Sixth Grade

The theme “The Ancient World” coordinates the study of art, literature, history, and writing in the Sixth Grade. Our studies begin with the migrations of ancient peoples and progress through the settlement of the ancient river valleys, with a focus on cause and effect in settlement patterns and development. We also examine the age of empire building. In the third quarter, we spend more time with the “classical” ancient cultures of China, Greece and Rome. We end the year with a closer look at ancient Africa and South America. In each quarter, we incorporate reading, composition, speech, and art into the Ancient World context to build and reinforce knowledge and skills.
English, History, Math, and Science meet daily all year. In addition, all students take a semester each of Art and Religion and a trimester each of Mandarin, German, and Spanish. Music (both instrumental or choral) and Physical Education meet on a two-day rotation all year.

Seventh Grade

Students take five year-long classes--History, Music, Science, Math, and English---and four semester-long classes in Physical Education, Art, Religion, and Latin.
Every Seventh Grade student takes two semesters of music, choosing from Choir, General Music, Concert Orchestra, and Concert Band.

History class picks up where Sixth Grade left off. We study the Byzantine Empire, the development of western Europe and the Renaissance, Asia, Africa, and Islam. World geography is an important aspect of the curriculum, and we finish up the year by drawing a free-hand map of the world.

In English class, we study poetry, short stories, and historical fiction and develop writing and oral presentation skills. The reading and writing assignments in this course are thematically linked to the History curriculum, covering the Islamic world, Asia, Africa, and medieval and early modern Europe.

Seventh Grade Science focuses on ecology and biology. As part of the class, students assist with the school’s ongoing restoration of Larson Creek, a salmon-bearing stream which flows through the property.

Pre-Algebra uses the Connected Mathematics 2 series and emphasizes solving problems in context, identifying and generalizing linear relationships, ratio and proportion, arithmetic skill development, and geometry.

Algebra is a traditional high-school level class that covers linear and quadratic equations, exponents, polynomial arithmetic, and graphing. Pre-Algebra or instructor consent is required in order to take Algebra.

Eighth Grade

The Eighth Grade curriculum is centered on American history. Students are required to take five full-year classes: U.S. History, Science, English, foreign language, and the appropriate level math class. In addition, students take semester-long classes in religion, health, art, and Physical Education. Elective choices include Choir or Orchestra. Students participate in a semester-long oral history project in cooperation with residents of the Rogue Valley Manor.