Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Sixth grade is a period of self-assertion and curiosity, a time when students are becoming more socially expansive and aware. At the Saklan School, we support your child through their transition into adolescence by gently encouraging them to develop their personal interests and abilities and allowing them a safe environment to develop excellent interpersonal skills.

In this first year of Pre-Algebra, students grow their math skills through many topics, with each area connected logically to enhance student learning. They are exposed to patterns, proportional relationships, comparisons, data collection and analysis, equivalent fractions, writing expressions with variables, probability, volume, area, prisms, dividing fractions, percent applications, and coordinate graphing.

The sixth-grade class embarks on a journey through various texts and themes, beginning with The Giver to explore community values and then The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street to understand societal breakdowns and horror's role. They read Refugee to examine universal themes in refugee stories, followed by Flowers for Algernon, which prompts discussions on intelligence, ethics, and disabilities, culminating in a Socratic Seminar. The curriculum also delves into Greek myths, connecting ancient stories to modern psychology and culture. Throughout, students practice annotating texts, writing responses, using graphic organizers, enhancing vocabulary, and refining grammar skills, all while engaging in collaborative and critical discussions.

Sixth graders dive into authentic inquiry through civic action, using textbooks, news articles, research papers, and expert interviews to explore driving questions. They develop skills in annotating text, synthesizing information, making inferences, engaging in critical analysis, collaborating in small groups, and supporting their conclusions with solid evidence. The year begins with studying early humans, ancient Sumer, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. A highlight is their Project on Egyptian artifacts, which asks, “Who do art objects belong to?” They also study the origins of Judaism, deepening their understanding of religious diversity. Then, students apply their inquiry skills to ancient India, Hinduism, Buddhism, ancient China, and Greece. They participate in guided tours at The Legion of Honor and The Asian Art Museum, enhancing their learning with authentic artifacts. Their culminating project answers the question, “How are we still connected to ancient Greek culture, language, and mythology today?” by designing a future museum exhibit. This project showcases their research and writing skills and highlights the 21st-century skills we instill through our academic and social-emotional learning curriculum.

In science, sixth grade focuses on the principles of geology and environmental systems. Classes are a mixture of exploratory activities, collaborative activities, long-term research, lectures, and in-depth labs. Weekly labs expand upon and reinforce the information covered in class.

Eighth graders are transitioning into adolescence and developing foundational skills that will last them throughout their lives. At The Saklan School, we help your eighth grader thrive by encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving skills within an inviting and safe atmosphere.

Saklan Eighth graders take a course in Algebra. This course is a thorough introduction to algebraic techniques and their applications. Basic algebraic skills will be emphasized, with some use of the graphing calculator. Topics include linear, exponential, quadratic functions, polynomials, factoring, and radicals.

Advanced eighth graders have the option of a geometry course. This high-school-level geometry class involves rigorous proofs, properties, relationships of plane figures, and trigonometric ratios taught in a challenging manner. The course is structured around problems and investigations that build spatial visualization skills, a conceptual understanding of geometry topics, and an awareness of connections between different ideas. Students are encouraged to investigate, conjecture, and then prove to develop their reasoning skills.

In 8th-grade Humanities, students practice reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, starting with summer reading presentations on memoirs, autobiographies, or biographies. They explore hip-hop's origins and cultural relevance, write book reviews of On the Come Up, and annotate key elements of All American Boys while participating in discussion groups. They create thesis statements, analyze quotes, and study grammar weekly. They examine African American history and create a classroom exhibit. Next, eighth graders study the Industrial Revolution and read Uprising to discuss the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Students research labor strikes, write essays on the Industrial Revolution's costs and benefits, and read The 57 Bus to reflect on social issues like class, the criminal justice system, and hate crimes. They generate discussion questions and participate in a Socratic seminar on the book's themes.

Eighth-grade Science focuses on introducing students to the principles of chemistry and physics. During the first half of the year, students master the fundamental principles of matter, including atoms, molecules, the periodic table, and molecular interactions, including displacement, acid-base, and combustion. The second half of the year focuses on fundamental physics principles, including Newton's Laws of Motion, the forces on our planet, and how we use those in our everyday lives.

Students may participate in choir, orchestra, or music production. Through performance, composition, and collaboration, students develop musicianship, creativity, and confidence while gaining an appreciation for music theory and history.

The visual arts program encourages students to think creatively, take artistic risks, and express themselves through a variety of media. Students develop technical skills while exploring contemporary and traditional artistic practices.

Physical Education promotes fitness, teamwork, healthy competition, and lifelong wellness. Students build physical skills while learning the value of perseverance, goal setting, and personal growth through movement and sport.

Four times each week, students participate in Learning Period, a dedicated block designed to support academic success. Students may begin homework, meet individually with teachers, receive tutoring, make up assessments, or work on long-term projects.

Learning by Doing electives allow students to explore new interests and passions in mixed-grade classes. Past offerings have included robotics, film production, cooking, yoga, sculpture, textile arts, stagecraft. These courses encourage creativity, exploration, and student choice.

Service Learning is an integral part of the Saklan middle school experience. Students engage in meaningful service opportunities that help them understand the impact they can have on their communities and the wider world. Through service, students develop empathy, responsibility, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive difference.