LANGUAGE ARTS

Students will further develop their ability to comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate what they read. Students will become familiar with works included in the cannon of English Literature and works of highly acclaimed children’s literature. Students will demonstrate mastery in expository, research and creative writing. Students will expand their vocabulary, knowledge of spelling rules, and root word derivations. Students will improve their knowledge of English grammar and usage and apply their knowledge in written work. Students will master the research process, including the ability to utilize electronic sources. Teacher and parental guidance should be exercised for outside reading assignments/book reports.

MATH

Students are to develop self-confidence in their ability to do mathematics. Within this confidence, each student will have a tool chest filled with basic skills, technology, integration of biblical principles, communication and higher level thinking abilities. The student will also learn self-work habits and discipline to use their tool chest to be successful in our ever-changing world.

6th Grade Math
Sixth grade math involves building upon the basic skills and applications through higher level thinking skills. It will be taught and supplemented through two textbooks. The first is a series of non-consumable booklets called Connected mathematics. The concepts are presented through games, investigations, or situations in which the students work together in cooperative groups. Each booklet revolves around a mathematical topic. The SRA textbook will be used in conjunction to reinforce concepts.

Pre-Algebra (7th Grade)
Students will develop a confidence in their ability to do mathematics while creating an active learning environment. They will expand on their basic skills with an abstract approach thus preparing them for Algebra. Topics to be covered will include integers, solving equations, number theory, ratios, proportions, percents, and Algebra in geometry and measurement.

Algebra I Honors (8th Grade)
The core of the Algebra I course involves solving simple to complex equations from the concrete level to the application level. Students will extensively use a graphing calculator to enhance their experiences and to take learning from the classroom to the real-world. Other concepts covered are matrices, probability, inequalities, polynomials, systems, and quadratics. Algebra 1 is a high school level course. Students must earn a “B” or better and/or receive teacher recommendation in order to move forward in the math program at Christian Academy. Any student receiving a grade below “B” may be required to repeat Algebra I in 9th grade.

Text Book: Algebra I, Prentice Hall
Prerequisite: A grade of “B” or above in Pre-Algebra or teacher recommendation
Credit: 1 Unit

SOCIAL STUDIES

Students will develop and learn responsible citizenship through the study of and appreciation of our Christian heritage, our American Republic, and world cultures.

Each student will understand the nature of patriotism and develop respect for the freedoms we have. Students will be challenged to seek out his/her role in preserving these freedoms and being a good citizen. The study of world cultures in 6th grade, geography in 7th grade, and American History in 8th grade gives a basic background to understand the complexities of current events.

SCIENCE

A variety of topics will be covered during the school year. Each of the relevant areas of science: earth, life, physical, and environmental, will be covered. The sixth grade class will begin the year with a study of Ecology followed by a close look at the Planet Earth. Other topics the sixth grade will study include electricity and magnetism and animal and plant classifications. The seventh grade will start out the year investigating weather. An emphasis will be placed on hurricanes and their effects of our area. The other seventh grade topics are sound and light, matter, cells, and human biology. Eighth grade will begin the year with a study of heredity. The other areas of study for eighth grade are chemistry, motion, forces and energy, the universe, and the dynamic earth. A wide range of teaching techniques such as classroom activities, labs, demonstrations, written reports, projects, and class discussions will be used to help enhance the subject and promote a greater understanding of this wondrous world God had given us.

BIBLE

Sixth Grade
This Bible-centered course focuses on the life, times, geography, setting, and especially the message of our Savior. The content brings students face-to-face with the life, message, and claims of Jesus Christ. Students will gain a basic understanding of who Jesus and the four gospel writers were. They will learn about the beginning of Jesus' life on earth, His power to perform many kinds of miracles, and most importantly His power to forgive sins. They will study the important teachings of Jesus about himself, about life here on earth, and about eternal life. And they will learn the events of the Passion Week, Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the beginning of the early church.

Seventh Grade
Seventh Grade will be traveling through an in-depth study of Acts and the rise and formation of the early church in the book “To the Ends of the Earth.” Students will witness the work of the first apostles, the vast missionary journeys of Paul and the reliance upon Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Eighth Grade
The Scriptures were progressively revealed by God within the context and framework of history; and, therefore, the best way to teach divine truth in any culture is God’s way, within the chronological and historical framework of the Scriptures. This Bible course systematically lays a solid foundation for both the Gospel and Christian Growth. The Old Testament is the logical introduction, foundation and authority for the story of Christ and the history of redemption. The New Testament continues with the complete revelation of God’s person in His Son, Jesus Christ. The history of the Church continues the making of disciples and the spread of the gospel within the body of Christ and throughout the ages. The first part of this one year course will teach the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Students will learn key themes of the Bible and get to know the character of God. The second part of this course will pick up the history of the Church around 64 AD when flames ravaged the city of Rome. Here many Christians found themselves martyrs, including the Apostles Peter and Paul. The course ends with the state of the church in our postmodern twenty- first century. Students will understand the “Big Story” of God’s plan for the ages from its beginning to the present.

HEALTH/P.E.

The students will focus on the human body and keeping it healthy. The class will discuss this from spiritual, emotional, and physical standpoints. P.E. will be held twice a week. The students will be exercising, developing skills, and experiencing a variety of team sports.

SPANISH I (8th Grade)

Students will develop skill and comprehension in using Spanish as a second language. This course is designed as an introduction to oral and written Spanish with emphasis in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a contemporary cultural context. Activities in cuisine, customs and culture will enhance students’ understanding of the spirit and soul of Hispanic people.

• Basic sentences and phrases are used to teach vocabulary and simple grammatical patterns.
• The student will be able to comprehend and respond to spoken or written messages and commands.
• The student will be able to write to meet practical needs.

Textbook: Realidades 1, Prentice Hall
Credit: 1 Unit

SIXTH and SEVENTH GRADE LATIN

Students will develop comprehension in reading and skill in writing Latin. Students will increase their proficiency and understanding of English vocabulary derived from Latin. Students will also participate in activities and studies related to the culture of the Roman Empire and Roman mythology.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

K-8 follow a detailed curriculum called K to the 8th Power.  It has over 600 lessons, which are organized into integrated and cross-curricular lessons. The integrated lessons teach a computer skill and apply it to grade level academic content. Cross-curricular lessons teach a technology or business skill. Both types of lessons have a quiz that covers the main points of the lesson's technology or academic objective.

8th Grade Computer Applications: Students will begin the year with keyboarding. A proficiency score set by the state of South Carolina must be met in order to receive a proficiency certificate. Other applications covered in this course include Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Publisher.

Middle School Handbook PDF