understanding of algebraic concepts. Students will master expressions, equations, and inequalities before delving into functions, slope, and linear relationships. Learners will then use problem solving strategies to solve real world problems involving systems of equations. The course then transitions to properties of exponents, operations with polynomials, solving quadratic equations, and exploring radical functions. With a focus on developing a solid Algebra foundation, this course equips students with the tools and fluency necessary for success in higher-level mathematics.

GEOMETRY
Geometry offers a comprehensive exploration of fundamental geometric concepts. Students will visually represent and name geometric figures, explore angle relationships, and investigate characteristics of angles formed by parallel lines. They will navigate the intricacies of congruent and similar figures and apply properties of quadrilaterals. Special focus is placed on right triangles and their real-world applications. Learners will calculate the area of 2-dimensional shapes and delve into the computation of volume and surface area for 3-dimensional figures. Transformational geometry adds depth to the course, offering insights into how shapes can change through translation, rotation, reflection, and dilation. With practical applications and problem-solving at its core, Geometry equips students with a solid understanding of geometry essential for future mathematical pursuits. Students who complete this course in 8th grade receive an Upper School credit which will be averaged into their Upper School GPA and appear on their transcript.

SIXTH GRADE EARTH/SPACE SCIENCE
Sixth grade Earth/Space Science explores the earth in the universe, as a dynamic planet in the solar system, and as a habitat for life. Content areas include space exploration, technology, engineering, Physics, and earth/space monitoring. We will also study astronomy, air and water, land composition and use, constructive/ destructive surface-shaping forces, geology, and ecology. Stewardship, as well as a knowledge of the earth and its resources, are stressed. This is a hands-on, inquiry-based course where collaboration and engineering skills are sharpened.

SEVENTH GRADE LIFE SCIENCE
Science in seventh grade will focus on all aspects of life science. It is a rigorous, lab-focused class that will explore cells, body systems, plant systems, relationships between organisms, and the environment.
Students will learn how to collect and analyze data, collaborate with classmates, and research current questions/problems surrounding these topics.

EIGHTH GRADE INTRODUCTORY PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Eighth-grade physical science provides students with the opportunity to construct scientific knowledge through the use of hands-on, minds-on activities. The topics covered during this year-long course provide students with a firm basis for further scientific inquiry in all areas of science. Laboratory and problem-solving activities, as well as critical thinking tasks, are presented at an attempt to prepare students for the Upper School experience. Students are encouraged to learn laboratory safety skills, use calculators, keep organized lab notebooks, and complete experiments.

ADVANCED HONORS BIOLOGY (Prerequisites apply)
Advanced Honors Biology is a rigorous high-school level course that is intended for students who plan on enrolling in Advanced Placement Biology in the Upper School. This course will use text and materials that follow the Advanced Placement curriculum. Topics will include cell biology, plant
structure and function, the structure and function of living organisms, taxonomy of the animal kingdoms, and ecology. Students will learn through hands-on activities, critical thinking tasks, and application-based scenarios.

SPANISH (LEVEL 1A)
The Spanish Level 1A course is designed to be the equivalent to the first half of the high school Spanish I course. The goal of the course is to help each student attain an acceptable degree of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and to help him/her learn about other cultures of the world. Various approaches are taken in order to meet these goals. There are listening, written, and speaking exercises. Students are encouraged to speak frequently using open-ended activities that allow students to apply the key vocabulary and grammar in role-playing.

SPANISH (LEVEL 1B)
The Spanish Level 1B is sequential to the Spanish Level 1A course and covers the same material that is taught in the second semester of Spanish I in the high school. Students who successfully complete Spanish I will be placed into Spanish II as high school freshmen. While oral communication in the language is a priority, appropriate development of the four critical areas--reading, writing, speaking, and listening--is stressed. In particular, the composition is emphasized much more at the Spanish level 1B than previously. At this level, culture is approached in a manner that capitalizes upon the students' maturing ability to perceive the world in a social and economic context.

FRENCH (LEVEL 1A)
This French course is the equivalent to the first semester of a high school French 1 course The French Level 1A course builds on what students have learned in Introduction to French. They will learn how to conjugate basic verbs at the present tense and continue working on their pronunciation, while still expanding their vocabulary on a variety of different topics. Through projects and activities, students will start to learn how to communicate in different situations and contexts (at a restaurant, paying for something, etc..) while still discovering more of France’s pop culture, music, and history.

FRENCH (LEVEL 1B)
This course is a continuation of the material that was seen during French Level 1A. Students will learn more advanced grammar and conjugation. Students will learn their first past and future tenses, all while expanding their vocabulary bank on a variety of different topics. A focus on conversational French is also introduced this quarter through more speaking and role play activities, combining all they’ve learned in 7th grade. We will, of course, still learn and see various French cultural things as well as, at the end of the year, a very useful lesson on French slang.

LATIN (LATIN 1A)
This Latin course is the equivalent to the first semester of a high school Latin 1 course. The goal of this course is to help students develop proficiency in reading and translating Latin. To this end, the course focuses on learning Latin vocabulary and mastering the basics of Latin grammar. Students will also learn about Roman culture, mythology, and English word derivations. All Latin students will compete in the Latin Regional Forum, and some will go on to compete at the state level. Maclay's Latin team has a record of consistently scoring in
either first or second place at Regionals and in the top 10 at State. Latin, like all the languages at Maclay, is offered through high school, up to the AP level.

LATIN (LATIN 1B)
This course is a continuation of the material begun in Latin 1A and covers the material taught in the second semester of Latin I in high school. Pre-requisites are the completion of Latin 1A, or faculty approval. Students who successfully complete Latin IB will be placed in Latin II in 9th grade. Latin, with its unique patterns of inflection and syntax and the acquisition of an extensive vocabulary, is the major focus of the course whose goal is the ability to read and translate. The extended nature of a two-year Latin I course such as this will allow us to explore Roman customs and culture, mythology, and English word derivations at a greater depth than in a standard Latin I course.

6th and 7th Grade P.E.
The Middle School Physical Education program is designed to encourage movement, physical fitness, and an appreciation of a variety of lifetime sports. Individual and team activities are used to help teach teamwork, sport-specific skills, and social skills used in all aspects of daily life. Grading is based upon dressing out each day, the student’s effort, participation, and sportsmanship. Each student must wear the Physical Education uniform and wear it properly. Students must wear sneakers that have either laces or Velcro. Footwear must have good support and non-marking soles. Footwear such as hiking boots, wrestling shoes, heeled boots, flip flops, or sandals of any type are unacceptable. Safety and dress code are our primary concerns.

H.O.P.E. (Health Opportunities through Physical Education) – Upper School Credit Course for 8th Graders
The purpose of this course is to develop and enhance healthy behaviors that influence lifestyle choices and student health and fitness. Students will combine the learning of principles and background information in a classroom setting with the physical application of the knowledge. A majority of class time will be spent in physical activity. Other course topics include Mental/Social Health, Nutrition & Wellness Planning, Diseases & Disorders, and Health Advocacy.