Eighth Grade
At this stage we vary from the classic liberal arts format of self-contained rooms to a middle school model. Although our teaching methods are classical, we believe the experience of multiple educators and viewpoints to be of value. The eighth grade is the American year when they study the history, literature, and world contributions of the United States.
LANGUAGE
Students continue to develop their ability to comprehend, analyze, and critique novels. Several classical novels are chosen by the teacher for use during the year that relate to the historic theme of the year. Students discuss the novels being read in a Socratic Seminar format.
In addition, teachers may refer to Voyages in English published by Loyola Press for grammatical support. The practice of research and report writing is introduced with presentations made by students regularly. Voyages in English teaches grammar and writing as essential and related skills, presenting concepts in a balanced approach that empowers students to become effective readers, writers, speakers, listeners, and thinkers. The series promotes instruction in and application of the seven traits necessary for high-quality writing: idea development, organization, word choice, voice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation. The practice of research and report writing is introduced with presentations made by students regularly.
For students who have a greater love and understanding of literature we have Honors English. To be in this course students must have high English grades in seventh grade and test into the class. They will not only read and study great works of literature, but they will do so from a philosophical, theological, and cultural perspective.
MATHEMATICS
In eighth grade, students can choose two mathematics courses, based on their abilities. A student may be in the regular math class or Honors Math. Students in the regular math program study Algebra I. Those in the Honors Math program study Algebra II and, depending on how the class progresses, may be introduced to high school Geometry.
HISTORY
During this year students participate in an in-depth study of the history of the United States. Their study takes them from the Explorers to the establishment of the various colonies, the American Revolution, Expansion, The Civil War, the Twentieth Century up to the beginning of the new Millenium. The American Venture is our text which is produced by the Catholic Textbook Project and published by RCL Benziger. The books of the Catholic Textbook Project are the first textbooks written since the 1960’s that tell the entire story of history including the tremendous part the Catholic Church has had in the development of western Civilization, including that of America. While telling the truth they continue to inspire wonder in the students who use them as the great drama of history unfolds before them.
SCIENCE
The study of science at the middle school level is an integration of earth, life, and physical science taught each year at deepening levels. The teachers use text, power points, videos, experiments, demonstrations, and student made projects in their teaching. This integration allows the students to see the connectedness of life at all levels and makes mastery of the concepts easy.
The textbooks used are Elevate Science courses 1,2, and Life published by Saavas Publications.
RELIGION
Students in the eighth-grade study the Church and our call to holiness through virtue, works of mercy, vocation, and social justice. Students also begin their in-depth preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation which will be conferred in ninth grade.
Our textbook: Our Life in the Church– Ignatius Press.
Student involvement in the spiritual life of the school is strong with participation in daily prayers, weekly Mass, monthly confession, seasonal devotional practices, and service to others. During middle school students actively participate in the Mass as readers, servers, cantors and may lead morning prayers for the school.
ELECTIVES
In middle school students participate in “electives.” These are chosen to heighten their cognitive abilities and academic curiosities. Each trimester they change electives. The current selections are STEM, Theology/Financial Literacy (taught on alternating days) and Philosophy.
SPECIALS
In addition, each day students participate in physical education, Latin, Music, and Art.