Middle School Curriculum

An integrated, interdisciplinary approach lies at the core of Principia’s Middle School curriculum. That’s because making authentic connections across disciplines and learning how to analyze and apply information to a range of issues and in a variety of contexts are essential skills in today’s knowledge economy.

Our learner-focused and project-based culture values honest inquiry, individual responsibility, and a collective openness to new experiences and ideas. We foster this culture in an environment of wraparound care that, at all times, supports each child’s intellectual, moral, spiritual, social, and physical growth.

From grades 6–8, students continue to strengthen their foundational skills in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and STEM, while developing 21st-century, future-ready skills and competencies in digital, visual, and artistic communication and expression. With the help of rubrics and upfront standards, students participate in evaluating their own performance as learners. In addition, tests, quizzes, final exams, and performance task assessments provide opportunities to demonstrate their understanding.

At the Middle School level, students are learning for understanding rather than simply learning to create a product. In each class, we’re developing productivity, efficiency, strong communication, and critical-thinking skills. Additionally, we value creativity and stewardship—our students are learning how to learn while cultivating empathy and adapting to new situations with enthusiasm. These are skills and qualities that translate to an ever-changing world.

The afternoon “Catch” program gives students approximately 30 minutes four times a week to start homework, catch up with a teacher for more information or support, or connect with other students on group assignments.

Each Middle School student is provided with an iPad for use during the school year. Homework assignments are occasionally completed and submitted using the computer.

Field trips and an annual week-long class trip reinforce deep engagement with a variety of subject areas through experiential learning. The trip locations and activities are closely tied to the grade-level curriculum and bring history, language, culture, and science to life. In addition, they enhance students’ confidence, an open worldview, and effective application of Christian Science.

Language Arts

The language arts curriculum is foundational to the overall academic program. We probe and understand literary texts and use them to back up assertions and inferences, as students write, edit, and rewrite. Students critically consider a range of memoirs, poetry, short stories, and novels, and incorporate characteristics from each genre into their own writing. Independent thought and the ability to craft logical arguments and strong conclusions are emphasized in both oral and written work.

In each grade, language arts learning is aligned with both science and social studies units, an integration that helps support fuller expression and communication of understanding in those subjects as well as improved language arts skills.

Math

The Middle School math program trains students to think critically, communicate quantitatively, and develop a solution-focused attitude that positively impacts other areas of learning. With the aim of having all students be algebra-ready by the end of eighth grade, instruction is aligned with the Math in Focus® program (“Singapore math”). This approach helps students master concepts through a three-step process—moving from the concrete to the pictorial to the abstract. This builds a solid basis for understanding the relationships and values of numbers and symbols. With blended learning (instruction that combines teachers and software programs) and workshop sessions, students benefit from individualized and differentiated instruction.

Integrated Studies: Science, Social Studies, and Art

The Middle School’s integrated studies program prepares students to successfully navigate the unknown social, political, and economic landscapes of the future. The School’s integrated approach encourages young people to develop a deeper and broader understanding of the world around them. Integrated studies immerse students in the sciences, humanities, and arts, challenging them to become independent thinkers, creative artists, and advocates for change. Projects include designing board games, building coaster cars, and creating a Civil Rights museum.

Spanish

Through their three years of Middle School, students complete a comprehensive course that establishes an elementary foundation for continued study in high school. In an immersion-style classroom, students apply Spanish every day and express ideas in the present, basic future, and basic past tenses. Working in a collaborative environment, they create and present materials on a variety of topics while speaking with correct pronunciation and intonation. The exploration of Hispanic culture, history, and traditions underscores the relevance of language and global communication skills and also prepares students for their eighth-grade trip to Costa Rica.

Bible

Band

Once students enter the sixth-grade band program, they have mastered both three-quarter and four-four time signatures and move into being proficient at six-eight and compound time signatures. The seventh-and eighth-grade band experience provides numerous opportunities for student leadership within the ensemble. Seventh- and eighth-graders expand their knowledge of rhythm by performing and identifying different time signatures and rhythmic values before diving deeper into higher-level musical concepts. All students have the opportunity to audition for the STL Metro8 and MS Band and perform in the ABC Solo and Ensemble Festival.

Choir

The Middle School choir is mixed grade level and gender. The repertoire is typically performed in two or three parts. The program is designed to help students improve and enhance their skills and to be active contributors to the ensemble. Vocal technique, posture, breath control, expressive musicianship, and professionalism are emphasized. Students engage in critical and creative thinking through the evaluation of listening examples, their performances, and the performances of other students. Choir members perform several times throughout the year, including Christmas and spring concerts, ABC Festival, district choirs, and informal choir concerts.

Physical Education

Character education is at the core of the Physical Education program. The curriculum develops skills, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that promote a healthy level of physical fitness and encourage commitment to a consistent, lifelong participation in physical activity. Students develop their physical literacy through motor skills, physical fitness, cognitive concepts, and personal/social behavior. Regardless of physical ability, students are challenged to achieve success through a spirit of teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, and respect for themselves and others.

IDEA Lab (STEM Program)

Utilizing the School’s cutting-edge IDEA Lab, Middle School students study robotics, software engineering, mechanics, circuitry, digital media arts, and more. Through hands-on projects working individually and in teams, students develop skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. The lab’s curriculum enhances core integrated studies classes and teaches students to become markedly more self-reliant.

Principia Adventure

Principia Adventure is a program unique to Principia. The School’s 360-acre campus and Challenge Course provide outdoor, experiential opportunities such as rock climbing, fire building, backpacking, canoeing, orienteering, tracking, lashing, and shelter building. The program advances skills in leadership, collaboration, selfless service, seeking challenge, and self-awareness.