English – Language Arts
• Sixth Grade English: This course focuses on reading, vocabulary development, research, spelling, the writing process, and refinement of grammar skills. The program is grammar based, incorporating novels, cooperative learning lessons, and opportunities for self-expression either within groups or individually. Research paper technique is introduced.
• Seventh Grade English: This course emphasizes grammar, vocabulary, literature, and composition, particularly grammar usage and its incorporation into written composition. There is continued use of novel reading and discussion skills
• Seventh Grade Accelerated English: This course stresses grammar, vocabulary, and composition, along with the introduction of the forms and terms of literature. The novel, the short story, drama, and poetry constitute the literary genres. The course includes research and creative writing projects.
• Eighth Grade English: Students focus on grammar, vocabulary, literature, and composition studies with a continued emphasis on grammar mastery and research skills. Study skills that will be needed in the Upper School are introduced.
• Eighth Grade Accelerated English: This course reviews grammar, vocabulary, literature, and composition. Study skills that will be needed in the Upper School are introduced. The course includes research and creative writing projects.
Social Studies
• Geography and Tennessee History, Sixth Grade: The first semester, students will develop an understanding of Tennessee history, from its frontier days to when it became the 16th state in the Union. During second semester, students study World Culture and Geography to develop an understanding of how different cultures developed. This is done through a study of the seven continents, which also improves knowledge of geography.
• World History, Seventh Grade: This study of history and geography examines social, cultural, and technological changes during the period A.D. 500-1789.
• United States History, Eighth Grade: iThis is a complete study of the United States from the discovery of America to Reconstruction. Geography and map skills are included.
Mathematics
• Sixth Grade Mathematics: This course emphasizes computation, mathematical reasoning, and problem solving. Individual needs are met through additional supplemental texts, the SRA mathematics laboratory, and computer programs.
• Sixth Grade Mathematics, Honors: This course reviews computational skills while mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills are emphasized. Students are introduced to pre-algebra skills, including elementary equation solving, integer operations, and informal geometry.
• Seventh Grade Mathematics: This course allows students to review and improve arithmetic skills with attention paid to fractions, decimals, and percentages. They are taught elementary equation solving. Students study informal geometry, geometric constructions, and problems dealing with area and volume.
• Seventh Grade Mathematics, Honors: This course covers topics in the regular course in greater depth. Students are introduced to integer operations and to verbal problems as an application to their newly learned equation skills.
Eighth Grade Mathematics: This course completes pre-algebra material and introduces elementary algebra. The remainder of the year is devoted to the study of geometry.
• Eighth Grade Mathematics, Honors: This course teaches fundamental algebra skills. More complicated equation-solving techniques are introduced with an emphasis on solving word problems using various strategies.
Science
•Earth Science, Sixth Grade: This class is the study of our knowledge about the earth and its place in the universe. Generally, three areas are addressed: the structure of the earth, which includes the four spheres; the earth’s history; and the earth as part of the solar system. Varied teaching strategies are used to make this a fun and informative study.
•Life Science, Seventh Grade: This course introduces the world of living things. Beginning with genetics, Mendel, and the characteristics of life, the course moves from a discussion of cellular structure to the five-kingdom classification system. A study of interactions of systems within the human body helps students to appreciate the complexity of life. Laboratory experiences are part of the curriculum.
•Physical Science, Eighth Grade: This course provides a study of the basics of chemistry and physics, probes the interaction of matter and energy, and endeavors to give the student an appreciation and understanding of the physical world. Laboratory experiences enhance the learning of principles.
Foreign Language
• French/Spanish (Seventh and Eighth Grades): Foreign language courses introduce students to the languages and cultures of French and Spanish-speaking regions and encourages a desire to continue foreign language studies in the Upper School. Students can choose one of the two languages to begin to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with an emphasis on vocabulary and cultural awareness.
Enrichment Classes
• Art: Art classes introduce students to the basic elements of design and how to apply them to fundamental drawing, painting, printing, sculpture, ceramics, and miscellaneous crafts. Also included is a survey of art appreciation used for studying both contemporary and historical art.
•Band: The USJ band program is designed to expose students to advanced-level music skills. The purpose of the course is to foster and develop goal setting, time management, rehearsal etiquette, performance practices, and personal and group responsibility, and to instill a desire for life-long learning. Students may choose concert band, pep band, guitar ensemble, percussion ensemble, woodwind ensemble, brass ensemble, and/or jazz ensemble.
•Computer Literacy: The Middle School computer lab has PCs with Internet access. Students in grades six through eight receive instruction in the lab as a nine-week enrichment class, using the components of Microsoft Office.
•Sixth Grade Computer Enrichment…introduces students to desktop publishing and letter writing. They also increase their skills with using the Internet, PowerPoint presentations, and writing reports.
•Seventh Grade Computer Studies…advance students’ skills in desktop publishing, letter writing, use of the Internet, and PowerPoint presentations. They also are introduced to Excel, a spreadsheet program.
•Eighth Grade Computer Studies…further advances students’ skills with desktop publishing, letter writing, report writing, use of the Internet, PowerPoint presentations, and spreadsheets with Excel.
•Introduction to Foreign Language: This class introduces sixth grade students to Spanish or French culture, history, and vocabulary. They increase listening and speaking skills through class participation.
•Literature: Literature students in 6th grade will read about the lives and challenges of other people. This will provide opportunities to reflect diversity and make connections between historical and cultural experience. Learning to make real life connections to literature will help students understand more about themselves through the experiences of others. This course offers a springboard for a frame of reference and interactions in a collaborative learning environment. Included in the study are these literary elements: vocabulary, word recognition, comprehension, interpretation, and analysis. These learning opportunities will enhance a love for reading.
•Music: The music program exposes students to basic music skills with emphasis on note reading, rhythmic skills, tone production, and performance practices. The history of music and the role of music in society are discussed. Students are taught to play the recorder as a pre-band instrument.
•Physical Education: This is an organized program of exercise, instruction, and participation as Middle School students develop physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally in a co-educational environment. The student will develop an understanding of personal fitness, along with learning the rules and skills of many team sports. The student will keep a fitness log and also will have the opportunity to earn the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
Co-Curricular Programs
The Middle School provides unique and exciting opportunities for students, including chapel and assemblies; Student Council; Math Counts; Duke Talent Search; National Spelling Bee; SIFE Contest; sports; drama productions; academic awards and Eighth Grade graduation; Tennessee Math Contest; National History Day Contest; Eighth Grade Washington/New York City study tour; Seventh Grade Hannibal/St. Louis study tour; Sixth Grade day excursions to Nashville, Reelfoot Lake, and Chattanooga; and field trips related to subject areas.
