Grades 7-8

7TH – 8TH GRADE CURRICULUM

The upper grade curriculum is the capstone of Reid Traditional Schools’ Valley Academy’s nine-year program of study.

After completing our course of study, our students are well prepared for high school. Many students go on to accelerated programs, including the academically-stimulating International Baccalaureate Program.

By the time Valley Academy students are in the upper grades, they have reached an academic level that requires teachers with expertise in specific curricular areas. As a result, Reid Traditional Schools’ Valley Academy hires upper grade teachers who specialize in core areas, and students change classrooms through the school day. This modification exposes students to different teacher personalities and to the need for managing time in order to meet varying requirements of different teachers. This is good training for high school.

Literature

Students in the upper grades read, analyze, and discuss classic literature.  Exposure to great writers of today and yesterday helps students recognize the components of literature.  They also read  from books of their choice; however, these books must represent a wide variety of genres, ensuring exposure to many types of literature. Students continue memorization and recitation of classic poetry.

Using the textbook Vocabulary From Classical Roots, students study Greek and Latin word origins to increase vocabulary skills. Students are also taught research and study skills that will benefit them in future academic endeavors and throughout their lives.

Writing

Separate from other Language Arts, a dedicated Writing class emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and hones students’ ability to put their thoughts onto paper.  The essentials of grammar and sentence structure continue to be stressed throughout the upper grades in all composition assignments. Students learn to diagram a sentence, a skill that will help them succeed on state standardized tests and in education.  Students transition from learning about grammar, sentence structure, and the elements of literature to using this knowledge effectively to read, write, speak, and think.

Utilizing Six Traits Writing, students compose many different types of papers, such as literature analysis, research, and creative writing passages. They gain confidence by reading their own compositions to the class, giving speeches, and debating. The art of debate, including thinking logically and expressing ideas clearly, is then integrated into the writing process.

Math

The Saxon math curriculum builds on the accelerated studies of previous grades, providing students with a firm foundation in algebra for success in high school. Previous lessons are reinforced by regular review, and students learn algebraic concepts such as operations with signed numbers, uses of formulas, inequalities, linear and quadratic equations and graphing, complex algebraic fractions, and algebraic word problems involving uniform motion and mixtures.

Social Studies

Upper grade students enjoy high school level instruction in world history, American history, Arizona history, civics, and world geography. Students learn in a dynamic classroom environment that places emphasis on higher-level cognitive development. They have the opportunity to test their knowledge in the annual National Geographic Geography Bee, where Reid Traditional Schools’ students routinely compete at the state level.

Science

The science curriculum includes life science in seventh grade and physical science in eighth grade. Students use the scientific method to identify and understand key concepts in botany, zoology, chemistry, and physics.

Experiments in the science laboratory enhance classroom lessons, providing visual, hands-on reinforcement of science concepts.   These experiments have included performing a ball-drop exercise to demonstrate friction and building and racing pinewood derby cars to show momentum and acceleration.  Students apply the knowledge gained in the laboratory to draw conclusions based on their personal experimental data and then present their observations and conclusions in written lab reports.

The curriculum is rounded out with Special Area Classes.

Students may participate in an optional Before and After School Program.

Reid Traditional Schools maintains insurance coverage to protect Directors and Officers. This policy applies to issues arising from breech of duty, neglect, error, misstatements, and omissions. Directors and Officers coverage also applies to employment practices and benefits issues. Additional details regarding these policies are available upon request.

Board members have access to a number of professionals to assist in decision making and investigations. These include attorneys, auditors, insurance brokers, and technical service providers. This support system is designed assist members in meeting the demands of the office.

Why our students love us!

 

We really love the material that is being taught to Kindergarteners and the way it helps them understand the basics of math, language, spelling and more.

 

- Kindergarten Parent

 

 

I'm so thankful for this school. Having my daughter in Pre-k and now kinder, I'm so impressed that she's already reading!

 

- Kindergarten Parent

 

Need something quickly? Select a link below for what you need, fast.

Contact a Teacher

Payment Center

Calendar

Lunch Orders

Question or concern? Not sure where to start? Our team is here to help!