Middle School Curriculum

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Overview

Your child’s academic, social, emotional, and physical growth are further developed at our private middle school. From 6th grade through 8th grade, Henderson International School’s educators foster personal growth as they guide our middle school students to refine their passions and identify relationships among subject areas that apply to the world beyond the classroom.

Students from sixth to eighth grade are encouraged to be independent learners and develop a range of critical thinking skills: from comprehension and application to synthesizing evaulation and creation. Our multi-faceted academic curriculum provides each student with a comprehensive foundation of academic skills, a rich engagement in diverse content, and a clear sense of how to best advocate for themself as a learner.

  • Honor and Standard Prep classes
  • A balanced, robust and challenging curriculum which fosters critical thinking, complex problem-solving and cultural development
  • Engaging and meaningful electives and clubs as well as Student Council and National Junior Honor Society
  • Graduates smoothly transistion into well performing High Schools of their choice
  • STEAM-based educational activities includes math, language arts, social studies, Spanish, computer science, arts, physical education, and more

Language Arts

Reading comprehension, writing mechanics, writing skills, verbal reasoning, and vocabulary are developed throughout our private middle school experience. In 6th grade, the students delve into expository writing, proof-reading, editing, journalism, assigned and self-selected reading, period fiction and non-fiction, modern and ancient literature, research and essay writing, and public speaking.

By 7th and 8th grade, the middle school Language Arts curriculum turns to argumentative writing, world novels, poetry, elements of literature, analytical writing, self-selected and assigned novels, period fiction and non-fiction, and monologues and speeches.

Social Studies 

The social studies program is designed to help students understand the world today by building an awareness of its history and geography. The 6th grade curriculum focuses on United States history from pre-colonization to the Civil War, as well as ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, the Greeks and the Romans.

In 7th and 8th grade, the curriculum highlights topics such as U.S. History from the Civil War through the late 20th Century, and World History including Europe, Asia, West Africa, India, Middle East, and the Americas.

Math

Our math courses give students the opportunity to apply problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and mathematical knowledge. The curriculum is organized into: numbers/number relationships, number systems/theory, geometry/spatial sense, measurement, statistics/probability, math communication, and quantitative reasoning. 

Science

Our enhanced science curriculum instills an understanding of the natural world and a comprehension of scientific inquiry. Themes of cause and effect, the scientific method, and engineering and design are infused throughout the curriculum, which is informed by the standards set forth by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). 

Spanish

In Middle School, our progressive Spanish program is rooted in second language acquisition theory. Students are immersed and engaged in the language through comprehensible input and storytelling at each level of study. Our communicative and culturally relevant curriculum provides middle school students the opportunity to interact with high frequency language in context through collaborative storytelling, novel studies and class discussion. Students develop the expressive skills necessary to write as well as engage in conversation at the novice-high to intermediate-low level, as outlined by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Computer Science

We prepare children to become tech-savvy adults. They learn how to best utilize computer technology for a more enriching, current learning experience. Students are provided with robust opportunities to utilize technology in the classroom to enhance their learning through a wide range of resources safely accessible through our secure network and internet.

Our graduates are responsible digital citizens that have mastered the four C's of technology – creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration – and are prepared to be active participants in tomorrow's global community.

Cultural Development 

Henderson International School makes the cultural development and cultural awareness of its students a top priority. Social skills such as teamwork and leadership are taught through lessons on communication, inclusivity, diversity awareness, and relationship building. 

Physical Education 

All Henderson International School, middle school students participate in physical education classes. Each year begins with baseline fitness tests. After which, students’ progress is tracked throughout the school year. Students are taught basic rules and skills in a variety of sports including football, basketball, floorball, soccer, swimming, and volleyball.

The Arts 

As part of our Henderson International School arts curriculum, students choose visual art, performance arts or band, as their designated arts program for the year. Performance arts includes the production and performance of two musicals: one for 6th graders and one for 7th and 8th graders.

Visual art includes various aspects of 2D and 3D art, color theory, perspective, and light sourcing. Students use our kiln for ceramics, and our 3D printer and digital tools to explore new media techniques. They also study art history through compositions of impressionism, realism and abstract art. 

Student Council

Student Council strives to make Henderson International a place where students actively give back through their time, effort, fundraising, and through support of the school's charitable foundation. Key roles include the office of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. In addition, there are two grade level representatives. Students are fully supported by their advisor to gain experience in all facets of leadership, including small business operations, publicity and promotions for events, developing fundraisers and working with administration to develop essential life skills. Teamwork and modeling good character traits for younger students are a key component of Student Council. Students are expected to maintain a minimum of Meeting Expectations in all Standard Based and Emotional Quotient grades.

National Junior Honor Society

Society members work as an organization to help those in need, and provide a festive environment for students and staff. As an individual member the goal is to provide opportunities of charity through yearly donations of service. The Society is open to students in 7th and 8th grade, who have a minimum of Meeting Expectations (ME) in Academic standards or a Grade B in High school classes. Emotional standards require students to have Exceeding Expectations in at least one class. Students must be in good standing and have completed 40 hours of  verified community service hours, and work as a team member for at least 20 hours on school charitable events.

Student Experiences

During the school year, Middle School students engage in experiential learning and leadership training. Classroom learning is embedded through these unqiue learning experiences. Field trips are available to middle school students. Students also have the opportunity to join Student Council and/or National Junior Honor Society.

In-Class Field Trip Experiences

During the school year, Middle School students engage in experiential learning and leadership training. Classroom learning is embedded through these unqiue learning experiences. Field trips are available to middle school students. Students also have the opportunity to join Student Council and/or National Junior Honor Society.

Programs

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Programs

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Programs

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Overview

Your child’s academic, social, emotional, and physical growth are further developed at our private middle school. From 6th grade through 8th grade, Henderson International School’s educators foster personal growth as they guide our middle school students to refine their passions and identify relationships among subject areas that apply to the world beyond the classroom.

Students from sixth to eighth grade are encouraged to be independent learners and develop a range of critical thinking skills: from comprehension and application to synthesizing evaulation and creation. Our multi-faceted academic curriculum provides each student with a comprehensive foundation of academic skills, a rich engagement in diverse content, and a clear sense of how to best advocate for themself as a learner.

Programs

  • Honor and Standard Prep classes
  • A balanced, robust and challenging curriculum which fosters critical thinking, complex problem-solving and cultural development
  • Engaging and meaningful electives and clubs as well as Student Council and National Junior Honor Society
  • Graduates smoothly transistion into well performing High Schools of their choice
  • STEAM-based educational activities includes math, language arts, social studies, Spanish, computer science, arts, physical education, and more
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Language Arts

Reading comprehension, writing mechanics, writing skills, verbal reasoning, and vocabulary are developed throughout our private middle school experience. In 6th grade, the students delve into expository writing, proof-reading, editing, journalism, assigned and self-selected reading, period fiction and non-fiction, modern and ancient literature, research and essay writing, and public speaking.

By 7th and 8th grade, the middle school Language Arts curriculum turns to argumentative writing, world novels, poetry, elements of literature, analytical writing, self-selected and assigned novels, period fiction and non-fiction, and monologues and speeches.

Social Studies 

The social studies program is designed to help students understand the world today by building an awareness of its history and geography. The 6th grade curriculum focuses on United States history from pre-colonization to the Civil War, as well as ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, the Greeks and the Romans.

In 7th and 8th grade, the curriculum highlights topics such as U.S. History from the Civil War through the late 20th Century, and World History including Europe, Asia, West Africa, India, Middle East, and the Americas.

Math

Our math courses give students the opportunity to apply problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and mathematical knowledge. The curriculum is organized into: numbers/number relationships, number systems/theory, geometry/spatial sense, measurement, statistics/probability, math communication, and quantitative reasoning. 

Science

Our enhanced science curriculum instills an understanding of the natural world and a comprehension of scientific inquiry. Themes of cause and effect, the scientific method, and engineering and design are infused throughout the curriculum, which is informed by the standards set forth by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). 

Spanish

In Middle School, our progressive Spanish program is rooted in second language acquisition theory. Students are immersed and engaged in the language through comprehensible input and storytelling at each level of study. Our communicative and culturally relevant curriculum provides middle school students the opportunity to interact with high frequency language in context through collaborative storytelling, novel studies and class discussion. Students develop the expressive skills necessary to write as well as engage in conversation at the novice-high to intermediate-low level, as outlined by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Computer Science

We prepare children to become tech-savvy adults. They learn how to best utilize computer technology for a more enriching, current learning experience. Students are provided with robust opportunities to utilize technology in the classroom to enhance their learning through a wide range of resources safely accessible through our secure network and internet.

Our graduates are responsible digital citizens that have mastered the four C's of technology – creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration – and are prepared to be active participants in tomorrow's global community.

Cultural Development 

Henderson International School makes the cultural development and cultural awareness of its students a top priority. Social skills such as teamwork and leadership are taught through lessons on communication, inclusivity, diversity awareness, and relationship building. 

Physical Education 

All Henderson International School, middle school students participate in physical education classes. Each year begins with baseline fitness tests. After which, students’ progress is tracked throughout the school year. Students are taught basic rules and skills in a variety of sports including football, basketball, floorball, soccer, swimming, and volleyball.

The Arts 

As part of our Henderson International School arts curriculum, students choose visual art, performance arts or band, as their designated arts program for the year. Performance arts includes the production and performance of two musicals: one for 6th graders and one for 7th and 8th graders.

Visual art includes various aspects of 2D and 3D art, color theory, perspective, and light sourcing. Students use our kiln for ceramics, and our 3D printer and digital tools to explore new media techniques. They also study art history through compositions of impressionism, realism and abstract art. 

Student Council

Student Council strives to make Henderson International a place where students actively give back through their time, effort, fundraising, and through support of the school's charitable foundation. Key roles include the office of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. In addition, there are two grade level representatives. Students are fully supported by their advisor to gain experience in all facets of leadership, including small business operations, publicity and promotions for events, developing fundraisers and working with administration to develop essential life skills. Teamwork and modeling good character traits for younger students are a key component of Student Council. Students are expected to maintain a minimum of Meeting Expectations in all Standard Based and Emotional Quotient grades.

National Junior Honor Society

Society members work as an organization to help those in need, and provide a festive environment for students and staff. As an individual member the goal is to provide opportunities of charity through yearly donations of service. The Society is open to students in 7th and 8th grade, who have a minimum of Meeting Expectations (ME) in Academic standards or a Grade B in High school classes. Emotional standards require students to have Exceeding Expectations in at least one class. Students must be in good standing and have completed 40 hours of  verified community service hours, and work as a team member for at least 20 hours on school charitable events.

Class Trips

During the school year, Middle School students engage in experiential learning and leadership training. Classroom learning is embedded through these unqiue learning experiences. Field trips are available to middle school students. Students also have the opportunity to join Student Council and/or National Junior Honor Society.

Class Experiences

During the school year, Middle School students engage in experiential learning and leadership training. Classroom learning is embedded through these unqiue learning experiences. Field trips are available to middle school students. Students also have the opportunity to join Student Council and/or National Junior Honor Society.

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