If you have any questions regarding course registration or essentials courses, please feel free to reach out via email at minchiosa@greerprepacademy.org.
Course Descriptions
Leadership - This course provides students with the opportunity to explore and learn information and skills that will enhance their academic and personal lives in middle school.
Physical Education 6 - Enrollment in this course fulfills the regulation that all students will complete one quarter of physical education each year in grades 6 - 8 and all students will complete one quarter of health each year in grades 6 - 8. The content of the course will consist of both health and PE standards-based instruction.
ELA 6 - Designed to prepare students for College and Career readiness as required by the South Carolina State Standards. The curriculum exposes students to a variety of genres, both literary and informational.
ELA 6 Accelerated - Students should expect to find the curriculum challenging in a number of ways: text complexity, analytical writing, problem solving, creative endeavors, and accelerated pace.
Math 6 - This standards-based sixth-grade course is designed to help students begin the transition from arithmetic to algebraic thinking. It includes concepts, operations, and problems solving with decimals, fractions, and percents in addition to an introduction to integers and ratios. Students will develop algebraic thinking through the investigation of patterns, the use of simple equations and inequalities to represent relationships, and the use of tables and graphs to solve problems. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections.
Math 6 Accelerated - This standards-based course is designed to help students begin the transition from arithmetic to algebraic thinking. It includes all of the grade 6 standards and half of the grade 7 standards. Topics include operations and problem-solving with decimals, fractions, integers, ratios, proportions, and percents. Students will develop algebraic thinking through the investigation of patterns, the use of one-and two-step equations and inequalities to represent relationships, and the use of tables and graphs to solve problems. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections.
Science 6 - The focus for science in sixth grade is to provide students with inquiry based experiences that develop science concepts in the following areas: Structures, Processes and Response of Plants-structure and function of plants; Structures, Processes and Responses of Animals-structure and function of animals; Earths Atmosphere and Weather-atmospheric properties and processes; and, Conservation of Energy-properties of energy, work, and conservation of energy.
Art 6 - The purpose of this course is to enable students to communicate ideas and concepts through a variety of artwork, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, arts, and crafts. A study of artists and their work will help students understand the techniques, skills, and diverse intentions of artists from many cultures and times. Students will focus on developing creative problem-solving skills, visual literacy, and personal expression.
GTT 6 Design and Modeling - This unit uses solid modeling (a very sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) to introduce students to the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how solid modeling has influenced their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques, and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement, and computer modeling. Using design briefs or abstracts, students create models and documentation to solve problems.
Spanish 6 - Aligned with the district's vision, philosophy, and goals for world language education, this beginner course introduces students to the second language through high-quality learning experiences. Not only do students gain an understanding of what it means to learn a new language, they also experience progress over time and are likely to be motivated to continue language study. Students learn enough language to ensure that they will not be total beginners when they take another course in the same language. The goal of this course is to develop some language competence.
Global Studies 6 - This course explores world geography, cultures, and history, focusing on the Western Hemisphere (North America, Latin America, Europe, and Russia) or ancient civilizations. Students investigate how physical systems, natural resources, and human migration shape societies. The curriculum emphasizes developing analytical skills, using geographic tools, and understanding global connections.
GTT 6 Automation and Robotics - Students trace the history and development of automation and robotics. They learn about structures, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in engineering problem solving and explore requirements for careers in engineering.
Band 6 - This course provides beginning-level instruction on brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. No previous musical experience is required. The curriculum includes the development of fundamental skills, concepts, composition, cooperative learning, music as it relates to history and culture, and band techniques. The class will include an expectation for the purchase or rental of an instrument and individual practice at home. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts.
Chorus 6 - The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop fundamental vocal musicianship, technical skills, and aesthetic awareness through the study and performance of varied middle school choral literature. The curriculum for Chorus 6 includes vocal technique, part singing, music fundamentals, and singing music of various historical and world styles through large and small group participation. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts.
PE/Health 7 & 8 - Enrollment in this course fulfills the state law requiring 9 weeks of health education every year for all students in grades 6 - 8. Course content focuses on teaching students the information and the skills needed to become health literate, maintain and improve personal health, prevent disease, and reduce health-related risk behaviors as outlined in the SC Health and Safety Curriculum Standards. The course also focuses on evaluating, advocating, and coordinating valid resources and services to meet the needs of students, families, and communities. Course content areas include Personal Health and Wellness, Nutritional Choices, Mental Health, Preventing Injuries, Family Living, and Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs.
ELA 7 - Designed to prepare students for College and Career readiness as required by the South Carolina State Standards. The curriculum exposes students to a variety of genres, both literary and informational.
ELA 7 Accelerated - Students should expect to find the curriculum challenging in a number of ways: text complexity, analytical writing, problem solving, creative endeavors, and accelerated pace.
Math 7 - The emphasis in this standards-based seventh-grade course is on algebraic thinking and on extending the understanding of the real number system to include integers, rational numbers, and irrational numbers. Students will investigate applications of number theory and will acquire skills in adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers. Students will solve applied problems by using one-step equations and inequalities, percents, and proportional reasoning. Students will develop algebraic thinking by analyzing patterns to discover relationships, by representing information through symbolic, graphical, and tabular methods, and by identifying relationships that are linear. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the SCCCR mathematical process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections.
Math 7 Accelerated - This standards-based course places strong emphasis on applications of the mathematical concepts and skills related to decimals, fractions, percents, integers, rational and irrational numbers to solving a variety of real-world problems. In addition, students will extend their understanding of the concepts proportion and measurement and apply this knowledge in problem-solving situations. Students will further develop their algebraic thinking by investigating the merits and limitations of graphical, symbolic, tabular, and verbal representations of relationships. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the SCCCR mathematical process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections.
Science 7 - The focus of science in seventh grade is to provide students with inquiry based experiences that develop science concepts in the following areas: Cells and Heredity-structure and function of cells and heredity; Human Systems and Disease-functions and interconnections within the human body and breakdown of these functions due to disease; Ecology-the Biotic and Abiotic Environment-interactions and responses between biotic and abiotic components and organisms; and Chemical Nature of Matter-classifications, properties and changes in matter.
Art 7 - Students will develop creative-thinking and problem-solving skills as they observe the world around them. They will explore and produce artwork including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, arts, and crafts. A study of artists and their work will help students understand the techniques, skills, and diverse intentions of artists from many cultures and times.
GTT 7 Design and Modeling - This unit uses solid modeling (a very sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) to introduce students to the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how solid modeling has influenced their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques, and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement, and computer modeling. Using design briefs or abstracts, students create models and documentation to solve problems.
Spanish 7 - Aligned with the district's vision, philosophy, and goals for world language education, this beginner course introduces students to the second language through high-quality learning experiences. Not only do students gain an understanding of what it means to learn a new language, they also experience progress over time and are likely to be motivated to continue language study. Students learn enough language to ensure that they will not be total beginners when they take another course in the same language. The goal of this course is to develop some language competence.
Global Studies 7 - This course explores world geography, history, and culture, focusing on the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Students examine regional, political, and economic systems, analyzing how different societies interact and evolve. Key topics often include early civilizations, geography, and modern global issues.
GTT 7 Automation and Robotics - Students trace the history and development of automation and robotics. They learn about structures, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in engineering problem solving and explore requirements for careers in engineering.
Band 7 - This course provides beginning-level instruction on brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. No previous musical experience is required. Advanced-level middle school literature will be studied. The curriculum includes the development of fundamental skills, concepts, composition, cooperative learning, music as it relates to history and culture, and band techniques. The class will include an expectation for the purchase or rental of an instrument and individual practice at home. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts.
Chorus 7 - The purpose of this course is to enable students to continue to develop the fundamental vocal musicianship, technical skills, and aesthetic awareness learned in Chorus 6, through the study and performance of varied middle school choral literature. The curriculum for Chorus 7 includes vocal technique, part singing, music fundamentals, and singing music of various historical and world styles through large and small group participation. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts.
ELA 8 - Designed to prepare students for College and Career readiness as required by the South Carolina State Standards. The curriculum exposes students to a variety of genres, both literary and informational.
English 1 Honors (HS) - A course for academically gifted students who have the ability to pursue an accelerated English program. These students may be preparing for Advanced Placement English - college level courses - in high school; therefore, the coursework will reflect more rigor than English I CP.
Math 8 - This standards-based eighth grade course places strong emphasis on applications of the mathematical concepts and skills related to decimals, fractions, percents, and integers to solving a variety of real-world problems. In addition, students will extend their understanding of the concepts proportion and measurement and apply this knowledge in problem-solving situations. Students will further develop their algebraic thinking by investigating the merits and limitations of graphical, symbolic, tabular, and verbal representations of relationships. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the SCCCR mathematical process standards of problem-solving, communication, reasoning, representations, and connections.
Geometry with Statistics Honors (HS) - Students in this accelerated course will study a mix of eighth-grade math and Geometry with Statistics (GS) indicators. GS, the first of four required high school math courses, builds on middle school experiences and prepares students for post-secondary goals while fostering an appreciation for mathematics. By introducing GS in eighth grade, students enhance their reasoning and sensemaking skills, making math more applicable to real-life situations. The course emphasizes statistics for data analysis and deepens understanding of transformations, congruence, and similarity, along with algebraic calculations and probability, to improve decision-making skills.
Science 8 - The focus for science in eighth grade is to provide students with inquiry based experiences that develop science concepts in the following areas: Earth's Biologic History-Earth's biologic diversity over time; Structure and Process in Earth System-materials and processes that alter the structure of Earth; Astronomy-characteristics, structure, and motions of celestial bodies in the universe; Forces and Motion-effects of forces on the motion of an object; and, Waves-properties and behaviors of waves.
Spanish 8 - Aligned with the district's vision, philosophy, and goals for world language education, this beginner course introduces students to the second language through high-quality learning experiences. Not only do students gain an understanding of what it means to learn a new language, they also experience progress over time and are likely to be motivated to continue language study. Students learn enough language to ensure that they will not be total beginners when they take another course in the same language. The goal of this course is to develop some language competence.
GTT 8 Automation and Robotics - Students trace the history and development of automation and robotics. They learn about structures, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in engineering problem solving and explore requirements for careers in engineering.
Art 1 Honors (HS) - This introductory course provides students with problem-solving experiences in two and three-dimensional media, stressing design elements (line, shape, form, value, color, space, and texture), and design principles, (proportion, emphasis, harmony/unity, balance, rhythm/movement, contrast repetition/ pattern, and variety). Emphasis is on the development of basic skills.
Band 1 Honors (HS) - This course emphasizes basic musicianship and performance techniques on individual woodwind brass and percussion instruments. Students concentrate on developing technique breath control tone quality range and proper posture. Students participate in small and large ensembles in which quality traditional and contemporary literature reinforce important musical concepts. The major emphasis of this course is on traditional concert literature. Students will have the opportunity to perform as soloists and members of ensembles.
Chorus 8 - The purpose of this course is to enable students to continue to develop the fundamental vocal musicianship, technical skills, and aesthetic awareness learned in Chorus 7, through the study and performance of varied middle school choral literature. The curriculum for Chorus 8 includes vocal technique, part singing, music fundamentals, and singing music of various historical and world styles through large and small group participation. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of musical concepts.
Introduction to Engineering and Design Honors (HS) - A course that teaches problem-solving skills using a design development process. Models of product solutions are created, analyzed and communicated using solid modeling computer design software. This setup exposes the student to engineering principles while requiring the students to maintain journals, organize their work, solve problems and complete a design project for each module.
Spanish 1 Honors (HS) - This course prepares students to: perform interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communicative tasks within the novice high to intermediate low range on the ACTFL Proficiency scale; interpret, exchange, and present, information, concepts and ideas both within the classroom and beyond on a variety of topics including connections to other subject areas; and understand the relationship among the products, practices and perspectives of other cultures. In addition, students develop insight into their own language and culture.
GTT 8 Design & Modeling - This unit uses solid modeling (a very sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) to introduce students to the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how solid modeling has influenced their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques, and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement, and computer modeling. Using design briefs or abstracts, students create models and documentation to solve problems.
Global Studies 8 - This course explores world geography, history, and culture, focusing on the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Students examine regional, political, and economic systems, analyzing how different societies interact and evolve. Key topics often include early civilizations, geography, and modern global issues.