MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
The middle school program will operate on a two-year rotating cycle, combining both 7th and 8th grade students for core classes including: Theology, English, Science and History. Students will attend the math and foreign language classes, as are appropriate for their academic pathway and aligns with the pre-requisites they have completed.
The middle school program was developed to be a comprehensive program that will cover the important aspects of literary analysis, grammar, poetry and prose, while also bringing in an understanding of history and geography throughout the modern era. The students will alternate studies of Life Science and Physical Science, to complete their middle school academics with a stronger knowledge of both the physical, biological and chemical world.
ENGLISH
LITERATURE STUDIES
The goal of this course is to give students the skills they need to understand and appreciate great literature. As we read and analyze classic works of poetry and prose, we’ll work on improving reading comprehension, writing skills, and vocabulary. The course will feature class discussion, quizzes, tests, writing assignments, some poetry memorization, and lots of reading.
AMERICAN LITERATURE
In our American Literature class we will cover essays, short stories, novels, and poetry. The focus in on great works throughout American History. The course selections include titles such as: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Scarlet Letter and The Great Gatsby, among many others. The course will include classroom discussion, quizzes, tests and writing assignments.
WORLD LITERATURE
This course begins with Greek mythology and continues through works by Homer, Sophocles, Virgil, and St. Augustine. The emphasis will be on close reading of the texts, class discussion, and analytical writing. Through these studies, students will gain a greater understanding of the foundations of Western literature and culture. There will be a focus on vocabulary drawn from the readings. Grammar and usage will be addressed as needed. Quizzes, tests, essays.
BRITISH LITERATURE
This survey course will include samplings from the great canon of English literature, from Beowulf to early Christian poetry, Sir Gawain, Milton, Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, CS Lewis, and more. The emphasis will be on close reading of the texts, class discussion, and analytical writing. There will be a focus on vocabulary drawn from the readings, and grammar and usage will be addressed as needed. Quizzes, tests, essays.
HISTORY
WORLD GEOGRAPHY AND CULTURE
This course provides the students with an engaging and dynamic journey across our beautiful planet. Students will learn the political and geographical history of each continent, along with major landmarks, topography and architecture. In addition, students will dive into the culture and religion of the various regions of each part of our beautiful world.
WORLD HISTORY
Using primary and secondary sources, alongside narrative nonfiction and fiction, students actively engage in understanding historical events. Our interactive curriculum includes dramatic interpretations of the "Epic of Gilgamesh," hands-on projects like chicken mummification, and crafting Sanskrit tablets to bring ancient cultures to life. This course offers a dynamic and immersive approach to discovering how ancient events and cultures shape our modern world.
AMERICAN HISTORY
This course will explore the history of America from the earliest explorers to the modern era. Students will draw their knowledge from the study of primary documents, speeches and journalistic media, in addition to selected core readings. Throughout this course students will improve their ability to answer complex questions and formulate their own detailed arguments based on historical data. The course will also focus on important contributions and developments of Catholicism in American culture and notable Catholic Americans.
GOVERNMENT
THEOLOGY
SALVATION HISTORY
The goal of this course is to teach students how Sacred Scripture is the foundation for understanding the Catholic faith. Along with the Holy Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we will use a textbook written by Dr. Scott Hahn.
From the Midwest Theological Forum "This text examines Divine Revelation, presenting Sacred Scripture as the inspired Word of God unveiled gradually throughout the history of salvation. It examines how the Magisterium of the Church transmits the Deposit of Faith infallibly and how our understanding of God's Revelation leads us to a more intimate relationship with the three Persons of the Blessed Trinity in this life and to eternal life in Heaven. It also explains how to read the Bible, emphasizing how the New Testament in Christ fulfills the covenants and promises that God made with his people in the Old Testament."
APOLOGETICS
This one-year course will cover Sacraments the first semester and Apologetics the second semester using Fr. Laux’s texts. Mass and the Sacraments covers The Mass, each of the sacraments, indulgences and sacramentals. Catholic Apologetics offers the student clear and convincing explanations of why we believe what we believe as Catholics, touching on such topics as the existence of God, Divine Revelation, the divinity of Christ and the founding of the Church.
CATHOLIC DOCTRINE: FAITH AND MORALS
The purpose of this class is to lay a solid foundation of knowledge of the Catholic Faith and of what our conduct must be if we are to grow in holiness. We will cover the intellect and the will, the Blessed Trinity, creation, angels, original sin, our redemption through Christ, the mystery of suffering, the Blessed Virgin Mary, actual and sanctifying grace, heaven, hell, and purgatory, the sources of Faith, our duties toward God, ourselves, and our neighbors, the elements of a moral act, conscience, temptation, virtue, etc. The class will feature quizzes, tests, short writing assignments, and plenty of discussion.
FOLLOWING CHRIST
This course aims to prepare the senior student for life in the modern world.
Topics include the theology of the Trinity, the Incarnation, Redemption, Catholic philosophy about government, war and peace, and marriage and family issues such as contraception, abortion, and euthanasia.
MATHEMATICS
PRE-ALGEBRA
This course in intended to prepare students for higher levels of mathermatics. Students will be introduced to and further explore negative numbers, order of operations and solving for the unknowns, among other topics. Students will become fluent in understand calculations with negative numbers, working with exponents, place value, evaluating radicals and identifying the least common multiple and greatest common factor. In addition, the course will further explore common mathematical principals including the use of the Pythagorean Theorem, computing surface are and volume, converting temperature between Celsius and Fahrenheit and adding an multiplying polynomials, among other topics.
ALGEBRA I
In this course students will gain a greater understanding of graphing, simultaneous equations, exponents, polynomials, unit multipliers and more. This course will have a strong emphasis on graphing and describing linear equations and inequalities, solving systems of equations, expanding the students understanding of exponents and solving basic quadratic equations. In addition, this course will further provide a deeper knowledge of the properties of arithmetic functions to algebra, working with polynomials, converting between base 10 and other bases and graphing conic sections, among other topics.
GEOMETRY
This Geometry course has three main areas of emphasis: the vocabulary of geometry, practical applications of geometry, and traditional geometry, including proofs. Topics include lines, angles, area, perimeter, volume, Pythagorean theorem, axioms and postulates, congruency, and similarity. An introduction to trigonometric functions is also included.
ALGEBRA II
The Algebra II course will expand further on concepts learned in Algebra 1 as well as cover such topics as advanced factoring, imaginary and complex numbers, the binomial theorem, the quadratic formula and motion problems. Graphing conic sections and solving systems of equations will be included as well as the introduction of vectors. There will be daily assignments and unit tests.
PRECALCULUS
Following the Math-U-See curriculum, this year-long course will cover
the Mathematics concepts that will help prepare students for the
Calculus course and beyond. Major Topics include understanding the
unit circle and trigonometric ratios, their reciprocals, and inverses;
working with trigonometric expressions and identities; graphing and
analyzing trigonometric functions; working with arithmetic and
geometric sequences and series; understanding polar coordinates,
radian measure, and vectors; understanding and working with
exponential and logarithmic functions (including Eulerʼs number and
natural logarithms); continuing with absolute value and radical
equations and inequalities; and providing an introduction to limits and
continuity.
CONSUMER MATH
SCIENCE
EARTH SCIENCE
From earthquakes and volcanoes to clouds and galaxies, show your child the features of God’s Creation here on earth as well as the Great Beyond with Science: Earth and Space! We will be using the Abeka Earth and Space Science textbook. This course guides your student through a study of geology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, and environmental science. A thorough study of rocks, soil, and fossils will give your student a solid foundation in the study of our Earth. This class will include homework assignments from the companion activity book, several graded projects and periodic quizzes.
Text Book AND Activity Book for A Beka Earth and Space Science
This class has a supply fee of $20 which is payable on the first day of class
BIOLOGY WITH LAB
Church teaching and the wonder of God’s Creation are emphasized in this high school Biology with Lab course. The engaging and unique pedagogy begins with Botany, capturing the students’ interest with an in-depth study of the familiar, and ending with the awe-inspiring wonder of the last unit, Cytology. Dissections and microscope work will be completed throughout the year, along with other hands-on activities to increase understanding and aid retention of the material.
The A Beka Biology materials are used in this course. It is written from a literalist Protestant point of view. A section written from a Protestant view of the Reformation is omitted (and/or corrected). Evolution/Creation is taught according to Church teaching, and the students read Humani Generis, the encyclical on evolution. This beautifully-written pro-life book gives credit to our Creator throughout. In the Human Anatomy & Physiology unit, students are reminded that we are made in God’s image, and that we are different from other creatures by virtue of our immortal souls. This textbook lays the groundwork for the students to understand the teachings of Humani Vitae when they encounter it later in their lives.
There is one section of Biology. It meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Optionally, parents and students will be guided through the process of enrolling with and completing this course through Seton Home Study School (SHSS). SHSS requires eighteen hours of lab work to denote “with Lab” on the transcript; at least eighteen hours will be provided in this class, including dissections and microscope work.
CHEMISTRY WITH LAB
Hands-on learning is emphasized in this high school Chemistry with Lab course. All typical high school-level Chemistry topics will be presented, and many typical labs will be completed.
There is one section of Chemistry. It meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Optionally, parents and students will be guided through the process of enrolling with and completing this course through Seton Home Study School (SHSS). SHSS requires eighteen hours of lab work to denote “with Lab” on the transcript; at least eighteen hours will be provided in this class. Lab safety goggles and aprons will be provided.
This class has a supply fee of $40 which is payable to instructor on the first day of classes.
Books: Chemistry: Precision and Design, 3rd edition only, A Beka Books, plus the accompanying answer key, lab manual, quiz book, test book. Additionally, Chemistry: 100+ Series (Carson-Dellosa).
PHYSICS
This year-long course, designed to teach students about the workings of the physical world and how to explain, describe, and predict the same using mathematics, will cover kinematics, force, momentum, energy, gravitation, periodic motion, electricity, basic circuitry, magnetism, and electromagnetic interaction. As time permits, we may also discuss additional topics in wave mechanics, optics, sound, material science, and modern physics. This course will include occasional laboratory experiments, graded largely in terms of clarity of communication in lab reports.
NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE
Electives
ART: Elements, Principles, Faith, and You!
Students will learn the basic elements and principles of art and how to apply this knowledge in creating works of art themselves. Elements of Art Theory, History, and the Catholic Faith will be woven into the course to help students appreciate how our Catholic Faith has influenced art and culture. Individually art can be a bridge that helps to unite the paradoxical ideas of our Catholic Christian faith, bringing the simple to the unfathomable. Through art, we can see, hear, feel, and know God. Art draws us into co-creation and communication with God using our entire created self, mind, body, and spirit.
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CHOIR
Singing is one of the highest forms of prayer! Sing a Joyful Song to the Lord!
Learn how to use your voice along with others to produce a harmonious sound to worship and praise our God. Students will work together to practice hymns, chants and other liturgical and seasonal musical selections.
CIVICS
This course is about basic American government structures including a look at the relationship with the US Constitution. In addition students will work together to discuss local civic issues and how we can work as a Catholic community to help improve the community in which we live. This course is directed toward Middle School Student will prepare students for future courses in American History,Government and Economics in high school.
ECONOMICS
This course focuses on the concepts of free enterprise capitalism. Introducing students to free markets, with emphasis on work, wealth and stewardship. Students will gain an understanding of the difference between market and command economies including the roles of individual consumers, producers and the government.
ENTRPRENEURSHIP & PERSONAL FINANCE
This classes emphasize personal and practical approaches to work in local private businesses and among local community service organizations. In addition to personal financial management and planning.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH
This course includes the practice and acquisition of motor skills needed to participate in a variety of team and individual sports as well as lifetime recreation and fitness activities. The development of personal fitness, leadership, teamwork/strategy, goal-setting, and sportsmanship are emphasized through play. Activities will vary based on student interest, equipment availability, and weather conditions, but we try to play games such as soccer, handball, ultimate frisbee, football, wiffleball, ladderball, Kan Jam, Spike Ball, a variety of cooperative games such as capture the flag or variations of tag, and a SJBS exclusive, BOSCO ball!
Our class functions as a team and we support each other in strengthening our physical and fitness skills. We recognize our unique dignity as sons and daughters of God, and so we respect individual differences and abilities through encouragement and use this time to sharpen each other physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. From this perspective, we are mindful that these dimensions of health are integrated into our well-being as equally important gifts from our Creator.
ROBOTICS LEAGUE
Students participate in the First Lego League challenge. The class includes lessons and teamwork in coding, robotics design and construction and completion of robotic challenges. In addition the students will work together to develop an innovation project (featuring a business idea that helps overcome a problem/challenge). Using the FLL key core values of Discovery, Innovation, Team Work, Impact, Inclusion and Fun the students will compete in the robotics challenge and present their innovation project to a board of judges at the end of the semester.
SAT PREPARATION
This course will prepare students for college entrance exams. The course will focus on the SAT, however the information presented will also be applicable to the ACT and CLT. The course will cover the format of the standardized tests and prepare students with helpful tools they will be able to utilize during their testing.
WRITING AND RHETORIC: A CLASSICAL APPROACH
Great writers such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dante, and Milton, all learned from the writings of the greats who came before them, by imitating these masters. Rhetorical instruction was based for over two thousand years on imitation. In our course, we will follow this time tested method of learning. We will learn by doing the exercises, by writing in imitation of other writers—at the sentence level, the phrase level, and even more minutely at the level of rhetorical figures, as well as at larger levels of organization. Our models will be the likes of Sacred Scripture, Mark Twain, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert Louis Stevenson, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Emily Dickinson, Jack London, Nellie Bly, Henry Williamson, Jesse Owens, and Winston Churchill. Imitating such a wide variety of voices leads to a facility in writing, and this exploration and experimentation is conducive to finding a voice of one’s own. The class will also include opportunities for reading aloud, oral narration, and recitation.