Algebra I

In Latin II, students continue to build upon their foundations of grammar and vocabulary. They learn independent and dependent uses.of the subjunctive mood while expanding their understanding of the uses of nouns. Gerunds, gerundives, and new grammatical constructions are also practiced. Students use Ritchie’s Fabulae Faciles as their text. Here they read translations of Greek myths in Latin. In the spring term, students will explore excerpts of Latin from classical authors, as they begin the transition to reading authentic Latin literature.

The fifth grade science classroom is centered around the exploration of the world around us. It is our intent that lively discussions and hands-on experiences out of doors cultivate a love of science discovery.

Students begin the year with an introduction to the scientific method. They further develop their skills of observation in a year-long field study of Indian Mountain and the organisms that live on and around campus. Through their study of local ecosystem students make connections between what they are learning in the classroom and what they observe in the natural environment. Connections are also made with the social studies curriculum. Students learn about humans’ interactions with their physical world, while studying biomes and regions of planet Earth.

Reading assignments and vocabulary exploration are enhanced by hands-on activities in order to facilitate comprehension. Short- and long-term research projects, many inspired by the students’ own questions, develop their familiarity with tools such as Google slides, and build presentation and collaboration skills. Students leave fifth grade science empowered to solve real life problems in their changing world and to take action to preserve and defend the sustainability of their planet.

In the seventh grade history course, Early United States History, students begin their study of the principles and guidelines on which this nation was founded and built. A main goal is for the students to view American history as not just a series of events, but also to understand their causes and consequences in the development of the United States. Through outlines, quizzes, tests and a term paper, this course also emphasizes the development of reading, note-taking, writing, research and other organizational skills.

The text for this course is America: Pathways to the Present. The class begins with an introductory review of several important skills: map use, note-taking, outlining and how to read a text. This is followed by a brief look at the native peoples of North America and the Age of Exploration. The term concludes with a study of European colonization, with a particular focus on the English colonies.

In the winter the students examine life in the thirteen English colonies, the breakdown of British/colonial relations, and the American Revolution. Winter term concludes with the development of the independent American government, and in-depth study of the Constitution.

The spring term begins with a study of the growing young nation, the strengthening of the federal government, and the expansion of democracy during the Jacksonian period. Much of the middle part of this term is devoted to research and writing of a term paper as the class studies the westward expansion, the Mexican War, and the problems of maintaining the balance between the North and South. The year concludes with a study of the Civil War.