6th - 8th Grade
Middle school is a time of personal growth and discovery. Students have the skills to nurture their academic strengths and interests, exploring complex ideas in all subject areas. Building on previous knowledge and skills, children can apply higher-level thinking to reach beyond the classroom. They analyze and question the world around them, as they prepare for high-school, college and careers. Equipped with a solid moral and academic foundation, students are ready to succeed.
6-8 Curriculum
English Language Arts
6-8 Curriculum
English Language Arts
Students read and write across a variety of genres in middle school. In literature seminar, students use higher-level critical thinking skills to track theme development, draw conclusions, and make inferences. Teachers facilitate thoughtful discussions around texts and provide students an opportunity to express opinions, ideas, and critiques. In writing, students plan, write, and edit stories, essays, poems, and research papers. With a solid foundation in grammar and usage, students also begin to develop their own unique voice and style. Our teachers model every part of the writing process to set students up for success with their work.
Math
6-8 Curriculum
Math
In middle school students are invited to engage with mathematics through a problem-based curriculum. Critical thinking skills are developed as students analyze, process, discuss and solve real world and mathematical problems. Students will build a strong foundation in both algebraic thinking and data science and expand their number sense and geometric understanding. As these skills evolve, students learn to apply a variety of strategies, make connections across concepts, and most importantly learn that they are a mathematician.
Science
6-8 Curriculum
Science
Leveraging the knowledge they developed in earlier grades, students dive into greater complexity in life science, physical science, earth and space science, and science practices. Students will not just learn science concepts, but they will explore and apply the science concepts to real-life situations to ensure that they are set up for success for a rigorous high school science curriculum.
Social Studies
6-8 Curriculum
Social Studies
At this age, your child’s ability to understand their place in society is really beginning to expand. They’re able to think more critically about who they want to become in the future. That’s why it’s important that they expand their understanding of the world through the study of civics, world regions, history, government and economics. They begin to analyze complex issues that affect their communities and the world. As they’re more immersed in the study of American history, they gain a greater understanding of their responsibilities as citizens within the values of American democracy.
Specials
6-8 Curriculum
Specials
Students study art, music, physical education and technology. We also offer electives to provide a well-rounded education.
More on EXCEL-ERATE
Advanced Learning Program
We offer advanced learning opportunities for top-performing students who are ready to progress beyond grade level.
Specialized Regents Classes
Middle school students can explore subjects at a deeper level and have the opportunity to expand their knowledge in these specialized regents classes.
Algebra 1
Honors Common Core Algebra I is a full year Honors Level Course that emphasizes the Common Core and New York State standards in 8th grade Mathematics. Students will encounter challenging tasks that allow them to not only perform the functions of Algebra but prove and justify the concepts. Algebra I is a full year course that terminates in a Regents Examination.
The following is an overview of the topics that are covered in this course:
- Foundations of Algebra and Introduction to Equations
- Linear Inequalities
- Linear Functions
- Systems of Linear Equations
- Operations on Polynomials
- Factoring Polynomials/ Simplifying radical Expressions
- Solving Quadratic Equations
- Quadratic Functions
- Exponential Functions
- Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
- Extending Functions- Absolute Value Functions, Square Roots Functions, Cubic Functions, Cubed Root Functions, Piecewise Functions, Step Functions
- Statistics and Interpreting Data
Living Environment
This full year course fulfills the NYS Living Environment Requirement and includes the 1200 minute NYS State required lab component. The course emphasizes an in depth understanding of major concepts rather than memorization of science facts.
Key topics covered in this course include:
- Characteristics of Living Systems
- Human Structure and Function
- Genetics and Mechanism of Inheritance
- Genetic Engineering
- Variation Adaptation Evolution
- Reproduction and Development
- Energy Pathways
- Disease and Homeostasis
- Interdependence
- Biotic and Abiotic Interactions
- Technology and the Environment
U.S. History and Government
U.S. History and Government provides an in-depth political, economic, social and geographic study of America from colonial times to the present. The course is designed to help students deepen their understanding of United States history through the examination of major events, people, and themes. Through this preparation and course of study students will further develop writing and comprehension skills.
We're More Than Academics
Strong hearts and minds impact the world in amazing ways. Virtues such as respect, perseverance, compassion, and courage are essential to what kids need to succeed and an essential part of what we teach. We make them part of every school day. This helps students learn the importance of making good decisions and doing the right thing in life. Moral Focus is so integrated into everything we do:
- We created a curriculum specifically around Moral Focus.
- We celebrate a “virtue of the month” every month.
- Our students create a class contract where students agree how to treat their teacher and each other.
- Students are recognized and celebrated for how they live out Moral Focus every day.
Parent
I love the emphasis on moral focus each month. Not only is my child receiving an education, but you are also teaching her qualities to be a good person.
Monthly Virtues
Wisdom
Use good judgment to make decisions
Respect
Treat others the way you want to be treated
Gratitude
Appreciate the kindness and generosity of others
Self-control
Manage your emotions and behavior to stay calm
Perseverance
Persist through difficulties until you reach your goal
Courage
Despite fear, do what you believe is right
Encouragement
Motivate others to have confidence in themselves
Compassion
Help and care for others during times of need
Integrity
Do what is right, honorable, and good
A Deeper Dive Into Moral Focus
Over the years National Heritage Academies has seen how our moral focus emphasis in the classroom makes our schools safer, more caring places. We trust these important personal skills spill out into our students’ homes, communities, and futures. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits that come from developing a strong moral backbone and why NHA takes them to heart.More on Moral Focus
Preparing your child for a lifetime of success
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