Bible (6th)

This course applies God’s Word to areas of importance in students’ lives with the goal of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ personally. Through the study of who God is and what He has done, students are taught submission of their habits, traits, and abilities to God that He might mold their lives for His glory.

BIBLE (7th)

The 7th grade Bible curriculum covers the period from the division of Israel into two kingdoms until the time of the birth of Christ. The course presents the Bible as the story of God’s acts and words, teaches the Bible as the divinely inspired and infallible Word of God, and helps students apply God’s Word in the living out of their lives.

BIBLE (8th)

The 8th grade Bible curriculum deals with the New Testament period. The first half covers Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension, as well as the differences among the gospel accounts. In the second half of the course, students learn about the spread of the gospel message through the lives of Peter and Paul, and the growth of the early Church during the first century A.D.

COMPUTER (6th-8th)

This course includes emphasis on keyboarding skills as well as an introduction to computer applications through the integration of projects within core curriculum classes.

LANGUAGE ARTS (6th)

This is a literature-based course integrating grammar, composition, spelling, and vocabulary to promote the structure for developing strong communication skills.

ENGLISH (7th)

This course emphasizes the development of grammar, writing, vocabulary usage, punctuation and mechanics. Composition skills are directly related to reading selections in order to develop different styles of writing. Various forms of literature are emphasized along with speech communication skills.

ENGLISH (8th)

This course is designed to continue strengthening the student’s knowledge of basic grammar, to broaden the scope of literary knowledge, and to develop strong vocabulary usage, writing habits, and speaking ability.

LATIN (7th-8th)

Latina Christiana texts are used to introduce middle school students to a foreign language. Not only is Latin a foreign language, it is the foundation of the modern romance languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian) which students will likely study in high school. Beyond being a foundation for later learning, Latin students strengthen their English grammar and vocabulary as well. During the first year of Latin, students will learn to: pronounce, spell and translate approximately 200 Latin words, read and translate 25 Latin sayings, conjugate and translate verbs, decline nouns, define derivatives according to their Latin roots, recite the Pater Noster and a Table Blessing, and sing several Latin hymns. History and geography are also woven into the curriculum.

MATHEMATICS (6th)

This course concentrates on instruction in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, integers, decimals, and fractions. Foundational topics such as geometry, metric measurement, algebraic equations, and reading/interpreting graphs are included in the course’s curriculum.

MATHEMATICS (7th)

This course concentrates on instruction in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Measurements (standard and metric), informal geometry and number theory, ratio, percent, proportion, probability, integers, and algebraic equations are also taught.

PRE-ALGEBRA (8th)

Instruction in this course includes the fundamentals of mathematics with basic abstractions of beginning Algebra. Special emphasis is given to the four operations of fractions, mixed numbers and decimals. Ratio, proportion and percent are visually emphasized to aid in conceptualization; and word problems are stressed using the concepts being taught. Simple concepts in Algebra are introduced including variables, evaluation, operations in equations, integers, graphs, exponents, and roots.

ALGEBRA I (8th)

This course is divided into two parts. The first part enables students to make the transition from general math to simplifying rational, irrational, and polynomial expressions. The second part introduces students to solving linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, systems and functions. The course is offered to students with a 92.5% or above in 7th grade math and a standardized test stanine score of 7 or higher. They also must achieve a score of 80% or higher on the Orleans Hannah Algebra I prognosis test.

SCIENCE (6th)

This course focuses on the General sciences: life, Earth, physical and space/technology. The first unit explores and compares creation and evolution. Methods include firsthand experiences such as direct observation, experiments and a wide variety of learning-by-doing activities.

SCIENCE (7th)

This Life Science course begins with the metric system and the Scientific method. Next is a study of the classification of living things: viruses, bacteria, protests, fungi, plants and animals. The course finishes with a study of genetics. There is a strong emphasis on “hands-on” learning, including labs, microscope work, three large projects, and several smaller projects. Taught as a two-period block during one semester.

SCIENCE (8th)

This course is divided into thirds and covers the basics in the areas of physical science, chemistry and Earth science. An emphasis is placed on labs and projects which stress ingenuity and how things work, as well as the impact of technology on everyday life. Taught as a two-period block during one semester.

SOCIAL STUDIES (6th)

This course includes a systematic study of man’s activities throughout history. Under God, man is the crown of creation: his art, battles, inventions, settlements, worship, cities, music and architecture express the depths of man’s being. The course focuses on five major or enduring features: Government, Social Classes, Religion, Education and advancement, and Economics.

GEOGRAPHY (7th)

This course is designed to explore various regions of the world in order to gain a better understanding of the ways in which landscape, cultural and economic patterns, and influences of the past have shaped the lives of people now living in these regions. Taught as a two-period block during one semester.

AMERICAN HISTORY (8th)

This course covers the time frame from the pre-Columbus period through the present. The purpose is to cultivate an understanding of the history of our country and to encourage appreciation of our American heritage. Emphasis is placed on the role of South Carolina during each historical period. Taught as a two-period block during one semester.

ART (6th - 8th)

This program is designed to promote a student’s awareness, appreciation, and enjoyment of the visual arts. Students will be provided with information and experiences to help develop aesthetic and creative expression as well as artistic presentation.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH (6th - 8th)

The physical education curriculum places emphasis on learning team sports and having a healthy body through regular exercise. Some of the sports taught include soccer, badminton, tennis, volleyball, archery, and field and track. Health related topics provided at the 7th and 8th grade levels include instruction in general areas such as hygiene, manners, first aid, nutrition and sexual education.

MUSIC APPRECIATION (6th - 8th)

Students learn to appreciate music through the study of composition, theory, history, and application.

LIFE (6th-8th)

This class helps students to become more like Christ through the implementation into their lives of the following 7 habits:

• 1) taking responsibility for their own actions,
• 2) setting goals for their lives after considering their strengths and weaknesses,
• 3) practicing time management and setting priorities,
• 4) recognizing the mutual benefits of cooperative behavior,
• 5) practicing effective communication skills with peers, parents, and family members,
• 6) understanding the power in unity and the strength in diversity, and
• 7) understanding the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

BAND (6th-8th)

Students may choose the option of taking Band (Beginner, Advanced or Performing). All musical styles and elements will be covered at levels increasing in difficulty as the player advances. Classes meet two or three times a week during the Study Hall period.

CHOIR (6th-8th)

This optional class focuses on vocal technique, ministry skills, and Bible memorization. Meets twice a week during the Study Hall period.