Middle School at Calvary Christian Academy
Prepare your preteen for their next steps with our integrative and challenging program.
Curriculum Overview
- Exploratory: Students learn more about God, themselves, and the world in which they live through our exploratory middle school curriculum. Student-directed learning empowers students to discover new concepts independently and take initiative in their own learning.
- Integrative: Interdisciplinary teaching helps students to understand that all learning is interconnected and relevant. Students are often encouraged to use transferable skills across different subject areas, developing flexibility and critical thinking.
- Relevant: Middle school students want to know that the work they are doing matters, which leads to higher self-esteem and a greater sense of purpose. Project-based learning encourages students to use their skills to solve real world challenges and problems.
- Challenging: Our middle school curriculum encourages students to set and achieve high goals for their learning. Meaningful and engaging activities give students opportunities for continued growth and promote lifelong learning.
“This unique school is composed of teachers and administrators who are committed to the academic, social, and emotional health of every student. Most importantly, these teachers are gifted at teaching my boys deep biblical truths that I see them apply to their lives outside of the school setting. I am confident that this education model will bear fruit for my children for many years.”
CCA Parent
Humanities
Humanities is an integrated approach to English, reading, and history. This cohesive methodology incorporates rich literature that reflects historical periods or themes, grammar and mechanics, writing, research and study skills, and vocabulary. Students engage in a classical approach to history through the study of ancient cultures in sixth grade, medieval culture in seventh grade, and modern culture in eighth grade.
STEM
Science
Science at OCS is taught from a Biblical worldview with a logical and sequential approach. Students study the five core science disciplines – chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and astronomy. Through labs and experiments, students develop a foundational understanding of the scientific concepts and principles that govern our world.
Technology & Engineering
Students learn about the five-step framework of empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test through technology and engineering learning experiences at OCS. Design-think projects encourage students to develop creative problem-solving skills. Technology is thoughtfully incorporated to enhance learning.
Math
Students build a solid foundation of mathematics through meaningful practice of math concepts, discussion of reasoning, communication in mathematical terms, and engagement in high-quality math practices. Our spiral-approach to instruction supports long-term learning while our workshop model encourages small group learning through games, challenges, and discussion. Pacing creates a classroom culture that values perseverance and making connections between concepts and procedures.
Gathering
During Gathering, students will develop a deeper understanding of God’s Word and learn how to defend and share their faith with others. Students will discuss social and cultural topics from a Biblical perspective and engage in critical thinking utilizing Socratic questioning, real-world application, and a comparative worldview approach. Discipleship opportunities and mentoring relationships are cultivated throughout the year.
Exploratory Rotations
Middle school students participate in exploratory rotation classes where broad topics, ideas, and concepts are introduced. Exploratory rotations focus on academic leadership, digital citizenship, fine arts, health and exercise science, and service initiatives. Rotations culminate in a student-directed project, which serves as a vehicle for self-discovery, world exploration, creative and critical thinking, and innovation through the resource of technology.