The best illustration of the challenges we provide students is our curriculum, designed and implemented by our teachers utilizing the framework of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. Below is a list of units of study and a sampling of subjects within each academic area for the 2019-20 school year at Notre Dame Middle School.
SCIENCE
Science (6) – Science and technology, weather and atmosphere, water cycle, ecosystems, and the rock cycle
Science (7) – Animal and plant cells, heredity and genetics, and energy transfer
Science (8) – Chemistry, energy, motion and forces, and waves
MATHEMATICS
Pre-Algebra (6)
Honors Algebra (6)
Algebra-7 (7)
Honors Algebra-7 (7)
Algebra-8 (8)
Honors Geometry (8)
ENGLISH
Writing & Grammar (6) – Traits of Writing, narrative and informational writing, and keyboarding
Reading Comprehension (6) – Narrative and informational reading, word study, and comprehension
Writing & Grammar (7) – Narrative writing, research and oral speaking skills, keyboarding, and grammar
Reading & Comprehension (7) – Literary genre exploration, reading skills, and word study
Language & Literature (8) – Contemporary and classic literature, and writing across the curriculum
LANGUAGE ACQUISITION (Second Language Offerings)
Spanish and Mandarin Chinese (6)*
Spanish (7)
Honors Spanish (7)
Mandarin Chinese (7)
Spanish (8)
Honors Spanish (8)
Mandarin Chinese (8)
* All Grade 6 students must take one semester of Spanish and one semester of Mandarin Chinese.
INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETY
Individuals & Society (6) – Geography, the study of climate, environments, resources, and people of the world
Individuals & Society (7) – Geography, culture, and global perspective
Individuals & Society (8) – U.S. history, forming a new nation and republic, the Civil War, and the relationship between U.S. history and current events
RELIGION
Following Christ (6) – God’s divine and natural laws, and formation of conscience
Life of Grace (7) – Revelation, grace, and the moral life
History of the Catholic Church (8) – Evolution of the Church, and what it means to be Catholic
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education & Health (6)
Physical Education & Health (7)
Phsyical Education & Health (8) – elective*
PERFORMING ARTS
Band or Chorus (6)
Band, Chorus, or Visual Arts (7)
Band, Chorus, or Visual Arts; Makerspace, Theatre, or Yoga* (8)
*Every 8th grade student must take one year of Band, Chorus, or Visual Art, as well as a semester of Makerspace, Physical Education, Theater, or Yoga.