English and History
The Interdisciplinary Sequence: Grades Eight, Nine and Ten
Comprehensive overview of language and culture
The Interdisciplinary Sequence (IDS), an innovative and challenging course, traces human culture from 3000 B.C. to the present, while integrating perspectives from history, literature, philosophy, religious thought and the arts.

English – Language Arts Grades Five and Six
Learning the conventions of formal English
Fifth and sixth graders begin to master writing and literature comprehension skills through Theme, a yearlong study of a world culture or civilization. Theme explores every aspect of cultural arts and history to inform students’ written work. Students analyze texts, write research papers and create an original drama and artwork to support their learning.

English 7
Advancing literary comprehension and writing skill
Seventh graders continue to strengthen grammar, note-taking and composition skills by deepening their own writing and reading of literature. By studying basic elements of the novel and poetry, they learn how to apply figurative language and use proper essay structure. They also learn to refine and organize paragraphs while building vocabulary.

Writing
Foundations in written communication
Throughout middle school, students participate in a systematic writing program. They study grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. Students also learn how to edit for clarity, accuracy and purpose as they write critical essays, research papers and creative compositions.

History – Social Studies: Grades Five and Six
Dive deep into a world culture
In this interdisciplinary course, students begin to understand how geography shapes culture and historical events. The class also connects sociology and anthropology with literature, music, drama and art. The curriculum, closely tied to the language arts program, focuses on cultures such as Africa or Meso-America.

American History: Grade Seven
How a nation is born—and grows
This course explores U.S. history from the pre-colonial period to the end of the Civil War. It combines geography, political science and literature to examine key topics such as immigration. Students research their family history, exploring one family member’s experience. These exciting studies culminate in a class trip to New York City.

Mathematics: Grade Five
Basic mathematics and problem-solving
The University of Chicago’s Everyday Math program emphasizes the acquisition of basic math concepts and skills as well as the development of fundamental problem-solving strategies. 

Mathematics: Grade Six
Basic mathematics and problem-solving
Sixth grade math is a transitional year between the University of Chicago's Everyday Math program and seventh-grade pre-algebra. Students are introduced to the pre-algebra textbook, learn how to take notes for math review, and work to solve problems using math in everyday situations. Students are prepared for pre-algebra by the end of sixth grade.

Pre-Algebra: Grade Seven
The potential and elasticity of numbers
Seventh grade introduces pre-algebra: Students explore basic number theory, properties of real numbers, equations and world problems, addition and subtraction of polynomials, graphing linear equations and inequalities, and laws of exponents.

Algebra: Grade Eight
Developing complex mathematical skills
The algebra sequence continues with the development of complex skills such as problem solving, quadratic functions, trinomials and factoring. Students who successfully complete the two-year algebra program take geometry in ninth grade.

Science
Life sciences and introduction to physics
Science classes combine content study with significant hands-on experimentation. Fifth grade subjects include earth sciences such as weather and bird life. Sixth graders focus on physical science, including chemistry, electricity and the water cycle. Sixth graders culminate their study of the water cycle with a two-day trip to Cape May, N.J. Seventh graders learn about plant and animal systems in life science. Eighth grade features conceptual physics, which introduces the mathematical structure of physics.

World Language
Understanding language before pursuing one
Students in fifth grade continue their study of Spanish that began in pre-kindergarten. Prima Lingua, a world language course, teaches sixth graders the structure and origin of languages. In seventh grade, students choose formal study of Latin, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish as part of a sequential program that may culminate in advanced courses in the upper school.

Fine Arts
Performance, visual arts and music
All middle schoolers experience performance, visual arts and music each year. As part of music, students compose original compositions based on learned genres and participate and perform in either orchestra, chorus, dance or percussion ensembles. An annual middle school drama production is open to any student who wishes to participate.

Physical Education
Body, mind and spirit
Every student takes physical education yearly— which emphasizes health as well as individual and team skill development.  

Middle School Co-Curricular Activities
Integral to the middle school experience
Co-curricular activities may include the literary magazine, main-stage theater, student government, peer tutoring, movie night and more. In grades six through eight, each student is required to participate in at least one season of after-school interscholastic athletics per year, and one club each semester. Fifth graders are encouraged to participate in the sports program.

Girls’ Sports
Fall: field hockey, soccer
Winter: basketball
Spring: softball

Boys’ Sports
Fall: soccer
Winter: basketball
Spring: baseball

Co-ed Sports
Fall: cross-country
Winter: swimming
Spring: tennis