Middle School

Course Descriptions

  • 7th Grade Language Arts

    Teacher: Erica Dick

    This class is designed to grow students as critical thinkers, discerning readers, and competent writers. Students will study literature, composition, grammar and vocabulary. Students will be evaluated through essay writing, grammar and vocabulary tests, oral presentations, and other projects. 

    This class will include both regular and honors 7th grade students. 

    Advanced Options: Parents can choose to have their student complete this course with advanced differentiation. This will include larger vocabulary lists (15 words per unit as opposed to 10), more advanced student choice novels (we will have three through the year that a parent can set at a higher reading level), and more robust essays and projects. The instructor will send out information on this differentiation on the first day of class.

    8th Grade Language Arts

    Teacher: Erica Dick

    This class builds on 7th grade language arts in helping students grow to be critical thinkers, discerning readers, and clear communicators. Students will go deeper in understanding components of literature, grammar, and composition, as well as study vocabulary. 

    This class will include both regular and honors 8th grade students. 

    Advanced Options: Parents can choose to have their student complete this course with advanced differentiation. This will include larger vocabulary lists (15 words per unit as opposed to 10), more advanced student choice novels (we will have three through the year that a parent can set at a higher reading level), and more robust essays and projects. The instructor will send out information on this differentiation on the first day of class.

  • Middle School Life Science

    Teacher: Barb Mross

    This course covers a wide range of topics including a history of science, the scientific method, a study of simple machines, geology, astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, chemistry, basic biology, and exploring science and creation. Students are encouraged to learn to take their own notes from the reading at home. Students will complete lab reports, take written tests, answer questions from the textbook, have reading assignments, and complete some independent science projects. Class time is primarily used for completion of group activities, experiments and demonstration activities, as well as discussions on the material. Students learn proper lab techniques as well as the proper handling and use of a microscope during this course. 

  • 7th Grade Math

    Teacher: Jodi Smith

    This course serves as the regular 7th grade math course and bridges the gap between arithmetic and higher level mathematics. Topics include negative number and rational number operations (including fractions and decimals), proportions, ratios and percents. Students will learn how to solve one and two-step equations and explore the concepts of slope and linear relationships before looking at the geometric concepts of surface area and volume of prisms. Finally students will be introduced to the study of probability and some elementary statistics and data displays.

    Prerequisite: Successful completion of 6th grade Math

    Pre-Algebra (7th Advanced or 8th)

    Teacher: Jodi Smith

    This course is for on grade level 8th grade and advanced 7th grade math students and will prepare the student to take high school level Algebra I. Students will develop algebraic thinking by learning how to solve and evaluate equations, graph functions and apply graphing to real-world situations. Students will expand on geometric concepts learned in prior grades and explore probability and statistics.

    Prerequisite for 7th grade: Superior performance in 6th grade Math and on placement test provided by teacher.

    Prerequisite for 8th grade: Successful completion of 7th grade math

    Advanced Algebra I

    Teacher: Jodi Smith

    This course is a rigorous study of Algebra 1 at the high school level. It is designed for the advanced 8th or 9th grade student who has mastered pre-algebra skills and excels in math. Prior knowledge of equations and linear relationships, including graphing, is required. Topics of study include multi-step equations and inequalities, functions, linear equations, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials, quadratic functions and radicals.
    Prerequisite: Superior performance in Pre-Algebra and a high level of interest in math

  • Middle School U.S. History

    Teacher: Lauren Cooper

    In Middle School U.S. History we travel back in time and learn about The Explorers to the 21st Century. Through differentiated instruction we will be reading, writing, drawing, comparing, and making meaning from texts and other documents. Through a hands-on-approach history comes to life and understanding is developed.

Middle School Electives

  • Teachers: Erica Dick

    This introductory archery and lifestyle fitness class will include introductory archery as well as lifestyle fitness. 

    ARCHERY: The archery portion of the class is designed for beginners and those looking to refine their skills in the ancient and exciting sport of archery. Students will learn the fundamentals of shooting, including proper stance, grip, aim, and release techniques. Throughout the class, students will practice shooting at various target distances and will engage in exercises to improve focus, hand-eye coordination, and consistency. By the end of the course, students will have gained confidence in their abilities and will be ready to participate in friendly competitions or continue advancing their archery journey.

    LIFESTYLE FITNESS: This introductory Lifestyle Fitness course is designed to promote overall well-being by combining physical activity with healthy habits. The class focuses on creating sustainable fitness routines that are accessible to all fitness levels. Participants will engage in a variety of exercises, including strength training, cardio, flexibility work, and mobility exercises, with an emphasis on functional movement patterns that enhance daily life. Students will learn how to set achievable goals, develop personalized fitness plans, and build habits that promote long-term health and wellness. 

    Duration: Semester Long

  • Teacher: Erica Schurter

    This discussion-based class helps students learn to think carefully, recognize common errors in reasoning, and evaluate ideas thoughtfully- all through a Christian perspective. Using The Art of Argument curriculum, students explore informal fallacies, practice clear communication, and develop critical thinking skills in a supportive environment.

    Each semester class studies new material, but the first semester is not a pre-requisite to enroll for second semester.

    Duration: Semester Long

  • Teacher: Julie Webb

    Students will learn the basics of crocheting while making fun, simple projects. This hands-on class encourages patience, creativity, and focus, all in a relaxed, supportive environment.

    Duration: Semester Long

  • Teacher: Erica Schurter

    Elements of Art is a foundational art course that introduces students to the building blocks of visual art: line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space. Each unit focuses on one element at a time, beginning with guided discussions and simple drawings alongside examples from well-known works of art. Students will explore how artists use each element to communicate ideas, feelings, and meaning.

    After practicing each element through focused exercises, students will apply their learning by creating an original artwork. For each element, students may choose from one to three project options, allowing for personal interest, creativity, and individual learning styles. The course emphasizes understanding, experimentation, and thoughtful decision-making rather than technical perfection.

    This class is ideal for artists of any skill level who want to build strong visual foundations, grow creative confidence, and develop skills they can use in future art courses.

    Students can enroll in one or both semesters. Each semester presents new material, but first semester is not a requirement to enroll in second semester.

    Duration: Semester Long

  • Teacher: Barb Mross

    This one-semester class is an introductory art elective designed for middle school and high school students. This course invites students to explore how art connects to daily life by using familiar materials, personal experiences, and creative problem-solving. Through hands-on projects in drawing, painting, mixed media, and design, students will learn foundational art concepts such as line, shape, color, texture, and composition.

    Students will experiment, take creative risks, and develop their own artistic voice in a supportive and low-pressure environment. Emphasis is placed on process over perfection, encouraging curiosity, self-expression, and confidence. No prior art experience is required—just a willingness to try, observe, and create.

    This class is offered both semesters, but will repeat material. Students should only enroll in one section of the class.

    Duration: Semester Long

  • Teacher: Julie Webb

    The home economics course will focus on equipping students with practical life skills to better prepare them for the responsibilities of adulthood. Students will gain invaluable life skills related to managing a household, budgeting effectively, and making informed consumer decisions. This course will grow students' understanding and appreciation for the value of home and family life. The course will provide a basic introduction in areas like kitchen basics and safety, meal planning, nutrition, food budgeting, cooking/baking, food preservation, sewing, time management, and many other home management topics. Class structure will be divided up between in class learning, hands-on activities in the kitchen or related to the topic, and at home application projects. This class will provide students with practical knowledge that will empower them for a successful and fulfilling future.

    Duration: Semester Long  

  • Teacher: Kelci Kempson

    The Introduction to Coding course is designed to give middle school students a fun and engaging entry into the world of computer programming. In this course, students will learn the basics of coding through hands-on projects and interactive lessons. This course provides a solid foundation in coding, encourages creativity, and prepares students for more advanced programming challenges in the future. No prior experience is necessary—just a curiosity to learn and a willingness to explore!

    Duration: Semester Long

  • Teacher: Alex Green

    In this one semester course, students will learn proper keyboarding techniques to improve their typing speed and accuracy. They will also develop essential computer skills, including navigating Microsoft Word and Excel, formatting documents, creating spreadsheets, and using basic digital tools effectively. This class equips students with practical technology skills for school, work and beyond.

    Duration: Semester Long

  • Work directly with our middle school math teacher, Jodi Smith, to review concepts, ask questions and improve your understanding of math!

    Duration: Semester Long

  • Teacher: Erica Dick

    This one semester course will take a will study the major narrative of the Old Testament, digging into the story of God’s work and relationship with mankind from Creation through the Post-Exilic and prophets.

    The same class is offered both semesters of the 2026-2027 school year, so students should only sign up for this course for one semester. 

    Duration: Semester Long

  • Teacher: TBD

    In this casual, fun elective, middle school students will enjoy a rotation of movement activities, logic games, stem projects and more!

    Duration: Semester Long

  • Teacher: Erica Dick

    Spring Play is a collaborative theater experience open to students in 7th-12th grade. Participants will take part in all aspects of a theatrical production, including auditions, acting, learning lines, rehearsals, and performance, as well as behind-the-scenes roles such as planning, set design, and stage crew. This course emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and responsibility while bringing a full theatrical production to life.

    Duration: Semester Long