English (daily)
The Grade 8 English curriculum is designed to improve students’ critical thinking and communication skills, as well as to deepen their appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the English language. The writing process is emphasized, and in addition to essays, stories, and poems, students complete a research paper. Students also write impromptu essays as well as in-class responses to literature, with particular emphasis on the “classic” paragraph and essay.
Students read and discuss books as a class. Vocabulary is drawn from the literature. Students are exposed to a variety of literary genres, including poetry and drama. A highlight of the Grade 8 year is the student performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Mathematics (daily)
Math Sequence Chart
Math 8: Students build upon Grade 7 knowledge of expressions and equations, followed by an introduction of functional relationships, solving systems of equations, with an application of expressions and equations through geometry, and building upon the students’ understanding of statistics and probability. Independent problem solving and self-check methods are stressed during this course of study as students move into complex problems to solve.
Algebra 1: Students cover a comprehensive Algebra I curriculum including linear, exponential, and quadratic functions, as well as radical equations, systems of equations, and polynomials. Problem-solving strategies using algebraic methods is emphasized.
Geometry: Geometry students focus on the discovery, understanding, and proof of plane and space relationships, based on the logical use of definitions and deductive reasoning. Topics include logic and methods of reasoning, angle relationships, parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, congruence, similarity, circles, right triangle trigonometry, volume, and area.
American History & Government (daily)
In Grade 8, students study U.S. Government and 20th century U.S. history. The goals of the class are to instill an appreciation for the enduring strength and resilience of the U.S. Constitution and to help students understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Further, the class hopes to encourage students’ interest in and understanding of key events in 20th Century U.S. history, from the Progressive Era to the Civil Rights Era.
Physical Science (daily)
Physical Science serves as an introduction to the study of physics and chemistry. Topics covered include laws of motion, forms and uses of energy (heat, mechanical, nuclear, electrical, etc.), wave motion (sound and light), classification of matter (elements, compounds, mixtures), atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding and reactions, and solutions of acids, bases, and salts. Laboratory work forms an integral part of Physical Science, as chemistry and especially physics are well suited to an inductive approach to learning. Emphasis is placed on quantitative analysis of data, especially graphing.
French, Spanish (daily)
The goal of the world language courses is to continue to provide each student with a solid communicative and grammatical foundation upon which to base more advanced studies. Verbal communication, relating to real-life tasks and situations, is the centerpiece of the course, and classes are conducted mainly in Spanish or French. An appreciation and awareness of the culture and geography of Spanish- or French-speaking countries are also promoted through the use of videos, websites, films, map work, and related projects. The culmination of the foreign language program is a ten-day trip to Spain or France.
Latin (2x/week)
The Latin course continues to be incorporated as an integral part of the Language Arts program. Derivations and word study are emphasized, especially the exploration of English words with Latin and Greek roots. Students explore the topic of world languages and language families. Emphasis is given to mythology and the legacy of Greek and Roman myths, with students reading a young adult version of The Iliad.
Art (2x/week)
The creative arts program is designed to enrich the students’ creative spirit and to enable them to develop a more informed language through the visual arts, music, and drama. Visual arts will enhance and stretch perceptual and manipulative ability through drawing, painting, sculpture, and collaborative projects. Grade 8 students will consider the works of modern and contemporary artists (including Picasso and Kandinsky) as they immerse themselves in the comprehension of modern expression, themes, and ideals.
Music (2x/week)
Students choose Band or Chorus. Both Chorus and Band focus on music appreciation, theory and notation, history, and performance, including a variety of music from liturgical to baroque to contemporary.
Religion (1x/week, half year)
In Grade 8, students continue their exploration of ethical leadership. Grade 8 students complete a capstone project centered on a prominent figure in world history.
Athletics & PE (2x-4x/week)
Athletics and PE provide students with exposure to conditioning, skill-building, and sound training principles. Emphasis is on the development of sport-specific skills, tactics and strategies, teamwork, and a positive competitive attitude. Students are encouraged to be “modest in victory and gracious in defeat.”
Team Sports:
- soccer or cross country (fall)
- basketball (winter)
- track and field or lacrosse (spring)
PE Activities:
- cross-training
- volleyball
- fitness
- badminton
- and more
Other Highlights
- Team-building trip to the Shenandoah Mountains in the fall
- Black Box Theatre presentation
- France and Spain trips in the spring
- Comprehensive outplacement process
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