English Language Arts 6 S1 (VL. E006.1)
English Language Arts 6 S2 (VL. E006.2)

English Language Arts 6 introduces and builds the fundamental skills of English language arts, including reading, writing, speaking, listening, and using language. This course helps transition students from an elementary setting to the middle school learning environment. Students explore a variety of texts from a range of time periods, literary genres, and writers. From classic authors to contemporary creative writers, students study the use of language and literary devices to improve reading comprehension and to apply to their own skill sets. In addition to reading, students strengthen their writing skills through several modes of composition, such as entertainment, persuasive, poetic, and expository texts. They learn how to construct a well-written five-paragraph essay. Notably, students learn to conduct research, cite sources in MLA formatting, and compose a formal research essay. The final topic of the course provides the opportunity for students to either read a novel or examine a variety of excerpts from novels. This topic encompasses the fundamental skill sets built throughout the year. Students complete creative projects such as creating an original piece of folklore and writing an original poem. These projects encourage students to highlight their talents and skills. This course emphasizes the importance of independent and creative thinking and integrates social-emotional learning.

Course Topics

• Basics of English Language Arts
• Basics of Language
• Basics of Writing
• Basics of Communication
• Spelling
• Folklore
• Short Stories
• Narrative Writing
• Literary Nonfiction
• Informational Texts
• Research
• Influential Media
• Argumentative Writing
• Poetry
• Drama
• Expository Writing
• Novels

English Language Arts 7 S1 (VL. E007.1)
English Language Arts 7 S2 (VL. E007.2)

English Language Arts 7 extends beyond the five fundamental English language arts skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and understanding language. This course exposes students to a variety of texts from a range of time periods, literary genres, and writers. From classic texts to contemporary creative writers and Evan-Moor pieces, students analyze fiction and nonfiction literature, examining and interpreting multiple literary devices within a single piece. In addition to reading, students strengthen their writing skills through narrative, informative, and persuasive compositions. They apply these forms of writing in essays, speeches, presentations, and other media. Students also compose an MLA-style research essay that includes headings, citations, and a Works Cited page. In addition, students produce a professional technical, or how-to, text that includes concise directions and images. The final topic of the course presents a wealth of valuable real-world skills. Notably, students practice important life skills, such as letter writing, filling out forms, and interviewing, while exploring career interests. Additionally, grammar is integrated regularly throughout the course to introduce and reinforce age-appropriate grammatical concepts. These lessons parallel the main lessons, and at the end of each grammar unit, students complete a summative workshop to apply the skills taught within that unit. Lastly, students complete creative projects, such as a family tree, an original narrative short story, a reinvention of themselves as a superhero, a song, and a writing portfolio. These projects and activities showcase students' abilities based on their learning styles. Overall, this course supports critical thinking and independent learning and application, while also incorporating social-emotional learning opportunities.

Course Topics

• English Language Arts Skills
• Word Language and Art
• Fiction Literature
• Research
• Persuasion in Media
• Arguments
• Great American Writers
• Poetry
• Narratives
• Technical Texts
• Drama
• Creative Writing
• Novels
• Career Readiness
• Language and Grammar (integrated)

English Language Arts 8 S1 (VL. E008.1)
English Language Arts 8 S2 (VL. E008.2)

English Language Arts 8 introduces students to literature and informational texts. Through lessons on the literary elements, the structure of texts, and the basics of grammar and composition, students apply analytical thinking skills to the works that they read. Students also delve into poetry in this course by dissecting the structure of poems, the language, and the terminology that is often affiliated with the genre. Students also apply their listening and speaking skills through presentations and projects.

Course Topics

• Mood, Style, & Tone
• Elements of Narratives
• Grammatical Rules
• Characterization
• Word Choice & Exploration
• Reading of Literature
• Writing Process
• Fiction, Nonfiction, & Poetry

Mathematics 6 S1 (VL.M006.1)
Mathematics 6 S2 (VL.M006.2)

Mathematics 6 introduces students to rational numbers and explores the concept of absolute value. Students work with ratios and rates to analyze relationships, and they connect these concepts to percents. Students also apply all four operations to decimal numbers, using the concepts to solve real-world application problems. In this course, students begin their study of Algebra by learning about mathematical expressions, equations, and inequalities. They analyze data and display data using statistical methods. Students also explore two- and three-dimensional shapes.

Course Topics

• Decimals
• Expressions
• Equations
• Inequalities
• Rational Numbers
• Ratios & Rates
• Statistics
• Perimeter & Area
• Surface Area
• Volume

Kit 

Mathematics 6 Workbook 

Mathematics 7 S1 (VL.M007.1)
Mathematics 7 S2 (VL.M007.2)

Students in Mathematics 7 begin their journey on the pathway to developing a strong mathematics framework. Students hone their arithmetic skills in this course, preparing them for more difficult and detailed calculations. Students work through fractions and decimals and begin developing algebraic skills by learning to work with and solve two-step equations. Students also explore probabilities, data, and statistics.

Course Topics

• Equations
• Probability, Including Experimental and Theoretical Probability
• Multi-step Equations
• Ordered Pairs
• Fractions & Decimals
• Rates & Ratios
• Proportions
• Unit Rates
• Absolute Value

Kit 

• 4 inch protractor
• compass
• marbles
• 6-sided die

Mathematics 8 S1 (VL.M008.1)
Mathematics 8 S2 (VL.M008.2)

Mathematics 8 prepares students for more difficult mathematics courses by exposing students to foundational arithmetic concepts. Students in this course examine the elements of geometry by being introduced to angles, lines, and points. Students apply this knowledge to graphs using coordinate planes and by completing calculations between two points’ distances. Students also study the scientific notation, which assists them in computations and provides a framework for more difficult calculations. Students will also analyze bivariate data using scatter plots and two-way tables.

Course Topics

• Rational Number Operations
• Exponents and Roots
• Irrational Numbers
• Scientific Notation
• Solving Equations
• Proportional Relationships
• Geometry
• Pythagorean Theorem
• Transformations
• Coordinate Geometry
• Area and Surface Area
• Volume
• Functions
• Systems of Equations
• Statistics
• Polynomials

Pre-Algebra S1 (L.MA115.1)
Pre-Algebra S2 (L.MA115.2)

In Pre-Algebra, students explore concepts such as integers, expressions, equations, and fractions. This course provides students with a solid foundation for Algebra I and emphasizes the use of technology, problem solving, critical thinking, and reasoning. 

Course Topics

• Linear Functions
• Plots
• Slopes and Intercepts
• Arithmetic & Geometric Sequences
• Geometry
• Equations
• Pythagorean Theorem

Science 6 S1 (VL.C006.1)
Science 6 S2 (VL.C006.2)

Science 6 takes students on a journey that incorporates life science, Earth and space science, and physical science concepts. Students begin by studying topics related to the nature of science and engineering, and they gain the skills necessary to succeed in investigations and engineering labs within the course. They learn how matter and energy interact and aid in creating the world around them. Students discover the unique properties of Earth that make it a sustainable planet for living organisms. Students will take an in-depth look at cells and their specialized structures, a variety of habitable ecosystems, and the abilities plants and animals must adapt to various surroundings. Along with learning about life on Earth, students will study the atmosphere and weather that has made Earth habitable for humans. They investigate ways to be more environmentally conscious by exploring how populations are affected by various environmental factors. Students work toward discovering solutions to these problems. This course includes multiple-day projects and hands-on labs, which are driven by real-world phenomena and meaningful storylines.

Course Topics

• Science and Engineering
• Matter to Molecules
• Structure of the Universe
• Your Home: The Earth
• The Amazing Cell
• Survival of Plants
• Energy in Ecosystems
• Animal Behavior and Adaptations
• Population Ecology
• Human Impacts and Resources
• Water on Earth
• Atmosphere and Oceans
• Weather Climate
• Engineering a Solution

Science 7 S1 (VL.C007.1)
Science 7 S2 (VL.C007.2)

Science 7 integrates life science, Earth and space science, and physical science while incorporating both engineering and scientific methods. In this course, students explore the ways in which humans have an impact on Earth's ecosystems and resources. They study the different forces at work on Earth and throughout the universe, learning about their importance in technologies and everyday phenomena. Students also investigate evidence of past life on Earth and how it evolved into the life that exists today. This course allows students to dig deeper into the inheritance of organisms and how these organisms adapt to their environments. Finally, students are introduced to waves, exploring how both sound and light waves are used in communication. This course includes multiple-day engineering design projects and hands-on labs, which are driven by real-world phenomena and meaningful storylines.

Course Topics

• Science and Engineering
• Human Impacts on Earth
• Shaping the Planet
• A Dynamic Planet
• Forces and Motion
• Work and Energy
• History of Life
• Early Earth and Life
• The Basics of Cells
• Reproduction of Cells
• Traits and Heredity
• Adapting for Change
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Sound and Light
• Waves and Technology
• Renewable Solutions

Science 8 S1 (VL.C008.1)
Science 8 S2 (VL.C008.2)

Science 8 combines the subjects of life science, Earth and space science, and physical science while incorporating both engineering and scientific methods. Students further their knowledge of the interactions of matter, learning about the properties of the periodic table and how reactions occur. Next, students learn about reproduction in cells and inheritance. In this part of the course, students analyze the difference between types of reproduction in cells, leading them to determine how traits and genetic differences in DNA occur. Students travel back in time and determine how clues from life in the past help to explain, map, and classify existing life on Earth. Students also explore ecosystems and how precious they are to life on Earth, analyzing how even the smallest impacts can have large effects on populations. Finally, students investigate wave technologies and how those technologies are used on Earth for advancements in science and economic growth.

Course Topics

• Science and Engineering
• Properties of Matter
• Definitions of Energy
• The Periodic Table
• Chemical Reactions
• Solutions, Acids, and Bases
• Characteristics of Cells
• Reproduction
• Heredity
• DNA: A Deeper Look
• Evolution of Life
• History of Life on Earth
• Classifying Life
• Interactions in Ecosystems
• Human Impacts
• Climatic Hazards
• Waves and Communication 

Earth and Space Science S1 (VL.SCEAR)
Earth and Space Science S2 (VL.SCEAR.2)

In Middle School Earth and Space Science, students study the planet Earth and the extensive solar system structure in which it resides. They evaluate Earth’s climate and its weather patterns and changes, and they learn about life science and how chemistry and physics play a role in Earth’s major processes. Students also investigate climate change and the ways in which global warming impacts Earth. By evaluating the numerous facets of our planet, students prepare for higher level and more subject-specific science courses.

Course Topics

• Earth Science: Introduction
• Matter and Energy
• Formation of the Universe
• Earth-Sun-Moon System
• The Solar System
• Exploring Space
• Human Impacts on Earth
• Conserving Earth’s Resources
• Natural Hazards
• The Rock Cycle and Geologic Time
• Plate Tectonics
• Weathering and Erosion
• Water on Earth
• Water and Earth’s Atmosphere
• Weather
• Climate
• The Ocean

Life Science S1 (VL. SCLIFE)
Life Science S2 (VL. SCLIFE 2)

Middle School Life Science introduces students to an integrated approach to physical and life sciences. Students study science concepts and problem solving, while exploring the many aspects of the living and nonliving world around them. Students review numerous cycles of life and study their impact on animal, plant, and human life. Students also investigate important topics in histology, heredity, and the biology of living organisms.

Course Topics:

• Basic Characteristics of Life
• Structure & Function of the Cell
• Levels of Biological Organization
• Growth & Development of Organisms
• Organization of Energy & Matter in Ecosystems
• Cycles of Matter in Ecosystems
• Ecosystem Dynamics
• Heredity
• Mendelian Dynamics
• Evidence of Evolution
• Natural Selection
• Adaptations

Physical Science S1 (VL.SCPHY)
Physical Science S2 (VL.SCPHY.2)

NCAA Eligible Course
Middle School Physical Science introduces students to the foundational concepts of both physics and chemistry. Students begin by studying topics related to the nature of science and engineering, where they gain the skills necessary to succeed in inquiry-based and engineering labs. They move on to learn the general principles of chemistry and physics, including matter and energy, chemical reactions, motion and forces, and interactions of waves. This course allows students to explore these major concepts through unique labs based on real-world phenomena.

Course Topics

• Matter
• Energy
• Chemical Bonds & Reactions
• Forces & Motion
• Work, Energy, and Power
• Sound Waves
• Light Waves
• Electricity
• Magnets & Magnetism

MS Geography (VL.SSGEO)

Students learn to study the Earth’s landscape in Middle School Geography. In this
course, students learn that geography extends beyond physical structures by
exploring geographical facets such as regions, ethnicities, and trade routes, in
addition to landforms. By studying the geography, history, culture, religion, and
contemporary issues facing a certain group of people or a specific area of space,
students discover a significant amount of information about people in the present
and in the past.

Course Topics:

• Places and Regions
• Geographical Arguments
• Organization of a Region
• Spatial and Cultural Patterns
• Constructing and Using Maps
• Inquiry in Geography
• Valid Sources
• Critiquing Arguments

MS World History S1 (VL. SSWHIST 1)
MS World History S2 (VL. SSWHIST 2)

Middle School World History enables students to explore significant events, people, and places from prehistoric to modern times. Studying world history allows students to consider the historical relevance of people, places, and events. In this wide-ranging course, students learn how the world and its inhabitants were shaped over time through conquest, exploration, and trade. Students also gain a better understanding of the role that geography plays in world history.

Course Topics

• World Geography
• Early Civilizations
• Ancient Asia
• The Americas
• African Civilizations
• Greece and Rome
• Anatolian Empires
• Medieval Europe
• Medieval Asia
• Cultural Changes in Europe
• Age of Exploration
• Imperialism
• Age of Revolution
• World War I
• World War II
• Cold War
• The Changing World
• The Modern World

MS U.S. History S1 (VL.SSUSH)
MS U.S. History S2 (VL.SSUSH.2)

Middle School U.S. History explores the history of the United States from before the arrival of Europeans in North America to the events of the 2016 presidential election. Students begin the course by examining North America before the arrival of European explorers and the establishment of colonies. Students learn about life in the colonies, British rule, and the events that led to the Revolutionary War. After learning about the American Revolution, students explore early U.S. government, westward expansion, the influence of the Industrial Revolution, and the Civil War. Then, they study life after the Civil War, Progressivism, Imperialism, and the onset of World War I. Next, students analyze the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II. Finally, students examine the Civil Rights movement, the Cold War, life in the 1960s and 1970s, and modern-day policies and events.

Course Topics

• Precolonial America
• Colonial America
• American Revolution
• Early United States
• Westward Expansion
• Industrial Revolution
• The Civil War
• Reconstruction
• Progressive and Labor Movements
• U.S. Imperialism
• WWI
• The Roaring Twenties
• The Great Depression
• WWII
• Civil Rights
• Cold War and Vietnam
• The 1960s and 1970s
• Modern Policies and Events

MS English Language Arts 6 S1 (VI. ELA6.1)
MS English Language Arts 6 S2  (VI. ELA6.2)

This course eases students’ transition to middle school with engaging, age appropriate literary and informational reading selections. Students learn to read critically, analyze texts, and cite evidence to support ideas as they read essential parts of literary and informational texts and explore a full unit on Lewis Carroll’s classic novel Through the Looking Glass. Vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills are sharpened through lessons that give students explicit modeling and ample practice. Students also engage in routine, responsive writing based on texts they have read. In extensive, process-based writing lessons, students write topical essays in narrative, informative, analytical, and argumentative formats. In this fullyear course, students develop a mastery of reading, writing, and language arts skills.

MS English Language Arts 7 S1 (VI.ELA7.1)
MS English Language Arts 7 S2 (VI.ELA7.2)

Students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers in this middle school course. With engaging literary and informational texts, students learn to think critically, analyze an author’s language, and cite evidence to support ideas. Students complete an indepth study of Jack London’s classic novel White Fang and read excerpts from 97 other stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Explicit modeling and ample opportunities for practice help students sharpen their vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills. Students also respond routinely to texts they have read. In extensive, processbased writing lessons, students write topical essays in narrative, informative, analytical, and argumentative formats. In this full-year course, students develop a mastery of reading, writing, and language arts skills.

MS English Language Arts 8 S1 (VI. ELA8.1)
MS English Language Arts 8 S2 (VI. ELA8.2)

In this course, students build on their knowledge and blossom as thoughtful readers and clear, effective writers. A balance of literary and informational texts engages students throughout the course in reading critically, analyzing texts, and citing evidence to support claims. Students sharpen their vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills through lessons designed to provide explicit modeling and ample opportunities to practice. Students also routinely write responses to texts they have read, and use more extensive, process-based lessons to produce full-length essays in narrative, informative, analytical, and argumentative formats. In this full-year course, students develop a mastery of reading, writing, and language arts skills.

MS Mathematics 6 S1 (VI.M6.1)
MS Mathematics 6 S2 (VI.M6.2)

This course begins by connecting ratio and rate to multiplication and division, allowing students to use ratio reasoning to solve a wide variety of problems. Students further apply their understanding of multiplication and division to explain the standard procedure for dividing fractions. This course builds upon previous notions of the number system to now include the entire set of rational numbers. Students begin to understand the use of variables as they write, evaluate, and simplify expressions. They use the idea of equality and properties of operations to solve one-step equations and inequalities. In statistics, students explore different graphical ways to display data. They use data displays, measures of center, and measures of variability to summarize data sets. The course concludes with students reasoning about relationships among shapes to determine area, surface area, and volume.

MS Mathematics 7 S1 (VI.M7.1)
MS Mathematics 7 S2 (VI.M7.2)

This course begins with an in-depth study of proportional reasoning during which students utilize concrete models such as bar diagrams and tables to increase and develop conceptual understanding of rates, ratios, proportions, and percentages. Students’ number fluency and understanding of the rational number system are extended as they perform operations with signed rational numbers embedded in real-world contexts. In statistics, students develop meanings for representative samples, measures of central tendency, variation, and the ideal representation for comparisons of given data sets. Students develop an understanding of both theoretical and experimental probability. Throughout the course, students build fluency in writing expressions and equations that model real-world scenarios. They apply their understanding of inverse operations to solve multi-step equations and inequalities. Students build on their proportional reasoning to solve problems about scale drawings by relating the corresponding lengths between objects. The course concludes with a geometric analysis of angle relationships, area, and volume of both two- and three-dimensional figures.

MS Mathematics 8 S1 (VI.M8.1)
MS Mathematics 8 S2 (VI.M8.2)

The course begins with a unit on input-output relationships that builds a foundation for learning about functions. Students make connections between verbal, numeric, algebraic, and graphical representations of relations and apply this knowledge to create linear functions that can be used to model and solve mathematical and real world problems. Technology is used to build deeper connections among representations. Students focus on formulating expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and writing and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations. Students develop a deeper understanding of how translations, rotations, reflections, and dilations of distances and angles affect congruence and similarity. Students develop rules of exponents and use them to simplify exponential expressions. Students extend rules of exponents as they perform operations with numbers in scientific notation. Estimating and comparing square roots of nonperfect squares to perfect squares exposes students to irrational numbers and lays the foundation for applications such as the Pythagorean theorem, distance, and volume.

MS Pre-Algebra S1 (VI.MPALG.1)
MS Pre-Algebra S2 (VI.MPALG.2)

This course is an advanced mathematics course. The course reviews key algebra readiness skills from 6th-8th grade and introduces basic Algebra 1 work. Students will revisit concepts in numbers and operations, expressions and equations, ratios and proportions, and basic functions. By the end of the course, students are ready to begin a more formal high school Algebra 11 curriculum.

MS Physical Science S1 (VI. SCPS6.1)
MS Physical Science S2 (VI. SCPS6.2)

This full-year course focuses on basic concepts in chemistry and physics and encourages exploration of new discoveries in the field of physical science. The course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures and has students examine the chemical building blocks of our physical world and the composition of matter. Additionally, students explore the properties that affect motion, forces, and energy on Earth. Building on these concepts, the course covers the properties of electricity and magnetism and the effects of these phenomena. As students refine and expand their understanding of physical science, they will apply their knowledge to complete interactive virtual labs that require them to ask questions and create hypotheses. Hands-on wet lab options are also available.

MS Integrated Science 6 S1(VI.INTSC.1)
MS Integrated Science 6 S2 (VI.INTSC.2)

This course is based upon the Science objectives from Next Generation Science Standards. The required content covered in this course includes the following topics: cell structure and function, genetics and heredity, diversity of organisms, energy, climate, and Earth’s natural resources.

MS Integrated Science 7 S1(VI.INTSC.3)
MS Integrated Science 7 S2 (VI.INTSC.4)

This course is based upon the Science objectives from Next Generation Science Standards. The required content covered in this course includes some of the following topics: elements and compounds, changes of matter, earth’s history and plate tectonics, acids bases and biochemistry.
 

MS Life Science S1 (VI. SCLIF.1)
MS Life Science S2 (VI. SCLIF.2)

Examining a broad spectrum of the biological sciences, Life Science is a full-year course for middle school students that builds on basic principles of scientific inquiry and translates those skills to more complex, overarching biological themes.  The course includes units that help students understand the definitions, forms, and classifications of living organisms and learn to analyze the diversity of each unique group of living organisms. Other units introduce students to the structures and functions of cells, cell theory, and cell reproduction. These larger themes are then applied to other topics, such as genetics, Darwinian theory, and human biology and health. An introduction of ecology draws all these concepts together to examine the interrelationships that help to maintain life on Earth. 
 

MS Earth Systems Science S1 (VI.ESYSC.1)
MS Earth Systems Science S2 (VI.ESYSC.2)

Students enrolled in this dynamic course explore the scope of Earth sciences, covering everything from basic structure and rock formation to the incredible and volatile forces that have shaped and changed our planet. As climate change and energy conservation become increasingly prevalent in the national discourse, it will be important for students to understand the concepts and causes of our changing Earth. Earth Science is a two-semester course that provides a solid foundation for understanding the physical characteristics that make the planet Earth unique and examines how these characteristics differ among the planets of our solar system.

MS Integrated Science 8 S1(VI.INTSC.5)
MS Integrated Science 8 S2 (VI.INTSC.6)

This course is based upon the Physical Science objectives from Next Generation Science Standards. The required content covered in this course includes some of the following topics: earth and the universe, the changing earth, genetics and evolution, and motion.

MS World Cultures & Geography S1 (VI. MSGEO.1)
MS World Cultures & Geography S2 (VI. MSGEO.2)

Designed to introduce students to the study of geography, this course helps students master important concepts in physical and human geography. Comprehensive and organized by region, this two-semester middle school course helps students understand the Earth’s physical and human diversity. Students analyze population and settlement patterns and evaluate the ways that human activities modify the physical environment. While studying humans around the world, students compare development, standards of living, systems of government, and economic factors across the globe. In addition, students gain a rich understanding of global cultures and the historical factors that have shaped the world around them. All units in the course are parallel and include studies in physical and human geography, ancient cultures, regional studies, and modern issues.

MS Modern World History S1 (VI. MODWH.1)
MS Modern World History S2 (VI. MODWH.2)

The MS Modern World History course presents a cohesive and comprehensive overview of world history from the Middle Ages to the modern era. This yearlong course examines the role of conflict and cooperation in shaping the modern world. Students will draw upon and further develop historical inquiry skills as they examine the expansion of global economic, political, and social interactions and question the impact they had, and continue to have, on cultures and nations. Students will explore the lasting effects that revolutions in government and technology have had on peoples, nations, and the environment. Students apply historical inquiry skills to studies of civilizations from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Students study economies and the growth of more complex trade systems, the cultures of and conflicts among peoples and places, the development of political institutions, and the rise and fall of governments. In later lessons, students examine how changes in the arts, technology, and political systems have had a lasting influence on modern civilization. Throughout the course, students analyze maps and primary sources to identify patterns and make connections across time and space. Students are exposed to diverse cultures and learn to explore the past with historical empathy. Students encounter rigorous reading and writing activities for a variety of purposes. These activities allow students to develop literacy and writing skills, as well as critical thinking and communication skills.

MS Survey of World History S1 (VI.SURWH.1)
MS Survey of World History S2 (VI.SURWH.2)

The year-long MS Survey of World History course provides a basic overview of all aspects of World History from the early River Valley civilizations through our modern world. Students will gain a rich understanding of global cultures and the historical factors that have shaped the world around them. Throughout the course students analyze historical sources and make connections with concepts such as government, economic systems, and technology and innovation. Students encounter rigorous reading and writing activities to develop literacy and writing skills as well as critical thinking and communication skills. The course begins with units covering ancient civilizations in the regions of Mesopotamia, India, China, and Greece and Rome. Students learn what life was like in ancient times and how the empires rose and fell. Students move on to study the social and political changes that were brought about during the Renaissance and that spurred worldwide explorations. Revolutions, imperialism, and world wars follow with in-depth studies on how these events happened and their influence. As one century ends and the next begins, students study the Cold War as well as the political and economic changes across the globe. The course concludes with the issues facing our global society from environmental issues to the role technology plays in our everyday life.

MS Ancient History S1 (VI. ANCWH.1 )
MS Ancient History S2 (VI. ANCWH.2 )

NCAA Eligible Course

Ancient History enables students to explore the cultures of ancient civilizations throughout the world. They discover each civilization's contributions to art, music, literature, education, religion, science, technology, government, and philosophy. Students explore aspects of humanity from prehistoric to about 500 CE.

Course Topics

• Early Humans
• Mesopotamia
• Ancient Egypt
• Ancient Japan
• Ancient Greece
• Ancient Rome 

MS U.S. History S1 (VI.HIST.1)
MS U.S. History S2 (VI.HIST.2)

Offering an interactive and comprehensive overview of American history, this course engages and inspires students to learn about the rich and diverse history of America’s native peoples, early European colonization and settlement in America, and the creation of a new nation through the American Revolution. Middle school students enrolled in this course will closely examine major changes brought about by the nation’s reconstruction, industrialization, urbanization, and progressive reforms and consider the implications each of these events had on the expansion of the United States’ global influence through modern times. Over the course of two semesters, interesting course content encourages students to think carefully about the challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the twenty-first century.