Middle School

6th – 8th Grade
The Christ School educates students academically, spiritually, physically and socially in a loving, caring community. Academic expectations are high for all learners which provide the foundation for developing a Christian worldview.

Middle School Menu

Middle-level students are prepared for the 21st century through a rigorous continuum of learning. Each grade level provides scaffolding to maximize learning potential in each content area.

Christian Studies

The primary goal for this content area focuses on the idea of a Biblical foundation for all learning. This is accomplished with a multi-fold strategy which ensures the key pieces for developing a Christian worldview. Students are engaged in scripture memory, Bible stories and learning activities that cultivate an abiding faith in Jesus Christ. A distinctive, daily experience of chapel figuratively and metaphorically represent the integrated approach to this all-encompassing area. To recognize developmental differences, middle school students participate in a separate weekly chapel specifically geared towards their age group.

Language Arts

The primary goal for this content area focuses on the crucial components of a well-established, rigorous English Language class. These components include grammar, vocabulary, writing, and literature. Through various delivery methods, students study expository, narrative, descriptive, and reflective writing. Students read novels, short stories, poetry, nonfiction and plays from a variety of genres. This is an integrated approach which provides meaningful learning for all students.

Math

The primary goal for this content area focuses on the solid foundation needed for high school mathematics. This bridge-building time focuses on moving from basic skills to more abstract concepts and higher-level thinking. Components focus on manipulation of complex problems both quantitatively and qualitatively. Students engage in a combination of learning environments to ensure understanding and application of concepts.

Science

The primary goal for this content area focuses on providing a challenging, exploratory learning environment. The scientific method is applied through hands-on labs, field trips and an annual science fair. Areas of study include Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science. Students have the ability to earn high school credit for Honors Physical Science.

Social Science

The primary goal for this content area focuses on developing responsible citizens, compassionate Christians and Independent learners. Students explore history, geography, economics and civics. Essential life skills such as organization, effective studying and public speaking are explicitly integrated into lessons.

Special Areas

Students in the middle grades engage in two types of special area classes: exploratory wheel and elective. The exploratory wheel courses allow students to gain exposure to critical components of a well-rounded education. Students are enrolled in one wheel course per quarter. Sixth grade wheel courses are designed to meet the developmental needs of the students during their transition year to middle school. Seventh and eighth grade wheel courses are designed to expand students’ knowledge and experience. Elective courses are designed to provide students with a diverse list of choices within a specialized content area. Examples of electives are: robotics, marine biology, and entomology. Beyond these electives, the middle school offers Spanish I for high school credit.

Technology Integration

“Technology” is really just what we tend to call the current tools that we can use to help students learn best. In the past, teachers used tools such as overhead projectors with scrolling plastic transparency and a white grease pencil. In a more contemporary way, educational technology ties in some form of computer (desktop, laptop, tablet, projector, integrated device) with student learning. Technology integration helps aid us in addressing a wide range of students’ diverse learning styles and abilities. God created us each uniquely, so we know that not everyone learns in the same way. Some learn better by hearing; computers and websites provide some excellent resources for those auditory learners. We are committed to providing a learning environment in which technology is leveraged to support and benefit all learners.

Experiential Learning

Integrated field trips, service projects, exploration of our downtown campus, scientific investigations, creative think-tanks, public speaking, oral presentations, hands-on modules, and character-building initiatives