Archive
Intensive Studio Art
- Arts
The intensive studio art studio is a culmination of skills learned in seventh and general studio classes. While previous classes present an overview of many skills and mediums, the Intensive Studio class focuses on a select few techniques or materials, allowing students to delve deeply in to an area of study. Students may study woodworking for a whole term before switching to printmaking, or ceramics for example. Projects tend to be more conceptual in nature and students are expected to be self-directed with an increased ability to carry out more complex ideas. Upon completion of the Indian Mountain School art program, students are expected to have a solid understanding of essential art making skills including drawing, basic color theory, 3D construction, and ceramics.
Eighth English
- English
The eighth-grade curriculum increases the emphasis on reading, writing, and communication through the study of literature, vocabulary, and grammar. Persuasive writing skills are interwoven with the literature. Learning how to write the five-paragraph essay is emphasized as a major component of the eighth grade curriculum. In the fall, the students are introduced to the genre of tragedy and the heroic ideal. Throughout the year, the study of literature and development of writing skills are supplemented with grammar and vocabulary work. The study of grammar begins with a brief review of the parts of speech and the verb types, followed by the study of commas and sentence types. Expansion of student vocabulary is achieved through the use of the book, Vocabulary Energizers II. The literature studied and texts utilized include: Brown Girl Dreaming, Things Fall Apart, House on Mango Street, Antigone, When The Emperor Was Divine, Maus I & II, Macbeth, and The Great Gatsby.
Language Analysis and Development IA
- English
Language Acquisition and Development (LAD) is designed to strengthen students understanding of language, and to reinforce their skills in the areas of reading fluency, reading comprehension, word attack skills, vocabulary recognition and usage, grammatical concepts, and other rudiments of language. Throughout the year, students will study short stories, articles, short essays, and other literature to deepen their understanding of the material and be able to analyze, interpret, and converse constructively about what they have read. Vocabulary words will mostly derive from the context of assigned reading, and punctuation and grammar will complement reading-based coursework. Assessments will include a variety of informal writing assignments, creative projects and quizzes.
Fifth Latin
- Global Languages
Latin 5 is a full year Latin course for the 5th grade. The course uses the text Minimus in its exploration of the Latin language, Roman culture, daily life, and mythology. Connections between English and Latin are stressed within the course through Latin derivation of English vocabulary and similarities between English and Latin grammar. The course aims for a cursory introduction to the Latin language through the study of a family living in the village of Vindolanda, situated in Roman Britain along Hadrian’s wall. The book is supported by primary archaeological sources as evidence of the life and communications of people living in this settlement.
Seventh English
- English
The seventh-grade course blends vocabulary development, analysis, grammar, and creative writing. Students write several essays over the course of the year, both expository and creative in nature, in which content and syntax are critically analyzed. Another element of the curriculum is the accrual of sound study habits and self-discipline. Our study of grammar begins with a review of parts of speech and the elements of a sentence and continues to extend the study of punctuation, including commas and semicolons. Students grapple with the theme of identity; coming to terms with who they are, the community they live in and the identities of those around them. The literature studied and texts utilized: The Last Cuentista (summer reading), Ghost Boys, Little Worlds, Animal Farm, Of Mice and Men, Citizen, Poet X, Vocabulary Energizers and Writing and Grammar.
Ninth Ancient Civilizations
- History
9th 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 (specifically, as outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) 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 both in their ninth grade and in future studies of history and human interaction.
The first trimester investigates 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. Greece and Rome provide the underpinnings of the second trimester; students will use extensive primary source material and comparative analytics to learn how and why people are governed. The Harkness-style discussion model will be used extensively in each term, and students will write persuasive essays and complete summative group projects in debate and summit formats to assess skill development and understanding of material. In the final term, students will incorporate what they have learned throughout the year and in other disciplines to create a morally defensible and practical solution to a global sustainability challenge.
Ascend 8 Science
- Academic Support
Beginner Music Ensemble
- Arts
Beginner Ensemble is offered to students with little or no experience playing a musical instrument. It provides an opportunity to young musicians to perform in a small orchestral setting. Goals are to develop a cohesive musical group working to establish fundamental technique, good intonation, and a keen musical sense of performing together as a team.
Intermediate Music Ensemble
- Arts
5th Service Learning
- Citizenship