Algebra I The purpose of this course is to provide a solid foundation in Algebra for those students in a college preparatory curriculum. The course emphasizes analytical skills and problem solving techniques. Throughout the course, previously developed methods are extended and enlarged to cope with more abstract situations so the student can follow a logical solution path based on well-known steps. A "C-"or better in previous course and teacher recommendation is a prerequisite. The course uses the text, Algebra I: Integration, Applications, Connections: Glencoe, McGraw- Hill. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 2003. Algebra I Honors The purpose of this course is to provide a solid foundation in Algebra for those students in a college preparatory curriculum. The course emphasizes analytical skills and problem solving techniques. Throughout the course, previously developed methods are extended and enlarged to cope with more abstract situations so the student can follow a logical solution path based on well-known steps. This course presents an in-depth study of these topics with more emphasis on theory, proof, and formulas, as well as their application. A "B" or better in previous math course and teacher recommendation is a prerequisite. Advanced Math 6 This Math course is designed for students who placed at a Pre-Algebra level in Math. Students in this course will benefit from the use of the Saxon Math textbook and program. The unique structure of Saxon's mathematics instruction promotes student success through the sound educational practices of incremental development and continual review. With incremental development, topics are developed in small steps spread over time. One facet of a concept is taught and practiced before the next facet is introduced. Through continual review, previously presented concepts are practiced frequently and extensively over the year. This improves long-term retention of concepts which is a hallmark of true learning. The concepts covered are word problems, scientific notation, statistics and probability, ratios and proportions, simplifying and balancing equations, factoring algebraic expressions, slope-intercept form, graphing linear inequalities, arcs and sectors, and the Pythagorean theorem. Art Formal art instruction is given to each student in all grades. The art curriculum is designed to encourage artistic expression by familiarizing students with basic art techniques, style and periods. Students create with clay, chalk, paints, pastels and pencils. Sixth through eighth grade students concentrate on age-appropriate crafts; while learning to manipulate materials and to work with simple forms. Students may participate in various art contests. Computer Skills Middle School Computers is a general survey class that covers a number of computer topics to prepare students for high school computer courses. Students are not required to purchase a textbook or own a personal computer. The students will be provided with both computers and the necessary software at the school's computer lab. The course varies with difficulty and depth depending on the grade level but generally all three grades (6th - 8th) cover the same topics. The topics covered include generic hardware features of computers, general software notes, a brief history of the development of the computer and the internet, internet search strings and basics, basic Microsoft Word, basic Microsoft Excel, basic Microsoft Office, and basic keyboarding. Students are given quizzes, tests, and internet activities based on these topics as well as reading assignments in the field of computer science. Students are also required to create and present a presentation using Microsoft Powerpoint on a reasonable topic of their choice. English 7 This is a seventh grade course, where students will learn the correct mechanics and fundamentals of writing complete sentences and well-developed paragraphs using the rules of correct grammar. As students learn these skills, they will study the works of many authors including, Lewis, Stevenson, Twain, Longfellow, Kipling, Frost, Dickens, Shakespeare, Sandburg, Cummings, Poe, Lindsay, Carroll and many more. Students will also learn the characteristics of works in the following genres: short stories, poems, drama, novels, and non-fiction. Vocabulary skills will also be emphasized. English 8 This is a sixth grade course, where students will learn the correct mechanics and fundamentals of writing the four different types of paragraphs and a five- part essay by using the rules of correct grammar. As students learn these skills they will study the works of many authors including, Homer, Lewis, Stoker, Stevenson, Twain, Longfellow, Kipling, Frost, Dickens, Shakespeare, Sandburg, Cummings, Poe, Lindsay, Carroll and many more. Students will also learn the characteristics of works in the following genres: short stories, poems, drama, novels, and non-fiction. Vocabulary skills will also be emphasized. Geography 7 This is a 7th grade course in which students will gain a familiarity with the Earth's physical, cultural, historical, and political geography. Through lecture, discussion, written assignments, current events study, and hands-on projects, students will acquire map skills, examine the geological sciences and the five themes of geography, and broaden their understanding of global issues that include ecological, demographic, and economic study. Life and Study Skills The Life and Study Skills course is taught to students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Topics presented in the course include but are not limited to listening skills, friendship, gossip and rumor, conflict management, organization, test taking, how to study, note taking, goal setting, peer pressure, and communication skills. The topics and the level of material presented vary to be grade level appropriate. Lecture, class discussion and role play are integrated into the class. Worksheets and essays are assigned as appropriate to the subject matter. These are graded and weighted equally to derive an overall grade. Life Science Life Science is a 7th grade level course designed to prepare the student for high school biological sciences. Course topics include general scientific methods, virology, cell biology, heredity and evolution, diversity of life, taxonomy, microbiology, botany, zoology, ecology, and human anatomy. Supporting course work includes laboratory exercises with biological samples and instrumentation, research, projects/reports, and analysis of current events in the field of science. Math 6 Students in Math 6 will enjoy using the Saxon Math program. The unique structure of Saxon's mathematics instruction promotes student success through the sound educational practices of incremental development and continual review. With incremental development, topics are developed in small steps spread over time. One facet of a concept is taught and practiced before the next facet is introduced. Through continual review, previously presented concepts are practiced frequently and extensively over the year. This improves long-term retention of concepts which is a hallmark of true learning. Math 6 focuses on the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division as well as the concepts of powers and roots. Math 6 also explores fraction concepts, decimals, percents, estimation, number theory as well as number sets and number systems. All of these concepts lead into Math 7 - Pre-Algebra. Math 7 The textbook being used for Math 7 is Saxon Math 8/7 with pre-algebra. It is a continuation of the curriculum found in the lower school and 6th grade. Saxon Math has designed it's curriculum into individual lessons for each day. Students will progress through 120 lessons throughout the year. These lessons begin with a lengthy review of basic math and material covered in previous years. Students will be introduced to multiple step problems and pre-algebra. By the end of the year it is expected that students will be ready for the transition to Algebra. Saxon Math has designed tests to coincide with the lessons being taught. Tests are given after every fifth lesson and are comprehensive. Grading for math 7 is based on four areas and weighted accordingly. Music Music is a comprehensive program involving all students in grades 6 through 8. Students participate in choral singing; learn and practice vocal techniques; study musical notation, harmony, terminology and history. At various times throughout the year all the students come together to sing at Academy events. Physical Science This is an 8th grade course that provides the student with a fundamental understanding of scientific principles related to our planet Earth and its place in space. Earth Science is a blend of many different sciences, including geology, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. Topics studied in this course include the transfer of energy in Earth's atmosphere; the evolution of land forms; patterns of change that affect weather; the scale and structure of planets and stars; and the interactions that occur among the water, atmosphere, and land. Supporting course work includes laboratory exercises, projects/reports, and analysis of current events in the field of science. Reading 6 Montverde Academy uses the SRA Open Court system to give instruction in reading. This structured program teaches children valuable comprehension skills through a systematic and explicit plan. By taking into account the individual needs of students and providing them with practice and engaging reading materials, Open Court Reading helps students become confident and successful readers. One cornerstone of the program is the workshop component. Workshop is integral to SRA Open Court reading. During workshop, students work on their own or collaboratively to practice and review material taught in the lessons or to complete projects of their own choosing. There are stations set up for small groups that include reading, writing, listening, and project investigation. Workshop also gives the teacher a designated time each day to work with students one-on-one or in a small group. Lastly, individualized reading is also an important part of the reading curriculum and students will be required to read using the SRA reading lab as well as a novel and complete book projects. Science 6 The Science curriculum at Montverde Academy is comprised of units that are designed to provide all students with stimulating experiences in the life, earth, and physical sciences and technology while simultaneously developing their critical-thinking and problem solving skills. The units provide students with the opportunity to learn age-appropriate concepts and skills to acquire scientific attitudes and habits of mind. Sixth graders focus on measuring time, the technology of paper, plants and magnets and motors. Social Studies 6 Sixth grade students use the Macmillian/McGraw-Hill textbook entitled Our World to explore Ancient Civilizations with an emphasis on Geography. Their partnership with National Geographic ensures unparalleled geography content. Students begin the year studying geographic terms and the Themes of Geography. Then they begin to look at specific regions of the world more closely. Students study Oceania (Australia/New Zealand region), Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient India, Ancient China, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Throughout the year, reading skills and strategies are integrated with Social Studies to support understanding and increase success. Spelling 6 Spelling is one other facet of the SRA Open Court system. Spelling is addressed as a rule oriented process. Each week, students will be introduced to a new spelling rule. Their job is to study and know the rule so that they can apply it even to words not on the spelling list. Practice of the rule is provided through the use of the Vocabulary and Spelling workbook in many different formats to accommodate different learners. Twentieth Century U.S. History This course for 8th grade introduces students to historical events in Twentieth Century America. Using lecture, group discussion, projects, multi-media components and field trips, students will examine the importance of America's recent past in relation to its future, making history relevant to today. Writing 6 Montverde Academy's writing curriculum is also part of the SRA Open Court system. Reading and writing are interwoven processes and each helps build and strengthen the other. Throughout the year students will do a tremendous amount of writing both collaboratively and independently. There will be workshop time where students will write pieces that are connected to the reading selection using the writing process together with their peers. Students will also be given whole group, direct instruction on writing as well. In this way, Students will learn how to write an essay where three points are developed into five paragraphs. Students will focus on Expository and persuasive essay writing and will write independently. It is during this time that grammar instruction will take place.

Middle School Course Descriptions