Below is information on our middle school program and the curriculum. Our middle school is grades 5-8th. 

 

Core Knowledge- Website: Core Knowledge

Overview: The Core Knowledge continuum serves as the foundational blueprint for the English Language Arts and Social Studies curriculum. As a knowledge-based curriculum, Core Knowledge integrates students’ prior knowledge and experiences with thoughtfully designed lessons and learning objectives. It is aligned with the Common Core Standards and further tailored by the curriculum facilitator to ensure that its scope, sequence, framework, and objectives meet the requirements of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSoS).

 

CommonLit 360- Website: CommonLit 360

CommonLit 360 is a research-based, evidence-driven curriculum designed for grades 3-12 in English Language Arts. It includes engaging short stories, book pairings, and adaptable lessons that help students develop the foundational reading and writing skills essential for academic success. CommonLit 360 serves as a supplemental curriculum, frequently used to address the individualized needs of students. The program is aligned with NCSoS standards and has been integrated with the foundational Core Knowledge curriculum by the curriculum facilitator.

 

• • Description: Common Curriculum is a live planbook that allows parents to see the overview of the units per subject, per grade-level. Common Curriculum planbooks will list the following elements
    • Unit description
    • Unit Focus Standards
    • Unit Learning Objectives
    • Unit Independent Practice Focus
    • Unit Materials (Books, videos, articles, etc.,)
  • The links for these planbooks will be updated yearly as at the end of the school year, Common Curriculum archives planbooks which allows us to have a point of reference for previous years.
  • Common Curriculum Planbooks cover the following subjects
    • English Language Arts
    • Social Studies
    • Math
    • Science
    • Spanish

  

Starting in middle school, we offer accelerated courses in reading and math. When deciding to take an advanced course, parents and students should consider the following:

 

Academic Readiness and Course Expectations

• Course Prerequisites: Ensure the student meets the prerequisites for the advanced course, including foundational knowledge and skills.
• Strong Study Habits: Assess whether the student has developed effective study habits, time management skills, and a commitment to completing challenging coursework.
• Syllabus and Requirements: Review the syllabus and understand the expectations, grading policies, and key assignments of the advanced course.
• College-Level Rigor: Recognize that advanced courses, especially those like AP or dual enrollment, are designed to be as rigorous as college-level classes.

Time Commitment and Personal Motivation

• Balance with Other Responsibilities: Consider how taking an advanced course will fit with other commitments, such as extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and family responsibilities.
• Interest in Subject Matter: The student should have a genuine interest in the subject to stay motivated through the challenges of an advanced course.
• Long-Term Goals: Consider how taking advanced courses aligns with the student’s academic and career goals, such as college admissions or future career paths.
• Stress Management: Be aware that advanced courses can be stressful and consider whether the student has effective coping strategies and support systems.

Parental Support

• Active Involvement: Parents should be prepared to provide additional support, whether through encouragement, assisting with time management, or seeking external resources such as tutors if needed.
• Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with teachers and the school to monitor progress and address any challenges early on.

By considering these factors, students and parents can make informed decisions about enrolling in advanced courses that will best support the student’s academic growth and well-being.