Middle School Curriculum Printable

Advanced Vocal Ensemble will continue with the learning and skill development of Vocal Ensemble. Students will continue to develop excellent singing technique, practice sight-singing, learn SATB harmonies, and explore a diverse range of choral and solo repertoire. Prerequisite is the completion of Vocal Ensemble or comparable ensemble experience and an audition with the instructor.

This is the first year of a foundational algebra course. Since the techniques covered in this course are essential to many high school math and science courses, mastery of these techniques is expected. Students will learn to solve linear equations and inequalities, graph linear functions, solve systems of linear equations, and use linear functions in real-world applications. Students will also work with polynomials and exponential functions and graphs. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra as well as an Instructor Recommendation

This is the first year of a foundational algebra course. Since the techniques covered in this course are essential to many high school math and science courses, mastery of these techniques is expected. Students will learn to solve linear equations and inequalities, graph linear functions, solve systems of linear equations, and use linear functions in real-world applications. Students will also work with polynomials and exponential functions and graphs. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-Algebra

This course is designed to be the second half of a two year Algebra 1 course. The first part of this course is dedicated to reviewing topics covered in Algebra 1A including but not limited to solving linear equations, graphing lines, linear systems, and simplifying exponents and radical expressions. The course will also go into more depth and be more rigorous on each topic covered in Algebra 1A including using real world applications and word problems. The second half of the class is dedicated to quadratic equations. They start with simplifying polynomial expressions by multiplying and adding. Students will then learn how to solve quadratic equations using factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1A or Instructor Recommendation

Algebra 2 students should have mastery of Algebra 1 material and a thorough familiarity with coordinate geometry. Topics include solving and graphing linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric equations, functions, relations, and inequalities. Students also learn complex numbers, matrices and determinants, conic sections, sequences and series, and combinatorics and probability. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry.

Algebra 2 Honors students should have mastery of Algebra 1 material and a thorough familiarity with coordinate geometry. Students will begin the course with an examination of real-world scenarios that highlight the key features associated with linear and exponential functions and will use these foundations in order to transform their graphs and equations. Additionally, in the Honors course, students will complete a brief introduction to limits in relation to the graphs of piecewise functions. Throughout the course, students will also be strengthening their understanding of factoring, simplifying radicals, and solving linear equations, which will allow them to find the real and imaginary solutions of both quadratic and polynomial functions as well as be able to perform operations with complex numbers. Later in the course, students will be introduced to logarithms and rational functions and will perform operations with and solve equations in each type. The course concludes with an investigation of trigonometry and will tie in students’ prior knowledge of basic trigonometric rules as well as transforming functions and factoring quadratics from earlier in the course. Students will be expected to graph and transform sine and cosine functions and will be able to solve equations including tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant equations that require factoring and/or the quadratic formula. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry and Instructor Recommendation

In the study of ancient civilizations, we examine the recurring patterns and themes of religion, government, daily life, and cultural contributions, beginning with prehistory and continuing through the fall of the Roman Empire, from the perspectives of a historian, an anthropologist, and an archaeologist. Students are asked to report on current event topics, generating class discussion where parallels are drawn between the development of ancient cultures and the world around them. Enriching and supporting our classroom curriculum are the primitive living skills outdoor educational experiences in early September, and the Archaeological Dig and Conference in the spring.

This course is designed to deepen students’ broader understanding of diverse cultures and unique artists’ perspectives from around the world while reinforcing and building upon the technical and conceptual skills introduced in earlier foundational art classes. Students will engage in a wide variety of media and techniques, working both individually and collaboratively, to explore a wide array of two- and three-dimensional artworks emphasizing their global awareness. Each lesson is designed to connect with and enrich the fifth-grade homeroom curriculum, fostering interdisciplinary learning and a deeper appreciation for the contexts of artistic expression.

The focus of this course is to foster in students an appreciation of the visual arts in a personal context in relation to the present. Students will be exposed to a range of artists, cultures, and techniques throughout history. We will continue the development of 2D and 3D media techniques in conjunction with expanding creative expression and ideation. Interspersed throughout the semester will be interdisciplinary projects in addition to local and national visual arts competitions and programs. The goal is to give students a glimpse of the beginnings and roots of many of the visual arts and to serve as a lead in to many of the Middle and Upper school offerings.

This course will start with basic Python programming with starting projects mixed in to illustrate how the Raspberry Pi hardware interacts with Python Code. In order to gain a deeper knowledge of Python major software projects will be completed that focus on programming using lists and strings and the functions available to those types of objects. In addition, each student will create a visual game controlled by their mouse using the tools available in the library pygame. 

Once some knowledge of Python has been acquired, the students will then use the skills to continue Python programming via more complex hardware projects built on the Raspberry Pi that engage students to use logic, math, and creativity to solve a spectrum of hardware/software problems. They will find that often the problems that involve both hardware and software are the most difficult to diagnose. The students will build a series of circuits where they will have opportunities to practice breaking larger problems down into smaller tasks as it is an essential skill in the CS world. This course assumes no prior knowledge of computers.

In summary, the course will start with an intro to Python programming and then continue using Python to control complex circuits in order to gain a strong foundation with variables, operations, style, abstraction, functions, loops, and conditionals in addition to hardware-specific libraries. By using the Raspberry Pi general-purpose IO pins and the available Libraries, students will transition to designing and testing complex circuits of their own design allowing them to be involved in algorithms, information processing, data types, control structures, modules, arrays, strings, graphics, and databases they will create. Various sets of collaborative assignments will be used along with many opportunities to work individually.

Interdisciplinary Language Arts Exploration for Grade 5 seamlessly integrates quarterly novels to drive instruction, creating a dynamic curriculum that transcends traditional boundaries. Students will not only enhance their language arts skills but also forge connections with technology and social studies, fostering a holistic and engaging learning experience. Semester One - Rise Up and Move Forward: Immerse yourself in novels that transport you to different cultures and time periods. Develop a rich story vocabulary while exploring literary elements and cultural contexts. Deepen your story vocabulary as you analyze character development and narrative structure. Sharpen your communication skills through oral book presentations and collaborate with the technology department to create multimedia presentations. Semester Two - Making Waves and Sharing Voices: Immerse yourself in collaborative projects that merge historical events studied in social studies with the themes explored in language arts. By the end of this course, students will emerge as confident readers, writers, and critical thinkers with a strong foundation in research skills, grammar, and a diverse skill set that extends beyond the boundaries of traditional language arts education. Join us on this interdisciplinary journey where literature, technology, and social studies converge to create a truly immersive and enriching educational experience.

The sixth grade curricular reading list is composed of high quality children’s literature that reflects the students’ current stage of development with the themes of coming of age, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning. Literary selections are chosen from a list of recent, classic, and award-winning authors of historical fiction for young people. A balance of male and female main characters are represented to ensure that all students have a literary contemporary to which they may personally relate. Book examinations include class discussions on the four elements of story and literary devices. The focus of the writing instruction in the sixth grade - the five-paragraph essay - lays the foundation for the remainder of the students’ academic careers. This process helps to remove the conceptual ambiguity of writing from student-produced work and allows each child to focus on developing specific writing skills through guided instruction and practice.

English 7 challenges students to practice empathy through close reading of texts that feature diverse narrators and real-world connections. Seventh graders are held to a high grammatical standard while writing formal essays, passage analyses, Op-Eds, and free-form creative pieces. Much of the literature explored in English class is tied to units in the seventh grade Geography and Science classes. Classwork and discussions stress the utilization of technology as a means to deliver content in an engaging manner.

English 8 is an exploration of the humanities designed to foster sophisticated readers and articulate communicators. By examining the core themes of Transformation, Quests, Resistance, and Justice, students engage with a curated selection of narratives that mirror their studies in History 8. The curriculum emphasizes the mastery of process writing and close reading across multiple genres, including short stories, poetry, and science fiction. Each quarter culminates in a significant interdisciplinary project that requires students to apply critical thinking and public speaking skills to complex, inquiry-based questions.

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of French and of language study with an emphasis on developing essential vocabulary, on understanding how grammatical structures work (and help!), and on learning principles of French pronunciation that support “un bon accent.” Core linguistic notions of gender, conjugation, and agreement are introduced and reinforced by actively speaking and writing about one’s life. Students will be able to communicate about oneself, one’s family and community, daily life, diet, clothing, sports, and hobbies. They will be able to effectively pose and respond to questions, tell time, talk about the weather, and simulate daily activities such as dining out or completing a purchase. Students compare cultures by learning about French family life, about interests of French teens, and about the variety of Francophone regions, from Paris and the French provinces to regions such as Canada, North Africa, and French Polynesia. Excerpts from music, cinema, and contemporary news provide further opportunities for cultural exploration. *For more advanced World Language offerings beyond Level 1, please consult the Upper School Course Descriptions.

Bienvenue! In this exciting class, you will have the opportunity to learn French, an official language in 29 countries and spoken on every continent. Through the adventures of four inseparable school friends—Amina, Lou, Noah, and Théo, the heroes of Jus d’Orange—you’ll build a solid foundation in French vocabulary and grammar. Learning won’t stop there! You’ll explore French culture through engaging videos, fun games, songs, penpal exchanges, and even delicious French food. Small packets and activities will help you process what you learn and strengthen your skills in speaking, reading, and writing French.

This course serves as an introduction to various engineering disciplines, emphasizing the engineering design process. Across multiple projects, students will expand on essential skills: technical problem-solving and engineering design, ethical decision-making, teamwork, and communicating with diverse audiences. Projects vary every semester and can be modified to keep each student challenged, even if taking this course multiple times. These may include 3D printing and CAD, structural analysis, simple machines, and more.

Geography fosters global citizenship through knowledge of the countries and cultures of the world. Students do much more than learn where every country is on the map, although that is part of the curriculum. They also analyze global current events and tackle contemporary problems facing world leaders. A knowledge of physical geography is interwoven into the human experience, as we look at how cultures are formed by the landscape around them. Students develop empathy and critical thinking skills in a dynamic classroom environment.

Geometry introduces high school students to concepts of formal logic. Students study the material of Euclidean plane geometry, in particular, the properties of geometric figures, including triangles, polygons, and circles. Congruence and similarity of figures is covered as well as the calculation of area and volume of two and three-dimensional figures– both known and novel. Students perform straightedge and compass constructions and use those techniques of construction to create art and other renderings to be used in larger design projects. The Pythagorean Theorem and right-triangle trigonometry are key concepts of the course. In the end, the course finishes with an introduction to applications of linear functions used to model “real world” phenomenon that enables discussions of domains, ranges, extrapolation, and interpolation. Algebra skills are incorporated throughout the course to maintain readiness for Algebra 2. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 or Algebra 1B

Civics is defined as the study of the relationship between our society, government, and its citizens. Students will study the political history and current aspects of American government and society. It includes the study of our Constitution, laws, and the intended role of citizens in the operation and oversight of government. A central theme of the course is understanding that a constitutional democracy requires active participation and continuous defense from its citizens. Students will learn the historical and ongoing challenges to democratic systems, both globally and at home. The focus of study will be on the importance of civil discourse and how to critically analyze information from a variety of sources. The goal of this course is to empower students to become thoughtful, discerning citizens who can advocate for the principles that protect our freedoms.

This course introduces students to programming technologies, the design process, and the development of interactive computer programs. This class varies study topics based on student experiences and interests but always focuses on creative project-based programming. Any given semester may include animations and game design, problem-solving, physical computing, user-centered design, data, and programming using Java, Python, or other programming languages. Students will ideate, design, and work through simple programs’ conceptual and practical elements, alongside building their proficiency with writing and troubleshooting code.

Latin 1 is an accelerated introductory course that seeks to enrich understanding of the Latin language through practicing more complex grammatical constructions, reading, and interpreting Latin. This course is designed for Middle School students who have previously taken Latin 7 and Upper School students who have no prior experience with the Latin language. Along with an accelerated introduction to the language, students take a deeper dive into the historical context, exploring in detail what life was like in the Ancient Roman Empire in the 1st Century CE. Latin is certainly not a dead language in this course! You'll also learn to converse and interact using basic conversational Latin. 

This course invites students to explore language and history through the stories of ancient Rome. Students build foundational skills in reading, writing, speaking, and interpreting Latin while strengthening their understanding of English vocabulary and grammar. Through a narrative set in 1st-century Rome, the course brings Roman daily life to life while exploring family, food, religion, architecture, mythology, entertainment, and more. Learning centers on reading Latin, supported by speaking activities, creative projects, and collaborative work that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful connections between language and culture.

Math 5 expands the students’ working knowledge of arithmetic, and problem solving techniques, and strategies developed during the previous several years. Topics covered include decimal place value and patterns, manipulating fractions using all four operations, finding the volume of right, rectangular prisms, graphing points on a coordinate plane, and classifying two-digit figures based on their properties.

Math 6 bridges the gap between the study of elementary math and pre-algebra. Students learn the use of both positive and negative numbers in evaluating algebraic expressions and equations. They plot points on the Cartesian coordinate system, study measures of center, acquire numerous skills and tools for collecting, organizing, summarizing, and analyzing data, and study exponential expressions in the metric system and in scientific notation and begin solving algebraic equations and inequalities. In addition, we study operations on decimals, fractions, mixed numbers, and percents. Students explore ratios, rates, proportions, and scale. The study of geometric shapes includes the study of angles, triangles, quadrilaterals and their relationships, including area, perimeter, circumference, and volume of two-and three-dimensional figures.

Students gain a range of creative and technical media production and online publication skills, including iPhone photography, website building in Google Sites, newscast scripting & storyboarding, interview technique, video editing in WeVideo, and podcast production using Soundtrap. Students produce content individually and collaboratively throughout the semester leading up to a capstone digital media project of their choice.

This course introduces working with clay through hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Process is encouraged over product. Students learn how to apply glazes and underglazes. The Ceramics studio uses high-fire glazes and has a gas and electric kiln which enables students to learn about the methods of the entire process. Students will create many unique 3-D artworks throughout the semester while gaining a solid background in clay work that will serve as a strong introduction to Laguna’s Upper School Ceramics classes.

This Middle School Creative Writing Course centers on the joy and self-awareness in the reading and writing process. Students will explore how to use their voices in a myriad of different genres including poetic verse, narrative, fairytales, science fiction, children’s stories, graphic stories, and creative nonfiction. The class will explore different writers and writing styles and work collaboratively through the writing process to amplify each student’s inner voice and creativity. Although the focus will be on creative writing, the skills learned and the texts read will serve to positively impact not only creative writing but the art of writing in general. This course is also offered as an upper school elective.

This course is an introduction to graphic art concepts through digital applications in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Students work in a collaborative environment and will be introduced to basic skills to present their ideas in effective visual forms as they learn to present themselves creatively, digitally, and professionally.

In this course Grades 7 and 8 students will explore the foundations of drama and develop acting skills for the stage, with the goal of developing each student’s imaginative, problem-solving, and communicative potential. Students will participate in a variety of theater exercises, develop storytelling techniques, play improvisational theater games, study scripted scenes, and create original works of theatre with cumulative class performances throughout the semester.

The nature of this course is to establish a good understanding of design, drawing and painting skills by focusing on the disciplines of observation, research and kinetic exercises. This class will primarily be concerned with the development of each students artistic perception and creative expression by exploring the techniques of drawing shapes, textures, line quality, shading, perspective, colors of animate and inanimate objects. Then the focus will shift to watercolor and acrylic painting techniques fusing both drawing and painting together. The subject matter will vary according to the community or world events as well as seasonal themes through constant connection and application of the given art form.

Entrepreneurship exposes students to the process of taking an idea and turning it into a viable startup. Using Steve Blank’s Lean Launchpad method for business development, students will work in teams to develop business plans based on consumer-driven data and market research. The teams will also have a chance to work with local businesses, assisting them with an aspect of their business that needs further development. Students will present their ideas to those businesses at the end of the semester. This class will focus on the basics, providing a strong foundation for the follow-up Entrepreneurship class in the Upper School.

The purpose of this course is to give students who have completed MS Entrepreneurship 1 an opportunity to extend their study of business. While Entrep. 1 lays the groundwork for understanding basic concepts and principles, this new course will be an extension of that knowledge. The goal of this course is to help students build confidence in their pursuit of becoming young business people. Course objectives will include, but not be limited to: interviews with local businesses, presentations to peers and businesses, field trips to local companies, and perhaps a product launch or two to the Laguna community. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Entrepreneurship 1

In this elective course, students will explore many different aspects of both our local and global marine environments. They will survey a range of topics to help them understand the physical marine environment such as tides, waves, currents, coastal winds, and surf conditions. Students can then begin to appreciate how the physical environment influences organisms living in the ocean. Organisms from the intertidal zone (sea hares, anemones, sand crabs, mussels) to the pelagic zone (whales, fish, sharks, pinnipeds) to the deep ocean provide a fun and exciting opportunity to understand these connections. Students will also explore how all life is connected in the sea through a series of complex ecosystems, and how these ecosystems are essential to all life on our planet. This will be a hands-on, project-based class with field trips to our local beaches where students can explore topics in oceanography and marine biology that pique their interest as well as gain an appreciation and understanding of the local marine environment that is also their home. 

Imagine this: you hear the crash of plastic and metal slamming together and the whine of motors being pushed to their maximum as two robots push back and forth, wrestling to see who will be the victor. Except you aren't watching a movie–you’re driving a robot you built and programmed. In MS Intro to Robotics, you’ll learn how to turn piles of LEGO-like parts and basic code blocks into VEX IQ robots that drive, race, walk, battle, or even dance through a series of challenges. Each semester features a different mix of challenges, so you can take the class more than once and still face brand-new builds, strategies, and competitions. Through these projects, you’ll learn how gears and linkages change how a robot moves, how to use sensors and code blocks to control what it does and how it reacts, and how to test, tweak, and upgrade your designs when things don’t work the first time. All building and programming happens during class, with no homework. If you would rather learn by grabbing a controller instead of a pencil, solving puzzles instead of equations, having team competitions instead of team presentations, or just want to see your ideas roll, spin, and crash around the room as real robots, this is the class for you.

Students gain a range of creative and technical media production and online publication skills, including iPhone photography, website building in Google Sites, newscast scripting & storyboarding, interview technique, video editing in WeVideo, and podcast production using Soundtrap. Students produce content individually and collaboratively throughout the semester leading up to a capstone digital media project of their choice.

Do you ever have an idea for something cool and wish you could actually bring it to life? In Project Lab, you’ll turn your creative ideas into real objects using makerspace tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, hand tools, and a wide range of materials. You will embrace your inner artist and engineer, designing projects that look amazing and really work, from custom magnets and artistic ornaments to useful objects for school or home, and a final “skills showcase” project you choose yourself. Along the way, you will learn how to plan a project, pick the right materials, use tools safely, and fix problems when things go wrong. Project Lab fulfills elective requirements as both a STEM and an Art course. No prior experience with engineering or art is required: the projects are designed for all ability levels. If you are someone who doodles in the corner of their schoolwork, daydreams about making things, or looks at a 3D printer and thinks “I wish I had one of those,” this 'playground of creative making' is probably the right class for you. This course also qualifies as a Visual Arts elective. 

Between its origin and our plate, food often undergoes some form of intentional modification, either to enhance flavor, increase shelf life, or improve its appearance. These processes can be as simple as roasting a carrot to enhance sweetness through the Maillard reaction or as convoluted as intentionally changing the protein structure of an egg through molecular gastronomy. They all have one important thing in common...they are deeply rooted in science. Through practical, hands-on experiments, we will discover how chefs and food manufacturers transform our food into the products we consume every day. Among other topics, we will investigate emulsifications, gluten development, food preservation, molecular gastronomy, and spice to understand how and why they are used... and we may just create some delicious delicacies along the way. They say “you are what you eat,” so bring an inquisitive mind and a healthy appetite and let’s find out what you’re made of.

Music Fundamentals is a course that equips students with essential skills and techniques through instrumental study. Subjects covered include: Ensemble play, Music Appreciation, Beginning Theory, and Intro to Production/Recording. This course is developed for those who may have limited to no experience as well as those looking to hone their skills.

The goal of Physical Education is to develop physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. In this required course, students will learn the skills necessary to participate in a wide variety of physical activities. A combination of fitness games, sports, and cooperative activities are utilized to promote and encourage a lifetime of health-enhancing behaviors. Furthermore, grade-level curricular themes are woven into the program, providing a valuable opportunity for social wellness to develop through movement.

Fifth Grade Performing Arts Foundations is the first foundational year of PAF, where students engage in learning music and theater fundamentals through class rehearsals and performances. This team-taught class provides students the unique opportunity to sample a variety of the performing arts mediums while learning the fundamental principles of being in a performing arts class.

Sixth Grade Performing Arts Foundations focuses on building strong instrumental, vocal, acting, and movement techniques for the stage, building upon the foundational skills developed in Fifth Grade. Students participate in music, theatre, musical theatre rehearsals, and performances throughout the year. This two-year, team-taught course prepares students for the many Performing Arts electives and production opportunities in 7th Grade and beyond.

Pop and Rock Ensemble is a performance-based class that gives students the opportunity to play and sing the music they love in a collaborative band setting. Students will learn how to rehearse, listen, and perform as part of a group while developing musicianship and confidence. Experienced musicians will learn how to blend their individual skills with other performers, while beginners will build fundamental performance skills such as keeping time, following cues, and working as a team. Instrumentalists and singers are all encouraged to join, and all types of instruments are welcome. This class focuses on group rehearsal and live performance rather than private instruction, making it a fun and supportive environment for learning music together.

Pre-Algebra is an engaging course that bridges foundational math skills and algebraic thinking through a balanced mix of traditional instruction and project-based learning. Students build on prior knowledge to solve real-world problems while strengthening number sense and computational fluency. The course covers expression manipulation, multi-step linear equations and inequalities, ratios and proportional relationships, functions and graphing, data analysis, geometry, measurement, and probability. Through hands-on projects and structured practice, students develop logical reasoning, mathematical communication, and problem-solving skills. The course prepares students for Algebra 1/1A and introduces algebraic methods for modeling and solving problems encountered in everyday life.

Pre-Calculus students expand their graphing techniques and algebra skills in preparation for calculus. Students begin coursework with a review of quadratic functions and tackle questions involving practical applications, including projectile motion. After mastering algebraic techniques including completing the square and factoring completely, students expand on this by studying the algebraic and graphic characteristics of polynomial and rational functions. In this course, students also have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of exponential and logarithmic relationships by studying real-world scenarios involving compound interest and radioactive decay. Much of the second semester of this course focuses on expanding students’ knowledge of trigonometry, as students study the uses of trigonometric functions through both the right triangle and unit circle approach. Studies in trigonometry include advanced algebraic concepts (including solving trigonometric equations involving the substitution of identities) and graphic analysis (including graphing equations of trigonometric functions with different amplitudes and frequencies). Thorough knowledge of the material in this course is essential for success in calculus. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2/Trigonometry and Geometry

The focus of this class is human biology. Throughout the year, students will study both the form (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body. As they study the various human systems and how they work together, the students will also explore how humans are similar and different from other animal life.

The focus of Science 7 is our planet Earth and how humans interact with it. The course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures, and leads students toward a clearer understanding of the experimental design process, evolution and earth history, heredity, ecology, and the cycling of matter and flow of energy through a human body and an ecosystem. As students refine and expand their understanding of life science, they will apply their knowledge in investigations that require them to ask questions and explore the world around them. Students will solve problems, reason abstractly, and learn to think critically.

This course will help students understand the world around them through inquiry and hands-on experimentation. The major concepts covered will be an introduction to the scientific process, classical mechanics, basic atomic structure, properties/diversity of matter, chemical bonding, acids and bases. The activities and experiments in this class will build on previous lab work, while adding an emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

Songwriting is a creative class for students who are interested in writing their own songs and performing them for their peers. Students will explore how songs are built by learning about lyrics, melody, rhythm, and song structure. Through fun writing prompts and clear guidelines, students will create original songs in different styles. They will also have opportunities to practice performing their work in a supportive classroom environment, helping build confidence, creativity, and collaboration.

This course is designed to immediately engage students in the sights and sounds of the Spanish language and culture. Students are engaged in reading, writing, listening to and speaking Spanish daily in class and at home. Structured exposure to basic grammar and vocabulary using authentic digital and print media, and meaningful opportunities to use the language in the context of their own lives and interests. *For more advanced World Language offerings beyond Level 1, please consult the Upper School Course Descriptions.

This course traces United States history within a chronological framework from its roots in the original three English settlements in the New World through the pre-Revolutionary period, with an emphasis on American colonial life. Students develop a basic understanding of the principles of democracy and the relationship between the past and the present. Information is presented through text readings, class discussions, videos, and group simulation exercises. Students are challenged to analyze historical events and decisions. Note-taking, research writing, digital presentations, projects, and tests are assessment tools used to evaluate student progress.

The students will be introduced to and explore how to tell a digital/visual story using their cellphones and the non linear editing program Adobe Premiere Pro CC and how to interface with a computer. Viewing films and seeing how others have chosen to “tell” their stories is also a part of this course. Organizational skills and time management are key factors to success in this course. Projects, class participation, evidence of daily effort, quizzes and pre-production homework will determine the student’s grade

Vocal Ensemble is a course designed to give students an opportunity to explore singing while working on vocal technique, build strong harmonies, and learn about vocal blending. Students will explore many different genres of music and experience performing both inside and outside the LBS community. This class will also help prepare students for the Spring Musical. No experience required. Everyone is welcome.

The yearbook staff sets a yearly goal to make each year’s edition of La Honda the most accurate and inclusive the school has ever seen. While this goal seems lofty, the world of publishing requires a drive for continual improvement. The class provides training in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign as well as photojournalism, copy writing, and organizational skills. Staff members see the importance of the book in its role of documenting the school’s history, and treat their jobs accordingly.