Middle School Program

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Pre-Algebra:

Teacher: Brandon Adams

Tuition: $450

Book Requirement: The Art of Problem Solving: Prealgebra (Richard Rusczyk, David Patrick, Ravi Boppana)

Class Description: This pre-algebra course aims for excellence, breakthroughs, and confidence with an emphasis on mathematics in the real world. Topics covered in this course include the properties of arithmetic, exponents, primes and divisors, fractions, equations and inequalities, decimals, ratios and proportions, unit conversions and rates, percents, square roots, basic geometry, statistics, counting, and probability. The course will be taught with a focus on problem-solving and application, aiming to harness the student's learning for work in STEM.

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History Through Two Lenses: Understanding War and Perspective:

Teacher: Cory Jones

Tuition: $450

Class Description:  In this course, students will explore major wars that shaped the world we live in today. While learning the key facts, timelines, geography, and outcomes of each conflict, students will also examine how history looks different depending on who is telling the story.

Through a variety of sources such as maps, speeches, letters, political cartoons, and (brief) class lectures, students will learn to:

● Understand key causes, events, and consequences of major historical wars

● Analyze how perspective influences the telling of history

● Compare and contrast differing national narratives

● Develop empathy and critical thinking skills

● Support ideas with historical evidence

Students will practice reading closely, discussing respectfully, and writing thoughtfully about complex historical events. By the end of the course, students will not only know what happened in these wars but also understand how and why stories about the past can differ.

All instructional materials will be provided by the teacher.

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English:

Teacher: Tabitha Wildhirt (wildhirtsing@gmail.com)

Tuition: $450

Class Description:  

Welcome to a year of rigorous reading, thoughtful discussion, and playful writing! This course is designed to strengthen students’ analytical thinking, discover their individual voice in writing, and build confidence with enjoyable texts while preparing them for advanced middle and high school English coursework. 

Throughout the year, students will use novels which span realistic fiction, dystopian literature, historical fiction, mystery, science fiction, and novel-in-verse to explore their world, a variety of literary styles and build their writing skills. We will complete daily grammar and vocabulary exercises, group and individual writing projects, and socratic discussions about our readings. Writing Projects such as Poets Vs Pop Lyrics bracket challenge, World Building, Comic Strip Design, Diary Entries and Book Reviews will be interspersed throughout the year, culminating with a final essay and class presentation.

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Required Book List: 

Wonder by RJ Palacio; Breakfast on Mars and 37 Other Delectable Essays by Rebecca Stern & Brad Wolfe (2014 edition); The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin; The Giver** by Lois Lowry; Running Out of Time by Margaret Haddix; The Crossover by Kwame Alexander; The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix; Brother's Keeper by Patricia McCormick (these last two will be in conjunction with History Class).

Please be sure to have your own copy of these books as we will be actively underlining, highlighting and copying directly from the text in class and at home. Audiobook versions are wonderful options, but students should be following along the text as they listen so they can mark their books as needed.

Each student will also need a sturdy spiral bound notebook dedicated to this class and access to their own Google Classroom account. We will be both writing by hand and on the computer..

**Note About Book Choices:

In our middle school English classroom, we read challenging novels because stories build empathy, deepen perspective, and help students recognize the humanity of others—even those with whom they may disagree. Meaningful literature invites thoughtful conversations at home and at school, giving students a safe, age-appropriate way to explore difficult realities while practicing courage, curiosity, and discernment. As image bearers of God, we approach complex stories as an opportunity to reflect His creativity, grace, justice, and compassion, while partnering with parents to exercise wisdom and discretion in their child’s reading journey.

I encourage parents to pre-read novels to allow for open discussion together. If at any time you have concerns, please contact me directly.

**Those who do not wish to read any of the books may contact me directly and we will arrange for an alternate book to be read at this time. wildhirtsing@gmail.com

 

Other Supplies: Each student will also need a sturdy spiral bound notebook dedicated to this class and access to their own Google Classroom account. We will be both writing by hand and on the computer..

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​​​Science: 

Teacher: Tabitha Wildhirt 

Tuition: $450

Class Description:  This middle school science course provides a rigorous, hands-on exploration of Earth science, chemistry, and physical science. Students will study the structure of the Earth, the properties of matter, forces and motion, energy, electricity, and introductory engineering design.

This course is taught from a Judeo-Christian worldview. We affirm that the universe is created with order and purpose, and that scientific investigation is a meaningful way to explore and appreciate God’s creation. Students will be encouraged to pursue truth through careful observation, logical reasoning, and disciplined inquiry.

On our rotating schedule, students will study Life Science and Biology next year, building on the foundation developed in this course.

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Course Emphases:

Academic Excellence-
Students will explore experiments, analyze data, use scientific vocabulary, and practice clear reasoning. The course prepares students for high school science while remaining age-appropriate and accessible.

Hands-On Discovery-
Science is learned by doing. Students will regularly conduct labs, build models, test ideas, and solve problems. They will not simply memorize facts but discover principles through guided exploration such as burning cheetos to determine their caloric energy, dropping eggs from parachutes to test protective barrier design or testing rock samples to find their hardness rating.

Confidence & Curiosity-
Every student is capable of thinking scientifically. This class fosters curiosity, perseverance, and confidence in understanding how the physical world works by actually doing science.

Assessment:

Students will be evaluated through labs, quizzes, projects, class discussion, and periodic tests. Effort, growth, and thoughtful engagement are highly valued.

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No Textbook at this time - I will be pulling from the God's Design Science series plus BJU Press Earth Science texts. There may be a lab fee to cover experiments.

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Optional Afternoon Classes:

PE/Health

Teacher: Christina Jones

Tuition: $400

Class Description: Health/PE is a combined year long class. Due to facility limitations, Health class will be on Monday afternoons and PE will occur on Wednesday afternoons (vs one semester of health and one semester of PE.)

The health portion will focus on nutrition and healthy habits for the body and mind, which will incorporate research findings on the toxicity of addictive substances, including screen addictions. A general overview of body systems will be taught, but Sex Ed will NOT be covered. Assessments will be mostly project based, not written tests.

The PE days will be a great chance for students to learn how important movement is to physical and mental health. They will have opportunities to improve their teamwork skills as well as set individualized activity goals. Closed toed tennis shoes will be required for participation. No crocs. Cell phones and all internet devices will be collected at the door at the start of each class.

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Soft Skills Lab: Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution:

Teacher: Cory Jones

Tuition: $400

Class Description: Middle school is a critical time in brain development. Students are learning to manage strong emotions, navigate friendships, respond to peer pressure, and communicate effectively. This course is designed to equip them with practical tools to do exactly that.

Throughout the course, students will learn:

● How their developing brain affects emotional reactions

● How to regulate strong feelings like anger, frustration, and anxiety

● How to communicate respectfully using clear language

● How to listen actively and empathetically

● How to resolve peer conflict using structured steps

● How to demonstrate leadership and teamwork

This class is interactive and skill-based. Students will practice real-life scenarios, participate in team-building exercises, and complete short reflection journals focused on growth and self-awareness.​

Our goal is not just to reduce conflict—but to build confident, emotionally intelligent young leaders who can navigate challenges with maturity, whether internal or external. We believe these soft skills are essential not  only for school success but for lifelong personal and professional growth.​​​​​​​​​