Seventh Grade Course Descriptions
(Download Seventh Grade through Twelfth Grade Core Course Descriptions)
English: Seventh Grade English
Students will read a variety of novels and literary works. Critical thinking will be developed as literature and poetry are analyzed and discussed. The program focuses on the evaluation of literature and writing, using Biblical principles as the standard by which they are evaluated. Students will write five-paragraph compositions, including a thesis statement, an outline, and introductory and concluding paragraphs. An emphasis will be placed on the Writing Process planning, writing, editing, revising, and publishing compositions. They will select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes such as to inform, persuade, or entertain and incorporate stylistic techniques within each form. Students continue to read widely in classic and contemporary selections and informational texts. Students will be given the opportunity to communicate their views both orally and in writing. Vocabulary development and word study skills will be emphasized including the knowledge of Classical Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Grammar skills will be reinforced and new concepts introduced and will be utilized within the context of the writing program along with additional practice.
Math: Seventh Grade Math
This course is a bridge to build the confidence a student needs for transitioning to Pre-Algebra. It consists of a structured approach to a variety of topics such as integers, fractions, ratios, percent, equations and inequalities as in Pre-Algebra. It also includes basic geometry, graphing, and probability. It captures your students' interest with exciting and easy-to-use technology such as online-tutor and daily lesson quizzes. Checkpoint Quizzes assess student understanding after every few lessons to insure comprehension. Problem Solving is supported by expanding the problem, guiding the student through the problem solving process and providing extra practice.
Social Studies / History: Seventh Grade History
Seventh Grade history will include the study of two core subjects:
(Fall Semester) This semester will be devoted to the study of Texas from the states earliest civilizations to statehood. Themes in Texas History will include Geography; Economics; Government; Citizenship; Culture; Science; Technology and Society; Constitutional Heritage and Global Relations. A unit of state government will also be included.
(Spring Semester) During this semester the students will begin the study of American history. The subject of history is a living, meaningful, relevant subject to our everyday lives and will be taught as such. Areas to be taught are the discovery of the new world; settlement of the original thirteen colonies; daily life of the colonists; challenges with the British; the ultimate conflict; independence; establishment of the Confederation and the writing of the United States Constitution.
Science: Seventh Grade Science (Life Science)
Students in their seventh year of study will take Life Science. Students will engage in hands-on activities to examine the attributes of life, classification, cells, and creation. The text deals with life processes of organisms, genetics, and comparing & contrasting the theory of evolution versus Creation from a Biblical perspective. It also presents concepts in microbiology, zoology, and ecosystems.
Upper School (7-12) Elective Course Descriptions
(Download Upper School Elective Course Descriptions)
Art 1
This course introduces and reinforces a simplified artistic vocabulary and builds a greater understanding of how to compose a successful piece of art. Students will be exposed to a variety of media and techniques including drawing, painting, and 3-Dimensional art. Students are challenged to grow and develop their individual artistic ability. History is introduced through artists and art period studies relating to the art elements being taught. Through this class, students begin to discover their unique talents and interests and how to use them to glorify the Master Creator.
Art 2
Students will take basic art skills and grow them into advanced skills. The students start with pencil and move into more advanced mediums while building a portfolio. All work is original. Photography is often used to begin the creative process. This class explores different artists, their work, and how to build a concept from start to finish. Students continue to discover their unique talents and interests and how to use them to glorify the Master Creator. Instructor approval may be required.
Computer Explorers
This computer course introduces students to basic keyboarding and computer skills. During the first semester, students will concentrate on learning how to type correctly and become comfortable with the computer. In the second semester, they will continue their knowledge of basic keyboarding and discover how to apply this knowledge through exposure to various computer applications.
Computer Pathways
This class is for those students with basic typing skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of common computer applications including: word processing, spreadsheets, and power point. Students taking this class must be able to type accurately and consistently.
Creative Writing
This creative writing course focuses on a study of various forms and genres of prose and poetry apart from, though not excluding, expository and persuasive essays. Literary works will serve as models through analysis, application, and imitation. Composition exercises will reflect an understanding of studied forms and an application of creative techniques. A primary goal of this class is for the student to gain confidence and control as a fiction writer and practice applying stylistic techniques via short exercises.
Home Economics
This course is divided into separate themes for each semester. The first semester begins with the students learning about personal finances. They not only learn about writing checks and balancing a checkbook, they learn about making a personal budget and experiencing an employment-type position to earn wages. They move to the cooking portion of the class, where they learn about appliances, reading recipes, and hands-on cooking! The second semester concentrates on sewing with a machine and hand-stitching. They will create two sewing projects that are sure to be a hit! The semester culminates with a unit on childcare (from infancy through preschool age). They receive hands-on experience working with pre-school age children.
Introduction to Robotics
Using an interactive, hands-on approach, students will study, design, build and control a VEX robot, integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts. The course will introduce the engineering design process, applied physics, prototyping, and integrated problem solving, providing challenging teamwork and leadership opportunities. In cooperation with Carnegie Mellon University and requiring no previous programming experience, this course will also teach students how to program a VEX robot using ROBOTC, a C-based programming language. Course information will be tied to lab experiments; students will work in teams to build and test increasingly more complex mobile robots, culminating in an end-of-semester robotics contest.
Musical Expression
In this small ensemble, we will explore choral arrangements of various musical genres, both classic and contemporary. The students will receive foundational instruction in musical theories and principles, as well as vocal and instrumental coaching. The semester will culminate in a full-length performance preceded by various short samplings throughout the year.
SAT/ACT Prep Class
In this class, students will learn skills that will enable them to perform on the SAT or ACT College Entrance Test. They will be given efficient and effective procedures that will maximize their score on either exam. The instructor in the class will work on identifying each SAT prep class participants unique deficiencies and problem areas in order to be able to bring each participant up to the required level of SAT test-competency. This class is for students who would like to develop the conceptual understanding of the three different assessment areas and hone their reasoning skills in order to shoot for and achieve a desirable SAT or ACT score.
Strategy Games
Strategy Games allows the students to experience many different types of games that require more than just luck to win. For each game, the students will learn the rules and basic strategy to help them be more successful. We will play paper and pencil games, board games, and card games throughout the year.
Yearbook
Students in this class will be members of the yearbook production staff. The course is designed to expose the student to the skills of photography, journalism and page production, and to assist him/her in acquiring the responsible attitude necessary to meet the demands of a production schedule and a publication deadline. Students will work in teams to complete a 75-page yearbook ON TIME!
Study Hall
Each day during regular school hours, a study hall area will be open for students remaining on campus but not enrolled in a class. Students may register for any hour of study hall during this time frame, but may not register for more than two periods on the same day. Registration in a study hall is required for any students expecting to be on campus but not in class during school hours.
Seventh Grade Core Class Schedule
(Download 7th & 8th Grade Core Courses Schedule)
English 7
Pre-Algebra
Study Hall
Life Science
History 7
Study Hall
English 7
Pre-Algebra
Study Hall
Life Science
History 7
Study Hall
5th Period: 1:45-2:40 (Elective Class)
6th Period: 2:45-3:40 (Elective Class)
Elective Course Schedule
(Download Elective Course Schedule)
Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays unless otherwise noted.
Home Economics
Computer Pathways
Art
Musical Expression
Art 2 (FRI)
Strategy Games
Computer Explorers
Girls Sports
Boys Sports
Art 2 (FRI)
Art 2 is a 2-hour class that meets on Fridays.
Study Hall is available for all grades during fifth and sixth periods.