2026 Ensworth Middle School Curriculum Guide

VISUAL ARTS VISUAL ARTS FOCUS offers students a concentrated experience in the world of visual art. Through a holistic approach, students process as they learn to conceptualize ideas, experiment with different techniques and media, and refine their work through

English

reflection and iteration.

Middle School English celebrates literature and the discussions and writings books

will better understand the relationship between artist and artwork. Students will dive deeper into the intricacies of the creative

inspire. The curriculum consists of four distinct, related components: reading, VISUAL ARTS FOUNDATIONS is designed to give students a broad and basic knowledge of visual art through short creative

writing, vocabulary, Patterns of Power grammar and language conventions, and

experiences. Students will learn fundamental processes and explore varied media as a way to appreciate art as a vital ingredient

Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) Writing Instruction. Students develop

of a rich and well-rounded life.

an enthusiasm and appreciation for literature and build critical and analytical thinking skills. Students learn to annotate text as they read and become skilled at using text evidence to support their ideas. Formal writing assignments include

TECHNOLOGY

narrative, expository, and argumentative pieces with an emphasis on practicing and developing writing skills utilizing research-based best practices.

ROBOTICS AND TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION embarks on a thrilling exploration of technology by diving headfirst into the detailed realms of Coding, Making, Robotics, and Actionable Tech. This class will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, offer hands-on experience in robotics and coding, surface opportunities to harness technology for positive change, and prepare students for the near future by mastering essential digital skills. TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATIONS focuses on the practical application of digital tools in an educational setting. Students will learn how to effectively use tools for academic organization (Tigernet, Google Drive), productivity (Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets), and creativity (Google Drawings, 3D printing). The class will also include a survey of coding, robotics, and using our

GRADE 6

GRADE 7

GRADE 8

TEXTS MAY INCLUDE:

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora, You Are Here, Seen and Unseen, Indian No More, All Thirteen

The Outsiders, Brown Girl Dreaming, Flying Lessons, The Giver, Counting by 7s

Long Way Down, To Kill a Mockingbird, Breakfast on Mars, Impossible Escape, It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime

Makerspace materials.

CORE ELECTIVES LIFE class provides students the tools for positive and productive social and emotional growth. Topics include transition to Middle School, managing expectations, learning and mindfulness strategies, responsibility, peer mediation and conflict resolution, grit, gratitude, personal safety and setting boundaries, understanding and celebrating differences, appropriate use

ENSWORTH

of technology and social media, facts and effects of substance use, human sexuality, and effective strategies for recognizing and

interactive lessons and collaborative projects, students will master foundational writing techniques, conduct thorough research utilizing credible sources, and develop confident public speaking abilities. Emphasis will be placed on crafting compelling

Middle School Math strives to create an academic environment that allows students to use their talents to the fullest. This is facilitated by providing multiple levels of instruction targeted at each student’s math readiness. The majority of students are

coping with stress. RESEARCH, WRITING, AND PUBLIC SPEAKING will cultivate essential research, writing, and public speaking skills. Through

Math placed into grade-level programs of Pre-Algebra Foundations (Grade 6), Pre-Algebra

MIDDLE SCHOOL

(Grade 7), and Algebra I (Grade 8). Beginning in Grade 6, students who meet

Curriculum Guide

occasions, 7th graders with advanced level of preparation will be placed in Algebra I

certain criteria may be recommended for accelerated, or honors level, work. On rare Honors, providing those students an opportunity to take Geometry in Grade 8.

narratives, persuasive arguments, and informative essays alongside learning research methodologies such as library research and online databases.

Service Learning All students engage in grade-level service projects that incorporate interdisciplinary learning and that enhance their understanding and compassion for society with many different needs. SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES: Interdisciplinary (Art, English, & Science) Memory Project with Abe’s Garden; Food insecurity social studies global unit in conjunction with food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank.

Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The

GRADE 6

GRADE 7

GRADE 8

PRE-ALGEBRA FOUNDATIONS:

PRE-ALGEBRA: Real numbers

ALGEBRA I: Solving, graphing,

Transition from concrete to abstract thinking by examining patterns and modeling; fraction and decimal operations; integer operations; proportional thinking through ratios and percents; geometric concepts of perimeter, area, and classifying polygons.

operations; proportional thinking; linear functions and graphing; plane and solid geometry; probability and statistics.

and writing—linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; polynomial operations and factoring; systems; radical and rational expressions.

ALGEBRA I: Solving,

graphing, and writing— linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; polynomial operations and factoring; systems; radical and rational expressions.

GEOMETRY: Angles; parallel

lines; congruent triangles; plane figures (circles, polygons); coordinate geometry; intro to trigonometry; 3-dimensional figures.

School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.

MS Curriculum Guide_Folded_2026.indd 1-2

www.ENSWORTH.com

8/7/26 8:33 AM

Science

Electives

through experiential learning using exposure to a broad range of science disciplines: biology, chemistry, physics, and

to foster a sense of belonging, promote academic achievement, and nurture authenticity. Students are empowered

earth science, with the goal being to help students understand the interconnectedness of these disciplines. Students

to choose from five focused electives, each tailored to meet their interests and aspirations. These focused electives

learn to be comfortable in a lab setting as they perform experiments, use math to analyze collected data, and develop

convene four times per schedule rotation throughout the academic year, necessitating public demonstrations of

organizational and writing skills to communicate their conclusions.

learning and culminating in an achievement grade. Additionally, students partake in exposure electives, meeting twice

Middle School Science strives to inculcate students with the skills needed to be scientists. This is accomplished

GRADE 6

GRADE 7

GRADE 8

SIGNATURE PROJECTS:

Earthquakes & Engineering— Impact on Building Design; Stormwater Management & Mitigation Strategies

Animal Dissections and Organ Systems Analysis; Bone Model & Prosthetic Arm Design Project

Design A Roller Coaster Based on Properties of Motion; Sludge—Identifying Substances in Your Mystery Mixture

Ensworth’s Middle School elective program is meticulously crafted to offer students a rich and fulfilling experience

per rotation for a semester. Complementing these are core electives, such as Life and Writing, Research, and Public Speaking, which meet twice per rotation per semester. The blend of focused and exposure electives is designed to offer students a well-rounded exposure to performing and visual arts and technology. This holistic approach ensures that students explore a breadth of subjects and delve deeply into areas of personal interest, facilitating their progression through crucial developmental stages.

FOCUS ELECTIVE

History & Social Studies

The Middle School History and Social Studies curriculum is designed to help students develop strong skills in research,

(4x per rotation all year)

CHORAL ARTS

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

ROBOTICS & TECHNOLOGY

THEATER ARTS

VISUAL ARTS

Visual Arts Foundations — Technology Foundations

Visual Arts Foundations — Music Foundations

Music Foundations — Technology Foundations

Life Class — Writing, Research, & Public Speaking

P.E.

writing, reading, information organization and synthesis, source analysis and identifying divergent perspectives, oral communication and public speaking.

GRADE 6

GRADE 7

GRADE 8

COURSE: Ancient World History

COURSE: Medieval World History

COURSE: United States History

KEY THEMES: Community, Mobility,

KEY THEMES: Community, Belief,

KEY THEMES: Perspective, Citizenship,

Conflict, Change, Beliefs

Conflicts, Progress

Responsibility, Leadership

SAMPLE TOPICS: Civilizations of

SAMPLE TOPICS: Medieval Europe,

SAMPLE TOPICS: Colonies, U.S. Revolution,

Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Indus River Valley, Rise and Fall of Ancient Greece, Foundations of Geography, World Religions: Judaism and Christianity

China, Japan, Africa and the Americas, World Religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Renaissance and Reformation

U.S. Constitution, Civil War and Reconstruction, Great Depression, World Wars, Civil Rights, Cold War

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES: World

Religions and Fields Trips, Fall of Rome Research and Discussion Project, Wonders of the World Design Project and Presentation

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES: Presidential

Religions and Field Trips, DocumentBased Research, Analysis, and Writing, Legacy of the Renaissance Discussion Project

Research Project, Essay, and Debate, American Revolution Tavern Discussion, Global Conflict Policy Role Play

EXPOSURE ELECTIVE (2x per rotation by semester)

CORE ELECTIVE (2x per rotation by semester)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (4x per rotation by year)

PERFORMING ARTS CHORAL ARTS focuses on developing vocal skills, providing opportunities for individual, small group, and large ensemble

World Language

singing techniques. Students’ skills will be developed through various types of music, and their abilities and expectations will increase each year.

GRADE 6

GRADES 7 & 8

World Language is an introduction to Latin, which focuses on the structures of language in order to be successful in any world language class. Topics include grammar concepts, word order, spelling, declension, vocabulary acquisition, verb conjugation, negatives, interrogatives, and language exceptions.

Students select a language for a two-year commitment to study Level I in preparation for advancing to Level II at the start of Grade 9.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC develops skills utilizing concert band instruments in individual, small group, and large group

CHINESE: Linguistic skills

SPANISH: Linguistic skills

LATIN: Vocabulary, grammar,

for oral/aural proficiency; reading and writing skills development; grammar and vocabulary in authentic contexts; conversational skill development; multimedia resources integration; introductions to history and cultural awareness.

for oral/aural proficiency; reading and writing skills development; grammar and vocabulary in authentic contexts; conversational skill development; multimedia resources integration; history and culture of the global Hispanic community.

and syntax for translating texts; reading and writing skills development; multimedia resources integration; study of Roman history and culture for complementing the exploration of the structure of language development.

ensemble playing. Instrumental techniques are then enhanced through various types of music and increase in ability and expectation each year. THEATER ARTS is designed to give students a comprehensive view and an authentic opportunity to immerse themselves in the exploration and discovery of theater from page to stage. Students explore acting techniques through observation, memory development, improvisation, pantomime, vocal work, and movement; theater history, elements of production, and art appreciation; movement, choreography, and dance; and all of the necessary tools for character development. MUSIC FOUNDATIONS is a non-performance based curriculum designed to give students knowledge of the world of music through the study of musicology, including music history, genres, diverse styles, cultures, global perspectives, technology, theory, and overall musicianship. Students will learn fundamentals to open their understanding of music as an important part of life.

MS Curriculum Guide_Folded_2026.indd 3-4