Academic Excellence

English
Addressing issues of ethics and morality, children maintain journals, compose poetry, and read challenging novels like A Tale of Two Cities. Vocabulary is emphasized along with writing mechanics through essays and in-class exercises. Children conduct in-depth, independent research using technology, interview techniques, and primary sources and write a comprehensive report on a subject matter of specific interest to them. Each child presents their project publicly in the spring.

Mathematics
Students are assigned Algebra I, Honors Algebra I and Algebra II based on their ability. Algebra I focuses on basic equations with single variables through advanced algebraic concepts and principles with more complex equations and graphing polynomial functions. Algebra II focuses on linear and quadratic equations, functions and graphs, systems of equations, inequalities, matrices, polynomials and rational polynomial expressions. Exposure to Geometry is also provided. Children at all levels use technology and real-world problem scenarios to explore mathematical concepts.

History
Children study the Middle East conflicts and learn about the Enlightenment period focusing on the ideas of Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, and Rousseau, which leads to an exploration of the French Revolution as an outgrowth of those ideals. Children research European colonial empires and study the 20th Century breakup of those empires after the First and Second World Wars, the Russian Revolution, and the Cold War. Children learn about communism and fascism through various media, including music, political cartoons, and film.

Science
Physical science, the study of matter and energy, is taught in the Eighth Grade. Key concepts related to the structure of matter and the principles of energy are explored in an active manner. The larger disciplines of chemistry and physics are encompassed within the course of study, emphasizing the essential interactions between matter and energy within the world around us. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this class.

Latin
Children study Latin to improve overall language skills while further developing aptitude in comparative analysis and critical thinking. Children learn verb conjugations in the present and imperfect tenses, nouns in the first three declensions, and deconstruct and construct words in both Latin and English. Grammatical and linguistic constructs are also reviewed.