Upper School

 In 6th grade language arts, we nurture powerful communicators and thinkers through reading literature together as a class, in small groups, and independently. Strong literacy skills such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening are essential for creative and purposeful expression in language. We write for different purposes and audiences, including argument/persuasive speech writing, informational research writing, and personal narrative essay writing. Examining our language at the morphemic, syntactic, and semantic levels is an essential and consistent component of the curriculum. Each unit of learning features a culminating product, activity, or experience designed to help students cultivate a love and understanding of language and literature essential to success in the classroom and beyond.

The 7th grade ELA curriculum cultivates confident speakers, mindful listeners, curious readers, and agile writers. Students are challenged throughout the year to build on their grammar identification and writing skills learned in 6th grade, as well as spelling and vocabulary. The curriculum focuses on students’ expression through close reading and frequent writing, and includes a range of student-centered activities such as Socratic seminars, collaborative small group projects, short answer responses as well as paragraphed essays using evidence-based claims, analysis and application of poetic and literary devices through plays and poetry, Shakespeare, literature circles, and independent reading. The non-fiction and historical fiction units emphasized cross-curricular connections with Social Studies, giving the students a deeper understanding of history and how it has influenced literature.

 In 8th grade Language Arts, students show mastery and independence in applying skills learned in 6th and 7th Grade to increasingly complex material. Students engage with a purposeful grammar study that emphasizes using phrases and clauses to add variety and clarity to students’ own writing. In each unit, students practice evidence-based writing, learning how to make claims and support ideas with evidence from fiction and nonfiction sources. Students read and analyze multiple texts, improving their individual reading comprehension strategies. The course is designed to emphasize cross-curricular connections with Social Studies to help students understand how historical context influences texts as well as how themes of history are represented in literature.

Math 6 and Advanced Math 6* focuses on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking. 

*In Advanced Math 6 the same critical areas are taught but with greater depth and complexity.

Advanced Pre-Algebra focuses on five critical areas: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships and understand its connection to lines and linear equations; (2) developing understanding of the real number system and operations with rational numbers and working with expressions, linear equations and exponential expressions; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two and three dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; (4) Understanding congruence and similarity using physical models, transparencies, or geometry software, and (5) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.

Pre-Algebra and Advanced Pre-Algebra* focuses on five critical areas: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships and understand its connection to lines and linear equations; (2) developing understanding of the real number system and operations with rational numbers and working with expressions, linear equations and exponential expressions; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two and three dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; (4) Understanding congruence and similarity using physical models, transparencies, or geometry software, and (5) drawing inferences about populations based on samples. 

*In Advanced Pre-Algebra the same critical areas are taught but with greater depth and complexity.

Advanced Algebra 1 focuses on a comprehensive teaching of the fundamental aspects of problem solving. Major topics of study include: recognizing and developing patterns using tables, graphs and equations, evaluation of algebraic equations, exponent rules and manipulation, polynomials, solving and graphing linear equations, solving and graphing two variable inequalities, solving systems of equations, radicals, word problems, solving and graphing quadratic equations, and factoring. Students develop the ability to explore and solve real-world application problems, demonstrate the appropriate use of graphing calculators, and communicate mathematical ideas clearly. This course lays the foundation for mathematical literacy that helps students be successful in every subsequent course in mathematics.

Math 8 focuses on three critical areas: 1). Formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including working with radical and integer exponents, modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; 2). Grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; 3). Analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

Honors Geometry involves the study of points, lines, planes and other geometric figures as they relate to our physical world. Students learn to measure geometric figures and their areas and volumes; develop their logic and inductive and deductive reasoning skills. The relationship between figures and properties that make figures unique are developed and applied to real world situations.  Topics that are covered include: the building blocks of geometry, deductive reasoning, parallel lines, congruent figures, triangles, quadrilaterals and other polygons, similar figures, circles and area and volume of solids.

In 6th grade science class, we study biology, physics, earth science, and the experimental design process. Throughout the school year, we build an understanding of how these topics relate to all of the Earth as well as us as human beings. We’ll learn science through multiple hands-on experiences. Students conduct experiments, engineer working models, and work as Naturalists during outdoor labs. These experiences allow students to gain skills in several crucial areas. These include experimental design, lab report writing, rewriting to show understanding, and making observations and inferences. In addition, we’ll focus on building skills around design thinking, communicating ideas, interpreting graphs, and data displays, and using math to show data on a graph.

In 7th grade science, students delve into Earth science, including geological timelines and the various layers that make up our planet. They also explore space, studying everything from planets, meteorites, and asteroids to galaxies, seasons, and moon phases. Physics takes center stage, with a focus on Newton's laws of motion and how they apply to everyday life. Students also dive into ecosystems, examining food energy, animal species relationships, and limiting factors. The class emphasizes a hands-on approach, with a student-centered learning style that incorporates different learning stations for each unit. Through various projects and experiments, students become engineers, designing and building models to better understand the concepts they're learning. The class emphasizes the importance of control groups, variables, and scientific measurements in their labs, and students learn to correctly record data to make informed conclusions. Overall, the class aims to foster a love of science and help students develop critical thinking skills that they can apply both in and out of the classroom.

In 8th grade science, students dive deeper into Earth, life, and physical science as part of a spiraling curriculum. The rigor and expectations increase as students prepare for entering high school. Students launch bottle rockets, raise rainbow trout, build paper roller coasters, harvest maple syrup, and immerse themselves in Victorian Era London assuming the role of an epidemiologist. Students take part in a number of hands-on projects with the goal of helping them gain independence and autonomy in preparation for their student generated Engineering project. Students learn that failure serves as a valuable part of the design process and should be an opportunity for growth, reflection, and learning.

In sixth grade social studies, we ask big questions about the dawn of human ancestors and subsequent civilizations. We explore the origins, structures of civilizations and societies. We look at early systems of government, daily life, innovations, and shortcomings of ancient people. We analyze sources and draw our own conclusions to justify our newly-formed positions. Sixth Grade social studies students develop important skills such as: close reading to understand complex text, explanatory and persuasive writing, research approaches, and uncovering bias. Our units include, the rise of sapiens, the Agricultural Revolution, Mesopotamia, ancient river civilizations, Ancient Egypt, and Ancient  Greece.The course culminates with an in-depth study of Greek city-states and a grade-wide Greek Olympiad that features modified athletic olympic events, a Greek drama competition, and an academic contest.

The focus of seventh grade social studies is building a deep understanding of progress at work in the world before 1500 CE. Using authentic social science research methods with a focus on inquiry, we aim to discover the forces that have shaped humankind. Students learn to evaluate primary and secondary sources for reliability, analyze complex text, draw their own historical conclusions and communicate claims in both explanatory and argumentative writing as well as formal academic discussion and debate. The course content builds critical thinking skills that allow students to draw conclusions that apply to today’s world so that they may become broad-minded, active global citizens. Our units include the Rise and Fall of Rome, Classical India & China, a Medieval World Tour, Pre-Columbian Americans, and World Religion.

8th grade Social Studies investigates significant events, individuals, conflicts, and progress throughout American history in order to develop social science and critical thinking skills that guide students’ growth into active, engaged citizens of the United States and the world. Themes and topics are explored through a chronological study of American history from the Colonial Period to the modern era, and include: Colonial America, the Revolutionary War and founding of the Nation, the structure and function of government, westward expansion and antebellum America, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the 20th century through the lens of American expansion and the struggle for civil rights.

The 6th grade Spanish course is designed to introduce students to the language and culture of Spain, Latin America, and other Spanish-speaking regions worldwide while providing opportunities for vocabulary application.

The 7th grade Spanish course continues to develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students achieve basic communicative competence through interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes with presentations to reinforce oral learning. Students are also expected to participate in formal and informal speaking and discussion opportunities. Students co-create stories, read novels, and complete projects in the target language.

Introductory Spanish A is an introductory class for 7th and 8th graders that constitutes the first portion of the Level I course. The remainder of the course is completed during the eighth or ninth grade year. Students are introduced to the language and culture of Spain, Latin America, and other Spanish-speaking regions worldwide while being given opportunities for vocabulary application through conversation and student interaction. Students achieve basic communicative competence through interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes. We co-create stories, read novels, and complete projects in the target language.

Introductory Spanish A is an introductory class for 7th and 8th graders that constitutes the first portion of the Level I course. The remainder of the course is completed during the eighth or ninth grade year. Students are introduced to the language and culture of Spain, Latin America, and other Spanish-speaking regions worldwide while being given opportunities for vocabulary application through conversation and student interaction. Students achieve basic communicative competence through interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes. We co-create stories, read novels, and complete projects in the target language.

Introductory Spanish B is a continuation of Introductory Spanish A. Students receive a credit for Spanish 1 upon completing both A and B. Students continue to expand their vocabulary and use of present tense to write and speak about familiar topics. Students also have opportunities to make connections between their culture and those of Spanish-speaking countries through projects, songs, food, and authentic literature.

Students explore the Latin language through units related to polite conversation, numbers, bones, body parts, animals, colors, etc. Students also take a close look at Roman culture and civilization by studying the city of Pompeii and its inhabitants, and they also delve into early Roman history and Greek and Roman mythology. Communicating, reading, analyzing, comparing, contrasting, and problem solving are just some of the skills used in the Latin classroom. Creating and performing skits, writing stories, drawing visual representations, and reading Latin stories are just some of the activities used to bring the ancient Romans to life.

Building on Latin 6, students explore the city of Pompeii in more detail in order to learn more about daily life in typical Roman towns. Vocabulary, grammar, and stories gradually become more challenging, but there is plenty of support and reinforcement since each lesson builds on previous ones. Additional units on Roman history and Greek and Roman mythology continue to be a part of the curriculum. Communicating, reading, analyzing, comparing, contrasting, and problem solving are just some of the skills used in the Latin classroom. To reach students of different learning styles, students approach the language and cultural material in a variety of ways, including hands-on activities, skits, artistic projects, etc.

Building on Latin 7, students travel to the fringes of the Roman Empire so that they can compare life in typical Roman towns to those in the provinces, in particular Roman Britain and Egypt. Vocabulary and grammar build on previous lessons, and the stories incorporate new material while providing cultural information. Additional units on Roman history and Greek and Roman mythology continue to be a part of the curriculum. Communicating, reading, analyzing, comparing, contrasting, and problem solving are just some of the skills used in the Latin classroom. To reach students of different learning styles, students approach the language and cultural material in a variety of ways, including hands-on activities, skits, artistic projects, etc.

At the 6th grade level, the emphasis is on vocabulary and phrases that are used in real-life situations, along with monthly cultural workshops on a variety of topics, from holiday customs, to food and eating, to kung fu and music. Students communicate with Chinese speakers in familiar, everyday situations, not only at the level of language, but also develop skills in intercultural communication, so they learn about the social and cultural customs of the region.

The 7th grade Chinese course places emphasis on developing the students’ ability to understand and communicate in Chinese in real-life situations. We also focus on experiential and task-based learning that engages students at the appropriate level. Students also continue to expand their vocabulary in Chinese and practice writing Chinese characters. Gradually, students learn increasingly complex grammatical structures and forms of communication. Most importantly our students also continue to develop skills in intercultural communication, so they identify and explain the social and cultural customs of the region.

The Chinese I course places emphasis on further developing the student’s abilities to understand and communicate in Chinese in real-life situations, with a special concentration on the culture and customs of using Chinese. Students practice manners and learn new vocabulary and sentence patterns not just through listening and writing exercises, but cultural practice as well. Chinese I students have learned about different types of Chinese tea and its benefits, along with the etiquette of preparing and drinking tea, which the students then demonstrated in a student-led tea ceremony. Students also made a gift list for their families and friends according to the various benefits of different types of tea, and we used the “five senses” and “step inside” thinking routines to practice a deeper understanding of Chinese tea culture. We also have workshops on kung fu and dumpling-making.

In 6th Grade, students rotate through Chorus, Instrumental/Ensemble Band, Digital Music and Production, Design, Theatre Arts, Visual Art, Ceramics, and Digital Media. Learn more.

7th grade students choose four classes to further explore from these subject areas: Chorus, Instrumental/Ensemble Band, Digital Music and Audio Production, Design, Theatre Arts, Studio Art, Ceramics, and Broadcast. Learn more.

8th grade students are asked to choose a year-long course from the following options: Chorus, Instrumental Music/Band, Digital Music, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Design, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts, Ceramics, and Yearbook & Journalism. Learn more.

Honors Biology comprises four main units of study throughout the academic year: Biological Chemistry, Ecology, Cell Theory, and Genetics. During the course of the school year, students have many discussions about how these topics relate to us as human beings, as well as how they fit into current global issues. Curricular connections are made during the fall class trip to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and even more so during the winter trip to Costa Rica. Students conduct a host of experiments, and immerse themselves in outdoor experiences that give them a new perspective about life on our planet and ways that they can go out and change our world for the better.

Honors English I students encounter works of literary-historical importance and connect them to modern texts as well as their own lives. The arc of the year supports studying major literary classics, like Romeo & Juliet and The Odyssey. Students study these works in their literary-historical context through companion units; for example, on Early Modern Poetry and the sonnet tradition or Greek drama. These units complement the language study that forms another thread of the course and that prepares students to read slowly and closely. Students practice writing literary essays, and they study syntax and grammar within the context of reading and writing. Students read independently—at their own level and according to their own interests—in order to practice reading voluminously and to build the stamina needed for a lifetime of reading.

Honors Geometry involves the study of points, lines, planes and other geometric figures as they relate to our physical world. Students learn to measure geometric figures and their areas and volumes; develop their logic and inductive and deductive reasoning skills. The relationship between figures and properties that make figures unique is developed and applied to real world situations.  Topics covered include: the building blocks of geometry, deductive reasoning, parallel lines, congruent figures, triangles, quadrilaterals and other polygons, similar figures, circles, trigonometry, transformations and area and volume of solids.

Students continue their study of functions including polynomial, exponential, rational and radical functions. They build and interpret functions that model a relationship between two quantities by analyzing key features of the graphs and equations. Students make sense of periodic behavior as they study trigonometric functions and build fluency with values of sine, cosine, and tangent at various angle measures. Equation solving strategies expand to include higher degree polynomials and quadratics over the complex number system and exponential equations using the properties of logarithms.

World History students cultivate a deep understanding of the cultural, economic, political and social development that have shaped world history from 1200 CE to the present. Students analyze primary and secondary texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence. They write essays expressing historical arguments through comparison, analysis of change and continuity over time, contextualization and chronological thinking. Summit’s version of AP World includes debates, simulations, mock trials, and projects in addition to direct instruction about content and skills. The course supports students at the Freshman level while preparing them for success in rigorous coursework moving forward.  

*AP World History is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students take the AP exam for college credit.

The purpose of Honors Research and Writing is to support Summit students’ capstone academic achievements, consisting of scholarly investigation, publication, and public presentation. Aligned with Summit’s Six Promises, the course builds students’ capacity to join academic conversations that are informed by research and driven by a desire to understand, and it teaches students to anticipate new questions and pursue complex answers in ways that are personally meaningful and socially responsible. It is designed to honor the traditions of Summit’s 9th Grade program, including the promise to give students the training and the discipline to create without a template, to search out reliable sources, think critically, and to take meaningful action without a script

In Spanish I students continue to expand their vocabulary and use of present tense to write and speak about familiar topics. Students also begin their exploration of the preterite past tense and various other grammar points. Students also have opportunities to make connections between their culture and those of Spanish-speaking countries through projects, songs, food, and authentic literature.

In Spanish II students continue to expand their vocabulary and explore the preterite past tense, the imperfect past tense, and various other grammar points to write and speak about familiar topics. Students also have opportunities to make connections between their culture and those of Spanish-speaking countries through projects, songs, food, and authentic literature. Students at the Spanish II level are expected to speak only in the target language throughout the duration of class.

Building on Latin I, students take a closer look at Roman Britain as well as the capital of the Empire, Rome, as they read Latin stories and culture passages designed to get them thinking. New vocabulary and grammar are woven into these stories as are words and constructions from previous lessons. Additional units on Roman history and Greek and Roman mythology continue to be a part of the curriculum. Communicating, reading, analyzing, comparing, contrasting, and problem solving are just some of the skills used in the Latin classroom. To reach students of different learning styles, students approach the language and cultural material in a variety of ways, including hands-on activities, skits, artistic projects, etc.

The Chinese II course continues to develop and expand the students abilities to understand and communicate in Chinese in real-life situations, and deepens knowledge and familiarity with Chinese culture and customs. Chinese II students learn how to buy and exchange clothes and shoes in Chinese at a Chinese shopping mall through journal writing and self-designed dialogue. Students learn more about online shopping on Chinese websites and write in their journals comparing the experiences of online shopping in America and in China. Chinese II also continues the focus on experiential learning and cultural lessons. 

Writing Lab is an elective class that explicitly teaches discrete skills for effective academic writing, providing a variety of tools that writers can practice and choose to keep in their “toolbox” to use for any academic writing assignment. Instruction is tailored to the needs of the students present in the class. Students practice creating and following outlines for assignments ranging from short-answer-questions to multiple-paragraph essays. To write these essays, students practice word-choice strategies, sentence-variation techniques, and punctuation/grammar conventions. As appropriate, students may practice note-taking strategies, paraphrasing, summarization strategies, and strategies for converting writing prompts into outlines for their response.