MIDDLE SCHOOL
an OVERVIEW
Who will your child become? Let’s find out together. Our Middle School program thoughtfully stewards our students’ transformation from children to teens. We love this important stage in a young person’s life, with all the intellectual, physical, and social-emotional changes it brings. The burst of neural activity during this window makes Middle School a prime time to embrace new experiences and pursue bigger challenges.
As we continue to build a strong academic foundation, we also offer myriad opportunities for your child to explore—on the sports field, in the arts studio, behind the camera, in the Maker Space, and on stage. You will watch your child blossom in our well-planned balance of nurture and challenge, responsibility and support. At ROBS, we are devoted to preparing children for all that comes next.
SCHEDULE
The ROBS Middle School experience models Mind, Brain & Education (MBE) science research with a rotating schedule that balances prime learning time among subject areas, interspersed breaks, daily variety, and unstructured time for social exchanges.
ROTATING SCHEDULE FEATURES
1-hour classes
7 classes each trimester
FIFTH GRADE
English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Spanish or Academic Seminar
Elective Rotation
SIXTH GRADE
English
Mathematics
Social Studies
Earth Science
Spanish or Academic Seminar
Choir & Orchestra
Elective Rotation
SEVENTH GRADE
English
Algebra or IMAGe
Western Civilization
Life Science
Spanish or Reading/Writing Seminar
Elective 1
Elective 2
EIGHTH GRADE
English
Algebra or IMAGe II
American History
Integrated Physics and Chemistry
Spanish or Reading/Writing Seminar
Elective 1
Elective 2
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT & SPIRITUAL LIFE
CHAPEL
Every facet of our programming is designed to support your child’s healthy development—intellectually, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Character lessons based on the biblical “fruit of the Spirit” infuse socialemotional lessons throughout the day. Bible class, daily devotionals, prayer, and weekly Chapel services support children’s spiritual formation. Wellness lessons based on the latest research teach students about stress management, responsible device use, and other socially relevant issues. Our small-group advisory program provides a safe haven of structured downtime for students to connect and for caring adults to monitor their wellbeing.
Students in grades 5-8 gather weekly for chapel. Regardless of religious affiliation, students relish the time to reflect, worship, and learn. Each month, one student from each grade is recognized with a character award for exhibiting the “fruit of the Spirit.”
ADVISORY
Approximately 10-12 students are grouped into an advisory, which meets with a dedicated advisor at least three times during the week. Mindful Monday advisory time is a space for students to hone their executive functioning skills as they prepare for the week ahead. Wednesday advisory lessons complement the chapel message and weave in social-emotional curricula. Fridays are reserved for fun and connection.
Fifth GRADE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Emphasis on vocabulary, grammar, and composition. Students study Greek and Latin root words and context clues to improve vocabulary, and they practice writing for different audiences and purposes such as making a brochure as a “kid entrepreneur.”
ENGLISH LITERATURE
Introduction to classic and contemporary high-interest novels. Application of comprehension and critical thinking skills to self-selected literature choices.
MATHEMATICS
A blend of Everyday Mathematics, the core of our Lower School program, with more traditional math curricula to prime students for pre-algebra in sixth grade. Focus on solid foundational skills in geometry, multiplication and division, measurement, decimals and fractions, percent and probability, interpreting data, integers, exponents, negative numbers, predicting outcomes, and algebraic reasoning.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Study of major themes in American History such as the country’s founding, constitutional rights, immigration, expansion, commerce, wars, and global leadership—topics that still dominate today’s headlines.
SCIENCE
Introductory study of Earth Science (sixth grade), Life Science (seventh grade), and Physics and Chemistry (eighth grade) through hands-on, interactive experiments and investigations.
SPANISH
Preparatory course for high-school level Spanish, which begins in sixth grade. Lessons parallel science curriculum, focusing on topics like the environment, food chains and webs, and forces and motion. Middle School Spanish curriculum follows a progression of year-long courses—Spanish IA, Spanish IB, and Spanish II.
ACADEMIC SEMINAR
Students may be placed in Academic Seminar as an alternative to the Spanish foreign language requirement. Course designed to reinforce content from core classes using research-based strategies. Smaller class size for more intense differentiation among learners. Practice in test-taking, organizational, study, and metacognition skills.
ELECTIVE ROTATION
Fifth graders take each of the following electives on a half-trimester basis (approximately six weeks).
BEGINNING CHOIR
Beginning course for vocalists focusing on healthy singing, ear training, and singing with accuracy of pitch and rhythm. Ensemble lessons on harmony and blending with other voices.
BEGINNING STRINGS
Introduction to orchestra. Opportunity to study all of the orchestra instruments, learn basic note reading, and play each instrument.
VISUAL ART
Exposure to creative strategies, skills, and concepts in wide variety of traditional and new media (i.e., drawing, painting, sculpture). Historical and cultural heritage woven into lessons.
THEATRE
Introduction to the Middle School theatre program, encouraging students to find their individual voices as both human beings and performers.
BIBLE
An interactive curriculum titled “Echo the Story” guides a study of the overarching narrative of scripture along with its structure and how to navigate it.
DIGITAL LITERACY
Digital citizenship, keyboarding, Microsoft 365 applications, video/photo editing, and Scratch programming.
✽ 6 core yearlong classes
✽ Double dose of language arts
✽ Recess and P.E. every day
✽ Elective rotation provides entrée to the advanced electives available in seventh and eighth grades
✽ Overnight, team-building field trip to Camp Allen
Sixth GRADE
ENGLISH
Storytelling takes center stage through study of diverse literary genres like mystery, memoir, and poetry. Students develop writing portfolios, conduct poetry readings, give book presentations, and discuss literature with peers.
SCHOLASTIC ENGLISH
Course content parallels English with a higher workload and faster pace. Students will exhibit a superior command of grammar and writing mechanics.
MATHEMATICS
A bridge from fifth grade mathematics to seventh grade Algebra IA. Beginning use of variables to represent numbers. Introduction to proportionality and its relationship to probability and statistics, graphing on a coordinate plane, two- and threedimensional geometric figures, and problemsolving and application.
PRE-ALGEBRA
Content mirrors the sixth grade Mathematics course, but the pace of Pre-Algebra is faster and includes work with additional concepts and higher-order critical thinking skills.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Study of ancient civilizations founded along river valleys, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, West Africa, Central/Meso-America, China, Japan, and India.
EARTH SCIENCE
Exploration of the processes that have shaped the earth, with attention to the role humans play in caring for the planet. Use of
technology and web-based science activities to bridge the science and classroom practice.
SPANISH PRE-IA
Preparatory course for Spanish IA, designed for students with little to no previous exposure to Spanish. Spanish curriculum follows a progression of year-long courses— Spanish IA, Spanish IB, and Spanish II.
SPANISH IA
Course covers about half the material of a high-school level Spanish I class. Goal for students to achieve novice communicative speaking and writing competence.
CHOIR
Semester long elective focusing on healthy singing, ear training, singing with accuracy of pitch and rhythm, harmony, and blending with other voices. Choir performs at various events.
ORCHESTRA
Semester long elective designed for the beginning string player. Focus on choosing an instrument, posture, using the bow, reading music, and ensemble performance skills.
ACADEMIC SEMINAR
Students may be placed in Academic Seminar as an alternative to the Spanish foreign language requirement. Course designed to reinforce content from core classes using research-based strategies. Smaller class size for more intense differentiation among learners. Practice in test-taking, organizational, study, and metacognition skills.
ELECTIVE ROTATION
Sixth graders take each of the following electives on a quarterly basis (approximately nine weeks).
VISUAL ART
Students will explore a variety of media as they continue to build their skills in drawing, painting, and sculpture. Artists, art works, and projects further elaborate upon ideas about color, perspective, and design.
THEATRE
Students will learn how to improve focus, increase vocal and physical expression, and overcome nervousness about speaking and performing in front of people. Students will learn basic stage directions and effective stage movement. They will explore working from a script and develop their listening and communication.
BIBLE
The big idea underpinning the sixth grade Bible curriculum is “who is God?” By looking closely at some of the 700+ names attributed to God in scripture such as Healer, Shepherd, Provider, and Peace, students examine the character of God, broaden their view of Him, and consider why He is worthy of worship.
DIGITAL LITERACY
Continued work with digital citizenship, keyboarding, navigating Microsoft 365, video/photo editing, and Scratch programming.
✽ Five core yearlong classes
✽ Choir & orchestra for all students
✽ Choice of athletics or P.E. every day
✽ Elective rotation provides entrée to the advanced electives available in seventh and eighth grades
✽ 2-day class trip to Camp Olympia
Seventh GRADE
ENGLISH
Introduction to literary analysis, including examination of the hero’s journey, through core and choice literary works. Literary selections also parallel history curriculum. Writing skills strengthened through a combination of personal experiential writing and formal critical writing, with a focus on the multi-paragraph, literary analysis thesis essay.
ENGLISH HONORS
Content areas mirror the level English course, but the pace of English Honors is faster. Students read additional literature and complete more writing assignments.
ALGEBRA IA
The first half of a high-school level algebra I program. Functions-based course covering operations with integers and polynomials, solving multi-step linear equations and inequalities in one and two variables, graphing and analyzing linear functions, and limited topics in probability, statistics, and geometry.
ALGEBRA IA HONORS
The first half of a high-school level algebra I program, while applying rigorous higherorder thinking skills to the same content areas covered in Algebra IA.
IMAGE I HONORS
Integrated Mathematics: Algebra and Geometry. An abstract, accelerated course assimilating fundamentals of algebra and geometry, including transformations, congruence, constructions, and proofs. Second half of this course—IMAGe II Honors—is offered in eighth grade, positioning students for algebra II/ trigonometry in high school.
WESTERN CIVILIZATION
Highly experiential study of the trajectory of European history—including ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Age of Enlightenment, and the Age of Discovery.
LIFE SCIENCE
Exploration of the exquisite, complex, and interconnected systems of the human body. Seventh grade scientists engineer simple prototypes using the design-thinking process pioneered by Stanford’s Design School. Students conduct a series of dissections and delve into lab work by extracting DNA from wheat germ, for example, or growing fruit flies in a petri dish.
BIBLE
Students contemplate the question “Who is Jesus?” by looking at the different names and titles attributed to Christ in scripture, as well as how the kingdom of God depicted in Jesus’ parables differs from the world we know.
SPANISH IA
Course covers about half the material of a high-school level Spanish I class. Goal for students to achieve novice communicative speaking and writing competence.
SPANISH IB
Course covers the second half of the material in a high-school level Spanish I class. Goal for students to achieve comfortable speaking competence and intermediate writing skills.
READING & WRITING SEMINAR
Supplemental English course offered as alternative to Spanish for students to strengthen creative writing and critical thinking skills. Student-centered, differentiated, collaborative. Emphasis on young adult/high-interest literature and choice of reading material. Teaches testtaking, study habits, and metacognition skills.
✽ 5 core classes
✽ 2 elective periods
✽ More than 20 elective choices
✽ Choice of athletics or P.E.
✽ 3-day class trip to T Bar M Christian camp
With
two full elective periods on our trimester calendar, seventh graders can take as many as five classes of their choice in a single year. 7
7
Eighth GRADE
ENGLISH
Examination of social issues with profound moral implications through the study of various genres—memoir, poetry, literary analysis thesis essay, and persuasive research paper. Harkness-style discussions develop students’ ability to analyze and converse about literature without teacher intervention.
ENGLISH HONORS
The overarching theme of “The American Experience” permeates English Honors in tandem with eighth grade U.S. History. Students in English Honors read additional literature, complete more writing assignments, and work at a faster pace than students in level English classes.
ALGEBRA IB
The second half of a high-school level algebra I program that begins in seventh grade. Functions-based course covers factoring polynomials; simplifying and solving rational, radical, absolute value and quadratic expressions, and equations in one variable; quadratic and exponential functions with applications involving vertical motion and growth/decay models; and statistics to model real-world data.
ALGEBRA IB HONORS
The second half of a high-school level algebra I program, while applying rigorous higher-order thinking skills to the same content areas covered in Algebra IB.
Algebra IB and Algebra IB Honors position eighth graders for geometry or honors geometry in high school.
IMAGE II HONORS
Integrated Mathematics: Algebra and Geometry. The second year of an abstract and accelerated course integrating algebra and geometry curricula. Completion of Honors IMAGe I (seventh grade) and II (eighth grade) is congruent with completion of high-school level algebra and geometry, positioning students for algebra II/ trigonometry in high school.
AMERICAN HISTORY
Intensive study of American history from colonization to September 11, 2001, with an emphasis on branches of government, economic development, and America’s role and global responsibilities during wartime and peace, while considering the various experiences and perspectives of the many voices in our history.
INTEGRATED PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY
Hands-on, project-based course covers physics and chemistry principles of motion, energy transformations, properties of matter, changes in matter, and solution chemistry.
BIBLE
Students spend the first half of this course considering what it means to be made in the image of God. Then students turn their gaze to the future, to high school and beyond, and contemplate the spiritual takeaways they need to be ready for the journey.
SPANISH IA
Course covers about half the material of a high-school level Spanish I class. Goal for students to achieve novice communicative speaking and writing competence.
SPANISH IB
Course covers the second half of the material in a high-school level Spanish I class. Goal for students to achieve comfortable speaking competence and intermediate writing skills.
SPANISH II HONORS
Commensurate with a full year of highschool level Spanish II, reinforcing reading, writing, and speaking, and introducing new verb tenses. Goal for students to achieve intermediate fluency.
READING & WRITING SEMINAR
✽ 5 core classes
✽ 2 elective periods
✽ Choice of athletics or P.E.
✽ More than 20 elective choices
✽ 6-day class trip to Washington, D.C. and Williamsburg, VA
Supplemental English course offered as alternative to Spanish for students to strengthen creative writing and critical thinking skills. 8
The majority of ROBS graduates place out of high school
Algebra and Spanish I, with many placing into honors-level courses across all subject areas.
✽ High school counseling 8
Elective COURSES
Students in grades 7–8 may choose from the following list for two elective periods each trimester. One trimester of Bible is required in seventh and eighth grades.
PERFORMING ARTS
PREMIER CHOIR (YEARLONG)
Ensemble of singers that focuses on healthy singing, ear training, and singing with accuracy of pitch and rhythm. Students will learn harmony and blending with other voices. Students in the class represent the ROBS Choir which performs at various concerts, graduation, and community opportunities.
POP CHOIR/VOCAL COACHING (TRIMESTER)
Small vocal group, explores and prepares songs from the pop world including movies and Broadway music. Features a foray into a cappella singing.
INTERMEDIATE ORCHESTRA (YEARLONG)
Instrumental ensemble designed for seventh grade students with prior experience playing an instrument. Students will focus on correct technique, sound production, music literacy, and playing in a group setting. The orchestra will prepare music for performances at different concerts and community events.
ADVANCED ORCHESTRA (YEARLONG)
Intended for the serious eighth grade orchestra student as a follow-up to Intermediate Orchestra. Includes a chamber music unit; students perform at different concerts and community events.
MUSICAL (TRIMESTER)
Designed for the singer/actor/dancer who enjoys musical productions. Class will culminate in a performance. Outside rehearsals are expected.
ONE ACT PLAY (TRIMESTER)
For student actors who enjoy non-musical productions. Smaller in nature than the large productions, students will hone their character development skills. Outside rehearsals are expected.
THEATRE INTENSIVE (TRIMESTER)
In-depth study of acting, including scene work, monologues, and character development.
MUSICAL THEATRE INTENSIVE (TRIMESTER)
Exploration of American musical theatre. Students will study the work of the actor/singer/dancer to develop as performers. Students will prepare and present as soloists as well as members of small groups and larger ensembles.
SPEECH AND DEBATE (TRIMESTER)
Introduction to public speaking and formal debate. Units culminate in performance assignments that require students to demonstrate their abilities within the classroom setting.
STUDIO ARTS
YEARBOOK (YEARLONG)
Publication course that includes photography, graphic design, desktop publishing, and writing skills to produce the School’s annual yearbook. Ability to work independently and meet deadlines required. Placement determined by fine arts faculty.
DRAWING INTENSIVE (TRIMESTER)
Students build skills in observation, sketching, value and texture reproduction, and perspective application. Students will explore mediums such as graphite, charcoal, ink, and colored pencils.
CERAMICS INTENSIVE (TRIMESTER)
Study of hand building techniques to construct coil, pinch, and slab creations. Students will also explore glazing techniques.
ARTFULLY MADE (TRIMESTER)
Students explore the artistry and craftsmanship behind techniques like block printing, resin casting, polymer clay molding, and more. Students use those skills to create beautiful handmade objects like jewelry, accessories, and paper goods.
PAINTING (TRIMESTER)
Designed to build technical proficiency in painting, students will study color theory as they explore using watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paint.
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
MAKERSPACE TECHNICAL (TRIMESTER)
Extension of Makerspace I, with a special emphasis on the more advanced features of Tinkercad, 3-D printing, and Cricut.
MAKERSPACE DIY (TRIMESTER)
Extension of Makerspace I, with a special emphasis on the hands-on design aspects of Cricut Design Space and Glowforge Laser Cutter.
CODING/ROBOTICS (TRIMESTER)
Introduction to programming and game design. Students will make game controllers and use robots to operate games of their own design.
GRAPHICS/MOVIE MAKING (TRIMESTER)
Technical training on graphics programs, including Laster Cutter, WeVideo, and Pixlar, to create movies and animate characters.
BUSINESS
ENTREPRENEURSHIP (TRIMESTER)
Cross-curricular, project-based learning course guiding eighth grade students to design and launch a small business. Areas of focus include product design, marketing and sales, financial stewardship, and work ethic.
PERSONAL FINANCE (TRIMESTER)
Introduction to the stock market, money management, and financial literacy.
LEADERSHIP & SPIRITUAL GROWTH
LEADING THROUGH SERVICE (TRIMESTER)
Designed to help students develop healthy relationships and leadership skills through service in and around our community. Students discuss how care and concern for the greater community exemplifies our Christian call to service.
DIGITAL MEDIA/KROB (TRIMESTER)
Students learn how to gather information, organize ideas, format stories for various forms of news media, and prepare a daily broadcast for the school community.
CHAPEL WORSHIP TEAM (TRIMESTER)
Group of student musicians form a contemporary worship band to provide music for weekly Chapel services. The band includes singers as well as musicians playing instruments like the piano, guitar, bass, drums, ukulele, and other solo instruments. Previous musical experience is required.
NEXT LEVEL FAITH (TRIMESTER)
Take a deep look at one book of the Bible, learning different ways to study scripture. Designed for the student who is interested in an additional Bible course.
ACTIVITIES
STUDENT COUNCIL
Student Council is comprised of representatives from each home base (grades 5-8) and led by six officers (grades 7-8 only) – a president, vice president, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, treasurer, and historian. Students in grades 5-6 elect a peer from their home base two times/year to serve as their student council representative. Fifth and sixth grade representatives meet with a faculty sponsor once a week to advance initiatives that improve student life on campus. Officers and home base representatives in grades 7-8 serve a yearlong term, working with administration and faculty to represent students’ concerns. The seventh and eighth grade councilmembers also sponsor a Student Movie Night and Spring Dance each year.
QUIZ BOWL
If you have all the answers, Quiz Bowl is for you. Get together with fellow students to test your knowledge in a variety of subjects, including history, geography, literature, science, grammar, art, current events, general knowledge, math, and much more. Quiz Bowl meets weekly during tutorial period; official tournament play is optional.
MATH CLUB
Calling all math enthusiasts! ROBS Math Club meets weekly with faculty advisors to practice skill-building, master new tricks, and improve problem-solving speed. Grades 6-8 members may participate in math competitions.
ROBOTICS TEAM
Students on our Robotics Team are motivated, team-oriented, and ready to take their programming and coding skills to the next level. The Robotics Team meets weekly before school and during tutorial period, working on programming robots and creating innovative projects to compete in the First Lego League competition. Projects are submitted for judging in December.
SPIRIT CLUB
Spirit Club organizes and leads the fall, winter, and spring spirit rallies. Students choreograph their own dances, perform cheers, and orchestrate student-faculty competitions and other activities to energize the ROBS student body. Spirit Club members (grade 8 only) meet weekly before and after school.
RAIDER AMBASSADORS
Raider Ambassadors are a select group of eighth grade students chosen to represent the School to prospective students and families going through the admission process. These student ambassadors must have a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, demonstrated leadership, and a professional demeanor. Students participate in daytime and evening admission events—welcoming guests, directing tours, checking people in, and serving as panelists. Other responsibilities may include creating videos and other multimedia, designing marketing materials, and drafting written content such as blog posts and thank you notes.
ATHLETICS
At least one participatory sport is offered each season for students in grades 6–8 so that any student who wishes to join a team may do so. ROBS teams compete in the Houston Junior Preparatory Conference (HJPC). Students who elect not to participate in an organized sport engage in running, weightlifting, and general fitness exercises.
Cross-country
BEYOND ROBS
St. Paul’s School
The Awty
International School
Middlesex School
Episcopal High School (Alexandria, VA)
Phillips
EPISCOPAL HIGH ST. JOHN’S
The Kinkaid School
CARNEGIE VANGUARD HIGH SCHOOL
KINDER HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS
The Hotchkiss School
LAMAR HIGH SCHOOL IB
Catherine’s School (Richmond, VA)
ROBS
is the only school of its peers to have a dedicated office of high school
counseling.
St.
Phillips Academy Andover
SCHOOL JOHN’S SCHOOL
The Taft School
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
Choate
Rosemary Hall
Phillips Academy Exeter
(Richmond, VA)
SCHOOL St. Thomas High School
STRAKE JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL
School St. Agnes Academy
MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
St. Francis Episcopal School
DEERFIELD ACADEMY
ROBS graduates are wanted by the best high schools in Houston and by some of the nation’s best boarding schools. Choosing that school is a big deal. And we delight in supporting our soon-to-be graduates and their families throughout their transition.
The High School Counseling Office partners with families before the application process even begins. From personalized counseling sessions and mock admission interviews to monthly emails with important reminders and upcoming deadlines, we equip our students and their parents to tackle the process with confidence and, dare we say, excitement.
Ambitious academics rooted in abiding Christian values
WATERCOLOR TREE
Alight with playful color, the watercolor tree represents the beautiful potential and possibility-filled expanse of a child’s life.
ACADEMIC PATH
Deliberately engineered, research-based, and comprehensive, the School’s thoughtful academic curriculum builds upon itself from grade-to-grade, laying a self-reinforcing foundation for students to be ambitious, courageous, resourceful thinkers.
STYLIZED TREE
Fastening together the academic path and the fruit buds, the stylized tree presents a child’s journey through ROBS—the way ROBS guides students toward shaping life direction, forming connections, and preparing them for all that comes next.
LAYERED IMAGERY
FRUIT BUDS
Growing naturally from the academic path, the fruit buds represent the practice-based, immersive character curriculum that permeates every lesson and action at ROBS. The nine fruit buds known as the Fruit of the Spirit nourish children’s lives well beyond their time at ROBS.
Layering the artistry of the watercolor tree with the technological imagery of the stylized tree signifies the School’s commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math—each a priority in our ongoing curricular enhancements and our new master campus plan.