Grades 6 - 8 Curriculum

Integrated Language Arts

Integrated Language Arts incorporates the integration of reading, study of
literature, study of informational text, writing, speaking, listening, and language.
Leveled books and trade literature (fiction and nonfiction) are used for reading
instruction. Many comprehension strategies are used to expand meaning;
including making connections, visualizing, asking questions, inferring and
predicting, determining importance, synthesizing, and analyzing text. In writing,
students learn to create organizational structures that support their purpose.
Exposure to a variety of writing forms including personal narrative, comparative,
explanatory, and persuasive writing.

Novels

• Grade 6:  A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, Wonder by RJ Palacio, Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
• Grade 7: The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall, Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by David Lubar, The Yawning Rabbit River Chronicle by JL Kimmel & David Ceccarelli
• Grade 8: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson and October Sky by Homer Hickman

Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop explicitly teaches vocabulary through student’s
active participation and collaboration to learn word meanings, share ideas, and
engage with words in writing and speaking activities.

Math

enVision Mathematics is the only math program that combines problem based
learning with visual learning to deepen students’ conceptual understanding. The
lessons start with problem based learning. Students will think critically about
real-world math problems, evaluate options, collaborate and present solutions. This is followed by visual learning to solidify the underlying math concepts. In
conclusion, the children have a better understanding of math ideas. This program
has received top honors for supporting students at all levels.

Imagine Math is a supplemental mathematics curriculum designed to provide
differentiated and adaptive mathematics instruction. Students work
independently in a computer-based platform to complete activities with visual
cues and live virtual support from U.S. certified mathematics teachers as needed.
Embedded within the curriculum are formative and benchmark assessments that
inform placement and progress. This program adapts to the needs of each student
to maintain learning in the zone of proximal development. Additionally, various
levels of motivation are included through contests, games and performance
points to support strong student engagement.

Advanced Math begins in fifth grade. Students placing into the program are put on a track to place them into high school level Algebra 1 in eighth grade. Students test into this program and specific criteria must be met for this consideration, click here for program information.

Social Studies

Discovery Education Social Studies is a standards-aligned,core-curricular resource that uses an inquiry-based approach to enhance literacy and critical thinking skills, allowing students to approach inquiry through the 5Es: Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, and Evaluate. From stories of ancient cultures to current events, this comprehensive digital textbook takes concepts off the pages and brings lessons to life. 

Science

Science Discovery Education Science engages students in anaction-packed journey to make sense of phenomena in a way that aligns with their natural curiosities. Through questioning, modeling, data collection, and analysis, students are encouraged to be active investigators to generate evidence of sensemaking. Hands-on Engineering Activities allow students to apply the steps of the engineering process to solve real-world problems.

Religion

We Believe Catholic Identity encourages, inspires and strengthens Catholic
identity, fosters prayer and spirituality, prepares students to embrace and live
their faith, and celebrates being Catholic. Children’s relationship with Christ is
nurtured through age-appropriate presentation of Catholic faith.

Growing with God Safe and Sacred is a program that offers a practical and
systematic approach to child safety, social development and emotional
development. Students are taught to see themselves and others as children of God
inherently deserving of respect and care.

*The Sacrament of Confirmation is received by HCA students in eighth grade. The sacramental program requires parents to attend special meetings prior to the child’s reception of the sacrament.

Specials

• Spanish meets on a Block A/B Day Schedule
• STEM (utilizing Project Lead the Way Curriculum) - meets once weekly
• Art - meets once weekly
• Music - meets once weekly
• Gym - meets once weekly
• Guidance  - meets once weekly