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7th & 8th grade
General Info:
Middle School students are required to register for the 9-2:15 block of Thursday classes from September to May – Literature & Composition, Science & Nature Study (7th Grade: Simple Machines; 8th Grade General), and Art.
We also offer several à la carte options for Middle School students: Art Lab (8th grade, Tuesdays only), Life Skills (Tuesdays only), and P.E. (Thursdays only) are not required but are additional options.
Middle School - 7th Grade
Course Duration: 28 Weeks; Thursdays, 9-2:15
Course & Class Supply Fees: $1200
Optional à la carte P.E. course (Thursdays, 2:15-3:15) for Middle and Upper Elementary students: $275
Optional à la carte Life Skills course (Tuesdays, 1-3) Middle and Upper Elementary students: $600
Literature & Composition - 7th Grade
Students will read classic and contemporary works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama, and engage in a weekly in-depth discussion in order to make connections and think deeply about the work. Throughout the year students will grow in their understanding of the craft of writing, expand critical thinking and reflection skills, collaborate with other readers to understand story and author intent. Students will continue to learn to organize written narration into well written thoughts and will begin the practice of academic essay writing, creative writing, poetry, reportage, and engage in collaborative writing exercises with classmates. Some grammar and vocabulary will be explored but parents are encouraged to choose an at-home grammar course to complete alongside this course at home. Homework for this class involves 50-100 pages of reading per week (audio books may be used), some journaling and note-taking, and weekly writing assignments.
Simple Machines Science & Nature Study - 7th Grade
Students will explore how things work through a study of Simple Machines and middle school physics. Learning about the 6 simple machines: Incline planes, wheel and axle, levers, gears, pulleys, and screws, students will perform hands-on projects using K’nex kits and other basic materials. Students will also learn about friction, aerodynamics, robotics, computers, how things like cameras, radios, computers and more through fun in class experiences, home reading in living books, and various home and classroom projects. Home assignments include engineering projects, reading, lab notebook preparation, and games.
In unity with all other Esprit students, 7th grade students will engage in a focused nature study of cultivated crops (Fall), the weather and climate (Winter), and insects (Spring). Nature Study home assignments include some light outside reading and one or two nature walks and studies each week. A book list will be provided for all books needed for home assignments.
Elements & Principles of Art 1 - 7th Grade
Students will focus on creative expression, art history, and art appreciation. They will use techniques and media to create art pieces through drawing, painting, mixed media, textiles, sculpture, and printmaking. Students will be introduced or build upon any experience and understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design while studying various artists (modern, contemporary, and a few from other art periods) while also learning how to critique their own works of art.
Middle School - 8th Grade
Course Duration: 28 Weeks; Thursdays, 9-2:15
Course & Class Supply Fees: $1200
Optional à la carte Art Lab (Tuesdays 10-11 OR 2-3)
Optional à la carte P.E. course (Thursdays, 2:15-3:15) for Middle and Upper Elementary students: $275
Optional à la carte Life Skills course (Tuesdays, 1-3) Middle and Upper Elementary students: $600
Literature & Composition - 8th Grade
Students will read classic and contemporary works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama, and engage in a weekly in-depth discussion of the work. A focus on critical thinking, understanding of story and the art of writing, and learning to express thoughts on literature with others will be expanded on as students prepare for the more rigorous literary discussion of high school. This course builds on previous understanding of grammar, vocabulary and writing skills and aims to support understanding of the mechanics of writing and the enjoyment of literature. Some grammar and vocabulary will be explored but parents are encouraged to choose an at-home grammar course to complete alongside this course at home. Students will hone their skills of written expression through academic writing, poetry, short creative works, nonfiction articles, and biographical sketches. Through various writing explorations, students will discover how to use writing as a tool for both personal and academic growth. Homework for this class involves 50-100 pages of reading per week (audio books may be used), some journaling and note-taking, and weekly writing assignments.
General Science & Nature Study - 8th Grade
This General Science course gives students an understanding of the world that surrounds them so they can appreciate the real-world relevance of scientific inquiry and the beauty of Creation. The course covers a variety of branches of science including astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, earth study, geology, paleontology, and environmental science. Throughout the year students will also learn how to use the scientific method, how to write a proper lab report, and about many great historical and modern-day scientists all while being inspired to better understand science and the world around them.
In unity with all other Esprit students, 8th grade students will engage in a focused nature study of cultivated crops (Fall), the weather and climate (Winter), and insects (Spring). Nature Study home assignments include some light outside reading and one or two nature walks and studies each week. A book list will be provided for all books needed for home assignments.
Elements & Principles of Art 2 - 8th Grade
Students will continue to grow as artists studying art, media, and artists from various time periods. The student will focus on art and beauty in history, awareness and appreciation of famous artworks, and growing in personal, creative expression. Experience in drawing, painting, various types of mixed media, printmaking, sculpture and more will be introduced or built upon and explored. This course is for 8th grade students preparing to enter high school. Students do not have to complete Art 1 in order to take this course as the material will build upon any experience and understanding of the Elements and Principles of Design, which will prepare them for more rigorous art studies in the upper grades.
Physical Education - 5th-8th Grades
P.E. is an optional à la carte course for Middle and Upper Elementary students designed to inspire a love of fitness and to increase physical activity. Students will participate in organized sports and clinics, experience various fitness regimens such as calisthenics, running, and more.
Life Skills - 5th-8th Grades
Course Duration: 26 Weeks; Tuesdays, 1-3
Course & Class Supply Fees: $600
This optional Life Skills class is designed for students in 5th-8th grade to gain practical experience in time and money management, health, nutrition, and fitness, community service, first aid, maps, compasses, and outdoor survival, simple cooking skills, and simple home maintenance. The course includes 26 weeks of fun, engaging, hands-on classes taught by skilled teachers, as well as all materials needed for the class. Families may want to purchase additional materials on their own for further practice at home. Students must be registered for Thursday classes at Esprit in order to attend the Life Skills class. The activities are NEW this year, so students may repeat the class again.
Art Lab - 8th-12th Grades
Course Duration: 26 Weeks; Tuesdays, 10-11 OR 2-3
Course & Class Supply Fees: $400
This optional Art class explores art processes and techniques through a historical context. In class students will practice watercolor and acrylic painting, printmaking, mixed media art, clay, drawing using pencils, colored pencils, oil pastels, and more. Homework includes continuing art practice in a sketchbook, videos and some reading, projects, quizzes, and some pertinent field trips.
True education is a kind of never ending story — a matter of continual beginnings, of habitual fresh starts, of persistent newness.
J.R.R. Tolkien
New Family Registration Begins
February 16, 2024
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