ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 6: This course eases students’ transition to middle school with engaging, age-appropriate literary and informational reading selections. Students learn to read critically, analyze texts, and cite evidence to support ideas as they read essential parts of literary and informational texts and explore a full unit on Lewis Carroll’s classic novel Through the Looking Glass. Vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills are sharpened through lessons that give students explicit modeling and ample practice. Students also engage in routine, responsive writing based on texts they have read. In extensive, process-based writing lessons, students write topical essays in narrative, informative, analytical, and argumentative formats. In this full-year course, students develop a mastery of reading,writing, and language arts skills.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 7: Students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers in this middle
school course. With engaging literary and informational texts, students learn to think
critically, analyze an author’s language, and cite evidence to support ideas. Students
complete an in-depth study of Jack London’s classic novel White Fang and read excerpts
from other stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Explicit modeling and ample opportunities for
practice help students sharpen their vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills. Students also
respond routinely to texts they have read. In extensive, process-based writing lessons,
students write topical essays in narrative, informative, analytical, and argumentative
formats. In this full-year course, students develop a mastery of reading, writing, and
language arts skills.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 8: In this course, students build on their knowledge and
blossom as thoughtful readers and clear, effective writers. A balance of literary and
informational texts engages students throughout the course in reading critically, analyzing
texts, and citing evidence to support claims. Students sharpen their vocabulary, grammar,
and listening skills through lessons designed to provide explicit modeling and ample
opportunities to practice. Students also routinely write responses to texts they have read,
and use more extensive, process-based lessons to produce full-length essays in narrative,
informative, analytical, and argumentative formats. In this full-year course, students develop
a mastery of reading, writing, and language arts skills.

LITERACY & COMPREHENSION I: This course is one of two intervention courses designed to
support the development of strategic reading and writing skills. These courses use a
thematic and contemporary approach, including high-interest topics to motivate students
and expose them to effective instructional principles using diverse content area and
real-world texts. Both courses offer an engaging technology-based interface that inspires
and challenges students to gain knowledge and proficiency in the following
comprehension strategies: summarizing, questioning, previewing and predicting,
recognizing text structure, visualizing, making inferences, and monitoring understanding
with metacognition. Aimed at improving fluency and vocabulary, self-evaluation strategies
built into these courses inspire students to take control of their learning.

MATHEMATICS K: Kindergarten math is all about becoming familiar with the basics and                                                                                                                setting a solid foundation. Students will learn to count and recognize numbers, identify
shapes and their attributes, add and subtract numbers, and complete patterns.

MATHEMATICS 1: This year, your student will begin to grasp how mathematics is
everywhere around them. In first grade, students work with whole numbers and place value
as they learn to add and subtract up through 20. They will develop number sense as they
count and compare quantities, describe situations mathematically, and describe objects.

MATHEMATICS 6: This course begins by connecting ratio and rate to multiplication and
division, allowing students to use ratio reasoning to solve a wide variety of problems.
Students further apply their understanding of multiplication and division to explain the
standard procedure for dividing fractions. This course builds upon previous notions of the
number system to now include the entire set of rational numbers. Students begin to
understand the use of variables as they write, evaluate, and simplify expressions. They use
the idea of equality and properties of operations to solve one-step equations and
inequalities. In statistics, students explore different graphical ways to display data. They use
data displays, measures of center, and measures of variability to summarize data sets. The
course concludes with students reasoning about relationships among shapes to determine
area, surface area, and volume.

MATHEMATICS 7: This course begins with an in-depth study of proportional reasoning
during which students utilize concrete models such as bar diagrams and tables to increase
and develop conceptual understanding of rates, ratios, proportions, and percentages.
Students’ number fluency and understanding of the rational number system are extended
as they perform operations with signed rational numbers embedded in real-world contexts.
In statistics, students develop meanings for representative samples, measures of central
tendency, variation, and the ideal representation for comparisons of given data sets.
Students develop an understanding of both theoretical and experimental probability.
Throughout the course, students build fluency in writing expressions and equations that
model real-world scenarios. They apply their understanding of inverse operations to solve
multi-step equations and inequalities. Students build on their proportional reasoning to
solve problems about scale drawings by relating the corresponding lengths between
objects. The course concludes with a geometric analysis of angle relationships, area, and
volume of both two- and three-dimensional figures.

MATHEMATICS 8: The course begins with a unit on input-output relationships that builds a
foundation for learning about functions. Students make connections between verbal,
numeric, algebraic, and graphical representations of relations and apply this knowledge to                                                                                                        create linear functions that can be used to model and solve mathematical and real-world
problems. Technology is used to build deeper connections among representations.
Students focus on formulating expressions and equations, including modeling an
association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and writing and solving linear equations
and systems of linear equations. Students develop a deeper understanding of how
translations, rotations, reflections, and dilations of distances and angles affect congruency
and similarity. Students develop rules of exponents and use them to simplify exponential
expressions. Students extend rules of exponents as they perform operations with numbers
in scientific notation. Estimating and comparing square roots of nonperfect squares to
perfect squares exposes students to irrational numbers and lays the foundation for
applications such as the Pythagorean theorem, distance, and volume.

LIFE SCIENCE (6): Examining a broad spectrum of the biological sciences, Life Science is a
full-year course for middle school students that builds on basic principles of scientific
inquiry and translates those skills to more complex, overarching biological themes. The
course includes units that help students understand the definitions, forms, and
classifications of living organisms and learn to analyze the diversity of each unique group of
living organisms. Other units introduce students to the structures and functions of cells, cell
theory, and cell reproduction. These larger themes are then applied to other topics, such as
genetics, Darwinian theory, and human biology and health. An introduction of ecology
draws all of these concepts together to examine the interrelationships that help to maintain
life on Earth.

EARTH SCIENCE (7): Students enrolled in this dynamic course explore the scope of Earth
sciences, covering everything from basic structure and rock formation to the incredible and
volatile forces that have shaped and changed our planet. As climate change and energy
conservation become increasingly prevalent in the national discourse, it will be important
for students to understand the concepts and causes of our changing Earth. Earth Science is
a two-semester course that provides a solid foundation for understanding the physical
characteristics that make the planet Earth unique and examines how these characteristics
differ among the planets of our solar system.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (8): This full-year course focuses on basic concepts in chemistry and
physics and encourages exploration of new discoveries in the field of physical science. The
course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures and has students
examine the chemical building blocks of our physical world and the composition of matter.
Additionally, students explore the properties that affect motion, forces, and energy on Earth.
Building on these concepts, the course covers the properties of electricity and magnetism.

As students refine and expand their understanding of
physical science, they will apply their knowledge to complete interactive virtual labs that
require them to ask questions and create hypotheses. Hands-on wet lab options are also

available.

MS ANCIENT WORLD HISTORY (6): This yearlong course covers ancient peoples, cultures, civilizations, and innovations through approximately 300 CE. Students are introduced to historical inquiry skills for application to studies of ancient civilizations. Students explore physical and human geography to explain how ancient people interacted with the environment and understand how civilizations developed. Students study early economies and how trade relations affected culture and language. In later lessons, students examine how early forms of government and technology have had a lasting influence on modern civilization. Throughout the course, students analyze maps and primary sources to identify patterns and make connections across time and space. Students are exposed to diverse cultures and learn to explore the past with historical empathy. 

MS MODERN WORLD HISTORY (6): The MS Modern World History course presents a cohesive and comprehensive overview of world history from the Middle Ages to the modern era. This yearlong course examines the role of conflict and cooperation in shaping the modern world. Students will draw upon and further develop historical inquiry skills as they examine the expansion of global economic, political, and social interactions and question the impact they had, and continue to have, on cultures and nations. Students will explore the lasting effects that revolutions in government and technology have had on peoples, nations, and the environment. Students apply historical inquiry skills to studies of civilizations from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Students study economies and the growth of more complex trade systems, the cultures of and conflicts among peoples and places, the development of political institutions, and the rise and fall of governments. In later lessons, students examine how changes in the arts, technology, and political systems have had a lasting influence on modern civilization. Throughout the course, students analyze maps and primary sources to identify patterns and make connections across time and space. Students are exposed to diverse cultures and learn to explore the past with historical empathy. Students encounter rigorous reading and writing activities for a variety of purposes. These activities allow students to develop literacy and writing skills, as well as critical-thinking and communication skills. 

MS SURVEY OF WORLD HISTORY (6): The year-long MS Survey of World History course provides a basic overview of all aspects of World History from the early River Valley civilizations through our modern world. Students will gain a rich understanding of global cultures and the historical factors that have shaped the world around them. Throughout the course students analyze historical sources and make connections with concepts such as government, economic systems, and technology and innovation. Students encounter rigorous reading and writing activities for a variety of purposes. These activities allow students to develop literacy and writing skills as well as critical thinking and communication

skills. The course begins with units covering ancient civilizations in the regions of Mesopotamia, India, China, and Greece and Rome. Students learn what life was like in ancient times and how the empires rose and fell. Students move on to study the social and political changes that were brought about during the Renaissance and that spurred world-wide explorations. Revolutions, imperialism, and world wars follow with in-depth studies on how these events happened and their influence. As one century ends and the next begins, students study the Cold War as well as the political and economic changes across the globe. The course concludes with the issues facing our global society from environmental issues to the role technology plays in our everyday life. 

MS WORLD CULTURES & GEOGRAPHY (7): Designed to introduce students to the study of geography, this course helps students master important concepts in physical and human geography. Comprehensive and organized by region, this two-semester middle school course helps students understand the Earth’s physical and human diversity. Students analyze population and settlement patterns and evaluate the ways that human activities modify the physical environment. While studying humans around the world, students compare development, standards of living, systems of government, and economic factors across the globe. In addition, students gain a rich understanding of global cultures and the historical factors that have shaped the world around them. All units in the course are parallel and include studies in physical and human geography, ancient cultures, regional studies, and modern issues. 

MS U.S. HISTORY (8): Offering an interactive and comprehensive overview of American history, this course engages and inspires students to learn about the rich and diverse history of America’s native peoples, early European colonization and settlement in America, and the creation of a new nation through the American Revolution. Middle school students enrolled in this course will closely examine major changes brought about by the nation’s reconstruction, industrialization, urbanization, and progressive reforms and consider the implications each of these events had on the expansion of the United States’ global influence through modern times. Over the course of two semesters, interesting course content encourages students to think carefully about the challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the twenty-first century. 

(*indicates 1 semester course)

*ONLINE LEARNING AND DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP (8): This one-semester course provides
students with a comprehensive introduction to online learning, including how to work
independently, stay safe, and develop effective study habits in virtual learning environments.
Featuring direct-instruction videos, interactive tasks, authentic projects, and rigorous
assessments, the course prepares students for high school by providing in-depth instruction
and practice in important study skills such as time management, effective note-taking, test
preparation, and collaborating effectively online. By the end of the course, students will
understand what it takes to be successful online learners and responsible digital citizens

CAREER EXPLORATIONS (8): This course prepares middle school students to make informed
decisions about their future academic and occupational goals. Through direct instruction,
interactive skill demonstrations, and practice assignments, students learn how to assess their
own skills and interests, explore industry clusters and pathways, and develop plans for career
and academic development. This course is designed to provide flexibility for students; any
number of units can be selected to comprise a course that meets the specific needs of
students.

*HEALTHY LIVING (6-8): Encouraging students to make responsible, respectful, informed,
and capable decisions about topics that affect the well-being of themselves and others, this
high school course provides students with comprehensive information they can use to
develop healthy attitudes and behavior patterns. Available as either a semester or year-long
course, this informative and engaging course encourages students to recognize that they
have the power to choose healthy behaviors to reduce risks.

HEALTH QUEST (6-8): This middle school Health course introduces students to the concepts
of what good health is, why good health is important, and what students should do in order
to achieve good health. By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an
awareness of health as it applies to their bodies, minds, and environment; identify the
components of a healthy lifestyle; set reasonable wellness goals; and apply health concepts
across multiple contexts.

LIFETIME FITNESS/PE (6-8): Exploring fitness topics such as safe exercise and injury
prevention, nutrition and weight management, consumer product evaluation, and stress
management, this course equips high school students with the skills they need to achieve
lifetime fitness. Available as either a semester or year-long course, Lifetime Fitness
encourages students to assess individual fitness levels according to the five components of
physical fitness: cardiovascular health, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and
body composition. Personal fitness assessments encourage students to design a fitness
program to meet their individual fitness goals.

*INTRODUCTION TO ART (6-8): Covering art appreciation and the beginning of art history,
this course encourages students to gain an understanding and appreciation of art in their
everyday lives. Presented in an engaging format, Intro to Art provides an overview of many
introductory themes: the definition of art, the cultural purpose of art, visual elements of art,
terminology and principles of design, and two- and three-dimensional media and
techniques. Tracing the history of art, high school students enrolled in the course also explore
the following time periods and places: prehistoric art, art in ancient civilizations, and world art before 1400.