Seventh Grade

The seventh-grade English curriculum further develops basic communication skills through the study of literature, reading strategies, and process writing. A workshop approach is often utilized to aid students in the development, practice, and internalization of effective reading and writing strategies and skills.

Readers' Workshop includes the use of short stories, class novels, genre studies, poetry, supplementary materials, and self-selected readings. During Writers' Workshop, students continue to craft and write original pieces while studying exemplars of the genre. Word study and grammar practice are also integral parts of class lessons and activities.

In seventh grade, students enhance their understanding of global geography and representative cultures as it applies to the modern world. Students develop an understanding of the historical roots of current global issues and skills that will aid them in their investigation of major turning points that shape our world.

With an emphasis on inquiry and problem-based learning, students learn to identify and investigate the issues using critical thinking skills and domain knowledge to explore several geopolitical issues.

Each year students are challenged to become a participant in the Global Village. As students become more knowledgeable of the physical landscape and social values of the world, they demonstrate their understanding of a regional issue using model diplomacy and various performance assessments.

Seventh grade students are placed in the appropriate level math class after carefully considering the following categories: performance in 6th grade math, algebra assessment test, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendation.

Pre-Algebra 
The topics covered include number sense, fractions, factors, exponents, simplifying expressions, solving and graphing linear equations, ratios, proportions, percent, probability, and statistics.

Honors Pre-Algebra
Topics covered include Number Sense, Fractions, Factors & Exponents, Simplifying Expressions, Solving and Graphing Linear Equations, Ratios & Proportions, Percent, Probability, and Statistics. While these are the same topics as the Pre-Algebra course, the topics are covered in greater depth and at a faster pace.

Honors Algebra 1
Students who have completed the 6th grade Pre-Algebra course are placed in Honors Algebra.  Topics covered include Algebra Foundations, Linear Functions, Writing Linear Functions, Linear Systems, Exponents and Functions, Polynomials, Quadratic Functions and Equations, Radicals and Introduction to Geometry, and Rational Expressions and Equations. While the topics are nearly the same as the Algebra 1 course, the topics are covered in greater depth and at a faster pace.

The goals of the Modern and Classical Languages Department are to develop language-competent, global-minded citizens. Seventh grade Spanish and French are proficiency-oriented courses in which students practice the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, in all modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. 

Units of study are thematically based, enabling students to acquire new language skills through the medium of new information. By means of a broad array of input, including authentic websites, videos, print and maps, students develop language skills and cultural awareness.

Games, skits, songs, puppet shows, and other developmentally appropriate activities motivate student learning. The resources employed support the students’ transition from Novice to the Intermediate proficiency level, as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

From body systems to cells and genetics, seventh grade science is an exploration of life science and physical science. This course is an inquiry-based study of the human body to demonstrate how these concepts are interconnected for survival.

Unit topics include energy, body systems, cells, cellular respiration, basic chemistry, immune response, genetics, natural selection, and energy transformations including light and sound. Students hone science process skills for laboratory explorations and use the engineering design process to construct solutions to problems related to these topics.

All Middle School students participate in the arts every day. In seventh grade, students experience concentrated study in one area of fine arts choosing between band, choir, drama, orchestra, or visual art. Our goal is to grow the creative capacity within the students to think, invent, and express themselves. Students gain an appreciation of and understanding of music, art, and drama. By participating in the creative process, students discover and develop their individual and collective talents

All Middle School students participate in daily physical education. Focusing on individual improvements in physical fitness, students are asked to work on cardiovascular endurance and physical strength regularly. Additionally, students are exposed to a variety of sports throughout the year with the hope that they will be enticed to continue participating in Middle School athletics, which begin in seventh grade. Focus also starts being placed on non-sport related areas of fitness, such as weight training.

In seventh grade, students learn about identity, stress management, coping skills, mental well-being, and decision making. This course also examines the positives and negatives of social media. Students explore who they are and how their actions affect the world around them.