Seventh Grade

Joining the Community of Learners

Most of our students join us in seventh-grade, where they begin to form friendships with those they will be learning together with for the next six years. Some highlights of this year will be debating whether Sparta or Athens was superior, walking blindfolded on campus to better understand the experience of Helen Keller, and becoming familiar with enough Latin vocabulary that they can read outloud and understand some simple Latin stories.

Curricular Overview

Pre-Algebra (2 Semesters)
Students are prepared for the study of algebra and introduced to basic geometric concepts. They learn about numbers and their properties, especially integers, decimals, fractions and percentages. They also study linear equations and the use of variables in simple expressions, equations, and inequalities. They are introduced to elementary set theory and end the course by focusing on geometric figures and their properties. Horizontal enrichment is available for advanced students.

Science (1 Semester)
Students study a wide variety of topics including insects, soil, weather, and astronomy. The development of precise, careful observation and an active sense of wonder are foundational to the course.

 Literature and Composition (2 Semesters)
Students begin a careful study of English grammar that continues through the 7th and 8th grade years. They learn how to write a coherent sentence and start working towards organizing their thoughts into a paragraph. They also learn how to read both poetry and longer fiction works accurately and with engagement. See the reading list for the literature in the course.

Ancient History (2 Semesters)
Students explore early civilizations from the rise of the Sumerians around 3500 BC to the sack of Rome in 410 AD, with an emphasis upon the Greco-Roman civilizations. The study begins with the Ancient Near East, and moves on to Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Through reading and a number of hands-on activities, students are introduced to the significant questions and tensions of civilization itself, such as how to balance security and freedom and what features of a political arrangement best promote human thriving.

Old Testament (1 Semester)
Students read many of the narrative accounts of the Old Testament. Emphasis is placed upon God’s establishment of a covenant with his people, the history of Israel, and the messianic hope through the age of the prophets. The course is designed to allow students to enter into the Scriptures on their own terms, identifying with the characters, and tracing out the story of God’s history with Israel.

Latin I (2 Semesters)
Students begin their study of Latin in an immersive environment. They are introduced to grammar and vocabulary through the reading of Latin stories, and by listening and to responding to Latin sentences aloud. In the first year, the 7th graders focus on Latin noun forms and the five declensions, and on the acquisition of vocabulary.

Music I (1 Semester)
Students are introduced to music theory and learn to play the alto recorder. They learn note-reading in the treble and bass clefs, note values and rhythm, and time signatures. They sing hymns and folk songs and listen to classical music, and also spend some time composing at the keyboard. By the end of the semester, students both perform in recorder ensembles and write several elementary melodies.

Art I (1 Semester)
Students learn about line, shape, color and texture. They begin by practicing the Uncial font in calligraphy. They design decorative/illuminated letters, looking closely at positive and negative space and how colors work. They end the semester with learning about texture in drawing.