Middle School Core

Language Arts

Because advanced mathematical concepts presented in high school build on basic ones, math in the Middle School focuses on providing a strong mathematical foundation for students. Triangle Day School's small class sizes provide classroom environments in which each student's needs in math are addressed through reliance on a variety of instructional strategies. Group discussions, small group and independent activities, journal writing, and problem-solving activities with a real-world focus combine to ensure that students are learning concepts and applications in a challenging yet supportive atmosphere.  Students begin middle school in a Pre-Algebra course and progress through Algebra by the end of 8th grade.  It is our goal that all students graduate middle school with a strong foundation in Algebra.  To this end, most students will take Pre-Algebra in 6th grade, Algebra I in 7th grade, and Advanced Algebra I in 8th grade.  For some students who show the proper readiness level, they will be encouraged to take Pre-Algebra in 6th grade, Algebra in 7th grade, and Geometry in 8th grade.  These students will get credit for the Geometry course when they move on to high school.       

Science

Science at the middle school level invites students to take an active role in their learning and to refine their investigative skills as they examine a range of scientific concepts and understandings. Using hands-on activities, inquiry-based labs, discussions, and readings, teachers encourage students to apply their knowledge of science to real-life situations and events. The integration of math and technology helps students analyze and present scientific data and findings. As students work, they are encouraged to apply the skills and problem solving strategies employed by people working in scientific fields.

6th grade: Earth Science

7th grade: Life Science

8th grade: Physical Science

Social Studies

Using a variety of instructional strategies, including lectures, group discussions and activities, peer teaching, research projects, and simulations, the middle school social studies teachers strive to fully engage their students in the study of history and its connections to the present and future. Students build critical thinking and investigative skills as they relate to people, events, and cultures, and they develop an awareness and understanding of different perspectives on history. Throughout their coursework students engage in research activities designed to help them ask thoughtful questions and seek and evaluate answers.  Topics in each grade include but are not limited to:

6th grade: Ancient World Cultures

7th grade: World Cultures in their development of Western Civilization

8th grade: United States History

Latin

Latin at TDS begins in the sixth grade with a half-year introductory course that feeds into further coursework in the seventh and eighth grades. By the end of eighth grade, students have completed the Latin I course and may be ready to take Latin II in high school. Through reading, writing, oral practice, and games, the Latin program builds on and reinforces students grasp of English grammar and vocabulary while exploring the culture and history of Rome.  Topics include but are not limited to:

Latin I: grammar, translation, reading, coversational Latin, introduction to the mythology of Greeks and Romans, appreciation for the "Old World".

Spanish

In middle school, coursework becomes increasingly academic to prepare students for foreign language study in high school. By the end of eighth grade, students have completed the Spanish I course and may be ready to take Spanish II in high school.  Topics in each grade include but are not limited to:

6th grade: Spanish speaking countries and capitals, present tense verb conjugations,
                possessive adjectives, basic vocabulary, noun adjective agreement, etc.

7th grade: Stem-changing verb conjugation, direct object pronouns, irregular verbs,
                preterite of verbs, etc., Espana, Ecuador, Republica Dominicana

8th grade: commands, more preterite verbs, affirmative/negative words, reflexive verbs,
                present progressive, indirect object pronouns, etc., Argentina, Costa Rica