MIDDLE SCHOOL
Curriculum Guide
Requirements
CORE CURRICULUM
The core curriculum in middle school provides a well-rounded education that equips students with fundamental knowledge and skills across various subjects. It fosters cognitive development and prepares them for more advanced studies.HUMANITIES
Sixth and seventh-grade humanities coursework includes reading and analyzing texts, learning to write in multiple forms, and understanding world events and ideas through literature. Eighth-grade humanities is a course co-taught with one teacher specializing in English and the other specializing in history.LANGUAGE
Chinese, Spanish, and French are the world language options. Courses are leveled, and students who demonstrate proper proficiency can take higher-level courses at the discretion of the department chair and world language teacher.MATHEMATICS
Mathematics classes are leveled, starting with a standard sixth-grade math course and an advanced sixth-grade math course.PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The fitness-based physical education program focuses on cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, agility, and speed. It also teaches rules, game strategies, sportsmanship, and cooperative learning.SCIENCE
For each grade level, science is taught in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards. Science classes are largely project-based, with scientific method instruction and terminology highlighted throughout the courses.VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
Students are exposed to music and art classes through a trimester rotation. In addition, students participate in a yearlong performing arts class that culminates in a student project or performance. Options include acting, art lab, visual storytelling, chorus, dance, digital design, instrumental ensemble, and stagecraft.
CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS
New students entering sixth, seventh, or eighth grade will have their requirements established at the time of admission at the discretion of the Divisional Leadership Team.
Middle school students must be enrolled in the following core academic courses during all three trimesters of each middle school year.
Middle school students must be enrolled in the following core academic courses during all three trimesters of each middle school year.
ACADEMIC WAIVERS
The required student course load is five academic courses (history, math, science, English, foreign language). In very rare circumstances, a student may need a reduced academic schedule. The determination to grant a fifth-course waiver will be made by appropriate School personnel.SIXTH GRADE
Humanities 06 I
Humanities 06 II
Mathematics (level placement by the dept. chair)
Science 06
Language (level placement by dept. chair)
Art Elective
Physical Education
Art 06, Music 06, Computer Science 06
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Health 06 I, Health 06 II, Creative Writing
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Common Work Period (CWP)
Humanities 06 II
Mathematics (level placement by the dept. chair)
Science 06
Language (level placement by dept. chair)
Art Elective
Physical Education
Art 06, Music 06, Computer Science 06
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Health 06 I, Health 06 II, Creative Writing
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Common Work Period (CWP)
SEVENTH GRADE
Humanities 07 I
Humanities 07 II
Mathematics (level placement by dept. chair)
Science 07
Language (level placement by dept. chair)
Art Elective
Physical Education
Art 07, Music 07, Computer Science 07
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Health 07 I, Health 07 II, Creative Drama 07
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Common Work Period (CWP)
Humanities 07 II
Mathematics (level placement by dept. chair)
Science 07
Language (level placement by dept. chair)
Art Elective
Physical Education
Art 07, Music 07, Computer Science 07
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Health 07 I, Health 07 II, Creative Drama 07
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Common Work Period (CWP)
EIGHTH GRADE
English 08
Social Studies 08
Social Studies 08
Mathematics (level placement by dept. chair)
Science 08
Language (level placement by dept. chair)
Art Elective (year-long)
Physical Education (year-long)
Art 08, Music 08, Computer Science 08
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Health 08 I, Health 08 II, Public Speaking
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Each course is one trimester; students rotate through all three throughout the school year.
Common Work Period (CWP)
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WEEK
Each year, students participate in a weeklong interest group of their choice to more deeply engage with a topic related to the concept of community.PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Physical Education Department aims to develop students who are “Active for Life." All students are required to participate in physical education. There is no specific physical education uniform, however students are required to change into different athletic clothing and footwear for all lessons.A student who is ill or injured will be excused only if the student has a note from home, the School Nurse, or a doctor.
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAM
Athletics are an integral part of the middle school program. Perry Dunlap Smith, the founding headmaster, believed a school should exercise mind and body. Therefore, North Shore has always had a strong, diverse athletic program. Participation in the interscholastic program is strongly encouraged. Participating concurrently in a different sport every season and other extracurricular activities is possible. The competitive interscholastic sports teams play member schools in the Independent School League.ELIGIBILITY AND SPORTS PHYSICALS
Eligibility and Sports Physicals Physicals are required for all sixth through twelfth-grade students who expect to participate in any athletics, including Physical Education or on a competitive or intramural team. Physicals must be documented on the Athletic Participation Form provided by the athletic department. Forms must be completed and on file with the Director of Athletics before school begins, and students are allowed to participate in preseason athletics.Students must be in school by 10:00 a.m. to be eligible for participation in athletics and all extracurricular activities.
