Middle | Grades 6-8

List of 5 items.

• English

  The Middle School English Program develops students’ skills in a variety of ways.  During the three-year program, students read a diverse selection of literature, including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and biographies.  As students progress from one grade level to the next, they develop a more thorough understanding of the complexities of the elements of literature (plot, character development, themes, etc.)  They develop their analytical abilities by applying a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. 
  
  Students use the writing process and develop writing skills through exploring a variety of genres: expository, narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and critical (i.e. responding to literature).  Projects, speeches, skits, debates, and regular group discussions develop speaking and listening skills.  Grammar and usage concepts become more complex each year, and vocabulary study is derived from literature.  

• Global Studies & History

  The Middle School Social Science Program promotes a deepened understanding of the heritage of civilization, cultural diversity, democracy and civic responsibility, global interdependence, and relationships between humans and their natural environments.
  Students gain competence at processing information, reasoning, expressing their thoughts, and participating in society. They become equipped to participate responsibly in the political process of a free society and to work cooperatively with their fellow citizens.
  Students develop a heightened respect for the rights and dignity of all. They learn to consider various solutions to social problems, to make rational judgments about public issues, and to act in accordance with the values of a democratic society.

• Mathematics

  The Middle School mathematics program is committed to placing students in classes where they will thrive and be challenged to the best of their abilities. We do not have any remedial math classes. Teachers are available for extra help to students experiencing difficulties.
  
  The Math 6, Math 7, Pre-Algebra 8 pathway provides a rich mathematical experience with significant guidance and support. A major goal in this sequence is continual review and reinforcement of basic math as well as new concepts, thus creating a comprehensive program that prepares students for Algebra I in the ninth grade.
  
  The Honors 6, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I pathway is designed for students who are developmentally ready for the challenges of a complete algebra curriculum in eighth grade. It is a challenging curriculum requiring more outside preparation and student independence. Students following this sequence are expected to keep at least a B average to advance to the next class.
  
  The Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry pathway is designed for those students who have already mastered the math skills and problem-solving strategies central to the study of Pre-Algebra when they enter in sixth grade. This pathway requires students to meet the challenges of an algebra curriculum in seventh grade, and the developmental readiness for Geometry in eighth grade. This intensive study of mathematics requires significant outside preparation. Students following this sequence are expected to keep at least a B average to advance to the next class.
  
  Math placement is not an exact science. We work very hard to place each student in a math class where they will thrive and be challenged. However, developmental changes in students require us to be flexible, and students may need to change pathways. We believe the best fit is found when school, parent, and student work together.

• Science

  The Middle School Science Program emphasizes learning through a combination of teacher-directed lessons and interactive lab activities.  Throughout their three years students learn ways to improve their use of the scientific method.  Students are provided with regular opportunities to use their skills of observation, prediction, measurement, and drawing conclusions.  An emphasis is placed on integrating classroom technology into appropriate lessons and labs. The Cranbrook campus provides teachers the opportunity to leave the classroom and visit other unique locations for lessons.  These sites include the Cranbrook campus, the Cranbrook Institute of Science and other regional points of interest.

• World Language

  The Middle School World Languages Program is composed of grade-level courses, which constitute an introductory curriculum.  Students entering the sixth grade choose to study French, Latin, or Spanish and continue with their choice through the eighth grade. Students entering the program in the seventh or the eighth grade will be assessed on an individual basis for placement. The world languages curriculum develops an appreciation for foreign culture and promotes the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the target language.  The student’s performance and achievement will culminate in a recommendation for continuation in the Upper School program.  Students entering the ninth grade may follow the recommendations and/or pursue another language.