Grade 7 Curriculum

Seventh graders are explorers. They are exploring what it means to be a learner and a leader during a critical time of adolescence. They are broadening their ability to think critically and analytically from multiple perspectives, and this ability is nurtured through a curriculum that inspires students with creative and challenging projects and experiences. The program incorporates direct instruction with opportunities for active discussion, in-depth research, and skillful presentation. New tools such as Chrome Books and Resource Period facilitate the students’ development of academic independence and self-advocacy as they move one step closer to high school. Each fall seventh grade students bond as they climb Cardigan Mountain on a three-day trip that combines science lessons with adventure. Each spring, seventh-grade students identify a question that deeply inspires them and which will be the foundation of a year-long, self-directed Capstone project that they will present in the spring of eighth grade. Throughout the year, seventh grade students take pride in their own academic initiative and personal role as contributing members of the community.

Program Highlights

  • Design innovation
  • Arts electives
  • Seventh and eighth grade play
  • Interscholastic athletics program
  • Advisor program
  • Third grade buddies
  • Cardigan Mountain trip

Specialist Time

  • World language four times a week for 50 minutes
  • Arts electives four times a week for 60 minutes (music, visual art, performing arts, woodworking, and technology)
  • Athletics four times a week for 90 minutes
  • Clubs, advisory, and resource time

Grade 7 Subjects

Seventh graders use literature to explore relationships between individuals and society, exploring such essential questions as: How much freedom does and individual need? And how do social expectations impact the way we behave? Students read deeply and reflect through substantive discussion and thoughtful writing. They write short stories, theatrical scenes, and critical analysis.

English

Seventh graders use literature to explore relationships between individuals and society, exploring such essential questions as: How much freedom does and individual need? And how do social expectations impact the way we behave? Students read deeply and reflect through substantive discussion and thoughtful writing. They write short stories, theatrical scenes, and critical analysis.

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Math teacher RJ Parsons works on solving a math problem with two boys

Math

The seventh grade curriculum inspires students to enjoy mathematics and navigate the transition to algebra. Major units include exponents and roots, integer operations, inequalities, trigonometric rations, manipulating variable expressions, and graphing linear equations in slope-intercept form. Students increasingly encounter problem-based challenges and create their own multi-media math reference books to consolidate their learning.

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Geography provides a context for historical understanding as seventh graders study European expansion, U.S. Westward expansion, Sub-Saharan Africa’s pre-colonial kingdoms, and the rise of the Atlantic Slave Trade. Students engage in regular reading assignments, research, debate, presentations, and nonfiction writing projects.

Social Studies

Geography provides a context for historical understanding as seventh graders study European expansion, U.S. Westward expansion, Sub-Saharan Africa’s pre-colonial kingdoms, and the rise of the Atlantic Slave Trade. Students engage in regular reading assignments, research, debate, presentations, and nonfiction writing projects.

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A students takes a measurement during a science lab

Science

Seventh graders learn to appreciate science in their daily lives by following current issues, challenges, and discoveries. With major units focusing on biology and environmental science, they use microscopes and manipulatives to understand cell structure, function, and division. Seventh graders work in a science lab, where they generate hypotheses, make observations, collect and analyze data, and draw logical conclusions. They also practice writing clear, effective lab reports.

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Beginning in seventh grade, students meet four times each week to continue their study of French, Spanish, or Latin. Growing vocabulary and mechanics are applied through classroom conversations, presentations, and hands-on projects such as making picture books in French. Students build a facility with their chosen language that lays the foundation for continued study at an advanced level in high school.

World Language

Beginning in seventh grade, students meet four times each week to continue their study of French, Spanish, or Latin. Growing vocabulary and mechanics are applied through classroom conversations, presentations, and hands-on projects such as making picture books in French. Students build a facility with their chosen language that lays the foundation for continued study at an advanced level in high school.

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Seventh graders choose among nearly 30 arts electives, allowing them to experiment and focus in-depth on topics in music, theater arts, technology, visual art, and woodworking.

Arts

Arts

Seventh graders choose among nearly 30 arts electives, allowing them to experiment and focus in-depth on topics in music, theater arts, technology, visual art, and woodworking.

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Each season, seventh grade students choose a sport from our Interscholastic athletics program, which allows athletes to further sport-specific skills and gain leadership experiences on the field. In between seasons, students engage in fitness challenges and team-building activities.

Athletics

Athletics

Each season, seventh grade students choose a sport from our Interscholastic athletics program, which allows athletes to further sport-specific skills and gain leadership experiences on the field. In between seasons, students engage in fitness challenges and team-building activities.

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Students work with a team of four faculty members to explore complex issues. The Choices curriculum for seventh and eighth graders centers on making good choices in life and putting your best self forward.

Social Competency and Health and Wellness

Social Competency and Health and Wellness

Students work with a team of four faculty members to explore complex issues. The Choices curriculum for seventh and eighth graders centers on making good choices in life and putting your best self forward.

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Our advisory program, teacher resource time, and learning support help seventh graders advocate for themselves, identify their strengths and challenges, and manage their academic work load.

Study Skills and Support

Study Skills and Support

Our advisory program, teacher resource time, and learning support help seventh graders advocate for themselves, identify their strengths and challenges, and manage their academic work load.

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Seventh graders each receive a Chromebook for seamless integration of technology across all subjects. They also enjoy the IMPACT Lab, a collaborative workspace designed to support a range of learning experiences.

Information Literacy and Technology

Information Literacy and Technology

Seventh graders each receive a Chromebook for seamless integration of technology across all subjects. They also enjoy the IMPACT Lab, a collaborative workspace designed to support a range of learning experiences.

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Our Grade 7 Teachers