MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM OVERVIEW SOCIAL STUDIES
Villa’s Middle School Social Studies program investigates how cultures and peoples interact with one another and the world around them. In 6th grade, students examine how ancient peoples lived and explore points of similarity and difference between their own lives and those of the ancient cultures. Seventh graders learn how individuals and society interact with the world around them through the study of World Geography in which they investigate a country from each continent and present their findings in a culminating World Fair. In their 8th grade year, students examine how societies balance the needs of the individual with the needs of the many through a study of civics, United States history, and global current events.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA)
Villa’s English Language Arts curriculum cultivates versatile and articulate communicators across the Middle School journey. Our curriculum empowers students to fluently express ideas, critically evaluate texts, and engage with societal issues through literature and writing. Sixth grade focuses on stories from a diverse range of authors, writing skills across genres, and the theme, “Stories Matter.” Seventh grade integrates writing with World Geography, emphasizing effective communication, literary analysis, and novel discussions. Eighth grade enhances critical reading and analytical skills through nonfiction and fiction literature, varied writing formats, and integration with Social Studies. Villa graduates conclude their Middle School experience by engaging in a semester-long research project centered on a social justice issue of their choosing, which they individually present before a panel of adults, their family, and peers.
SCIENCE
Villa’s Middle School Science curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in scientific knowledge and inquiry. Sixth grade focuses on the Life Sciences through exploring cells, genetics, and ecological concepts; the vast majority of spring classes take place outdoors across campus. Seventh grade delves into Earth and Space Sciences, investigating Earth’s history, seismic events, weather, and space phenomena. The year opens with a curriculum-connected class trip to Vantage, Washington. Eighth grade explores Chemistry and Algebra-based Physics, fostering hands-on experimentation and critical thinking through a host of projects and assessments. Our comprehensive and experiential Science journey equips students with fundamental scientific knowledge, analytical skills, and a strong foundation for future scientific exploration in high school and beyond.
MATH
Villa’s Middle School Math program meets students at their level, fostering mastery of grade-level standards while nurturing a love for mathematics. With a focus on building a strong mathematical foundation, our curriculum supports students in growing their math knowledge in preparation for the challenges of high school. In 6th grade, students are placed in either Math 6, which covers 6th-grade Washington state standards, or Math 6/7, encompassing both 6th- and half of 7th-grade standards. In 7th grade, we offer three options: Math 7 (covering 7th-grade standards), Intro to Algebra (focusing on the first half of high school Algebra 1 curriculum), and Algebra 7, which covers the entirety of high school Algebra 1. In 8th grade, the three options are: Math 8, which integrates 8th-grade standards with introductory Algebra concepts, Algebra 8, which builds upon Intro to Algebra, encompassing the remainder of high school Algebra, and Geometry (a comprehensive year of high school geometry). This course allows students to enter high school prepared for Algebra 2. All placement decisions are determined by assessment data, conversations with families and educators, and the needs of individual students.