Middle School

Course Descriptions

  • 7th Grade Language Arts

    Teacher: Erica Dick

    This class is designed to grow students as critical thinkers, discerning readers, and competent writers. Students will study literature, composition, grammar and vocabulary. Students will be evaluated through essay writing, grammar and vocabulary tests, oral presentations, and other projects. 

    This class will include both regular and honors 7th grade students. 

    Advanced Options: Parents can choose to have their student complete this course with advanced differentiation. This will include larger vocabulary lists (15 words per unit as opposed to 10), more advanced student choice novels (we will have three through the year that a parent can set at a higher reading level), and more robust essays and projects. The instructor will send out information on this differentiation on the first day of class.

    8th Grade Language Arts

    Teacher: Erica Dick

    This class builds on 7th grade language arts in helping students grow to be critical thinkers, discerning readers, and clear communicators. Students will go deeper in understanding components of literature, grammar, and composition, as well as study vocabulary. 

    This class will include both regular and honors 8th grade students. 

    Advanced Options: Parents can choose to have their student complete this course with advanced differentiation. This will include larger vocabulary lists (15 words per unit as opposed to 10), more advanced student choice novels (we will have three through the year that a parent can set at a higher reading level), and more robust essays and projects. The instructor will send out information on this differentiation on the first day of class.

  • Middle School Physical Science

    Teacher: Barb Mross

    This course covers a wide range of topics. We will be exploring creation by studying the basics of science, the scientific method, chemistry, physics, geology and science research. Students are encouraged to learn to take their own notes from the reading at home. Students will complete lab reports, take written tests, answer questions from the textbook, have reading assignments, and complete some independent science projects. Class time is primarily used for completion of group activities, experiments and demonstration activities, as well as discussions on the material. Students will continue to build on their knowledge of proper lab techniques as well as the proper handling and use of a microscope during this course.

  • 7th Grade Math

    Teacher: Jodi Smith

    This course serves as the regular 7th grade math course and bridges the gap between arithmetic and higher level mathematics. Topics include negative number and rational number operations (including fractions and decimals), proportions, ratios and percents. Students will learn how to solve one and two-step equations and explore the concepts of slope and linear relationships before looking at the geometric concepts of surface area and volume of prisms. Finally students will be introduced to the study of probability and some elementary statistics and data displays.

    Prerequisite: Successful completion of 6th grade Math

    Pre-Algebra (7th Advanced or 8th)

    Teacher: Jodi Smith

    This course is for on grade level 8th grade and advanced 7th grade math students and will prepare the student to take high school level Algebra I. Students will develop algebraic thinking by learning how to solve and evaluate equations, graph functions and apply graphing to real-world situations. Students will expand on geometric concepts learned in prior grades and explore probability and statistics.

    Prerequisite for 7th grade: Superior performance in 6th grade Math and on placement test provided by teacher.

    Prerequisite for 8th grade: Successful completion of 7th grade math

    Advanced Algebra I

    Teacher: Jodi Smith

    This course is a rigorous study of Algebra 1 at the high school level. It is designed for the advanced 8th or 9th grade student who has mastered pre-algebra skills and excels in math. Prior knowledge of equations and linear relationships, including graphing, is required. Topics of study include multi-step equations and inequalities, functions, linear equations, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials, quadratic functions and radicals.
    Prerequisite: Superior performance in Pre-Algebra and a high level of interest in math

  • Middle School World Studies

    Teacher: Lauren Cooper

    Middle School World Studies will equip students to analyze and evaluate critical world events from a biblical worldview. Students will strengthen their knowledge of social studies by analyzing maps, timelines, and current events. Further activities such as web-based learning, case studies, and research projects will help students build 21st century skills. This course enables students to practice applying a biblical worldview as they propose solutions to real-world problems.

Middle School Electives

  • Teacher: BobbiSue Murray

    Talking with your hands?! Awesome! This beginner-level course is designed to not only give students a fun yet challenging way to obtain a basic linguistic and conversational understanding of ASL, but to dive deep into Deaf culture. Students will discover new ways of communication, the different language barriers Deaf people experience on a daily basis, and a general sense of how to communicate with our Deaf neighbors and friends in our community. This class is open to 7th-12th grade students.

  • Teachers: Erica Dick and Vaughn Duggins

    This introductory archery and lifestyle fitness class will include introductory archery as well as lifestyle fitness. 

    ARCHERY: The archery portion of the class is designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills in the ancient and exciting sport of archery. Students will learn the fundamentals of shooting, including proper stance, grip, aim, and release techniques. Throughout the class, students will practice shooting at various target distances and will engage in exercises to improve focus, hand-eye coordination, and consistency. By the end of the course, students will have gained confidence in their abilities and will be ready to participate in friendly competitions or continue advancing their archery journey.

    LIFESTYLE FITNESS: This introductory Lifestyle Fitness course is designed to promote overall well-being by combining physical activity with healthy habits. The class focuses on creating sustainable fitness routines that are accessible to all fitness levels. Participants will engage in a variety of exercises, including strength training, cardio, flexibility work, and mobility exercises, with an emphasis on functional movement patterns that enhance daily life. Students will learn how to set achievable goals, develop personalized fitness plans, and build habits that promote long-term health and wellness. 

    Duration: Semester Long

  • Teacher: Erica Dick

    This one semester course will take a 30,000-foot view of the entire Bible, teaching students the purpose of each book of the Old and New Testaments, as well as the overarching story and themes of both the whole Bible and individual books. Students will complete inductive Bible studies at home from selected Scriptures over Friday and Monday of each week, as well as memorize Scripture together. 

    The same class is offered both semesters of the 2025-2026 school year, so students should only sign up for this course for one semester. 

    This course will alternate years with MS Bible: Story of the Old Testament, which will be offered again in the 2026-2027 school year. 

  • Teacher: Barb Mross

    Description Coming Soon!

  • Teacher: Kelci Kempson

    The Introduction to Coding course is designed to give middle school students a fun and engaging entry into the world of computer programming. In this course, students will learn the basics of coding through hands-on projects and interactive lessons. This course provides a solid foundation in coding, encourages creativity, and prepares students for more advanced programming challenges in the future. No prior experience is necessary—just a curiosity to learn and a willingness to explore!

  • Teacher: Alex Green

    In this one semester course, students will learn proper keyboarding techniques to improve their typing speed and accuracy. They will also develop essential computer skills, including navigating Microsoft Word and Excel, formatting documents, creating spreadsheets, and using basic digital tools effectively. This class equips students with practical technology skills for school, work and beyond.

  • Teacher: Tim Inskeep

    The Music History course offers students an in-depth exploration of the evolution of music from ancient times to the present day. Throughout the course, students will examine key musical periods, such as the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras, and discover how historical, cultural, and technological changes have shaped the development of music. Students will analyze influential composers, iconic works, and the social contexts in which they were created. The course also delves into different genres, including orchestral, choral, jazz, and popular music, providing a broad understanding of music’s role in shaping human experience. Through listening exercises, discussions, and research, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history of music and its impact on societies worldwide.

  • Spanish I (8th Grade Only)

    Teacher: Leigh Anne Silva

    Students will learn several basic verb endings and grammatical structures as well as pronunciation and basic vocabulary. They will develop basic reading, writing, and entry-level conversation skills. Students will study vocabulary. Students will need to have a basic understanding of English grammar before beginning this course.

  • Teacher: Elizabeth Inskeep

    Yearbook is a fun class where students learn many valuable lessons such as; beginning photography, time management, the importance of meeting deadlines, and working together as a team. This class is hands-on and as with other classes-- there will be homework.

    Course Objectives:

    • Develop a theme

    • Design a cover and title page that reflect the theme both verbally and graphically

    • Creating visually pleasing design layouts effectively using graphics and color

    • Write copy for spreads

    • Determine photo ideas and take photos

    • Edit and finalize pages

    • Meet publication deadlines