MS Curriculum
The middle school curriculum provides a solid core of learning in the School of Liberal Arts (SLA), which comprises the foundational classes in Bible, English, history, math, science, and world languages, which enable students to think deeply and broadly. This learning unlocks and informs work in more specialized areas of inquiry that students explore in the Schools for Applied and Innovative Learning (SAIL). Several excellent field trips, tied directly to our curriculum, bring learning to life for our middle school students.
SLA
School of Liberal Arts
6th Grade
Bible
Old Testament Survey for sixth grade provides a general overview of the major topics of the Old Testament with an emphasis on Old Testament history and significant individuals. The course involves a chronological study of the Bible with a special unit on Bible Geography. Students are encouraged to draw out life applications from the various topics and individuals that are studied. Regular scripture memorization is a component of this course.
English
Sixth Grade English is a literature-based exploration of language, which integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening with the higher order thinking skills necessary to appreciate and evaluate communication through a Christian worldview. The two-fold goal of this focus is that students' spoken and written words may glorify God as well as bless others.
Reading skills focus on the ability to comprehend written text, evaluate content and source through a lens of scriptural truth, and make meaningful connections to life experiences. Major themes involve evaluation of elements of literature and literary devices as well as the exploration of best practice habits of excellent readers. As students process written text, they express their thinking in both spoken and written formats, built upon the fundamentals of grammar. The development of students' facility in written expression focuses on structure of the paragraph with well reasoned and substantiated arguments. Finally, a systematic study of word-building skills based upon Latin and Greek prefixes, roots, and suffixes helps students enhance their written and oral vocabularies. All students participate in a declamation event. Sixth grade literature titles include: The City of Ember; Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry; A Christmas Carol; The Westing Game; Hatchet; and Treasure Island.
Mathematics
Middle school mathematics is offered at two levels. Students at the advanced level work one course ahead of on-grade-level students. Advanced courses usually explore more concepts at a deeper level. At both levels, we desire students to participate actively in the learning of mathematics through experimentation, discovery, manipulation, and discussion. We desire that middle school students grow in their ability to apply problem-solving skills and to communicate mathematically using symbols, words, and graphs. We desire that students grow in their understanding of the usefulness and beauty of mathematics and look for ways to serve others with their skills. As students observe mathematical order within creation, we hope that they will see how mathematics reflects the gracious provision and nature of God himself – His consistency, orderliness, infinity, and genius.
Students at the advanced level take a pre-algebra course that introduces students to foundational algebraic ideas. Students will study the simplification of algebraic expressions, the solution of advanced linear equations, and the graphing of linear functions. Beyond pre-algebra, students also explore introductory concepts in statistics, probability, and geometry.
On-grade-level students solidify foundational skills in numeric operations and expressions as they work with whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers. Students then explore applications of ratio, speed, and percentages. In the second half of the year, students learn to simplify algebraic expressions and write expressions to model real-world scenarios. The 6th grade students also investigate the graphing of quantitative data and apply measures of central tendency and variability to describe these data.
Social Studies
The first semester of this course has a dual emphasis on geography and culture. Related to culture, students learn about immigration to the United States and engage in a project on their own heritage. A field trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is a highlight of this unit of study. The second semester covers a study of early U.S. history, reviewing the causes and effects of the Revolutionary War, our country under the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, the Constitution - including the Bill of Rights - and the administrations of Washington and Adams. A field trip to Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings this learning to life. One focus of this course is the recognition that God works through nations and people groups to move history toward the achievement of His purposes. Additional areas of focus include democracy and citizens’ rights and responsibilities, and the truth that God has established three institutions for our society: family, government, and church, the leaders of which are to be respected and obeyed.
Science
SEPUP’s Issues and Earth Science is our sixth grade science textbook. The program uses societal issues and problems as themes for the study of earth science. It is intended to be a high-interest, inquiry-based course that emphasizes hands-on learning, observing and exploring, growing in awe of God the Creator, and understanding our role as caretakers. Students conduct experiments, collect data, create models, and read and analyze information in their exploration of real-life issues. Topics include plate tectonics, the earth in space, and weather and atmosphere, among others.
World Languages
In this 6th grade preparatory Spanish course, students attend class twice in an 8-day cycle, where they immerse themselves in the Spanish language with the goal of acquiring it naturally. High-frequency verbs are emphasized to enhance communication skills, while students explore the products and cultural practices of various Spanish-speaking countries. The class is designed to help beginners develop practical communication abilities, experience success, and feel a sense of connection to the language and its cultures.
Music: Band and 6th Grade Choir
Middle School Band is an elective course offered to 6th-8th graders who play band instruments. Students attend rehearsals during the school day, and must take lessons on their instrument in order to participate. Through instruction in the notational, rhythmic, physical, and emotional aspects of music performance, students pursue excellence in the preparation and performance of music. Pieces are chosen to increase students’ musical understanding, inspire them and their audience, educate and entertain their audiences, lead their audiences in worship, and grow in their understanding of how their work as individuals affects the work of the entire ensemble. Performance opportunities include Christmas and a spring concerts.
Sixth Grade Choir is a required course for all students in 6th grade. Performance opportunities include a Christmas concert and a spring concert and biennial competition at Music in the Parks.
Physical Education
The purpose of this course is to encourage, enable, and empower students to be good stewards of their physical bodies. This is accomplished primarily by providing students with the opportunity to learn the skills, knowledge, and strategy necessary to participate in a variety of team sports, individual sports, and lifetime fitness activities. Students will be challenged to form healthy lifestyle habits by participating in physical fitness activities outside of the classroom. Special emphasis is placed on exploring the healthy benefits of regular physical activity as well as developing a Christian perspective on stewardship of the body, character, and personal discipline as it relates to physical activity.
Guidance
The 6th grade curriculum comes from The Generous Classroom which is a Biblically based program that focuses on being generous, just as God is generous with us. It walks students through 7 ways of living out a generous lifestyle. The counselor teaches students how to have an attitude of gratitude and empowers them to create a culture of kindness by honoring God in our everyday lives.
Art
6th Grade Art is a course in basic drawing and design. Emphasis is on art principles such as composition, positive and negative space, color mixing and patterning. Beginning 3-dimensional life drawing is initiated and practiced. The use of many mediums is explored, discovered and applied. The year culminates with a middle school art show.
Theatre
In this class, students learn the basics of theatre while experimenting with different styles of acting. Units will include pantomime, super heroes, and an introduction to Shakespeare. Through these experiences, students will become comfortable performing in front of their peers and parents while learning to walk in another person's shoes.
7th Grade
Bible
Students engage in a year-long study of the Gospel of John. This course is designed to give students an overview of the life of Jesus Christ. Students learn about the customs and geography of Israel during Jesus’ ministry as they explore the various themes of this Gospel. Regular scripture memory is a part of this course. Students are encouraged to evaluate their personal relationship to Christ and to respond to Him as the Savior and Lord of their lives.
English
In Seventh Grade English, students read and analyze several literary genres: fiction novels, short stories, and poetry. As they read and respond to what they are studying, students develop their comprehension skills as well as their language arts skills. Engaging in a variety of writing experiences that strengthen their writing skills and develop their abilities to read and analyze literature, a major goal of Seventh Grade English is to teach the students to think critically from a biblical worldview and to express themselves and their faith in a variety of creative and meaningful forms of writing. Grammar instruction, and a systematic study of vocabulary based on Greek and Latin roots provide foundational skills for reading, writing, speaking, and listening. All students participate in a declamation event. Seventh grade literature titles include: A Wrinkle in Time, A Single Shard, The Magician’s Nephew, Pilgrim’s Progress, Wednesday Wars, and a variety of poems and short stories.
Mathematics
Middle school mathematics is offered at two levels. Students at the advanced level work one course ahead of on-grade-level students. Advanced courses usually explore more concepts at a deeper level. At both levels, we desire students to participate actively in the learning of mathematics through experimentation, discovery, manipulation, and discussion. We desire that middle school students grow in their ability to apply problem-solving skills and to communicate mathematically using symbols, words, and graphs. We desire that students grow in their understanding of the usefulness and beauty of mathematics and look for ways to serve others with their skills. As students observe mathematical order within creation, we hope that they will see how mathematics reflects the gracious provision and nature of God himself – His consistency, orderliness, infinity, and genius.
The advanced option for 7th grade students is an Algebra 1 course. In this course, students learn the fundamental algebraic properties and use these properties to carry out the many manipulative skills that algebra requires. This course reflects the departmental emphasis on the development of problem-solving skills and meaningful use of technology. Students are required to write out solutions to problems in an organized manner while demonstrating proper use of mathematical symbols. The first semester is a thorough treatment of linear functions, while in the second semester quadratics and other polynomials are addressed.
The on-grade-level Pre-Algebra course solidifies students’ skills with rational numbers before a thorough exploration of simplifying and writing algebraic expressions. Students then learn to solve and write one variable equations and inequalities. During the second semester, students expand their understanding of proportionality before studying geometric concepts like area, volume, surface area, and constructions.
History
Seventh Grade U.S. History covers the time period prior to the Civil War through the present. The course begins with a study of biblical principles of history, specifically, that God is in control of history and has a plan that He is carrying to completion. A distinctive feature of the course is the emphasis on teaching students how the study of history is relevant to their lives today. In response to a unit on life in the North and the South, with a major emphasis on the history of slavery and the rise of the abolitionist movement, students are encouraged to develop a biblically based response to slavery and to apply their understanding to present social issues. Other units focus on The United States becoming a world power and a survey of WWI and WW II. The last units cover the Cold War, 9/11, and the war on terror and current issues facing the United States.
Science
SEPUP’s Issues and Life Science is our textbook for 7th grade. Life Science is a study of God’s most complex creations: organisms - including the human body - and the various structures, processes, and relationships that He has designed to meet their physical needs. Course topics include experimental design, body works, cell biology and disease, genetics, ecology, and bioengineering. There is a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, including a field trip to Spruce Lake Outdoor Education in the Poconos. Activities, including research projects and labs, are important parts of this course.
World Language: Spanish
The Spanish 1 program is offered over two years, part A in 7th grade and Part B in 8th grade, ensuring a developmentally appropriate learning pace. Students attend class three times in an 8-day cycle, engaging with a proficiency-based, comprehension-focused curriculum tailored for beginner and novice Spanish learners. The class is designed to help students naturally develop Spanish language proficiency and intercultural understanding through exposure to contextualized, comprehensible input. As a class, we learn Spanish with determination, knowing that God's dominion, kingdom, and glory are meant to reach all peoples and languages (Daniel 7:14).
Music: Band, 7th and 8th Grade Choirs
Middle School Band is an elective course offered to 6th-8th graders who play band instruments. Students attend rehearsals during the school day, and must take lessons on their instrument in order to participate. Through instruction in the notational, rhythmic, physical, and emotional aspects of music performance, students pursue excellence in the preparation and performance of music. Pieces are chosen to increase students’ musical understanding, inspire them and their audience, educate and entertain their audiences, lead their audiences in worship, and grow in their understanding of how their work as individuals affects the work of the entire ensemble. Performance opportunities include a Christmas concert and a spring concert and biennial competition at Music in the Parks.
DC Middle School Choir is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students, building on skills learned in Sixth Grade Choir. Choir members read and perform more complex rhythms, melodies and harmonies, and further develop vocal and choral technique. By studying carefully chosen quality repertoire, DC’s Middle school choir learn to sing with expression, confidence, style, and purpose. Performance opportunities include a Christmas concert and a spring concert and competition at Music in the Parks.
Physical Education/Health
The purpose of this course is to encourage, enable, and empower students to be good stewards of their physical bodies. This is accomplished primarily by providing students with the opportunity to learn the skills, knowledge, and strategy necessary to participate in a variety of team sports, individual sports, and lifetime fitness activities. Students will be challenged to form healthy lifestyle habits by participating in physical fitness activities outside of the classroom. Special emphasis is placed on exploring the healthy benefits of regular physical activity as well as developing a Christian perspective on stewardship of the body, character, and personal discipline as it relates to physical activity.
7th Grade Health is interspersed with Physical Education classes. The main purpose of the health course is to foster a lifestyle of healthful living among the students. This is accomplished primarily through a curriculum that exposes the students to various health-related topics including nutrition, disease prevention, drug and substance abuse and misuse and safety and first aid. During the study of each of these topics, students are encouraged to obtain, interpret, and apply basic health information to their daily lives. Throughout the course the theme of stewardship of the body is a major emphasis. Health is choices and consequences. Students will understand and weigh the consequences to their health choices.
Theatre
Seventh grade students who are not in Band or Choir take Middle School Theatre. In this class, students learn the basics of theatre while experiencing many different aspects of the craft. Through pantomime, improv, scene work, and more, students will become comfortable performing in front of their peers while learning about theatre.
Art
7th Grade Art is a course designed to build on the foundations already developed in 6th grade: patterns become textures, flat objects become objects with volume. Shading, shadowing and 3-dimensional drawing are explored. Real space including perspective is introduced. Many mediums are used to increase decision making, self-expression and finally mastery. The year culminates in a middle school art show.
Research Skill
Seventh grade students meet once a cycle for the entire year. Cross curricular content is used. Emphasis of learning is placed on proper MLA format and citations, plagiarism, skillful oral and visual presentations, academic research using the library, online databases and search engines, synthesis and paraphrasing of research articles, as well as proficient use of Google's G Suite for Education tools.
8th Grade
Bible
The 8th grade Church History course is a one-semester study focusing on the birth, spread, development, and preservation of the universal Christian Church in human history. The study begins with the establishment of the apostolic church (32 A.D.) and concludes with the early church reformers (1570 A.D.). Throughout the study, students are challenged to see the central role of the church in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for the spread of the gospel, the sovereignty of God at work in the preservation of biblical truth through godly individuals led by the Holy Spirit, and the significant impact of Scripture on western culture. Students will be challenged to evaluate their local churches in accordance with biblical standards.
The 8th grade Acts course is a one-semester course that examines the book of Acts on a chapter-by-chapter basis. The events are studied in the sequence of Acts. In light of the contents of the book of Acts, there is a strong missions emphasis. Every two weeks, students work on short reports, which they compile into an Acts booklet by the end of the course.
English
English 8 is designed to enhance the language arts skills that students have acquired during previous years, including reading comprehension, vocabulary development, written expression, grammar, and oral communication. In developmentally appropriate fashion, students are challenged to foster their creative and critical thinking skills within a biblical framework of thought. Included in the English 8 curriculum is a major unit related to the Holocaust that features an interdisciplinary approach, combining history and literature to examine this crucial era of world history. Included in this unit is an in-depth study of the play The Diary of Anne Frank and a subsequent field trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Throughout the year, students will also read a trio of novels--The Pearl, Animal Farm, and To Kill a Mockingbird--as well as a variety of short stories and poetry.
Mathematics
Middle school mathematics is offered at two levels. Students at the advanced level work one course ahead of on-grade-level students. Advanced courses usually explore more concepts at a deeper level. At both levels, we desire students to participate actively in the learning of mathematics through experimentation, discovery, manipulation, and discussion. We desire that middle school students grow in their ability to apply problem-solving skills and to communicate mathematically using symbols, words, and graphs. We desire that students grow in their understanding of the usefulness and beauty of mathematics and look for ways to serve others with their skills. As students observe mathematical order within creation, we hope that they will see how mathematics reflects the gracious provision and nature of God himself – His consistency, orderliness, infinity, and genius.
The advanced option for 8th grade students is a course in geometry. This course focuses on the properties of plane geometric figures: triangles, circles, parallelograms, and other polygons. Formulas for areas and volumes of geometric figures are developed and applied. Emphasis is placed on inductive and deductive thinking. Students work to discover geometric relationships and apply them in practical situations. Students also focus on writing clear mathematical justifications and formal proofs for a variety of geometric contexts. A mathematical research project, including a written report, oral presentation, and video exhibit, is an important part of the course.
On-grade-level 8th grade students study Algebra 1. In this course, students learn the fundamental algebraic properties and use these properties to carry out the many manipulative skills that algebra requires. This course reflects the departmental emphasis on the development of problem-solving skills and meaningful use of technology. Students are required to write out solutions to problems in an organized manner, showing all work, and making proper use of mathematical symbols. The first semester is a thorough treatment of linear functions, while in the second semester quadratic and other polynomials are explored.
History
Building on the U.S. history they’ve had in sixth and seventh grade, eighth graders enter into learning about the Modern World: both domestic and international. In this course that aids them in carrying out the DC mission to impact the world for Christ, they study the geographic, political, and cultural makeup of regions of the world. Beginning with what they know of the United States, they gain expertise in geography, government, and current political events. Each subsequent unit encompasses those same topics focused on a region of the world. Students demonstrate their learning through debates, country projects, and other assessments. Skyping with missionaries and tasting food from various regions are key components of this course.
Science
SEPUP’s Issues and Physical Science is our 8th grade science textbook. This program examines issues in a societal context in a way that fosters and promotes the growing ability of young adolescents to think abstractly, and - through labs - builds upon their desire for peer interaction and support. More specifically, through almost 100 activities, they learn how to gather and interpret scientific evidence about issues of interest to them and their community. Units of study include: Studying Materials Scientifically, The Chemistry of Materials, Water, Energy, Force and Motion, and Waves. By learning more about the structure and processes of God’s creation, students gain a greater appreciation for creation and the role of God as creator, sustainer and designer of our universe.
World Language: Spanish
The Spanish 1 program is offered over two years, part A in 7th grade and Part B in 8th grade, ensuring a developmentally appropriate learning pace. Students attend class three times in an 8-day cycle, engaging with a proficiency-based, comprehension-focused curriculum tailored for beginner and novice Spanish learners. The class is designed to help students naturally develop Spanish language proficiency and intercultural understanding through exposure to contextualized, comprehensible input. As a class, we learn Spanish with determination, knowing that God's dominion, kingdom, and glory are meant to reach all peoples and languages (Daniel 7:14).
Music: Band, 7th and 8th Grade Choirs
Middle School Band is an elective course offered to 6th-8th graders who play band instruments. Students attend rehearsals during the school day, and must take lessons on their instrument in order to participate. Through instruction in the notational, rhythmic, physical, and emotional aspects of music performance, students pursue excellence in the preparation and performance of music. Pieces are chosen to increase students’ musical understanding, inspire them and their audience, educate and entertain their audiences, lead their audiences in worship, and grow in their understanding of how their work as individuals affects the work of the entire ensemble. Performance opportunities include a Christmas concert and a spring concert and biennial competition at Music in the Parks.
DC Middle School Choir is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students, building on skills learned in Sixth Grade Choir. Choir members read and perform more complex rhythms, melodies and harmonies, and further develop vocal and choral technique. By studying carefully chosen quality repertoire, DC’s Middle school choir learn to sing with expression, confidence, style, and purpose. Performance opportunities include a Christmas concert and a spring concert and competition at Music in the Parks.
Physical Education
The purpose of this course is to encourage, enable, and empower students to be good stewards of their physical bodies. This is accomplished primarily by providing students with the opportunity to learn the skills, knowledge, and strategy necessary to participate in a variety of team sports, individual sports, and lifetime fitness activities. Students will be challenged to form healthy lifestyle habits by participating in physical fitness activities outside of the classroom. Special emphasis is placed on exploring the healthy benefits of regular physical activity as well as developing a Christian perspective on stewardship of the body, character, and personal discipline as it relates to physical activity.
Guidance
The 8th grade curriculum is focused on preparing students for high school. The first half of the year, the focus is on how to manage stress, and use your time wisely. The counselor points students back to God as the source of their hope and help as they manage friendships, homework, time and what they can and cannot control. The second half of the year, the counselor works with guest speakers from high school to help students understand the changes that will happen in high school covering topics including good study habits, scheduling, and social dynamics.
Theatre
Eighth grade students who are not in Band or Choir take Middle School Theatre. In this class, students learn the basics of theatre while experiencing many different aspects of the craft. Through pantomime, improv, scene work, and more, students will become comfortable performing in front of their peers while learning about theatre.
Art
The eighth grade art curriculum uses a blend of projects that teach essential art concepts like compositional layout, balance of positive and negative space, spatial depth, perspective, and color relationships. Eighth graders draw from life as well as two-dimensional reference. Students learn the importance of sketching out their ideas and visual compositions prior to making their final pieces. They learn to be critical of their initial idea, adjust, and refine, rather than settling for their first ideas. The students are encouraged to explore a wide range of mediums throughout the year. They use different weight pencils, markers, colored pencils, art stix, chalk pastels, oil pastels and acrylic paints. When students finish the full middle school curriculum they are to be ready for the challenge of the upper school art program.
SAIL
Schools for Applied and Innovative Learning
The Schools for Applied and Innovative Learning (SAIL) are designed to build on DC’s liberal arts educational framework. SAIL is comprised of three components: The School of Arts, the School of Humanities and Entrepreneurship, and the School of STEM.
As students make their way through our middle school, they will engage in teamwork and be given opportunities to apply what they are learning. All middle school students will take courses that will stretch their intellect as well as their interpersonal skills.
For example, in the 8th grade Wind Energy course, our students are confronted with a mandate to increase their community’s reliance on renewable energy. During this course, through an educational simulation, students apply their knowledge of the engineering process, mathematics, and environmental science to design cost-effective and energy-efficient wind turbines. Making engineering, financial, environmental, and public relations-related decisions, they learn to balance the many perspectives that have to be considered when solving real problems. These students then present and defend their designs and decisions to a board of city council members, who award the contract to the winning team.
Middle school students will select two courses to take during SAIL week. There is a three hour morning and a three hour afternoon block during SAIL week to allow for them to dig deep into the questions they will be investigating.