7th Grade Course of Study

English 7: (required- available to 7th grade only)

This class includes reading, writing, listening and speaking, vocabulary development, and English language conventions. Students read a variety of texts, including novels, short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students learn reading strategies and develop their writing skills in the following genres: argument writing, literature response and analysis, and narrative writing. Vocabulary study focuses on academic language and Greek and Latin roots. Listening and speaking strategies, including collegial discussion techniques, are emphasized during class discussions and oral presentations.

Math: All students are required to take Math 7 or Math 8. Placement in math class is based off of which course was completed in 6th grade and/or results from the MDTP placement test. If a student does not take the placement test, they will be placed in their grade level class. 

• Math 7: This is the second of a three-year sequence of courses designed to prepare students for a rigorous college preparatory algebra course. It uses a problem-based approach with concrete models. The course helps students develop multiple strategies to solve problems and to recognize the connections between concepts. 

• Math 8: This course is designed to prepare students for the rigorous demands of Algebra and the associated national standardized testing that was instituted in the 2015-2016 school year. This class is the third step in a progression that begins with Math 6 and focuses on the Linear Algebraic concepts related primarily to equations, systems of equations and inequalities and parts of Plane Geometry. The overall teaching goal is not only to prepare our students for success in the higher levels of Common Core Mathematics, but to develop the "habits of mind" also known as Mathematical Practices, along with life- and problem-solving skills that benefit other areas of their lives.

*if a student passed Math 8 with a C or higher as a 6th grader, they will be scheduled to take Algebra I. Algebra I is a high school class- if a student is placed in that course, they will be with students in 9th-11th grade. 

Social Science 7: Medieval World (required- available to 7th grade only)

The 7th grade social science course covers medieval world history from 25 C.E. through around 1800 C.E. Students will learn about historical events and civilizations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Central America, and South America during medieval times, as well as events and people associated with the Renaissance, Reformation, Scientific Revolution, Age of Exploration, and the Enlightenment.

Science 7: Life Science (required- available to 7th grade only)

The study of science in 7th grade is based on the relationship between structure and function in all living things. With this theme in mind, students will begin to explore life at the cellular level. We will learn the beginning concepts of genetics. We will explore evolution. Students will look at living creatures from viruses (living or not?) to bacteria, the study of ecology and our influence on all living systems in our environment. 

Physical Education: (required)

This course is designed in accordance with State of California mandated guidelines to provide our middle school students daily opportunities to exercise with emphasis on stretching, cardiovascular and core exercises.  Students focus on different activities throughout the year as well, based on a student survey of elected sports.