8th Grade

Curriculum Overview

Points of Interest 

• A perceptive and loving environment is balanced with the right amount of academic challenges to cultivate the skills necessary for future academic endeavors.

• Opportunities for individual and social growth from a Christian perspective lead students to grow in personal responsibility.

• The carefully aligned academic curriculum exceeds state and common core standards.

• Technology is integrated into the curriculum through the use of iPads and other devices.

• Students identify and examine the basic structure and operational principles of the cosmos created by God. Field trips relate to geology, astronomy, and the effects of major physical events upon the earth.

• Students explore God’s blessings upon our nation, as seen in its Christian foundation, development, and many influences. Field trips include visits to local historic sites and related museums with traveling exhibits.

• Students actively participate in a Biblical study addressing individual Christian character traits. This study helps students identify areas of strength and weakness, and it equips the students with tools for continued growth spiritually.

• Art studies include applications with various media and techniques and provide the context of art history through examining significant artists and movements throughout the ages. Emphasis is placed on Christian perspective and skills in critiquing works and understanding art theory.

• The year culminates with a spring trip to Charleston, SC.

Commonly Asked Questions 

Question: How do you communicate with parents?

Answer: Each Friday, Freedom folders are sent home with the students. These folders contain important information from the Academy office as well as middle school newsletters. On the middle school newsletters parents and students will be informed of upcoming quizzes, tests, projects, and other important events.   Along with the Freedom folder, the students also receive a STAR (Students Taking Academic Responsibility) folder, which includes a weekly progress report to keep parents informed of how their child is doing academically.

Question: How much homework can I expect my child to have?

Answer: Students can expect approximately 90 minutes of homework a night. However, homework is not assigned on Wednesday or Friday evenings out of respect for church and family time. Additional time is necessary for independent reading as well as studying and preparing for upcoming tests and quizzes. Study time and reading time may not factor into the amount of homework a student has at night. Also, any class assignments not completed while at school will also be included as homework that evening. Homework is used as an academic tool to assess the individual student’s knowledge of the subject being discussed. It is not used as busy work or punishment! It is the responsibility of the student to complete all assignments and turn them in on time.