Core
Classes
Language Arts
This class will explore many topics over the course of the year. There will be four Reading Counts novels required throughout the year. We will explore several authors including Richard Peck and Charles Dickens. We also will write two to four essays: 2 argument essays, one compare/contrast essay, and one choice if there is time. We also do an in depth dive into a basketball unit during March Madness! This course requires a lot of writing and reading!
This class will explore many topics over the course of the year. There will be four Reading Counts novels required throughout the year just like the 7th grade course. We will learn about the Holocaust in depth through research and through reading the “Diary of Anne Frank”. This class also studies Edgar Allan Poe and his writings. Two essays will be required throughout the year along with various projects and reflections. This course requires a lot of writing and reading!
Mathematics
This class will cover ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, expressions and equations, geometry, and statistics and probability. The prerequisite for this class is completing sixth grade math successfully.
This class will cover the number system, expressions and equations, functions, geometry, and statistics and probability. The prerequisite for this class is completing seventh grade math successfully.
Pre-Algebra courses increase students’ foundational math skills and prepare them for Algebra I by covering a variety of topics, such as properties of rational numbers (i.e., number theory), ratio, proportion, estimation, exponents and radicals, the rectangular coordinate system, sets and logic, formulas, and solving first-degree equations and inequalities.
This is a high school class offered to junior high students for junior high credit. Students must enjoy math and be willing to work at an accelerated pace independently. Placement in this class requires teacher referral , high state assessment scores, or a gifted IEP.
Algebra I courses include the study of properties and operations of the real number system; evaluating rational algebraic expressions; solving and graphing first degree equations and inequalities; translating word problems into equations; operations with and factoring or polynomials; and solving simple quadratic equations
This is a high school class offered to junior high students for junior high credit. Students must enjoy math and be willing to work at an accelerated pace independently. Prerequisite for this class is successfully completing Pre-Algebra, or a gifted IEP.
Geometry courses, emphasizing an abstract, formal approach to the study of geometry, typically include topics such as properties of plane and solid figures; deductive methods of reasoning and use of logic; geometry as an axiomatic system including the study of postulates, theorems, and formal proofs; concepts of congruence, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, and proportion; and rules of angle measurement in triangles.
Science
This course begins with a focus on the scientific method and inquiry and then transitions to the three main branches of science (physical, earth, and life).
This course is a more advanced science course that engages students with many hands on opportunities while learning about the three main branches of science (physical, earth, and life).
Social Studies
7th Graders spend the first semester on Geography and the second semester on Kansas History. In Geography they use the basics of geography while learning about the United States and the world. We also do a semester long unit called Pigskin Geography. This is where they learn geography by using NFL team/cities as reference points.
Kansas History is split up into five different units. The five units are the Explorers of Kansas, the Native American of Kansas, Forts and Trail of Kansas, and Kansas in the Civil War.
8th Graders start in the American Revolution and go through the American Civil War. The students focus on how major events and important figures helped shape this nation. We also learn about the early presidents and their contributions the United States.