Academics (grades 6-8)

Literature and composition courses focus on building students’ oral and written communication skills. In addition to studying a variety of literary genres (novels, plays, short stories, poetry, etc.), students expand their public speaking, vocabulary, and study skills. Most importantly, these classes are designed to teach students how to write articulately in a variety of academic situations.

In addition to mastering the highest level of basic mathematical functions, math courses in middle school include functional geometry, pre-algebra, and algebra. Students are differentiated by math readiness, and learning is reinforced by relating it to everyday life. The math curriculum meets students where they are, and allows them to grow their math knowledge at their own pace irrespective of their grade level. 

The middle school science curriculum focuses on scientific methods, processes, and skills while students attain basic content in the earth, physical, and life sciences. Students design and carry out original research for Eureka Week exhibitions twice a year, with the opportunity to expand that research into a project for competition in the Cardel Homes Denver Regional Science Fair.  

Students learn about non-Western history, Africa, Asia, and Latin America during the sixth and seventh grade. Students study U.S. history during the eighth grade. Learning at the middle school level includes history, geography, culture, economics, civics, and language study.

Recognizing that the Hebrew language connects students to the land, State, and people of Israel as well as helps to unlock traditional Jewish texts written in Hebrew, our Hebrew classes foster proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. Classes are taught almost exclusively in Hebrew, and make use of authentic materials that connect students to Israeli history, culture, and daily life. We also work with students who are new to Hebrew through a small group mechinah (preparatory) program.

Our middle school Judaics program helps to build students’ core skills and content knowledge. All students take a core course which meets each day and uses Biblical and rabbinic texts as a framework. Additionally, students in seventh and eighth grade are able to choose an area of interest to explore such as Jewish history or ethics. Students in seventh grade also get a taste of our Tzedek (service learning) program. Students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade participate in our tefilah (prayer) program which focuses on fostering literacy, making personal meaning, and connecting to God and spirituality.

Creative and physical outlets are important for healthy brains and bodies. Each week in middle school, students partake in three days of physical education. Strength training, agility and even CPR/first aid training are offered for all Upper Division students. For one semester each year, middle school students receive two days per week of art instruction focused on discovery and creativity through a variety of art styles and media.

Our school features a one-to-one bring your own device program, allowing for all students to have their own personal computer with them for their classes. Teachers plan their lessons with this in mind, using the technology to expand the walls of the classroom and take the learning to the next level.