The seventh and eighth grade programs frequently integrate
the study of history and English. Both classes emphasize
vocabulary, grammar and usage, extensive writing, discussion,
speech, and critical thinking skills. In the seventh grade,
students examine ancient cultures from prehistory through
the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Themes that unite
the seventh grade curriculum are: ethics and cultural values; prejudice, racism, and genocide; freedom and slavery; human
and environment interaction; journeys; friendship; and living
deliberately. The eighth grade curriculum centers on U.S.
civics and literature. Themes that unite the curriculum are
leadership and community (from national to local), the
requirements and opportunities of citizenship, recognizing
varied perspectives, and learning through experience.
After a thorough review of arithmetic, students will learn
Pre-Algebra, including: decimal notation, fractions, and
percent; measurement; use of variables; operations of
arithmetic; problem-solving strategies; combining operations;
and measurement formulas and real numbers. The Algebra
course includes an introduction to the basic concepts of
Algebra 1. Among the topics are the operations of addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division within Algebra;
solving linear equations and inequalities in one and two
variables; sets and probability at an introductory level;
equations of lines in the coordinate plane; and exponents,
polynomials, parabolas, and quadratic equations. In
Geometry, students learn the language of Geometry and
the concept of proof. Topics include parallel lines, congruent
triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles, circles, polygons, area and volume, and coordinate geometry.
Placement in Algebra, Pre-Algebra AB, and Geometry is by testing and
with permission of the St. Gregory Mathematics Department.
Science in the seventh and eighth grades provides the
students with an introduction to scientific inquiry through
an exploration of the fundamental concepts of biology,
chemistry, and physics. Observational, investigative, and
analytical skills are developed through laboratory investigations
and discussions. In the seventh grade, students study
the conditions for life, cell theory, Mendelian genetics, genetic
engineering, and the structure and function of various systems
within human physiology. Eighth-grade students learn about
the physical and chemical properties of matter, the phases
of matter, mass and energy relationships in chemical and
nuclear reactions, mechanics, simple machines, forms of
energy, electricity, and the properties of light and sound.
Students in seventh grade complete the first half of high school
Spanish 1. Eighth grade students complete the second half
of high school Spanish 1. Students are engaged in listening,
speaking, reading, and writing that is integrated with the
study of Spanish and Latin American culture and geography.
Students in seventh grade complete the first half of high
school Latin 1. Eighth grade students complete the second
half of high school Latin 1. The Latin program offers a
comprehensive foundation in the language from the introduction
of basic vocabulary and grammar through the study
of grammatical syntax and literature. Reading comprehension,
translation, and Latin prose and composition are explored in
the course. Readings from Roman authors focus on classical
culture, history and mythology.
The arts provide a vital avenue for learning and expressing
oneself. In seventh grade, students may choose intermediate
band for the whole year, or they may take one-semester courses
in art, drama or dance. In eighth grade, students may
again choose intermediate band for the whole year, or they
may take yearlong courses in art, drama or dance.
Lifelong health and fitness are emphasized in physical
education and reinforced through class discussions and
structured activities. The program in seventh and eighth
grade builds on the fundamental skills learned in sixth
grade. Activities range from daily exercises through a full
spectrum of sports, which include volleyball, flag football,
soccer, softball, and basketball.
Complete course descriptions are available in the
Admissions Office.
