Our program emphasizes process-oriented writing, encompassing creative, persuasive, narrative, informational, and academic styles, while fostering fluency and mastery of conventions like spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Students engage with diverse texts, including short stories, novels, poetry, and self-selected books, to develop comprehension, analysis, and thematic connections to their lives and studies. Research, speaking, and listening skills are honed through speeches, presentations, and collaborative discussions, with tools like “Quill” supporting grammar development. The program nurtures independent learning, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the art of language, building proficiency in communication and fostering connections between language, current events, and personal experiences.

Our program combines physical education (PE) and health, with students rotating between PE activities in the gym and health lessons in the classroom. The program focuses on health and skills-related fitness, with each grade emphasizing different aspects of physical and emotional well-being. In 6th grade, students focus on heart health, developing an active lifestyle, and skill development in sports, dance, and recreational activities. Social and emotional learning, including stress management and the "Get Real" sexuality curriculum, is incorporated. In 7th grade, students build competence in games and recreational activities, developing personal and social responsibility, decision-making, conflict resolution, and fitness goals. By 8th grade, the program shifts focus to movement and nutritional health, emphasizing balanced diets for active bodies, and skill development through play and competition. Social and emotional learning continues with a focus on stress management, well-being, and the "Get Real" sexuality curriculum, incorporating group work, role-playing, and refusal skills.

Our program builds foundational skills and prepares students for high school-level mathematics, emphasizing critical concepts, problem-solving, and tailored pacing. This sequence ensures students develop the necessary skills and confidence for future academic and real-world mathematical challenges.

• Pre-Algebra I
  • Focuses on ratios, rates, rational numbers (including fractions and negatives), expressions, equations, statistical thinking, and geometry. Additional content includes integers, probability, prime factorization, and two- and three-dimensional geometry.
• Pre-Algebra II
  • Expands understanding of proportional relationships, rational number operations, linear equations, scale drawings, geometry (area, surface area, volume), and statistical inferences.
• Pre-Algebra III
  • Students primarily focus on topics like linear equations, functions, systems of equations, advanced geometric concepts including the Pythagorean Theorem, data analysis with graphs and scatter plots, exponents, scientific notation, and deeper understanding of rational numbers. Essentially building upon foundational algebra and geometry skills to prepare for high school algebra.
• Algebra I
  • A high school-level course focusing on core algebraic concepts, problem-solving, and applications in preparation for advanced math and science. The course covers essential topics such as linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, and exponents, along with methods for factoring and solving equations. Students learn to evaluate and write algebraic expressions, graph functions, and understand inequalities. Placement into this class is based on academic performance, and successful completion allows advancement to high school geometry with grades recorded on transcripts.

Our program builds foundational knowledge in the life, physical, and earth sciences. Each grade level also embeds science and engineering practices as well as cross-cutting concepts. Our program encourages curiosity and critical thinking, fostering students' ability to analyze and explain scientific concepts and their applications in the world around them. Beginning in 2025-26, we will follow OpenSciEd's phenomenon-based, three-dimensional approach to middle school science, focusing on student-led inquiry and investigation to build scientific understanding through real-world problems and questions. Instruction is rooted in Universal Design for Learning and follows a storyline. Units may include:

• 6th Grade Science
  • Light & Matter
  • Thermal Energy
  • Weather, Climate, & Water Cycling
  • Plate Tectonics & Rock Cycling
  • Natural Hazards
  • Cells & Systems
• 7th Grade Science
  • Chemical Reactions & Matter
  • Chemical Reactions & Energy
  • Metabolic Reactions
  • Matter Cycling & Photosynthesis
  • Ecosystem Dynamics & Biodiversity
  • Earth’s Resources & Human Impact
• 8th Grade Science
  • Contact Forces
  • Sound Waves
  • Forces at a Distance
  • Earth in Space
  • Genetics
  • Natural Selection & Common Ancestry

Our program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and the connections between history, geography, and culture. Through a thematic and interactive approach, students explore how historical events shape the present and develop the skills to share their own stories while understanding those of others. Instructional strategies include simulations, interdisciplinary projects, research papers, and presentations, integrating reading, writing, research, oral communication, and the visual arts.

• 6th Grade: Ancient World History
  • Topics: Basic geography, map reading, the Five Themes of Geography, anthropology, and archeology.
  • Content: Agricultural Revolution and ancient civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, Greece, and Rome).
  • Theme: Guiding questions connect ancient history to life today.
• 7th Grade: World and Washington State History
  • First Semester: A connected world from 600–1450 CE, covering the Silk Road, Medieval Africa, Dar al-Islam, the Mongols, Medieval Europe/Japan, and Mesoamerica.
  • Second Semester: Washington State History through geographic, political, economic, and cultural lenses.
  • Theme: Exploring how people tell their stories through music, art, oral history, and more, fostering self-expression and connection.
• 8th Grade: United States History
  • Topics: U.S. history from the Revolution through Reconstruction, with an emphasis on the Constitution, current events, and the cyclical nature of history.
  • Projects: Research papers and projects emphasizing both the process and final product, incorporating vocabulary, geography, and logic.

6th and 7th Grade Computer Applications (1 semester each):

• These project-based classes focus on developing a wide range of technology skills. In 6th grade, students will learn file management, research skills, digital portfolios, technology ethics, keyboarding, Google Drive, graphics, robotics, technology safety, word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia presentations, website validity, and basic programming. In 7th grade, students will build on these skills by reviewing and expanding their knowledge, updating their digital portfolios, exploring graphic design, creating interactive stories for elementary students, learning about copyright and digital literacy, working with spreadsheets and charts, and further developing their keyboarding skills. This course also integrates concepts of technology safety and programming, aligning with CTE/STEM goals.

Elective choices may vary in any given year based on student interest and enrollment. All electives are 1-semester long except for instrumental music which is 1-year long. Below are some of the choices that have been available for students over the last few years:

• Visual Arts
  • Basic Art
  • Ceramics
  • Graphic Design
  • Digital Photography
  • Video Production
  • Intro Woodworking Technology
  • Express Your Voice through Public Art
  • Media Mash Up & Content Creation
  • Technology/Makers
• Performing Arts
  • Mustang Band: 6th grade beginning/fundamental instrumental music
  • Symphonic Band: 7th & 8th grade student symphonic instrumental music, two or more concerts per year
  • Drama: physical drama, comedy, performances
• Food 101 & Food 102
• Horticulture
• American Sign Language (ASL)
• Spanish Exploration: introduction to Spanish language and culture
• Basic Mountain Biking: learn bike maintenance and repair while learning physical aspects of riding
• Outdoor Living
• Tournament Sports & Conditioning: students will participate in multiple sports tournaments 
• Office/Teacher Assistant (8th grade only)
• Study Skills (SOAR): homework help and organization
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