Wilson Fundations Phonetic Reading Program

The systematic phonetic reading instructional program provides the essential foundation for automatizing decoding skills. Once acquired, these skills enable students to begin reading with increasing fluency for comprehension and enjoyment. Wilson Fundations is the proven program for systematic acquisition of decoding skills.

Literature

Classic stories read aloud: Aesop’s Fables, Little Red Riding Hood, Make Way for Ducklings, Curious George, Madeline, Pinocchio, Puss In Boots, Snow White, Babar, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Thumbelina, Where the Wild Things Are, The Velveteen Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Story of Ferdinand

Nature Study

The study of nature involves frequent forays into the natural world. Appreciation and curiosity are emphasized. Students will be given instruction and opportunities to classify and distinguish the common birds, trees, mammals, insects, and seasonal patterns. The main text (teacher) will be Anna Botsford Comstock’s classic work, The Handbook of Nature Study.

Math

Topics: time, counting, skip counting, measuring, graphs, story problems, and estimation. Review and practice are key components of the program. Texts: Saxon Math K

Religion

Topics: basic prayers (Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father, Glory Be, Act of Contrition, The Memorare, The Rosary) and the sacraments. Bible stories will also be read aloud. Texts: The Seven Sacraments by Fr. Lawrence Lovasik and The Kindergarten Catechism for Young Catholics.

Music

Students will learn choral singing and music appreciation. The curriculum of the arts grows out of at least three modes of knowledge: creative (making artworks), historical, and analytical. Early study of the arts will embrace all three modes with special emphasis on proficiency and active participation.

Art

Each student will learn to apply the basics of drawing, color, and composition to the creation of visual art. Topics include nature, still life, shading, and perspective.

Physical Education

Daily outdoor exercise and games will be a regular part of the school day.

Wilson Fundations Phonetic Reading Program

The systematic phonetic reading instructional program provides the essential foundation for automatizing decoding skills. Once acquired, these skills enable students to begin reading with increasing fluency for comprehension and enjoyment.

Literature

Classic stories read-aloud: Rikki-Tikki-Tavi by Rudyard Kipling, Stuart Little by E.B. White, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Nature Study

The study of nature involves frequent forays into the natural world. Appreciation and curiosity are emphasized. Students will be given instruction and opportunities to classify and distinguish the common birds, trees, mammals, insects, and seasonal patterns. The main text (teacher) will be Anna Botsford Comstock’s classic work, The Handbook of Nature Study.

Math

Topics: skip count by ones, twos, fives, and tens, identify the ordinal position to tenth, master all basic addition and subtraction facts, measure using inches, feet, and centimeters, add quarters, draw polygons, and observe information from real graphs, pictographs, and bar graphs. Review and practice are key components of the program. Texts: Saxon Math 1.

Physical Education

Daily outdoor exercise and games will be a regular part of the school day.

Religion

Topics: the Triune God, the life of Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the life of prayer, with a special emphasis on growing to know, love, and trust God. Texts: Our Heavenly Father, Faith and Life Series Book 1.

History

The Story of the World Vol. 1: History for the Classical Child by Susan Wise Bauer

Music

Students will learn choral singing and music appreciation. The curriculum of the arts grows out of at least three modes of knowledge: creative (making artworks), historical, and analytical. Early study of the arts will embrace all three modes with special emphasis on creativity and active participation.

Art

Each student will learn to apply the basics of drawing, color, and composition to the creation of visual art. Topics include nature, still life, shading, and perspective.

Cursive Handwriting

Zaner-Bloser

Wilson Fundations Phonetic Reading Program

The systematic phonetic reading instructional program provides the essential foundation for automatizing decoding skills. Once acquired, these skills enable students to begin reading with increasing fluency for comprehension and enjoyment.

Literature

Classic stories read aloud: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White, The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett.

Nature Study

The study of nature involves frequent forays into the natural world. Appreciation and curiosity are emphasized. Students will be given instruction and opportunities to classify and distinguish the common birds, trees, mammals, insects, and seasonal patterns. The main text (teacher) will be Anna Botsford Comstock’s classic work, The Handbook of Nature Study.

Math

Topics: working with larger numbers, geometric shapes, Venn diagrams, graphs, basic calculations, simple fractions and multi-step problems. Review and practice are key components of the program. Texts: Saxon Math 2.

Religion

Topics: Preparation for the first reception of the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion, with the law of God and salvation history as background. The lesson emphasizes God's mercy and love and covers Creation, the Covenant with Moses, the Ten Commandments, Redemption, Forgiveness of Sins, and the Mass. Texts: Jesus Our Life, Faith and Life Series Book 2.

History

The Story of the World, Vol. 2; History for the Classical Child by Susan Wise Bauer

Music

Students will learn choral singing and music appreciation. The curriculum of the arts grows out of at least three modes of knowledge: creative (making artworks), historical, and analytical. Early study of the arts will embrace all three modes with special emphasis on proficiency and active participation.

Art

Each student will learn to apply the basics of drawing, color, and composition to the creation of visual art. Topics include nature, still life, shading, and perspective.

Physical Education

Daily outdoor exercise and games will be a regular part of the school day.

Literature

Literature includes the reading, aloud and silently, of short stories, folk tales, and novels, as well as the memorization and recital of a number of poems. Outside reading and book reports are required. Entertainment, admiration for life as it is lived, and the love for and increasingly adept use of language are important benefits of literature study.

Texts: The Great Quillow by James Thurber, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, A Door in the Wall by Marguerite De Angeli, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl,

Poetry includes: The Cats of Kilkenny, The Daffodils by William Wordsworth, A Knight by Geoffrey Chaucer, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Tiger by William Blake, The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Robert Browning

Mathematics

Math is taught using the Saxon program. It is an incremental program that continually reinforces past lessons while introducing a broad range of math problems. Supplements include various games, projects, and narratives on the accomplishments of famous mathematicians. Topics: Addition, subtraction, fractions, decimals, multiplication, and division (including memorization of times tables)

Texts: Math 54 by Saxon.

Natural History

Natural History is a key component of Lower School education. Along with detailed classification and regular notation in scientific journals, the students actively engage with the natural surroundings on campus and nearby locations. The subject fosters a systematic and detailed understanding of the ecosystem as well as the ability for careful observation, appreciation, and greater awareness of the dynamic natural world. Many of the subjects of study are similar across the grades, but the study increases in depth and detail and with different focuses per grade.

Topics:

1. insects—especially lepidoptera (butterflies, moths), coleoptera (beetles), and hymenoptera, (bees, ants, wasps)

2. trees—basic identification of 10+ trees in area, focus on trees near water, esp. sycamore, willow, and softwoods (pines and firs)

3. birds—basic identification of 20+ birds in area, generally focus on Perching Land Birds (thrushes, mimic thrushes, titmice, nuthatches, wrens, swallows, blackbirds, starlings); other groups include doves, bird hawks, and some specific woodpeckers (downy and common flicker)

4. reptiles and amphibians—especially cover frogs, toads, and turtles

5. mammals—especially squirrels, raccoons, foxes, and deer

Texts: Golden Guide to Trees, Golden Guide to Insects, Golden Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians, Birds of Eastern and Central North America by R.T. Peterson

Religion

Religion is taught two to three times a week and is mandatory for Catholic students. The main text books are part of the Faith & Life series published by Ignatius Press. Classes are supplemented with selected and interesting narratives from the Old and New Testament, occasional devotional practices such as the recitation of the rosary. Themes that pervade the religion curriculum include the recognition and efforts of living as a loved child of God, a more personal knowledge of the person of Jesus, as well as the understanding of religion and worship as just and proper responses to the Creator.

Topics: Survey of key narratives in the Old and New Testaments, Ten Commandments, and the Sacraments—especially as based in Scripture

Texts: Our Life with Jesus, Book 3; Sacred Scripture selections

History

History mostly focuses on American history up to the Civil War. Texts, employing a strong narrative method, from Joy Hakim’s History of US published by Oxford University Press are used in each grade. Various field trips and the use of outside sources and stories, including historical fiction, augment the program.

Topics: Early native settlers to the explorers and early colonization

Texts: The First Americans: A History of US, Book 1 by Joy Hakim

Language Arts

Includes handwriting, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.

Texts: Zaner Bloser Handwriting Book 3, Zaner Bloser Spelling Book 3, Wordly Wise Book C

Music

Students will learn choral singing and music appreciation. The curriculum of the arts grows out of at least three modes of knowledge: creative (making artworks), historical, and analytical. Early study of the arts will embrace all three modes with special emphasis on proficiency and active participation.

Art

Each student will learn to apply the basics of drawing, color, and composition to the creation of visual art. Topics include nature, still life, shading, and perspective.

Physical Education

Daily exercise and sports, with an emphasis on physical fitness and learning how to compete gracefully.

Literature

Literature includes the reading, aloud and silently, of short stories, folk tales, and novels, as well as the memorization and recital of a number of poems. Outside reading and book reports are required. Entertainment, cultural literacy, admiration for life as it is lived, and the love for, and increasingly adept use of language are important benefits of literature study.

Texts: Farmer Boy by L.E. Wilder, The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis, Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry, The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Poetry includes: Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll, The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost, Barbara Fritchie by James Greenleaf Whittier

Mathematics

Math is taught using the Saxon program. It is an incremental program that continually reinforces past lessons while introducing a broad range of math problems. Supplements include various games, projects, and narratives on the accomplishments of famous mathematicians.

Texts: Math 6/5 by Saxon

Topics: Basic geometry, fractional and decimal operations, continued development of multiplication and division

Natural History

Natural History is a key component of Lower School education. Along with detailed classification and regular notation in scientific journals, the students actively engage with the natural surroundings on campus and nearby locations. The subject fosters a systematic and detailed understanding of the ecosystem as well as the ability for careful observation, appreciation, and greater awareness of the dynamic natural world. Many of the subjects of study are similar across the grades, but the study increases in depth and detail and with different focuses per grade.

Topics:

1. insects—especially cover diptera (mosquitoes, flies), odonata (damselfly, dragonfly), hemiptera (“true bugs”- stink bugs, water strider)

2. trees—basic identification of 20+ trees in area, focus on oaks and maples

3. birds—basic identification of 30+ birds in area, generally focus on Swimming, Wading & Sea Birds (geese, ducks, herons, egrets, gulls, terns); other groups include finches, wrens, tanagers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and osprey

4. arachnids, arthropods, specific reptiles (lizards, non-poisonous snakes)

5. wolf, coyote, rabbits, weasel, and martens

6. basic rocks and minerals

Texts: Golden Guide to Trees, Golden Guide to Insects, Golden Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians, Birds of Eastern and Central North America by R.T. Peterson

Religion

Religion is taught two to three times a week and is mandatory for Catholic students. The main text books are part of the Faith & Life series published by Ignatius Press. Classes are supplemented with selected and interesting narratives from the Old and New Testament, occasional devotional practices such as the recitation of the rosary. Themes that pervade the religion curriculum include the recognition and efforts of living as a loved child of God, a more personal knowledge of the person of Jesus, as well as the understanding of religion and worship as just and proper responses to the Creator.

Topics: Key Old Testament narratives, particularly Genesis and the Fall, Redemption in the person of Jesus, Ten Commandments; Mass and basic prayers, the Seven Sacraments, the lives of saints

Texts: Jesus Our Guide, Book 4; Sacred Scripture selections

History

History mostly focuses on American history up to the Civil War. Texts, employing a strong narrative method, from Joy Hakim’s History of US published by Oxford University Press are used in each grade. Various field trips and the use of outside sources and stories, including historical fiction, augment the program.

Topics: The development of the first thirteen English colonies in eastern North America

Texts: Making Thirteen Colonies: A History of US, Book 2 by Joy Hakim

Language Arts

Language Arts includes handwriting, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.

Texts: Zaner Bloser Handwriting Book 4, Zaner Bloser Spelling Book 4, Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book 4

Music

Students will learn choral singing and music appreciation. The curriculum of the arts grows out of at least three modes of knowledge: creative (making artworks), historical, and analytical. Early study of the arts will embrace all three modes with special emphasis on proficiency and active participation.

Art

Each student will learn to apply the basics of drawing, color, and composition to the creation of visual art. Topics include nature, still life, shading, and perspective.

Physical Education

Daily exercise and sports, with an emphasis on physical fitness and learning how to compete gracefully.

Literature

Literature includes the reading, aloud and silently, of short stories, folk tales, and novels, as well as the memorization and recital of a number of poems. Outside reading and book reports are required. Entertainment, cultural literacy, admiration for life as it is lived, and the love for and increasingly adept use of language are important benefits of literature study.

Texts: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Tanglewood Tales by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson

Poetry includes: The Bells and El Dorado by Edgar Allen Poe, Concord Hymn by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Pied Beauty and The Windhover by Gerard M. Hopkins, The Listeners by Walter de la Mare, The Donkey by G.K. Chesterton, Casey at the Bat by Ernest L. Thayer

Mathematics

Math is taught using the Saxon program, an incremental approach that continually reinforces past lessons while introducing a broad range of math problems. Supplements include various games, projects, and narratives on the accomplishments of famous mathematicians.

Topics: Fundamental geometry, simple algebra, multiplication and division of fractions and decimals

Texts: Math 76 by Saxon

Natural History

Natural History is a key component of Lower School education. Along with detailed classification and regular notation in scientific journals, the students actively engage with the natural surroundings on campus and nearby locations. The subject fosters a systematic and detailed understanding of the ecosystem as well as the ability for careful observation, appreciation, and greater awareness of the dynamic natural world. Many of the subjects of study are similar across the grades, but the study increases in depth and detail and with different focuses per grade.

Topics:

1. insects—especially cover orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, katydids), homoptera (cicadas, leafhoppers, aphids)

2. trees—basic identification of 25+ trees in area, focus on beeches, (American Beech), specific fruit trees (mulberry, apple, cherry, peach), specific nut trees (pecan, walnut)

3. birds—basic identification of 30+ birds in area, generally focus on Birds of Prey (buteos, eagles, owls, vultures, falcons); other groups include jays & crows, waxwings, and hummingbirds.

4. venomous snakes, alligators, crocodiles

5. bear, badger, mole, groundhog

Texts: Golden Guide to Trees, Golden Guide to Weather, Guide to Rocks and Minerals, Guide to Eastern Forests, Guide to Venomous Animals and Poisonous Plants by R.T. Peterson, The Forest by Roger Caras, various supplemental materials

Religion

Religion is taught two to three times a week and is mandatory for Catholic students. The main text books are part of the Faith & Life series published by Ignatius Press. Classes are supplemented with selected and interesting narratives from the Old and New Testament, occasional devotional practices such as the recitation of the rosary. Themes that pervade the religion curriculum include the recognition and efforts of living as a loved child of God, a more personal knowledge of the person of Jesus, as well as the understanding of religion and worship as just and proper responses to the Creator.

Topics: The Apostles Creed, the Trinity, salvation history from Adam and Eve through the New Testament, and the universal call to holiness

Texts: Credo: I Believe, Book 5; Sacred Scripture selections

History

History mostly focuses on American history up to the Civil War. Texts, employing a strong narrative method, from Joy Hakim’s History of US published by Oxford University Press are used in each grade. Various field trips and the use of outside sources and stories, including historical fiction, augment the program.

Topics: The American Revolution and early development of the Republic

Texts: From Colonies to Country: A History of US, Book 3 by Joy Hakim, Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, Rabble in Arms by Kenneth Roberts

Language Arts

Language Arts includes handwriting, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.

Texts: Zaner Bloser Handwriting Book 5, Zaner Bloser Spelling Book 5, Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book 5

Music

Students will learn choral singing and music appreciation. The curriculum of the arts grows out of at least three modes of knowledge: creative (making artworks), historical, and analytical. Early study of the arts will embrace all three modes with special emphasis on proficiency and active participation.

Art

Each student will learn to apply the basics of drawing, color, and composition to the creation of visual art. Topics include nature, still life, shading, and perspective.

Physical Education

Daily exercise and sports, with an emphasis on physical fitness and learning how to compete gracefully.

Language Arts

Language Arts in the sixth grade covers the basic parts of speech and sentence structure, with the goal of improving a student’s writing ability and understanding of grammar. The primary mode of instruction is classroom presentation of the principles in each section followed by regular practice to reinforce the concept covered in class. The principles are reinforced by diagramming sentences.

Texts: Grammar and Writing 6 by Saxon; Vocabulary from Classical Roots 6

Literature

The main skills developed through the sixth-grade literature curriculum include reading comprehension, reading aloud, memorization and recitation of classic poetry, literary criticism, plot mapping, and composition of critical essays. The text selections in the sixth-grade literature course are chosen with the understanding that it is as important to cultivate the imagination as it is to cultivate the will or intelligence.

Texts: Sounder by William Armstrong, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb, Anne of Green Gables L.M. Montgomery, Little Women by Louisa Mae Alcott

Mathematics

This course is a combination of the theory and practical application of arithmetic and geometry. Major concepts covered include the following: the review and mastery of operations with fractions and mixed numbers, reciprocals, ratios, proportions, exponents, square roots, scientific notation, order of operations, algebraic addition, simple equations, perimeters, circumferences, areas, and volumes. Through working with the abstract concepts and relations of numbers and figures, the student develops and sharpens the imagination and reasoning capacity. Each student must solve problems that require a number of subordinate steps to find a solution, reinforcing the importance of attention to detail as well as a stepwise approach to solving problems. Students are encouraged to recognize how a small error in an initial step will affect the conclusion.

Text: Math 87 by Hake & Saxon.

Earth Science

This course is an introduction to the geological sciences and also serves as preparation for the study of chemistry. Major topics covered include the following: the earth’s topography, rocks, minerals, water displacement, specific gravity, the earth’s interior, magnetism, fresh water, the oceans, the atmosphere, the planets, and the moon. The course strives to impress upon the student the immensity, order, and beauty of the created world. This is an understanding prior to the laboratory and atomic analysis of chemistry. Through classroom demonstrations and activities, habits of observation and analysis are exercised.

Text: Earth Science published by Prentice Hall.

American History

The focus of the American history course in the sixth grade is on the westward expansion of the 1800’s. Students study the plight of the immigrant laborer, the impact of industry and the railroad, the conditions of life in the north and south, slavery, the wars and battles of the West including the Mexican War, the lives of mountain men, traders and trappers, the voyage of Lewis and Clark, the conditions leading up to the Civil War, and the outbreak of the Civil War.

As students learn more about the adventures of westward expansion, they are required to take notes and learn how to outline chapters for later study. History is taught from the perspective of a factual story and in an analytical sense students are expected to understand the major themes of the day and how they relate to one another throughout a course of events.

Text: The New Nation, A History of US by Joy Hakim; Liberty for All?, A History of US by Joy Hakim

Religion

The sixth-grade religion course guides the student through a variety of topics ranging from the ancestral roots of the Hebrew people to the beginning of Christianity/Catholicism and finally to The Resurrection following the salvific sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s passion and death on the cross. The student will gain a better understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, and a greater appreciation for the lives and contributions of the saints. Different chapters from the Bible will be assigned and read in class. The student will develop an enhanced knowledge of the role of Mary, the Mother of God, in salvation history, as well as a more comprehensive understanding and personal appreciation of the powerful mystery of the Holy Eucharist available to us daily in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Text: Following Christ, Faith and Life, Ignatius Press.

Art

The sixth grade art class studies perspective, realism, and color through a variety of media. Students are expected to draw and sketch as well as understand and appreciate great works of art.

Physical Education

Students participate in physical education class on a daily basis. The emphasis of this class is on fitness, skill development, understanding the rules of a variety of sports, engaged participation, and sportsmanship.

English Literature and Language Arts

The emphasis of the seventh grade English course is to promote sound reading habits as well as critical and analytical thinking and expression. An emphasis is also placed upon grammar, sentence structure, and word usage in the context of written expression. There are three main components to the seventh grade English class: literature, grammar, and vocabulary. The primary objective of the literature component is to enhance a student’s interest in reading while introducing concepts of literary analysis. Students will be expected to discuss and critically analyze what they read. The primary objective of the vocabulary component is to broaden the student’s word usage and word construction knowledge.

Texts: Grammar and Writing 7 by Saxon, Vocabulary from Classical Roots 7

Selected works of literature, including: The Odyssey by Homer, Sonnets by William Shakespeare, The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy, Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Latin

The study of Latin is an important aspect of the academic curriculum because of its connection, historically and linguistically, to the wider sweep of Western Civilization. The fixed and clear structure of Latin grammar broadens the understanding of English grammar and the nature of language in general.

Text: Ecce Romani I published by Prentice Hall

Life Science

This course develops an appreciation and understanding of biology in everyday life. It seeks to have students understand that the world around them is a collection of countless mysteries and discoveries. In addition, the course imparts a practical familiarity and base of knowledge required for the more advanced study of biological science.

Text: Exploring Life Science by Prentice Hall.

Mathematics

The seventh grade Pre-Algebra course continues to build a foundation for advanced mathematics by emphasizing basic skills and problem-solving techniques. Major topics studied and reviewed include converting decimals, fractions and percents, geometric area and volume of various shapes, averaging quantities, order of operations, changing rates, algebraic steps, ratios, word problems, probability, exponents, square roots, scientific notation, and distance problems.

The habits and skills that this course seeks to establish for students include order in problem solving, neatness, completeness, attention to detail, perseverance, proper arithmetic, showing problem-solving steps, verifying solutions, and identifying and correcting common sources of mistakes.

Text: Algebra by Saxon

Religion

The seventh-grade religion course provides a detailed understanding of the doctrine of grace. The student develops an appreciation for this supernatural gift from God given to us through Jesus Christ and God’s plan for salvation.

Text: The Life of Grace, Faith and Life Series, Ignatius Press.

Ancient History

The focus of the seventh grade course is on the ancient world, with special attention to Greece, Rome, and world geography. Students will be given opportunities to begin integrating their knowledge of history by linking events of the distant past with more contemporary events, while gaining a better understanding of how geography influences human history.

Text: The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome by Susan Wise Bauer

Art

The seventh grade art class covers perspective, realism, and color through a variety of media. Students are expected to draw and sketch as well as understand and appreciate great works of art.

Physical Education

All students participate in physical education class on a daily basis. The emphasis is on fitness, skill development, understanding the rules of a variety of sports, engaged participation, and sportsmanship.

English

The English course emphasizes literature (poetry and prose), vocabulary, and grammar. A student’s understanding of grammatical standards is reinforced through regular writing assignments. Literary study broadens imagination and develops cultural literacy. It also helps students to become better writers as they learn by assimilating and imitating the great works of literature they read. Throughout the course of the year, students are also challenged to memorize poetry and recite selected poems, while being attentive to the importance of presentation.

Texts: (selected): The Iliad by Homer, The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

History ( Medieval / Renaissance)

The eighth-grade history course is a survey of major historical events from the fall of Rome to the early modern period. The focus will be on major figures, key events, and the pivotal influence of Christianity across centuries.

Text: Light to the Nations: The History of Christian Civilization

Latin

The eighth grade Latin course furthers the objectives established in the seventh grade Latin course. Students will continue learning the forms of the language along with details of Roman literature and culture.

Text: Ecce Romani I

Algebra I

This course will begin with a thorough review of the major topics from the seventh-grade pre-algebra course. Following this review of material, this course covers the following mathematical topics: angles, polygons, perimeter, rectangular area, unit multipliers, areas of triangles, graphs, variables, word problems, equivalent equations, reciprocals, exponents, roots, volume, surface area, circumference and pi, graphing inequalities, theorems for exponents, advanced word problems, graphing linear equations, intercept-slope method, multiplication and division of polynomials, subscripted variables, simplification of radicals, monomial and binomial factoring, difference of squares, quadratic equations and formula, completing the square, distance problems, uniform motion problems, and additional topics if time permits.

Text: Algebra 1 – An Incremental Development, 3rd Edition, by Saxon

Physical Science

This course acts as an introduction to physical science and in doing so covers the major areas of physics and chemistry. The course intends to be a wide survey of the laws of motion and matter and seeks to fascinate students by their first in-depth exposure to these physical sciences. The following major topics are covered throughout the course: mechanics, Newtonian physics, laws of motion, heat and temperature, thermodynamic models of chemistry, waves and sound, the behavior of light waves, electricity and magnetism, the structure of matter, chemistry and the periodic table, and the universe and solar system.

Text: Physical Science published by Scott Foresman

Religion

Eighth grade religion studies the history of the Church. Topics covered include: Christ's plan for the Church's structure and its necessary attributes; the Church's teaching authority. The early Church: Martyrs, Fathers, Saints and Mary. The Christian in the World. Religious and laity, Holy Orders, Marriage, and family life; call to holiness. The Last Things. Death, Judgment, the end of the world.

Text: Our Life in the Church, Ignatius Press, Faith and Life Series; supplemental writings on the lives of the saints

Art

The eighth grade Art class is a survey covering perspective, realism, still life, landscapes, architecture, and color through a variety of media. Students are expected to draw and sketch as well as apprehend and appreciate great works of art.

Music

Students will learn choral singing and music appreciation. The curriculum of the arts grows out of at least three modes of knowledge: creative (making artworks), historical, and analytical. Early study of the arts will embrace all three modes with special emphasis on proficiency and active participation.

Physical Education

Students participate in physical education class on a daily basis. The emphasis is on fitness, skill development, understanding the rules of a variety of sports, engaged participation, and sportsmanship.