Curriculum
Grades 6-8
Our philosophy is very simple, a child’s grade does not dictate what he or she learns, it is based on the needs of the child. If a child is ready to do more challenging and complex work in all disciplines, we focus on creating a learning environment that does fulfill that need.
Upper School • Setting the Stage for High School and Beyond.
In most Upper School classes, we are also pleased to employ the use of the Harkness approach to learning. In a Harkness class learning takes place through discussions held around a circular “Harkness Table.” Sitting at the table, all members of the class must question, contribute, and contemplate in order to learn and succeed.
Literature Component:
Students in our program will be able to identify and analyze main ideas, character development, figurative language, and underlying themes in a wide variety of literature. They are asked to make meaningful connections and draw inferences from what they read. A wide variety of reading comprehension strategies are put to use and critical skills such as note-taking and researching are reinforced year to year across the curriculum.
In writing, students refine their ability to write with greater clarity and organization. This work is supported by grammar and vocabulary study, including Greek and Latin roots, through repeated writing assessments, and the reinforcement of writing skills across the curriculum.
Mathematics:
In the Upper School, our students connect new mathematical concepts with the relationships built in their earlier learning. The emphasis during these years is developing conceptual understanding, procedural progression, and problem-solving application. Students are challenged to apply current mathematic concepts to real world situations.
They embark on a three year program of study that is leveled to meet and challenge each student at their instructional level. Our standard course begins with an emphasis on ratios, proportions, geometry and measurement, and rational operations. This course then progresses to Pre-Algebra and an introduction Algebra. Our advanced level course begins their time in the upper school with Pre-Algebra and progresses through to a full course in Algebra I that includes a comprehensive study of quadratics, along with exponential and rational functions. Those students who are ready can also complete a course in high school Geometry as well as Algebra II.
Science:
Our units of study focus on the core concepts in all disciplines; life, earth and space, physical science and technology/engineering. Our curriculum encourages students to fully engage with the fundamental steps of science through the use of simulations, animation, videos, labs, hands-on activities, and regular science classroom instruction. The integrated STEM component challenges our students to confront and solve real-world challenges in modern and innovative ways.
Social Studies:
Our curriculum is designed to unlock the exciting story of how World history and American history has shaped our democracy and why it remains important today. We take students on a journey through time without leaving the classroom. The study of several major ancient civilizations will help students gain an understanding of how social and political life has developed around the world. The study of American History stretching from the time of America’s first explorers to the present day, students will connect the past events we study with the current status of the United States.
Students learn to use a variety of sources, both primary and secondary, as a basis for lively classroom discussions and problem-oriented research. This approach provides valuable training in clear thinking, effective speaking and orderly writing. We host an annual Social Studies Fair where students demonstrate and practice the goals of our program.
Religion:
The religious education program at Our Lady’s Academy seeks to instill in students an informed faith. We hope that all of our students, regardless of their background, can come together to a greater understanding of the basic beliefs and practices of the Catholic Faith, its development, and its place in modern society. Students explore and engage with Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, magisterial documents, and other primary sources as part of their personal and academic formation.
