Seventh Grade

At this stage we vary from the classic liberal arts format of self-contained rooms to a middle school model. Although our teaching methods are classical, we believe the experience of multiple educators and viewpoints to be of value. The seventh grade is the Christendom year when they study the history of Christian Civilization from the Roman times to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

LANGUAGE

Students continue to develop their ability to comprehend, analyze, and critique novels. Several classical novels are chosen by the teacher for use during the year that relate to the historic theme of the year.  Students discuss the novels being read in a Socratic Seminar format.

In addition, teachers may refer to Voyages in English published by Loyola Press for grammatical support. The practice of research and report writing is introduced with presentations made by students regularly. Voyages in English teaches grammar and writing as essential and related skills, presenting concepts in a balanced approach that empowers students to become effective readers, writers, speakers, listeners, and thinkers. The series promotes instruction in and application of the seven traits necessary for high-quality writing: idea development, organization, word choice, voice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation. The practice of research and report writing is introduced with presentations made by students regularly.

For students who have a greater love and understanding of literature we have Honors English.  To be in this course students must have high grades in sixth grade Language and test into the class.  They will not only read and study great works of literature, but they will do so from a philosophical, theological, and cultural perspective.

MATHEMATICS

In seventh grade, students can choose two mathematics courses, based on their abilities. A student may be in the regular math class or Honors Math. Students in the regular math program study Pre-Algebra which prepares them for the discipline of Algebra.  Those in the Honors Math program study Algebra I.

HISTORY

During this year students have an in-depth study of Christian Civilization, primarily as it developed in Europe. Their study takes them from the Catacombs to the Christianization of Europe, the Rise of Islam, The Middle Ages, the Crusades, the Reformation and up to the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Our text is LIGHT TO THE NATIONS which is produced by the Catholic Textbook Project and published by RCL Benziger. The books of the Catholic Textbook Project are the first textbooks written since the 1960’s that tell the entire story of history including the tremendous part the Catholic Church has had in the development of western Civilization, including that of America.  While telling the truth they continue to inspire wonder in the students who use them as the great drama of history unfolds before them.

SCIENCE

The study of science at the middle school level is an integration of earth, life, and physical science taught each year at deepening levels. The teachers use text, power points, videos, experiments, demonstrations, and student made projects in their teaching.  This integration allows the students to see the connectedness of life at all levels and makes mastery of the concepts easy.

The textbooks used are Elevate Science courses 1,2, and Life published by Saavas Publications.

RELIGION

Students in seventh grade study the seven sacraments and Salvation History.

Our textbook is The Life of Grace– Ignatius Press.

Student involvement in the spiritual life of the school is strong with participation in daily prayers, weekly Mass, monthly confession, seasonal devotional practices, and service to others.  During middle school students actively participate in the Mass as readers, servers, cantors and may lead morning prayers for the school.

ELECTIVES

In middle school students participate in “electives.”  These are chosen to heighten their cognitive abilities and academic curiosities. Each trimester they change electives.  The current selections are STEM, Theology/Financial Literacy (taught on alternating days) and Philosophy.

SPECIALS

In addition, each day students participate in physical education, Latin, Music, and Art.