The Pre-Primary program includes Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten and is child-centered, emphasizing the education of the whole child – intellectual, emotional, and physical. Education is experience-based, interdisciplinary, and collaborative. Focus is on the process of learning rather than the product. In addition to their time in the regular classroom, all Pre-Primary students attend music, Spanish, and physical education classes. They also visit the Bernet Library in the Julien Arts and Innovation Center to hear stories, explore their creativity, and check out books. Kindergarten students, in addition to the classes mentioned above, also attend drama and art classes each week.
Academic Programs
Recognition of both effort and accomplishment motivates students to focus on and enjoy the process of learning.
Curriculum Overview
In addition to a vigorous academic program, the curriculum at Gulf Stream School encompasses arts and athletics. Teachers encourage students to explore their interests and test the limits of their abilities within a safe environment. Recognition of both effort and accomplishment motivates students to focus on and enjoy the process of learning. The program emphasizes the development of basic skills and nurtures students’ emerging analytical thinking and independent problem-solving skills. As preparation for long-term, purposeful involvement in the local and global communities, each class undertakes at least one community service project each year, and many of our students also volunteer their time to a variety of organizations outside of school.
A Gulf Stream School education prepares students to move confidently and successfully into some of the best college preparatory schools in the country. Our graduates are known for their strong writing and study skills. Their many public speaking and performance opportunities also make them especially well-spoken and poised in front of an audience. Because curiosity is nurtured and participation in every facet of school life is required, Gulf Stream School alumni are well-rounded, self-motivated, lifelong learners.
Pre-Primary
(Grades 1-4)
Lower School
In Lower School, we establish solid academic skills as well as foster the personal growth of each child. A strong emphasis on reading, writing, and mathematics is enhanced by computer classes, hands-on science and social studies projects, exploration of the fine and performing arts, continued study of Spanish, and participation in physical education. In addition, Lower School teachers nurture the children’s growing sense of competence, their developing awareness of the world outside of Gulf Stream School, and their understanding of social responsibility.
(Grades 5-8)
Middle School
The quest for excellence requires the taking of risk, and the Middle School faculty continue to balance academic vigor with a nurturing environment so that students feel comfortable with seeking new intellectual avenues and are able to greet challenges with confidence and gusto. Core subjects are English, mathematics, science, history, art, music, athletics, and foreign language. Latin is required in Grades Five and Six, while a choice of Spanish or Latin is offered in Grades Seven and Eight. Students incorporate technology into all of their core academic subjects.
Curriculum Overview
Pre-Primary
Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Lower School
Grade One
Grade Two
Grade Three
Grade Four
Middle School
Grade Five
Grade Six
Grade Seven
Grade Eight
Pre-Primary / Pre-Kindergarten
Reading
Emphasis on enjoyment of listening to and discussing stories
Introduction to the difference between letters, words and sentences
Acquisition of a sense of story structure (beginning, middle, end)
Introduction to letter recognition
Development of letter recognition
Development of letter-sound association
Introduction to the combination of sounds into words
Development of the concept of print
Introduction to Reader’s Workshop
Language Arts
Practice in writing names
Introduction to story elements
Beginnings of personal connections to texts
Focus on increasing vocabulary
Emphasis on appropriate responses to questions
Introduction to journaling
Opportunities to role play
Participation in songs and “finger plays”
Development of interest in symbolic representation (drawing, letters, numbers, sounds, print, etc.)
Utilization of a variety of manipulatives and papers (markers, crayons, chalk, lined paper)
Math
Bridges Math: Pre-K curriculum based on conceptual understanding, building key skills, and solving complex problems
Numerical relations (counting, ordering)
Practice in one-to-one correspondence
Introduction to measurement
Practice in patterning
Introduction to geometry (attributes of shapes)
Introduction to estimation
Practice in sorting and classifying
Introduction to pictorial representation of data, such as graphs
Emphasis on use of manipulatives to solve problems
Introduction to number recognition and writing
Introduction to subitizing, quickly identifying numbers in a set
Social Studies / History
Development of an understanding of community
Introduction to the school community and its members
Focus on the members of a family and their roles
Emphasis on American holidays and customs
Introduction to holidays and customs of other cultures
Introduction to transportation
Understanding of the dynamics of various families
Science
Investigation of topics such as animals, weather, seasons, senses, nature, human body, and healthy habits
Emphasis on exploring, observing and predicting
Focus on cause and effect
Recognition of the difference between living and non-living beings
Recognition of colors and their hues
Identification of the conditions necessary for plant growth and their life cycle
Spanish
Introduction to language through audio-visual tools, role playing, singing, dancing, storytelling, sorting, counting, etc.
Emphasis on use of songs and games that reinforce Spanish vocabulary and teach traditions of Hispanic culture
Use of stories to enhance Spanish and listening skills
Focus on answering simple questions in Spanish
Art
Focus on recognition of colors
Exposure to different media (paint, clay, crayon, glue)
Development of drawing and cutting skills
Emphasis on imagination and creativity
Music
Introduction to tapping a beat and recognizing melody
Focus on singing rhymes
Introduction to instruments
Emphasis on listening
Participation in the Holiday Show, Grandparents’ Day and Spring Concerts
Physical Education
Stress on following directions
Emphasis on safety, participation, and sportsmanship
Development of spatial awareness and body control
Practice in various locomotor modes (walk, run, hop, skip, gallop, slide)
Practice in non-locomotor movement (bend, twist, spin)
Use of a variety of equipment
Social / Emotional Development
Focus on making friends and being a friend
Stress on distinguishing oneself from others
Attention to turn-taking, sharing, and cooperation
Focus on roles within a group
Development of self-control and coping skills
Nurturing of independence
Development of self-esteem and confidence through competence
Development of ability to initiate play
Fostering of positive self-esteem and ability to make one’s own choices
Development of self-regulation skills
Management of transitions
Motor Development
Development of finger strength to prepare for writing
Development of proper pencil grip
Introduction to handwriting skills
Development of hand-eye coordination
Focus on fine and gross motor skills and coordination
Pre-Primary / Kindergarten
Reading
Identification of phonemes in initial, medial, and final positions
Emphasis on blending sounds
Recognition of rhyming
Practice in retelling stories
Introduction to sight words
Stress on decoding CVC words
Use of Columbia University's Reader’s Workshop
Development of love and appreciation for literature
Language Arts
Focus on proper upper and lowercase letter formation and spacing
Introduction to punctuation
Journaling, drawing, labeling, writing sentences
Introduction to sentence composition
Focus on reading comprehension
Emphasis on sequencing
Practice in dictation
Development of speaking skills
Math
Eureka Math: Kindergarten through 4th-grade curriculum focused on strategic thinking and understanding the "why" behind the numbers
Focus on number recognition and writing (1-100)
Recognition of numbers before and after
Introduction to place value
Introduction to skip counting (5s, 10s)
Introduction to addition and subtraction facts to 10
Practice in patterning
Interpretation of graphs
Focus on story problems and drawing the picture also using number bonds and number sentences
Exploration of two and three dimensional shapes
Social Studies / History
Focus on calendar (days, weeks, months, seasons)
Emphasis on “All About Me” (child, family, school, country)
Emphasis on individual responsibility
Development of independence and confidence
Introduction to global awareness and citizenship
Discussion of the importance of respect for cultural differences, holidays, and customs
Science
Exploration of seasons, environment, life cycle of a butterfly, plants, the five senses, and magnets
Emphasis on observation and learning through experimentation
Spanish
Extension of vocabulary and concepts begun in Pre-K
Acquisition of basic speaking and listening skills
Study of animals, colors, family, parts of the body, occupations, and feelings
Focus on writing short, dictated sentences
Development of pre-reading skills through stories, rhymes, games, and songs
Use of symbolic representation in drawings
Introduction to Spanish alphabet sounds
Focus on vowel sounds
Art
Coordination with academic curriculum
Units on the environment, science, and artists
Projects that coincide with letters studied in class
Introduction to developmental artistic materials and techniques to develop fine and gross motor skills
Music
Development of senses of beat and melody
Introduction to tempo and dynamic
Development of listening skills
Expansion of knowledge of instruments
Participation in the Holiday Show, Grandparents’ Day, and Spring Concerts
Physical Education
Stress on following directions
Emphasis on safety, participation, and sportsmanship
Development of spatial awareness and body control
Exploration of various locomotor (walk, run, hop, skip, gallop, slide) and non-locomotor (bend, twist, spin) movements
Introduction to pathways (straight, curved, zigzag, over, under, around, etc.)
Introduction to throwing techniques
Practice of hand-eye and foot-eye coordination
Use of a variety of equipment
Emphasis on health benefits of physical activity
Social / Emotional Development
Focus on making friends and being a friend
Stress on empathy
Attention to turn-taking and sharing
Focus on appropriate group behavior
Practice of self-control and coping skills
Emphasis on both independence and cooperation
Development of self-esteem and confidence through competence
Motor Development
Focus on strengthening pencil grip
Improvement of handwriting skills
Further development of hand-eye coordination
Development of fine and gross motor skills
Lower School / Grade One
Reading
Focus on phonemic awareness
Focus on oral reading
Focus on sound-spelling associations
Focus on vocabulary development
Exploration of various literary genres
Focus on reading comprehension
Development of critical-thinking skills
Participation in literary discussions
Encourage independent reading
Language Arts
Development of handwriting
Introduction to spelling patterns
Introduction to grammar & sentence structure
Introduction to parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives)
Practice and use of punctuation
Emphasis on notebook and story writing
Emphasis on speaking and listening skills
Math
Development of addition and subtraction fluency within 10
Practice of embedded numbers and decompositions
Strategies for counting on
Development of decomposition strategies for subtraction
Introduction to place value through addition and subtraction within 40
Introduction to math stories
Introduction to fractions
Use of tables, charts, and graphs
Practice telling time
Practice counting coins and their value
Introduction to identifying, composing, and partitioning shapes
Social Studies / History
Development of self-awareness
Exploration of characteristics of apples and pumpkins
Introduction to map skills
Investigation into penguins and Antarctica
Identification of national symbols, landmarks, holidays
Study of important people in history (i.e. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman)
Exploration of ways life was different for settlers
Exploration of bread and its use in various cultures
Science
Introduction to bones, muscles and skin of the human body
Examination of the recycling process
Focus on solids & magnets
Examination of plants & seeds
Research on various animals and their eco-systems
Practice measuring length and weight
Examination of electricity
Participating in labs and writing lab reports
Spanish
Focus on thematic vocabulary
Introduction to oral and written language structures
Emphasis on geographical locations and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries
Art
Emphasis on the elements and principles of design
Emphasis on fine motor skills
Frequent coordination of art projects with academic studies
Improvement of skills that can be applied to later art projects
Introduction to modern art
Music
Development of rhythmic sense
Introduction to quarter and eighth notes
Development of voice
Introduction to Orff instruments
Introduction to musical forms
Discussion of cultural contexts of performance music
Technology
Introduction to vocabulary, icons, and toolbars
Introduction to keyboarding using Edutyping
Introduction to computer programming
Introduction to the GSS website
Physical Education
Emphasis on locomotor movements (walk, run, hop, skip, gallop, slide)
Focus on non-locomotor movements (bend, twist, turn)
Emphasis on body control
Development of underhand and overhand throwing techniques
Introduction to catching techniques
Development of understanding of game structure
Stress on teamwork, sportsmanship, and safety
Introduction to sports, games, and activities
Lower School / Grade Two
Reading
Continued exposure to various genres
Continued practice of fluent reading
Execution of additional word-solving strategies
Strengthening of literal comprehension
Expansion of inferential thinking
Deepening literary responses verbally and in writing
Language Arts
Introduction to cursive
Use of the writing process while writing in various genres (e.g. personal narrative, informational, persuasive, lab reports, poetry, and fiction)
Further practice with writing conventions (punctuation and capitalization)
Exposure to spelling patterns at individualized spelling stages based off of Words Their Way Curriculum and Spelling Inventory
Continued focus on speaking and listening skills
Math
Mastery of sums and differences to 20
Focus on fluency in addition of one- and two-digit numbers through 100
Use place value understanding and properties of operations
Deepening of conceptual understanding of measurement
Development of knowledge of addition and subtraction within 200 and with word problems to 100
Expansion of understanding of fractions and time telling
Exploration of 2- and 3-dimensional shapes
Development of problem-solving strategies
Social Studies / History
Understanding of traits of responsible citizenship
Development of map/globe skills
Identification of goods and services in the community
Exploration of ways in which life was difficult for the early settlers
Identification of physical features of the earth and natural resources
Study of historical figures who have helped shape history
Familiarization with states and their capitals
Familiarization with features of regions in the U.S.
Exploration of cultural, racial, and ethnic differences among people
Appreciation of the importance of American symbols, landmarks, and historical documents
Science
Exploration of the needs of local/global environment
Introduction of scientific tools (wind gauge, rain gauge, graduated cylinder)
Practice in observation skills
Introduction to writing results
Introduction to compiling data and displaying it in a table
Stress on questions how, why, what if…
Use of computers to store, retrieve, and present scientific information
Investigation of matter and how it changes
Discussion of animals and their habitats
Focus on Earth’s changing land and water
Spanish
Use of songs, stories, and other audio activities to introduce basic vocabulary and grammar
Introduction of short sentence-writing in journals
Introduction to Spanish names of oceans and continents
Emphasis on geographical proximity to Spanish-speaking countries
Art
Emphasis on the elements and principles of design
Study of modern art
Exploration of various art movements
Participation in specific holiday projects
Exploration of different art mediums including ceramics
Music
Enhancement of previously learned skills
Introduction of quarter rests and half notes
Introduction of two-part canons
Discussion of cultural contexts of performance music
Technology
Practice in typing tutorials using Edutyping
Expansion and application of knowledge of Google Workspace (create, edit, view, print)
Development of basic internet research skills
Physical Education
Emphasis on locomotor movements (walk, run, hop, skip, gallop, slide)
Focus on non-locomotor movements (bend, twist, turn)
Emphasis on body control
Introduction to proper throwing, kicking, catching techniques
Expansion on the understanding of game structure
Stress on teamwork, sportsmanship, and safety
Expansion of sports, games, and activities
Lower School / Grade Three
Reading
Sharpening of phonetic strategies
Improved fluency
Practice in decoding skills
Practice in comprehension strategies
Exposure to various literary genres
Higher level usage of story elements
Introduction to plot and character analysis
Practice in critical thinking
Vocabulary development
Language Arts
Practice in cursive handwriting
Expansion and refinement of proper grammar usage and mechanics
Development of understanding parts of speech and sentence structure
Development of knowledge and application of spelling patterns (Words Their Way)
Application of the writing process in narrative, expository, and creative writing
Practice in speaking and listening
Math
Introduction to fractions
Practice of all four operations with whole numbers
Practice in mental math and logic
Development of concepts of perimeter, area, and volume
Practice in working with measurement, time, and graphs
Development of a systematic approach to problem-solving
Introduction to geometric concepts
Expansion of ability to collect and analyze data
Incorporation of technology
Social Studies / History
Exploration of Florida history and culture
Map and globe interpretation and application of skills
Use of timelines, graphs, and charts
Report writing
Development of familiarity with the first Floridians ( early tribes of Florida)
Focus on first European explorers who came to Florida
Focus on European control of Florida
Focus on statehood
Focus on Florida’s involvement in the Civil War Reconstruction
Focus on reconstruction
Focus on Florida in the 20th and 21st centuries
Science
Introduction to scientific tools (triple beam balance, spring scales)
Use of first-hand experience
Practice in note-taking
Introduction to bar graphs
Formation and discussion of conclusions
Application of customary and metric measurements
Focus on real-world connections
Exploration of weather and climate
Exploration of life cycles and traits
Exploration of adaptations and survival
Exploration of force and motion
Exploration of electricity and magnetism
Spanish
Exposure to geography and customs of Spanish-speaking countries
Continued emphasis on building writing and conversational skills
Development of awareness of language structure
Opportunities to build vocabulary
Art
Focus on composition, especially landscape and still life
Expansion of understanding of the elements and principles of design
Focus on expanding understanding of various art forms
Focus, in conjunction with the social studies curriculum, on the wide variety of cultures found in Florida
Introduction of art from different cultures from South America (i.e.; molas from Panama, Inca textiles from Peru, etc.)
Music
Development of previously learned skills
Introduction of the recorder
Practice in the use of Orff instruments
Introduction to reading music
Introduction to time signatures
Discussion of cultural contexts of performance music
Technology
Practice and development of all previously introduced skills
Expansion and application of knowledge of Google Workspace (cut, paste, copy, margins, justification, tables, highlighting, text boxes, spellcheck, grammar check, thesaurus)
Introduction to Google Sheets and Slides
Introduction to search engines
Physical Education
Stress on understanding and application of rules, skills and strategies of team sports played in Middle School
Emphasis on locomotor skills, rhythmic activities and spatial awareness
Participation in a variety of games including tag, relay races, obstacle courses and other games involving throwing, catching, spatial awareness and teamwork
Emphasis on fair play, sportsmanship and safety
Expansion of lead-up games for team sports
Lower School / Grade Four
Reading
Implementation of phonics strategies
Analysis of vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, comparisons, analogies, multiple meanings)
Application of comprehension skills
Identification of literary elements
Analysis of poetry
Practice of inference skills
Visualization, recall, and retell of stories
Application of character study throughout texts
Identification and analysis of nonfiction texts
Stress on the importance of setting in a story
Language Arts
Continued practice of cursive handwriting
Continued development of knowledge and application of spelling patterns (Words Their Way)
Expansion of understanding of parts of speech
Incorporation of the writing process throughout all writing units
Practice in brainstorming, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing
Application of capitalization and punctuation while editing
Implementation of multiple revision strategies to enhance writing
Development of the foundations to write a five-paragraph essay
Math
Focus on place value to solidify number sense
Application of place value to whole numbers, decimals, money
Application of rounding/estimating
Practice in computation in all four operations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
Expansion of fractions
Measurement of length, area, volume, weight, mass, etc. with metric units
Application of knowledge of plane and solid geometry
Focus on tape diagrams to solve word problems
Social Studies / History
Application of map skills and vocabulary
Exploration of Native American U.S. regions, Colonial America, and Immigration
Creation and use of timelines
Analysis of charts and graphs
Development of research skills (note-taking, outlining, writing)
Exploration of different methods of test preparation
Focus on social skills for group projects
Science
Focus on scientific method
Focus on lab safety
Introduction to scientific tools (microscopes)
Introduction to controls and variables
Focus on real-world connections
Application of scientific vocabulary
Fostering of critical thinking
Application of metric units
Focus on organization/neatness
Use of technology to produce graphs and charts
Introduction to test preparation techniques
Practice in test-taking skills
Exploration of energy and motion
Exploration of Earth’s features and natural hazards
Exploration of plants and animal structures
Exploration of human body systems
Spanish
Exposure to cultural activities and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries
Continued emphasis on building writing and conversational skills
Development of awareness of language structure — exchange personal information in Spanish
Development of awareness of gender and number agreement
Opportunities to build vocabulary
Art
Coordination of art history with social studies and geography curriculums
Emphasis on multimedia experiences
Continued emphasis on elements and principles of design in an interdisciplinary curriculum
Introduction to new creative techniques and processes in multi-colored printmaking, pen and ink, calligraphy, portraiture and sculpture
Music
Development and application of previously learned skills
Introduction of the sixteenth note
Introduction to handbells
Practice in reading music
Practice in use of Orff instruments
Discussion of cultural contexts of performance music
Technology
Practice and development of previously learned skills
Emphasis on proper keyboarding
Use of Google Workspace programs for cross-curricular projects
Creation of multimedia projects
Use of technology to solve problems including using 3D models
Introduction to Gmail (create, send, receive, open, add attachments)
Focus on computer science
Physical Education
Focus on understanding and application of rules and skills strategies of team sports played in Middle School
Emphasis on locomotor skills, spatial awareness and rhythmic activities
Participation in a variety of games
Emphasis on fair play, sportsmanship and safety
Lead-up games and adaptations of each team sport are introduced
Middle School / Grade Five
English
Focus on thematic content and character development in literature
Focus on reading fluency
Development of critical-thinking skills
Focus on creative writing through imitation and innovation
Grammar/Usage – parts of speech, subject/verb agreement, modifiers
Writing mechanics — spelling, capitalization and punctuation
Emphasis on note-taking from visual and auditory sources
Expansion of vocabulary
Introduction to five-paragraph essay
Math
Review of computation with whole numbers, fractions and decimals
Enrichment of computation skills involving decimals, fractions and integers
Emphasis on number sense, place value, rounding and estimating
Focus on number theory (factors, prime vs. composite, prime factorization, divisibility, multiples, exponents, GCF, LCM)
Exploration of plane geometry
Introduction to ratio, proportion and percent
Introduction to probability and statistics
Development of ability to use protractor, compass, ruler and calculator
Measurement including metric and customary conversion and including area and perimeter
Social Studies / History
Study of ancient cultures
Regular discussion/activities about current events
Development of map and atlas skills
Instruction in reading non-fiction texts
Introduction to basic research skills (note-taking, outlining, internet research, etc.)
Production of brief research paper
Focus on organizational skills
Focus on study skills
Focus on test preparation and test-taking skills
Science
Review and development of skills learned in Lower School
Use of scientific method
Emphasis on analysis of results and formation of conclusions
Emphasis on lab safety
Use of metric measurement
Construction and interpretation of graphs and charts
Introduction to use of computer for research
Foreign Language
Required study of Latin
Exploration of Greco-Roman mythology
Emphasis on the great epics, like the Iliad, the Odyssey, the Labors of Hercules, etc.
Introduction to grammatical forms: subject, direct object, predicate adjectives, predicate nominatives, and some prepositional phrases
Introduction of verb forms (first-person singular, second-person singular, third-person singular and plural)
Art
Emphasis on Modern Art history (Impressionism through Pop Art)
Study of famous artists within each movement
Incorporation of those artists' materials, styles and methods into projects
Projects based on history curriculum
Music
Development and application of previously learned skills
Practice in reading and notating rhythms
Continued drumming experience
Introduction to additional instruments (keyboards and guitars)
Discussion of cultural contexts of performance music
Introduction to various composers and styles
Optional chorus, musical theatre, Orff ensemble by audition
Optional participation in concerts
Technology
Review and development of skills learned in Lower School
Development of more advanced proficiencies in Google Docs, Slides and Sheets
Use of search engines for specialized data searches
Develop more computer science skills with coding and various robots
Physical Education
Development of sports skills
Introduction to interscholastic sports
Focus on skill and strategy development
Emphasis on sportsmanship
Middle School / Grade Six
English
Practice in writing essays with supporting details
Introduction to literary devices and terms
Discussion of literary themes
Development of creative writing in short stories and poetry
Development of proficiency in recognition of eight parts of speech
Introduction to phrases/clauses
Emphasis on punctuation
Emphasis on note-taking from auditory sources
Expansion of vocabulary through reading and study of Greek and Latin roots
Math
Review and development of computation skills involving decimals, fractions, and integers
Introduce rational number theory and computation
Introduction to formal Algebra skills including solving equations, evaluating expressions, simplifying expressions, distributing and exponents
Continued study of number theory
Expansion of understanding of plane geometry including formal definitions and construction
Review and development of skills involving ratio, proportion and percent
Social Studies / History
Study of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, reformation, and geography
Engagement in current events discussions/activities
Study of geography interspersed throughout the year
Development of research skills (note-taking, summarizing, use of primary and secondary sources)
Production of short research paper
Exploration of various study skills
Focus on test preparation and test-taking skills
Science
Emphasis on the scientific method
Emphasis on analysis of results and formulation of accurate/logical conclusions
Integration of hands-on labs with real world applications
Integration of technology
Introduction to matter and energy
Introduction to Earth’s systems, weather, plate tectonics
Study of living things in the biosphere
Foreign Language
Required study of Latin
Focus on daily life in Pompeii
Exploration of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius
Introduction to present, perfect and imperfect verb tenses
Introduction to subjects, objects, indirect objects, prepositional phrases, in first, second and third declensions
Introduction to gendered nouns
Art
Projects designed in coordination with science and history curriculums
Incorporation of multimedia, multicultural projects
Emphasis on the elements and principles of design
Music
Development and application of previously learned skills
Expansion of knowledge of musical symbols/vocabulary
Continued study of keyboards, drums, and guitars
Discussion of cultural contexts of performance music
Introduction to various composers and styles
Optional chorus, musical theatre, rock band by audition
Optional participation in concerts
Technology
Integration of laptops or tablets in all academic classes
Practice in assessing website validity
Physical Education
Development of sports skills
Experience in interscholastic sports
Focus on skill and strategy development
Emphasis on sportsmanship
Middle School / Grade Seven
English
Exploration of social justice, environmental, and identity themes in literature
Study of conflict, character, point of view and narration
Identification of literary themes
Use of personal experience in expository and creative writing
Development of research and interviewing skills in writing about the lives of others
Review of essay structure
Introduction to thesis statement
Practice in drafting, editing, and revising
Review of parts of speech and prepositional phrases
Study of phrases and clauses
Development of the sentence
Attention to capitalization, punctuation, word usage
Recognition of changing language rules
Expansion of vocabulary through study and reading; emphasis on roots study
Math
Review and development of computation skills involving decimals, fractions, integers and rational numbers
Introduction of inequalities with set theory, replacement/solution sets and Venn diagrams
Introduction to the coordinate plane
Continued training in algebra skills including evaluating, combining like terms, multiplying monomials, manipulating formulas and solving multi-step equations
Review and development of skills in ratio, proportion and percent
Development of understanding of plane geometry including precise vocabulary, the coordinate plane, transformations, congruency and similar triangles
Focus on measurement including metric and customary conversions, area, perimeter, surface area and volume
Pre-Algebra
Review and development of computation skills involving decimals, fractions and integers
Introduction of irrational numbers
Emphasis on algebra skills including evaluating, combining like terms, multiplying monomials, manipulating formulas and solving multi-step equations including with the variable on both sides
Exploration of plane geometry including precise vocabulary, the coordinate plane, transformations, congruency and similar triangles
Focus on measurement including metric and customary conversions, area, perimeter, surface area and volume
Review and development of skills in ratio, proportion, and percent with an emphasis on applications
Development of skills in probability, statistics, graphs, combinations and permutations
Exploration of the first three units of the Algebra 1 course (see eighth grade)
Social Studies / History
Study of civics and U.S. history (Settlement to Civil War)
Engagement in current events discussions/activities
Emphasis on group/partner work
Development of non-fiction reading skills
Focus on research skills through short, directed activities
Expansion of map and globe skills
Development of study skills and habits
Focus on test preparation and test-taking skills
Science
Emphasis on the scientific method
Emphasis on analysis of results and formulation of accurate/logical conclusions
Expectation of increased focus and purpose in scientific investigations
Integration of hands-on labs with real-world applications
Integration of technology
Incorporation of tools such as dissection kits and microscopes
Focus on cell biology, human anatomy, ecology
Introduction to natural resources
Study of waves, electricity, and magnetism
Spanish 1A
Development of awareness of cultural differences found in the Spanish-speaking world
Exploration of the complexity of climate and geography of the Spanish-speaking world
Emphasis on Spain's influence on growth and evolution of the United States historically and linguistically.
Exploration of the complexity and importance of heritage and ancestors
Emphasis on building writing and conversational skills
Development of awareness of language structure in present tense
Opportunities to build vocabulary in daily situations
Latin 1A
Study of Roman colonial life
Investigation of Roman slavery
Introduction to Volo, nolo, and possum
Emphasis on verb infinitives
Introduction to present active participles
Introduction to personal pronouns
Introduction to adjectives (agreement and comparison)
Expansion of understanding of prepositional phrases
Art
Emphasis on drawing using a variety of materials and techniques
Development of portraiture and still-life drawing skills
Introduction to graphic design
Continued emphasis on elements and principles of design
Expanded studies in a multimedia curriculum
Music
Development and application of previously learned skills
Expansion of knowledge of musical symbols/vocabulary
Discussion of cultural contexts of performance music
Introduction to various composers and styles
Continued instrumental study: keyboards, guitars, drums, English handbell unit
Optional chorus, musical theatre, rock band by audition
Optional participation in concerts
Technology
Integration of laptops or tablets in all academic classes
Practice in assessing website validity
Creation of Venn diagrams
Incorporation of tables into research projects
Creation of a three-fold and two-sided brochure based on a research topic in history
Physical Education
Enhancement of sports skills
Participation in formal interscholastic sports leagues
Emphasis on game skills and strategy
Emphasis on sportsmanship
Middle School / Grade Eight
English
Focus on literature that helps strengthen empathy
Emphasis on literary analysis and discussion
Examination of written and spoken-word poetry
Use of personal experience in expository and creative writing and presentation of personal narrative speech
Development of creative writing through figurative language and descriptive vocabulary
Refinement of outlining, researching, and essay-writing
Review of irony with emphasis on dramatic irony
Introduction to Shakespearean plays and sonnets
Expansion of vocabulary through study and reading with focus on word derivations
Review of grammar and writing mechanics
Emphasis on proofreading and revising
Algebra 1
Review of skills such as combining like terms, distributive property, absolute value
Integration of equations skills with setting up and solving word problems
Continued study of inequalities, specifically solution of combined inequalities including those with absolute value
Development of an understanding of linear equations on the coordinate plane
Focus on solving systems of equations including those derived from word problems using graphing, elimination and substitution
Development of simplifying skills with exponents and polynomials
Emphasis on factoring skills
Application of fractions skills to algebraic rational expressions
Focus on all operations and equations involving radicals
Study of quadratics including graphing, completing the square and the quadratic formula
Geometry
Introduction to logic, proofs, definitions, postulates, and theorems
Review of Algebra I woven throughout the course
Study of circles, quadrilaterals, triangles, and polygons, and there places in geometry
Emphasis on justifying triangle concurrency
Development of understanding of right triangle math including Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometry and special triangles
Application of previous content of the course to finding area, perimeter, surface area and volume
Social Studies / History
Focus on U.S. history (Civil War to present)
Engagement in current events discussions/activities
Emphasis on group/partner work
Use and creation of maps to bolster understanding of content
Practice in paraphrasing
Stress on answering essay questions (short and long)
Practice on answering open ended questions
Enhancement of ability to take notes from auditory sources (lecture)
Science
Emphasis on scientific method
Emphasis on analysis of results and formulation of accurate/logical conclusions
Expectation of increased focus and purpose in scientific investigations
Integration of hands-on labs with real-world applications
Integration of technology
Study of atoms, periodic table, chemical reaction, force, and motion
Introduction of genes, heredity, and natural selection
Focus on the history of the Earth
Introduction to climate science and space science
Spanish 1B
Continued development of awareness of cultural differences found in the Spanish-speaking word
Emphasis on the complexity and importance of heritage and traditions in the Spanish-speaking word
Emphasis on building writing and structured conversational skills
Continued enlarging language structure in present tense, and regular and irregular verbs
Introduction to past tense verb conjugations and sentence construction
Opportunities to build vocabulary in daily situations
Latin 1B
History of Roman Alexandria
Introduction to the pluperfect tense
Focus on relative pronouns and relative clauses
Study of neuter nouns
History of Aquae Sulis/Bath, England
Study of the Romanization of the provinces
Reading of Pyramus and Thisbe from Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”
Art
Incorporation of Photoshop and desktop publishing
Creation of the Mariner (yearbook)
Focus on photography as a vehicle for the elements and principles of design
Emphasis on art appreciation
Creation of a variety of multimedia, interdisciplinary projects
Music
Music is not a required course in Grade 8, but students are encouraged to participate in performing ensembles
Technology
Integration of laptops or tablets in all academic classes
Practice in determining website validity
Use of Google Slides to create presentation to accompany eighth-grade speech
Physical Education
Enhancement of sports skills
Participation in formal interscholastic sports leagues
Emphasis on game skills and strategy
Emphasis on sportsmanship