Middle School

Sixth Grade Mathematics: This course emphasizes mastery in fundamental skills of mathematics. Content material is explored through reasoning, problem solving, number relationships and theory, patterns and functions, and pre-algebraic concepts.

Sixth Grade Mathematics - Honors: This course transitions students from arithmetic to algebra. The course builds foundational skills using basic operations with integers, the use of variables, solving equations and inequalities, problem solving skills, relations and functions and polynomials.  Students become familiar with the concept of the numerical expressions, algebraic expressions, and equations.

Seventh Grade Mathematics: This course allows students to transition from arithmetic to algebra with focus on direct proportional relationships in number, geometry, measurement, and probability; applying addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions, decimals, and integers in problem solving situations.

Seventh Grade Pre-Algebra Mathematics - Honors: This course covers pre-algebra concepts in greater depth. Students will synthesize and algebraically represent situations to solve problems using direct proportional relationships in number, geometry, measurement and probability; applying addition, subtraction, multiplication  and division of fractions, decimals, and integers in problem solving situations; and use statistical measures to describe data.
 

Eighth Grade Pre-Algebra: In this course, students complete pre-algebra material while introducing fundamental processes of algebra needed for Upper School Mathematics.

Eighth Grade Algebra I - Honors: The sequence of this course involves the application of abstract concepts from previously learned concrete concepts. Students will apply algebraic representations to real world situations and analyze the nature of changes in linear and non-linear relationships.

Sixth Grade Earth Science: This course outlines our current understanding of the Earth’s systems as well as our 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.
 

Seventh Grade Life Science:  This course introduces students to the complexity of life from the cellular level to a complete, living organism.  Students learn life’s structures and functions in bacteria, plants, and animals, as well as an introduction to genetics and heredity and the different organ systems of the human body.  Lab experiences enrich the curriculum through hands-on experience and direct observation. This overview of life creates an interest in the world around us as we discuss similarities and differences, not only in the structure, function and adaptations of living organisms throughout creation, but also in the diverse environments and habitats  in which they can be found. 


Eighth Grade Physical Science: 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 through hands-on experience and direct observation.

Sixth Grade World Geography: 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 the second semester, students study World Culture and Geography to advance their understanding of how different cultures developed. This is done through a study of the seven continents, which also improves knowledge of geography.
 

Seventh Grade Ancient World History: This study of history and geography examines social, cultural, and technological changes beginning with prehistoric times and ending with the Rise of the Roman Empire. A major focus of this course is the development and advancement of ancient civilizations.  Throughout the course a significant amount of importance is placed on building organizational and note taking skills.
 

Eighth Grade United States History: This course is an exploration into the birth and development of America up to the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War with focus on geography, economy, government, foreign affairs and the people who helped to shape the new nation. Throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on the development of social studies skills, critical thinking skills, geography skills, and the multicultural nature of American society. 

Sixth Grade English: This course focuses on the writing process, reading comprehension, spelling and vocabulary development, and refinement of grammar skills. Students learn how to demonstrate knowledge of a topic using self-expression through technology both within groups and individually. The course introduces the writing process for expository, narrative, and argumentative topics.
 

Seventh Grade English: This course focuses on grammar, spelling and vocabulary development, literature, and composition. This course emphasizes grammar usage and its incorporation into written composition. There is continued use of novel reading and discussion skills, an introduction to the forms and terms of literature, and the research paper is introduced in this course. 
 

Seventh Grade English - Honors: This course focuses on grammar, spelling and vocabulary development, literature, and composition.  This course emphasizes grammar usage and its incorporation into written composition. There is continued use of novel reading and discussion skills, an introduction to the forms and terms of literature, and the research paper is introduced in this course. 

 

Eighth Grade English: This course focuses 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 in this course.
 

Eighth Grade English - Honors: This course focuses 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.

French/Spanish (Seventh and Eighth Grades): Foreign language courses introduce students to the languages and cultures of French and Spanish-speaking regions. These courses encourage 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.

Art: Art classes introduce students to the basic elements of design and how to apply them to fundamental drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture. 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, athletic band, guitar ensemble, percussion ensemble, woodwind ensemble, brass ensemble, and/or jazz ensemble as well as musical orchestra.

 

STEM Lab: STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. While the primary focus of this course will be on the Technology and Engineering elements of STEM,  Science and Math will undoubtedly play an integral role as well. 

• Sixth Grade - In this Introductory STEM course, we will integrate essential academic skills, such as keyboarding, research methods and Google app mastery, in the implementation of the Coding and Robotics STEM curriculum. Through this curriculum, Students will learn the basics of block coding as well as lego robot assembly and manipulation using their newly acquired coding knowledge.

• Seventh Grade & Eighth Grade - As students move through the next two years of the STEM rotation, they will spiral through an increasingly challenging Coding and Robotics curriculum. In addition, students will be introduced to the Engineering Design Process and be given opportunities to work within that process, from product need recognition and planning through creation and marketing. 

Introduction to Foreign Language: This class introduces sixth grade students to Spanish and French culture, history, and vocabulary. They increase listening and speaking skills through class participation and student-centered activities.

Literature and Writing: This course focuses on researching one text in order to deepen comprehension of another text. Through both individual and collaborative opportunities, students will demonstrate their application of the text to real-world situations through technology and writing.

 

Music (6-8): The music program exposes students to basic music skills with emphasis on elements such as music theory, music literature, rhythmic and melodic composition, and music history, including the study of musical styles. Eighth grade music students are taught to play the ukulele as a pre-band instrument.

 

Choir (6-8): The middle school choral program utilizes the learning of vocal production skills and technical performance skills while engaging varied vocal repertoire.  Students are expected to audition for the Tennessee Regional Northwest Jr High Honor Choir.   

 

Physical Education/Strength and Conditioning: 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.  Students will develop an understanding of personal fitness, along with learning the rules and skills of many team sports. 

 

The Middle School provides unique and exciting opportunities for students including assemblies; bi-monthly student advisories and character education classes; Student Council; interest groups; Spelling Bee; MS Science Bowl; athletics; drama productions; academic awards and Eighth Grade celebration; Tennessee Math Contest; National French Contest; Eighth Grade Washington D.C./New York study tour; Seventh Grade St. Louis study tour; Sixth Grade day excursion or team building trip; and field trips related to subject areas.