Middle School Curriculum

Fifth Grade

Reading; reading strategies and skills; vocabulary; spelling; higher order thinking and questioning skills; responding to text in written form; expository and creative writing
Language arts: Writer’s workshop and grammar instruction
Texts may include: "Among the Hidden;" "Fever 1793;" "Tuck Everlasting;" "Save Me A Seat"

Sixth Grade

Literary elements; fiction and nonfiction reading strategies and skills; vocabulary; expository and creative writing; grammar; poetry
Language arts: Writer’s workshop and grammar instruction
Texts may include: "Greetings From Witness Protection;" "Chasing Lincoln’s Killer;" "Bound By Ice;" "Starfish;" "Chasing Secrets;" "Uglies;" "Shelf Life"

Seventh Grade

Literature; fiction and nonfiction reading strategies; expository and creative writing; grammar; short stories; myths and poetry
Language arts: Writer’s workshop and grammar instruction
Texts may include: "Animal Farm;" "Diary of Anne Frank;" "House of the Scorpion;" "It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood;" "Shadow Hero;" "They Called Us Enemy"

Eighth Grade

Literature; fiction and nonfiction reading strategies; expository and creative writing; grammar; vocabulary; short stories; essays; poetry
Language arts: Writer’s workshop and grammar instruction
Texts may include: "Romeo and Juliet;" "The House on Mango Street;" "March;" "Long Way Down;" "We Are Not Free;" "Internment"

The Middle School social studies program uses the study of geography, modern world issues and American history to explore the development of the global and local world. As social scientists, students hone their critical thinking, research and writing skills through a variety of projects using MIT Scratch Coding, React Learning SIMS and the project-based learning model. By focusing on the rights and responsibilities of global citizenship, Latin students will become better prepared to address the complex issues the U.S. and other countries face in a rapidly changing and increasingly interconnected world.

Fifth Grade

Units: Geography; Hunter-Gatherers; Guns, Germs & Steel; European Exploration; Colonial America; Revolutionary War; Founding of America
Sample project: Students design an imaginary map during the geography unit. Students participate in gamification to deepen their understanding of the units.

Sixth Grade

Units: What does it mean to be American?; Founding of United States Manifest Destiny & United States Expansion; Civil War & Reconstruction; Immigration; Industrial Revolution

Seventh Grade

Units: Migration and Its Global Impact on Society; Immigrants and Cultural Integration; Soccer as a Microcosm for Globalization: World Cup 2030; The Scramble for Africa; The World in a Candy Bar: Chocolate’s Evolution From New World Currency to Global Addiction; The Day the World Became One: Global Pandemics and Their Impact on Populations
Sample project: Using the project-based learning model, students create a coding project focused on the Syrian Refugee Crisis and participate in a digital exchange with middle school students in Karachi, Pakistan that culminates in a joint problem-solving exercise. Students also learn about global interdependence by working in pairs to create the World in a Candy Bar Project and a bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

Eighth Grade

Units: Constitution; Slavery; Civil War; Reconstruction; World War I; The 1920s and America Between the Wars; Harlem Renaissance; World War II; Cold War and Communism; Jim Crow and Civil Rights; LGBTQ Rights; Oral History; Current Events
Sample project: Students research, interview and write about their own families over a period of months. They present the final product to classmates and family.

The Middle School mathematics curriculum expands on the areas of number theory, geometry, and other pre-algebra concepts and skills. As students are introduced to higher levels of abstract thinking, they are taught to apply previously learned skills to solve more complex problems. Problem-solving skills and strategies are emphasized. At a minimum, all students will complete an Algebra 1 course. Students gain experience with technology including iPad applications, scientific and graphing calculators, geometry software, and experience with coding.

Fifth Grade

Number theory; four operations with whole numbers, fractions and decimals; conversion; geometry, including volume of solids; data and problem-solving.

Sixth Grade

Pre-Algebra: Operations with and uses of fractions, decimals and integers; scientific notation; order of operations; rates and ratios; percent; exponents and square roots; absolute value; commutative and associative properties; dimensional analysis
Accelerated Pre-Algebra: Additional topics include algebraic equations and inequalities; introduction to geometry proofs; probability and statistics; logic statements

Seventh Grade

Pre-Algebra/Algebra 1 (Part 1):
Integers and order of operations; probability and central tendencies; introduction to geometry; solving equations and inequalities with one variable
Honors Algebra 1: The real number system; single-variable equations and systems of equations; polynomials, exponents, and radicals; functions and relations; linear, quadratic and exponential models

Eighth Grade

Algebra 1 (Part 2): The real number system; polynomials and exponents; functions and relations; linear, quadratic and exponential models
Honors Algebra 2: Linear functions and systems; parent functions and transformations; quadratic equations and complex numbers, polynomial functions, radical functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions; rational functions

An experiential, inquiry-based approach is at the heart of teaching and learning science in our Middle School. Middle School students discover and learn about biological, physical, earth and space sciences. They also learn to observe, measure, experiment, think critically and communicate their scientific understandings through a variety of methods.

Fifth Grade

Chemistry: Properties of matter; atoms; the periodic table
Physics: Electricity and engineering
Biology: Plant growth and development

Sixth Grade

Cells: Microscope skills; cell structure and function; cellular life cycles
Animal Life: Classification; behaviors; characteristics; adaptations
Ecology and Environmental Science: Populations; communities; ecosystems; energy flow

Seventh Grade

Human Biology: Organ systems, structures and functions; anatomy; biomimicry
Physical Science & Perception: Optics and the eye; sound and the ear
STEM: Robot Hand project

Eighth Grade

Meteorology: Water cycle; clouds; weather patterns; extreme weather events
STEM: Levee Project; Stomp Rockets
Environmental Stewardship: Climate change; fossil fuels; natural resources; renewable energy; human impacts on the environment
Astronomy: Moon, stars and planetary characteristics; rocketry; history and future of space travel

The modern languages curriculum at Latin follows an oral proficiency program that focuses primarily on speaking and listening. Using comprehensible texts and authentic resources, students develop their reading and writing skills as they become proficient speakers. The Middle School Latin language curriculum prepares students to read authentic texts and introduces them to Roman civilization.

Learn more about the Middle School language program. 

Fifth Grade

Latin: Read texts that include nouns in the nominative and accusative cases in the first three declensions and verbs in the present, imperfect and perfect tense
French: Basic greetings and salutations; describing ourselves and others; expressing likes and dislikes
Chinese: Basic greetings and salutations; talk about family, pets and the Chinese zodiac; write and type Chinese characters
Spanish: Identity (myself, friends, family, origins, descriptions, likes/dislikes); school lifestyles (likes/dislikes pertaining to school and time of day pertaining to school routine); interculturality (Afro Hispanic/Latinx/Indigenous origins in various Spanish-speaking communities); connections and comparisons to cultural thematic content

Sixth Grade

Latin: Read texts that include nouns in the dative and ablative cases, pronouns, relative clauses, adjectives and irregular verbs
French: Describe your typical day at school, at home, and in the community, including preferences and comparisons
Chinese: Describe personalities, appearances, country of origin and languages spoken, school, sports and hobbies
Spanish: Recap of identity and school lifestyle; healthy lifestyle (activities/food); daily routines; past experiences and weekend plans; interculturality (Afro Hispanic/Latinx/Indigenous origins in various Spanish-speaking communities); connections and comparisons to cultural thematic content

Seventh Grade

Latin: Read texts that include verbs in the pluperfect tense, nouns in the genitive and ablative cases, fourth and fifth declension nouns and present participles
French: Comparing and connecting with others by discussing interests, routines and celebrations; expressing and supporting opinions about various familiar topics
Chinese: Discuss time, daily routines, weekend plans; extend invitations or ask permission
Spanish: Important historic events and celebrations in Spain and Latin America; daily routine (taking care of oneself) at home and at school; talking about school life and experiences (describing teachers, classes and lessons); talking about free time, television and movies

Eighth Grade

Latin: Read texts that include verbs in the subjunctive, deponent verbs and perfect participles
French: Discussing childhood experiences, history, health, art, literature, current events and future plans
Chinese: Buy and negotiate prices; discuss food preferences; study Chinese culture through readings, class activities and presentations
Spanish: Talk about childhood experiences and memories; discussions about helping the environment and others, as well as important activists; indigenous and Spanish heritage in the Americas contextualized in cooking, traditions and festivities both modern and traditional

In Middle School physical education, students participate in a wide variety of activities designed to develop skills, improve fitness, increase cognitive function and social development by encouraging leadership, cooperation and problem solving. The program’s goal is to establish lifelong fitness through unique and relevant experiences.

Fifth Grade

Units: Striking; throwing and catching; organizational games; swimming; racquet sports; fitness; yoga; diamond games; basketball; soccer; fitness challenge; Human Growth and Development

Sixth Grade

Units: Football; field hockey; volleyball; team building; fitness; swimming; yoga; ultimate games; unique games; softball; fitness challenge

Seventh Grade

Units: Volleyball; floor hockey; frisbee; golf; swimming; unique games; fitness; fitness challenge; racquet sports; yoga/Pilates; basketball; track and field

Eighth Grade

Units: Team building; fitness; football; basketball; soccer; volleyball; water polo; swimming; fitness challenge

Music, Theater and Dance
The Middle School performing arts program is integral to a Latin Learner’s journey. We aim to inspire creativity and encourage students to explore their passions and interests. Students actively engage in band or chorus, alongside classes in dance and drama. Within each discipline, students receive comprehensive introductions to the foundational principles and develop the necessary skills to communicate artistic expression.

As the school year unfolds, students have opportunities to perform in vocal and instrumental concerts, dance showcases, and theater productions.

Band/Chorus: Posture, diaphragmatic breathing and tone production; rehearsal and performance etiquette; solfège and ear training (chorus); scales (band); theory and composition; developmentally appropriate repertoire

Dance: The Middle School dance program cultivates an empowering and creative environment for students to develop a curiosity, understanding and appreciation for dance as an art form. The students are introduced to the choreographic process, movement improvisation, and the technique and history of various genres of dance. Through visual, auditory and kinesthetic practices, students will gain the necessary skills and insight for a versatile foundation in the ever-changing world of dance.

Fifth Grade

Students choose band or chorus (year-long) and have one trimester each of drama, dance and visual arts.
Drama: Students are introduced to story dramatization, pantomime, theatre vocabulary, character development, dramatic structure, vocal characterization, stage direction, playwriting, and theatre history.
Creative Movement: Students are introduced to creative movement through improvisation and the choreographic process. By the end of the term, they will have developed an increased understanding of the relationship between movement, time, space, and energy to communicate artistic expression.

Sixth Grade

Students choose band or chorus (year-long) and have one trimester each of drama, dance and visual arts.
Drama: Students are introduced to story dramatization, pantomime, theatre vocabulary, character development, dramatic structure, vocal characterization, stage direction, playwriting and theatre history.
Contemporary-Modern Dance Foundations and Embodiment: Grounded in the foundation of contemporary-modern dance, students explore spatial patterning, coordinated upper and lower body movements, and dancing through space with a wide range of motion. They also develop a heightened sensitivity to the power and beauty held within their bodies. By the end of the term, students have begun to foster an embodiment practice to promote full-body coordination, emotional self-regulation, and moving through space with a sense of ease and trust.

Seventh Grade

Students choose band or chorus (year-long) and have one trimester each of drama, dance and visual arts.
Drama: Students are introduced to story dramatization, pantomime, theatre vocabulary, character development, dramatic structure, vocal characterization, stage direction, playwriting, and theatre history.
Dance: Students will learn iconic dance trends from the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. They gain cultural insight and appreciation for the evolution and impact of dance. They also develop an embodied understanding of the dynamics and rhythms contributing to the coordination and physical endurance of popular dance styles.

Eighth Grade

Students choose band, chorus or arts cycle.
Drama: Students refine drama skills and work on units including: costume design; radio plays; performance; and a study of Thornton Wilder’s "Our Town."
Tap Dance Technique and History: Students are introduced to the technique, history and expressive power of tap dancing. Through the universal language of rhythm, students establish a foundation to create meaningful connections between movement and sound. They develop and refine their skills to execute tap steps and patterns through choreography and improvisation. As the term concludes, students will have acquired insight into the cultural and societal contexts that have shaped this American dance form, providing them with a deeper appreciation for its complex history and powerful legacy.

Latin believes that students learn art best through creating it and that every child has the potential to be an artist. Our visual arts program focuses attention on observation and communication through creative challenges that help our students develop visual-spatial skills and build habits through artistic practices. As they explore a variety of traditional and new media, students build visual literacy skills. By looking at the work of traditional and contemporary artists, students gain insight into the meaning and purpose of visual art and how it serves as a window and/or a mirror into a time period and/or a culture. We also collaborate to integrate art with other disciplines.

Fifth and Sixth Grades

Students learn how to refine their drawing skills as well as concepts such as composition, visual balance, line, rhythm, scale and perspective.

Seventh and Eighth Grades

Students learn how to develop their visual problem-solving skills and continue refining their use of design, mixed media, technology and drawing.

The Middle School computer science program aims to highlight the foundational concepts of computer science in a manner all students will find accessible and relatable. An interdisciplinary approach further illustrates the universal applicability of the discipline.

Fifth Grade

During the first semester, students explore the answer to the question, “What makes a computer, a computer?” Students learn what an algorithm is, and how to use algorithms to solve a variety of problems. In the second semester, students learn basic programming concepts (variables, loops, conditionals, and functions), while using block-based programming to solve programming challenges. They conclude the school year by exploring the answer to the question, “What is data, and how can it be used?” They also create a fake business based on interest surveys submitted by their classmates, and pitch their ideas to one another.

Sixth Grade

The sixth grade computer science program meets for one quarter to study artificial intelligence. Students explore the answer to the questions, “What is AI? How does it work? What are its applications? What are its ethical implications?” They use various AI tools, engage in discussion, and reflect on AI and its current and future uses.

Seventh Grade

The seventh grade computer science program meets for one quarter to study physical computing. Students explore the answers to the questions, “What is physical computing?, How do you program a physical computing device? What are its applications? What are its ethical implications?” Students use the Micro:bit to re-learn the core four programming concepts, while learning how to use the Micro:bit to collect data and complete a variety of tasks.

Eighth Grade

The eighth grade computer science program revisits the questions, “What’s an algorithm? How are algorithms used around us?” After exploring foundational algorithms (searching, sorting, and finding least cost), students learn how to program in Python. During the second semester, students explore the answer to the the questions, “What is the internet? How does it work? What are the implications?” Students learn these concepts under the umbrella of a semester-long Shark Tank simulation. Student groups identify a problem worth solving, prototype an app that will solve that problem, create a website for their company, and finally, pitch their ideas to the “Sharks,” which include people both inside and outside of Latin.  

The Middle School library program is structured around two major components: the teaching of research and library skills and promoting the love of reading. While there are no separate library classes, librarians work closely with faculty in developing units that integrate library and research skills into the curriculum.

The goal of the Middle School learning resources program is to create successful, independent learners who are capable of advocating for themselves and utilizing the resources available to them. Students receive support with study skills and strategies, classroom assignments and executive functioning skills. Support is provided through small group study halls, accommodations within the classroom and/or consultative services.

Safety and well-being are the main priorities of the Middle School's counseling program. The counselor offers assistance and expertise to students who may be experiencing psychological stress, social difficulties and acute crisis, or are participating in high-risk behaviors. The Middle School counselor offers an open and accepting environment in which each student is treated with care while promoting respect for diversity, equity and inclusion. The counselor also serves as a consultant and liaison to families, faculty, staff and administrators, while helping community members understand the child/adolescent development process.

Any student or family member may request to be referred to the counselor, who will work collaboratively with families to develop the best plan to address that student’s needs. Students are also always welcome to stop by the counseling office informally to discuss any issues concerning their own well-being or the well-being of others. The counselor provides programs around social/emotional wellness for students and provides parent education opportunities around these themes throughout the year.