5th Grade

Due to the importance of repetition and continuity at this grade level, fifth grade is offered as a complete educational package that meets 4 days a week. Each day includes instruction in Humanities, English, Math, and Latin. Science, Bible, Art, and PE each meet 2 days per week.

Humanities 5
The 5th Grade Humanities block centers on a study of “Home.” This study focuses on the ideas of heritage and rootedness in a place. It includes a study of national symbols and monuments as well as intensive U.S. geography, beginning in the West and moving eastward, including memorization of all states, capital cities, and major landforms. This course integrates a variety of literary genres to enhance students’ understanding of eras and events. In addition, each student completes 4 projects that require academic diligence combined with creative expression.

English 5
Utilizing the Shurley Method of English grammar, students cover the eight parts of speech, basic sentence structure, diagramming the simple sentence, capitalization rules, basic punctuation, and writing a simple sentence and simple paragraph. Students study vocabulary words, spelling rules, and dictionary skills. Basic elements of the literature texts for Humanities will be covered.

Math 5
This course builds basic arithmetic skills. Topics include number sense; addition, subtraction, and multiplication of whole and decimal numbers; division with one- and two-digit whole number divisors, division with decimal numbers; fraction and mixed number relationships; basic operations with fractions and mixed numbers; measurement; perimeter and area of simple figures.

Bible 5
Over the course of the school year, students read through the New Testament
and begin developing habits of regular and thorough Bible study.

Science 5
This class is comprised of unit studies. Students develop skills in observation and recording of details. The course will be based on hands-on experience.

Latin 5
Students begin learning Latin vocabulary, derivatives, and noun declension endings. The course includes the study of Christian creeds and prayers as well as Roman culture and history.

6th Grade

Due to the importance of repetition and continuity at this grade level, sixth grade is offered as a complete educational package that meets 4 days a week. Each day includes instruction in Humanities, English, Math, and Latin. Science, Bible, Art, and PE each meet 2 days per week.

Humanities 6
6th Grade Humanities is a continuation of U.S. history and geography intentionally taught through the lens of a biblical worldview. We review the backdrop of world history that eventually led to the founding of a new nation. Our studies include a broad sweep of American art, music, literature, politics, symbolism, and architecture. The course includes a significant amount of memorization and recitation as well as a variety of literary genres to enhance students’ understanding of eras and events. In addition, each student completes 4 projects that require academic diligence combined with creative expression.

English 6
Utilizing the Shurley Method of English grammar, students cover the eight parts of speech, basic sentence structure, diagramming the simple sentence, capitalization rules, basic punctuation, and writing a simple sentence and simple paragraph. Students study vocabulary words, spelling rules, and dictionary skills. Basic elements of the literature texts for Humanities will be covered.

Math 6
This course builds arithmetic competency. Topics include number sense; arithmetic with decimal numbers, fractions, and integers; ratio, rates, and proportion; percent; measurement; lines, angles, polygons, and circles; data, simple graphs, and probability.

Bible 6
Over the course of the school year, students read through the New Testament
and begin developing habits of regular and thorough Bible study.

Science 6
This class is comprised of unit studies. Students develop skills in observation and recording of details. The course includes significant hands-on work.

Latin 6
Students begin learning Latin vocabulary, derivatives, and noun declension endings. The course includes the study of Christian creeds and prayers as well as Roman culture and history.

7th & 8th Grade

Lower Division Humanities
Humanities is the study of culture emphasizing the basic scholastic approach of moral philosophy. Students are equipped with the tools for a lifetime of learning: a working knowledge of the timetables of history; a background understanding of the great literary classics; a familiarity with the sweep of art, music, and ideas; a worldview comprehension of basic geography; a principle approach to discerning the significance of current events; and an emphasis on a Christian paradigm.
Our focus of study integrates a broad overview of the sweep of humanities through World Cultures. We study the rise and fall of people groups, religions, and political structures throughout history, with the goal of preparing the student with the framework (vocabulary, geography, and literature) needed for more rigorous study during the four-year humanities cycle they will encounter in high school.

LD English
The goals of the lower division English course are to strengthen grammar and composition skills as well as begin to develop literary analysis skills. Students continue a vocabulary program and work to improve reading skills, determine main and supporting ideas, differentiate between fact and opinion, and learn literary terms.

LD Creative Writing
Students begin learning artistry with words as they discover the order, craftsmanship, rootedness, and eternal truths that true creativity embodies. Writing projects for this course integrate with Humanities by focusing on the genres of Christendom. In addition, students strengthen their skills in composing the rhetorical tropes and literary devices that are especially powerful in creative writing.

LD Grammar and Comp
This course solidifies foundational grammar and composition concepts by focusing on parts of speech, punctuation rules, types of paragraphs, creating an outline, and writing styles.

Math 7
This course builds arithmetic mastery and introduces basic algebra concepts. Topics include number sense; arithmetic with whole numbers, fractions and mixed numbers, decimal numbers, and integers; linear measure, introduction to polygons, two step word problems, graphs, decimals to fractions and fractions to decimals, surface area calculations, liquid measure, symbols of inclusion and simple interest.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 6
Pre-Algebra
This course prepares students for Algebra I. Topics include arithmetic with signed numbers; introduction to scientific notation (positive exponents only); introduction to polynomials; introduction to solving linear equations; ratios and proportions; percents; introduction to graphing linear equations in the coordinate plane; perimeter, area, and circumference; volume and surface area of solids.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Math 7, or successful completion of Math 6 along with 6th grade math teacher recommendation

Life Science
Studies in Life Science include characteristics of living things, cells, basic microbiology, overviews of plants and animals, the primary human body systems, genetics and ecology. This class is intended for 7th graders.

Physical Science
This hands-on, lab-based course allows students to explore the fundamentals of chemistry and physics in the context of earth science. Detailed study of the chemistry of the atmosphere and hydrosphere and motion of the earth culminate in a study of weather the first semester. During the second semester the forces of gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong nuclear force are studied in detail along with the physics of motion that results from these forces and the energy they produce. The course culminates in a study of the physics of the universe. This class is intended for 8th graders.
Co-requisite: Pre-algebra

Foundational Latin I
Students begin a study of classical Latin grammar, syntax, and forms through constant observation of usage. They acquire a basic Latin vocabulary augmented by repetition in context, by study of the principles of word formation, and by attention to English derivatives. Composition in Latin, both written and oral, will be used to drill grammar and syntax. (No prerequisites)

Foundational Latin II
Students continue the study of classical Latin grammar, syntax, and forms in order to prepare themselves for study of classical literature in a third year course. The goal of Latin II is to cement the student's understanding of inflected languages and develop "word sense" for accurate translation and attention to stylistic detail.
Prerequisite: Foundational Latin I

LD Logic
Through activities such as creative exercises, perspective analysis, basic fallacy detection, and small scale debates, students understand the purpose of logic
as a means to cultivate an environment of thought, to begin to understand purpose and pattern, and to make connections.

LD Bible—Understanding the Scriptures
This course provides students with an in-depth survey of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, studying each book as an integral part of God's providential plan for history. Students study the Scriptures chronologically, examining the geographical and cultural context of the each book, memorizing key passages and developing skills of observation and interpretation.
LD Drama
This class focuses on theater from the time period studied in Humanities. Students develop vocal and dramatic techniques that will strengthen their skills in stage presence, oratory and improv. The class will not produce full-scale productions but may prepare skits, speeches, and monologues to present in LD Humanities, in school assemblies, at Open House, and other school gatherings.

Introduction to Computers
Students learn basic keyboarding skills as well as applications in Microsoft Word and Excel.

TechnoWorks
Students learn how technology in modern computing platforms (iPods, laptops, PCs, mobile phones, etc.) actually works. The class is a march through technology history from the 1800s to today with a concentrated focus on the last 75 years of "discoveries" and technology advancements from abaci to today's integrated circuits. In this class, students build a telegraph, assemble various electronic circuits and learn the fundamental elements of computer technology. Along the way, students meet pioneers in the field of logic, electronics and computing—from Socrates to Morse to Bell to Shannon (and many more in between). This class will be a "hands on" class where students learn by interacting with technology. Other topics that will be covered include number systems, logic, electronics, microprocessors and a basic introduction to programming.

Study Hall
Study hall will be offered during select periods for any student who is not in another class. Students who are not in class may leave campus with parents’ permission; however, students who remain on campus must be in class or in Study Hall. Study Hall will be staffed and monitored.