Continuing the foundation of the Montessori philosophy of this two-year program for Middle School, students are involved a thematic, interdisciplinary approach to studies that provides large blocks of time for group and individual work, and practice toward independence. 

Areas of academic studies include mathematics, language, social studies, foreign language, science, public speaking/classroom presentations, technology, art, and physical education.  

• Manipulatives are still used, when appropriate, to introduce new concepts where concrete learning is necessary prior to the comprehension of abstract processes.

•  Mathematics studies includes math skills leading into algebraic thinking for 7th and Pre-Algebra in 8th grade with a focus on solving problems in a real-world setting.  

• The Language curriculum includes literature discussion, vocabulary development, grammar, and spelling. Writing skills are developed through the teaching and use of the writing process. All areas of writing are addressed including expository, creative, persuasive, research and poetry.

• Spanish is the focus of the foreign language program. Students learn vocabulary (spoken and written) and sentence structure in conversation and in writing. 

• Physical education includes training for the President’s Fitness Challenge and in school sports. 

Graduates are prepared to easily transition into traditional college preparatory High School academic programs. 

English

English Language Arts include the study of literature, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.

∙       Literature and Novel Study is an integral part of the ELA curriculum.  Each year 3 novels of differing genres are selected for unit studies. These novels are read independently and discussed as a class to further understanding, learn deeper meanings and discover themes within written works. Novel units guide writing and vocabulary studies. Students will also study poetry, short stories, and plays.

∙       Vocabulary is presented across the curriculum and is formally approached using direct academic vocabulary instruction through vocabulary introduced in literature novel studies. Students will also take weekly spellings tests of the most commonly misspelled words for a semester.

 ∙       Grammar is developed through an in-depth study on the parts of speech, diagraming, and peer editing.

∙       Writing is done weekly, and students will learn to brainstorm, outline, and create an organized paper. Writing informative, persuasive, argumentative, narrative, and academic essays will be taught. Students will learn how to research sources from various places and cite them according to MLA format. 

Mathematics (Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1)

• Components of STEM curriculum are integrated in the mathematics program using materials published by Glencoe. It provides students the opportunity to study traditional topics including algebra, geometry, and probability and statistics in a connected and problem-centered approach.  Middle School Math is offered in 7th grade and Pre-Algebra in 8th grade.  Students with an aptitude for math can take a placement test prior to the beginning of the school year.  Those that pass with an 85% or above may elect to take Pre-Algebra in the 7th grade and Algebra I for High School credit in the 8th grade.

Students are expected to describe and translate among graphic, algebraic, numeric, tabular, and verbal representations of relationships and use those representations to solve problems. Appropriate technology, from manipulatives to calculators and software, is used regularly for instruction and assessment. 

Physical Education and Health 

Physical Education class focuses on team sports, individual sports and aerobic activities. Sports include basketball, running, soccer, Frisbee and volleyball. Students also train and participate in the Presidential Fitness Challenge each year.

Health is the study of issues pertinent to the needs of early adolescents. Students explore topics such as belonging, friendships, adolescent development, stress management, self-esteem, peer pressure, biblically-based sexuality, nutrition, and balanced living. Total Health, Middle School is used as a textual source for study.  Health is studied alternate years in Middle School.

Sciences, Life and Physical

Middle School Science, with an emphasis in Life Science (Year A) and Physical Science (Year B) is achieved at WPS through the use of interactive lectures, investigative labs, and participation in the MAIS Science Fair. Students work individually and in small groups. The structure of these courses are designed promote college readiness. All lessons are formulated based on both the state and national standards for science education. 

Social Studies/History/Civics

This course includes geography and history. World History and United States History are studied in alternating years. Students work individually and in small groups. Students develop creative projects and make presentations.  The textbook used published are Bob Jones University.

The history curriculum focuses on the progress of people and the following topics that are derived from the cycle themes. 

World History: Ancient World Civilizations and Cultures, Medieval World, Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, 20th Century Wars, Cold Wars and the Present

United States History: Colonization, War of Independence, Foundations of US Government, the Civil War, Reconstruction, Wars and Conflicts, the Post War Era to the Present

Foreign Language

Middle School students participate in Spanish with an introduction in 7th grade and a continual building of their vocabulary and language skills in 8th.   7th and 8th grade meet together for Spanish, but the instruction and follow-up is determined by the student’s skill level in Spanish.

Student Entrepreneurship 

Middle school students participate in a student-run business. Students are responsible for the economic and business structure of the enterprise including marketing, sales, preparation, customer service, collecting monies and ordering inventory. 

Technological Literacy 

Technological Literacy includes the use of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, graphics, academic programs and simulation games. All of these activities are integrated into subject areas. Students have the opportunity to work with other equipment and use the internet to gather data and communicate with other schools.  All students are assigned and school email address and make use of Google Classroom and Google office tools. 

Arts 

Visual Art: Lessons in in a variety of art media are offered to Middle School students on a weekly basis. Students hone their artistic abilities with an eye toward illustrating classroom work and projects.

Musical Art: Students participate in Music class on a weekly basis.  Music includes, music theory, as well as units in piano keyboarding, and vocals.