Curriculum

Throughout their sixth grade year, students at IMS develop their critical thinking skills and discover creative ways to share their thoughts and ideas with their peers.

English
Sixth grade English offers a comprehensive exploration of writing and literature that deepens and extends the fifth grade focus on thoughtful and reflective engagement with a range of literature through guided discussion and written expression. The fall begins with a unit on personal narrative writing where students study mentor texts from Breakfast on Mars and 37 Other Delectable Essays. They develop active reading, discussion, and writing skills through a structured process of drafting, revising, and feedback, while also working on spelling fluency with Spelling Connections. In the winter, students dive into Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh, analyzing themes of belonging and friendship, further expanding their vocabulary, and honing their analytical writing by crafting well-organized paragraphs. The spring term shifts focus to the human experience through the teleplay “Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” and the novel Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai. Students reflect on themes of resilience, compassion, and community, culminating in five-paragraph essays that showcase their critical thinking and literary analysis skills.

Social Studies
The sixth grade Social Studies curriculum covers ancient cultures spanning the Fertile Crescent to the Roman Republic, and explores themes of systems of control and governance, inventions and discoveries, and varying examples of human expression. The central question, “What human-made systems or structures led to the rise of civilization?” is a focus throughout the year. In the fall, students look at the rise of the first great civilizations, while the focus of the winter is an interactive exploration of the development and significance of the City-States of Classical Greece. Students end the year studying Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar as part of their study of the founding of Rome as well as writing their first academic historical essay with a clear thesis, supporting arguments, and evidence.

Science
In sixth grade science, the main area of study is human biology and health through the lens of human body systems. Students investigate each of the systems of the body, their function and form, and their interactions with other systems. Students also explore other facets of human anatomy, like the five senses. They learn how to integrate vocabulary, take notes, discuss as groups, perform laboratory experiments, and write scientifically. Formal laboratory reports of class experiments are introduced in this class. Note-taking skills from fifth grade are also reinforced as students develop group study guides and long-answer prompts needed for quizzes and for reference throughout the year.

Math
Sixth grade mathematics includes several course levels that seek to provide a variety of successful learning experiences for each student.

• Foundations of Mathematics I
  Foundations of Mathematics I seeks to provide a variety of successful learning experiences for each student to encourage growth and a positive attitude towards mathematics. Students start with a review of whole numbers, operations and place values. They then learn about measurement, including customary and metric systems, and measurement of time. Measurement is connected to the study of geometry as students learn area, perimeter, surface area, and volume. Students also explore ratios, proportions and percents, probability and statistics, and beginning algebraic equations.
• Honors Foundations of Mathematics II
  This honors level course is for students who are mathematically and intellectually ready for a faster-paced class. Honors: Foundations of Mathematics II focuses on the development of sound critical thinking and flexible problem-solving skills. In this course, students will begin shifting from the concrete realm of arithmetic into the abstract area of algebra. Because of the faster pace, students will study properties of exponents, linear equations, congruence and similarity of geometric figures, the Pythagorean theorem, and surface area and volume of geometric solids, in addition to all of the topics found in the regular section of this course. The successful completion of this course will provide students with the mathematical foundation needed to take Algebra I in the fall.

Global Languages
Beginning in sixth grade, students are enrolled in either Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish. The Global Language Department at IMS is designed to help students find joy in creative expression and cultural exploration beyond their native language. Emphasis is placed on communication, interpretation, and meaning-making, with students developing the courage to speak, experiment, and make mistakes in a new language.

Our seventh grade year is a pivotal transition for students at IMS, blending rigorous academics with thought-provoking discussions meant to help students understand their role in shaping the future.

English
The seventh grade English curriculum is largely focused on honing students’ writing abilities. Students work their way up from a three-paragraph analytical essay to a five-paragraph essay during the course of the year. There is a focus on persuasive writing, daily responses to prompts related to themes emerging from the class readings, and various creative pieces. Throughout the writing process, students synthesize the information they gather in class discussions and daily readings into a coherent argument using concise and intentional language. Students are assessed through discussion boards, writing prompts, reading comprehension assessments, class discussions, writing and grammar exercises, vocabulary practice, and essays. By the end of the school year, students will be well-versed in the structure of a five-paragraph essay, confident in their ability to develop a thesis statement supported with textual evidence, and able to identify key retention strategies implemented while reading our texts or studying vocabulary words. The primary texts read throughout the year include Animal Farm by George Orwell, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, and Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson.

History
Seventh grade history begins with an in-depth exploration of the diverse Native American cultures in the United States, focusing on life before and after European contact. Students then examine the interactions between European nations and indigenous peoples in North America. The next unit centers on Jamestown and Plymouth Plantation and their pivotal roles in laying the foundation for what would become the United States. As the course moves into the winter term, students study life in Colonial North America during the 16th and 17th centuries. This period leads into an exploration of the events surrounding the American Revolution, culminating in a comprehensive examination of the United States Constitution. In the spring term, the focus shifts to the Antebellum period, setting the stage for the Civil War. Students begin by exploring the impact of enslaved labor on the nation’s economy and society, followed by a study of resistance to slavery. The course then covers the key factors that led to the Civil War, with the final unit dedicated to an in-depth study of the war itself.

Science
In seventh grade science, students embark on an exploration of Sustainability Science, integrating traditional Earth and Space Science with important modern-day issues of global warming, climate change, and Earth stewardship. By incorporating innovative and culturally diverse perspectives, the course goes beyond mere memorization of content, encouraging students to question, reflect, and deepen their understanding of what science truly means in today’s world. Through interactive discussions and activities hosted both inside and outside of the classroom, including readings from a wide range of academic texts, lab work, and forest walks, students will cultivate a personal connection with nature whilst honing their foundational skills for scientific inquiry.

Math
Seventh grade mathematics includes several course levels that seek to provide a variety of successful learning experiences for each student.

• Foundations of Mathematics II/Honors Foundations of Mathematics II
  Foundations of Mathematics II focuses on the development of sound critical thinking and flexible problem-solving skills. It is a course that begins the shift from the concrete realm of arithmetic into the abstract area of algebra. Topics covered include operations with fractions, proportional reasoning, percent problems, algebraic expressions and equations, probability, and the measurements of geometric shapes and solids. Most students who complete this course will take Foundations of Mathematics III in the fall, although a student may be ready for Algebra I at the recommendation of the teacher. In the honors level option for this course, students will study properties of exponents, linear equations, congruence and similarity of geometric figures, the Pythagorean theorem, and surface area and volume of geometric solids, in addition to all of the topics found in the regular section of this course.

• Algebra I/Honors Algebra I
  The goal of the Algebra I curriculum is to develop sound critical thinking and flexible problem-solving skills while best preparing students for the rigors of their next math course. The topics of study include the use of variables and exponents, evaluating and solving algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, operations with polynomials, graphing linear equations, solving quadratic equations, and working with algebraic fractions. The Honors Algebra I course operates at a faster pace with students also exploring functions using rational numbers, making connections with both algebraic and graphical representations of the work, solving second-degree (quadratics) equations, and using introductory trigonometry.

Global Languages
In seventh grade, students either entering or continuing their language studies seek to develop increasing control over grammar, vocabulary, and structure while deepening their ability to communicate meaningfully and interpret the world around them with cultural awareness.

Our eighth grade year is about pushing boundaries and encouraging students to become their best selves through high-level academic offerings and elective opportunities. Students develop a personal understanding of what it means to live a life through service within our school community and the greater world.

English
The goal of the eighth grade English curriculum is to develop and nurture critical thinking and writing skills through student-centered discussions and analytical and personal writing. Persuasive writing skills and literary analysis are integrated throughout the various units, alongside creative and visual projects, as well as opportunities for public speaking. Year-long themes of social and individual identities are explored through the course’s core texts, which may include: When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka; Maus I & II by Art Spiegelman; The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros; and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. Units may be supplemented with poems, short stories, video clips, and other forms of media. Students will leave eighth grade with a strong comprehension of critical reading, writing, and the ability to communicate literary concepts effectively.

History
In eighth grade, students study Modern United States and World History, building upon the skills introduced in seventh grade to examine the twentieth century. Students investigate the domestic and international issues that shaped the world at that time, giving the class a perspective from which to better understand the present-day United States and its place in the world. Supplementing the course are map studies, documentary videos, first-hand accounts, and related current event articles. This course also emphasizes the development of research and writing techniques through note-taking, tests, essays, and a culminating year-end term paper.

Science
Students study Lab Science in eighth grade. This course focuses on teaching lab skills through the basic concepts of chemistry and physics. Students first focus on matter and its physical and chemical properties, engaging in lab work and experimentation that reinforces the concepts presented in class. Utilizing the data generated by their lab work, students practice analyzing results, graphing, and drawing conclusions. Additionally, writing scientifically, which is detailed yet concise, is emphasized. Lab Science aims to give students a window through which to see the possibilities of further application of these fields of science as well as a mirror with which to see themselves engaged in scientific work.

Math
Eighth grade mathematics includes several course levels that seek to provide a variety of successful learning experiences for each student.

• Foundations of Mathematics III
  Foundations of Mathematics III offers a bridge between Foundations of Mathematics II and Algebra I for those students who are still transitioning between the concrete realm of arithmetic and the abstract concepts of algebra. The focus of this course is to develop genuine understanding through a blend of problem-based learning and explicit instruction, where an emphasis is placed on making connections between old and new concepts. Topics covered include properties of exponents, linear equations, functions, data analysis, systems of equations, congruence and similarity of geometric figures, the Pythagorean theorem, and surface area and volume of geometric solids. The successful completion of this course will provide students with the mathematical foundation needed to take Algebra I.

• Algebra I/Honors Algebra I
  The goal of the Algebra I curriculum is to develop sound critical thinking and flexible problem-solving skills while best preparing students for the rigors of their next math course. The topics of study include the use of variables and exponents, evaluating and solving algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, operations with polynomials, graphing linear equations, solving quadratic equations, and working with algebraic fractions. The Honors Algebra I course operates at a faster pace with students also exploring functions using rational numbers, making connections with both algebraic and graphical representations of the work, solving second-degree (quadratics) equations, and using introductory trigonometry.

• Geometry/Honors Geometry
  Students must have completed an approved Algebra I program to place into Geometry. This course is covered in one academic year. A strong emphasis is placed on the importance of step-by-step proofs and other topics, such as parallel and perpendicular lines, relationships with triangles, polygons and quadrilaterals, right triangles and trigonometry, area, surface area and volume. Students are encouraged to become independent learners through challenging homework questions and in-class collaborative activities. The Honors section explores these topics in greater depth, often involving more complex proofs and the detailed relationship between geometry and trigonometry.

Global Languages
In eighth grade, students either entering or continuing their language studies seek to develop increasing control over grammar, vocabulary, and structure while deepening their ability to communicate meaningfully and interpret the world around them with cultural awareness.

Our ninth grade year is the culminating year at IMS and acts as a bridge into secondary school, as students take on greater academic demands, deeper inquiry, increasing responsibility for their learning, and leadership opportunities within the school. Students are encouraged to reflect on their relationship to place and community, understand the world with greater empathy and perspective, and imagine how they can contribute to a more just, sustainable future.

English
The ninth grade English curriculum focuses on complex themes and texts that require students to think critically about their place in the world. Using the course texts: The Odyssey by Homer translated by Emily Wilson; Exit West by Mohsin Hamid; and Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, the course seeks to produce compassionate, informed, articulate, and effective exponents of critical thought and positive change, skills which supplement and parallel the ninth grade capstone Poquonook Solutions Project. This curriculum is meant to emphasize empathy and awareness while imparting a global perspective by considering what it means to seek refuge, to journey, to discover roots, and how home, or the idea of it, drives people.

History
Ninth grade history is a survey of political philosophy, ethics, sociology, and economics, and how these fields of study each inform human solutions for the modern world. The syllabus is designed to provide a historical foundation on which to build a contemporary and empathetic understanding of sustainability in political, socioeconomic, and environmental contexts. Using pre-civilization, antiquity, and the current geopolitical landscape as vehicles for these conversations, the course seeks to develop individual and collaborative compassion, a capacity for analysis and persuasion, and a solutions-driven mindset to serve students in ninth grade and beyond. Students first investigate early man and the Neolithic Revolution, exploring the economic and sociological factors that led to the first permanent settlements and civilizations, as well as the effects of permanent human settlement. Then Greece and Rome provide the underpinnings of the second half of the year, where students will use extensive primary source material and comparative analytics to learn how and why people are governed. The Harkness-style discussion model is used extensively in each term, and students write persuasive essays and complete summative group projects in debate and summit formats to assess skill development and understanding of material.

Science
Ninth graders at Indian Mountain engage in Applied Biology, a year-long exploration of the biological sciences, designed to foster an understanding of the fundamental processes that shape living systems and their interaction with the world around them. Structured around key themes — balance, change over time, form and function, and information transport — this course provides students with a comprehensive foundation in biological principles, while encouraging them to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Running parallel to the course is the year-long “Book of Biology” project, where students explore the intersection of historical milestones, ethical considerations, and contemporary applications of biology. By the end of the year, students emerge with a deep understanding of biological systems and a toolkit of critical thinking and communication skills that prepare them to address the challenges of tomorrow.

Math

Ninth grade mathematics includes several course levels that seek to provide a variety of successful learning experiences for each student.

• Algebra I/Honors Algebra I
  The goal of the Algebra I curriculum is to develop sound critical thinking and flexible problem-solving skills while best preparing students for the rigors of their next math course. The topics of study include the use of variables and exponents, evaluating and solving algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, operations with polynomials, graphing linear equations, solving quadratic equations, and working with algebraic fractions. The Honors Algebra I course operates at a faster pace with students also exploring functions using rational numbers, making connections with both algebraic and graphical representations of the work, solving second-degree (quadratics) equations, and using introductory trigonometry.
• Geometry/Honors Geometry
  Students must have completed an approved Algebra I program to place into Geometry or Honors Geometry. This course is covered in one academic year. A strong emphasis is placed on the importance of step-by-step proofs and other topics, such as parallel and perpendicular lines, relationships with triangles, polygons and quadrilaterals, right triangles and trigonometry, area, surface area and volume. Students are encouraged to become independent learners through challenging homework questions and in-class collaborative activities. The Honors section explores these topics in greater depth, often involving more complex proofs and the detailed relationship between geometry and trigonometry.
• Algebra II/Honors Algebra II
  Students must have fully completed Algebra I and Geometry and need a teacher recommendation to be placed in Algebra II. This is a rigorous and competitive course that contains some of our top math students. The focus is on polynomials, operations, and simplifying rational expressions, working with the graphing calculator and other graphing devices to explore functions and transformations. Students engage with radians and degrees, connecting the unit circle and the graphs of periodic functions to one another. Working both independently and cooperatively, students seek to solve word problems and other challenging material. An honors section of Algebra II exists only with sufficient student enrollment and covers the same material as Algebra II with more in-depth problem-solving as appropriate.
• AP Precalculus
  In AP Precalculus, students build a deep understanding of functions, modeling, and rate of change to prepare for higher-level mathematics. The course is aligned with the College Board’s AP Precalculus framework and covers polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric and polar functions, and the applications of functions in modeling real-world scenarios.

Global Languages
In ninth grade, students either entering or continuing their language studies seek to develop increasing control over grammar, vocabulary, and structure while deepening their ability to communicate meaningfully and interpret the world around them with cultural awareness.

Click here to learn more about our Ninth Grade program.