Academics

Middle School

Middle School Welcome

It is with immense excitement that I welcome you to discover all we have to offer in Middle School at Calvary Christian School! As we embark on this academic journey together, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for the opportunities and growth that lie ahead.

At Calvary, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional education through a program that is not only challenging and balanced, but also deeply nurturing. Our mission is to foster intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical growth, preparing each student for success in high school and beyond. Here, students are encouraged to explore subjects in greater depth, develop disciplined study habits, and enhance their critical thinking skills, all while reinforcing their love of learning.

The heart of our Middle School experience lies in the strong, supportive relationships between students and their teachers. Our educators are more than just instructors; they are accessible, nurturing, and loving professionals who are committed to helping each student grow into respectful, thoughtful, and confident individuals. Our teachers are devoted to creating a safe and respectful environment where each student is appreciated for their unique gifts and strengths.

As we continue to cultivate a learning environment grounded in faith, humility, and integrity, we remain focused on helping students develop strong work habits, take thoughtful risks, and approach life with enthusiasm and love. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels valued and empowered as they navigate this pivotal stage of their education.

Our Middle School program is designed to challenge and inspire students, preparing them for an increasingly complex academic future. By integrating critical analysis and logical thinking throughout our curriculum, we help students develop the skills necessary to tackle advanced studies with confidence and curiosity. Beyond the classroom, we encourage every student to engage in a vibrant student life, whether through sports, theater arts, computer science, or leadership opportunities. These activities are crucial in fostering a well-rounded education and in helping students discover and refine their passions.

We understand that Middle School is a transformative period, often filled with both excitement and challenges. That’s why Calvary Christian School is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive. Our devoted teaching staff is committed to guiding students as they become self-reliant, independent, and morally strong. We strive to equip them with the resilience and character needed to navigate high school.

Our goal is to ensure that each student feels supported and empowered as they develop their strengths and prepare for the future. We are excited about the year ahead and look forward to celebrating the many achievements and milestones we will reach together.

Sincerely,
Madeline Butler
Middle School Head

Middle School Academics

Calvary Middle School students experience a challenging academic curriculum in a private setting, while also beginning to better understand the relationships between various disciplines. All students expand their knowledge beyond the core subjects through exploratory classes in art, music, technology, engineering, leadership, drama, and physical education.

Leadership skills are essential to the work of building our country's future. As we guide our students' development, we continually encourage them to be responsible, creative leaders and to use their academic skills and Christian values to better our world. Calvary Christian School strives to foster excellence in our students and prepare them for life after Middle School through leadership, character development, critical thinking skills, core academic skill base, and faith.
Calvary’s outstanding faculty is committed to providing opportunities for students to grow spiritually, emotionally, and academically.

Homework

Homework is assigned for the purpose of reinforcing, extending, and/or strengthening skills previously taught in class. It is intended to develop academic self-discipline and self-motivation. Homework is the student's responsibility.

Approved time allocations for assigned homework based on the average student are 90 minutes per school night for sixth grade and 120 minutes per school night for seventh and eighth grades.

Grading

Middle school students receive grades in all subject areas, including academic grades as well as citizenship and effort grades. Grades for citizenship and effort are determined for each student individually and independently of academic achievement.

Grading Scale 6th – 8th grades

100-94%  A       76-74%    C      
93-90% A- 73-70% C-
89-87% B+ 69-67% D+
86-84% B 66-64% D
83-80% B- 63-60% D-
79-77% C+ 59% F

Math Course Descriptions

List of 3 items.

  • 6th Grade Math

    6th Grade math adopts the “Big Ideas Math” math curriculum where all students cover the same content and are tested upon during the year. Throughout their 6th Grade year in math, students will go from understanding, practicing, and demonstrating mastery of elementary school mathematics and skills to developing new skills and applying them to solving complex problems. The course is designed to effectively balance student-directed discovery learning with teacher-directed instruction. Students are expected to grow in their ability to solve problems independently, and they take time to cultivate and refine essential skills.

  • 7th Grade Math

    The 7th Grade math course covers the remaining curriculum content necessary before entrance into Algebra 1 in the 8th Grade. The class uses the “Big Ideas Math – Course 2 - Accelerated” text – which essentially compacts 7th and 8th Grade regular courses (Course 2 and Course 3) into a single academic year. The course moves at a fast pace, and students are expected to be able to learn independently and to quickly master and apply concepts. Students are expected to have achieved high levels of mastery of 6th Grade content and show high levels of preparedness on placement tests. They are expected to actively and readily engage in classroom discussions, and consideration of non-routine problems may play a larger role than in other classes.

  • 8th Grade Math

    Our 8th Grade math courses are split into two ability groups: Algebra 1 and Honors Algebra 1. The ability groups in 8th Grade help students through their matriculation process with their prepared readiness for high school mathematics. Each course is described below. 

    Algebra 1
    Entry into this course assumes good levels of understanding of math coursework that is prerequisite for Algebra, which would normally come after completion of 7th Grade Math - 2. Using the “Big Ideas Math Algebra 1” textbook, the course investigates connections between various models of linear, quadratic, rational and exponential relationships, balancing procedural skills with problem solving strategies and diverse applications. Mastery of essential Algebra concepts is expected as an outcome of this course, and the successful student will be ready for entrance into Geometry in the 9th Grade.
    Honors Algebra 1
    This fast-paced class is designed for students who have shown mastery of coursework necessary as a prerequisite for Algebra 1, which would normally come after completion of 7th Math - 1. Students must be able to develop skills quickly and then apply them to complex problems. Compared to the regular 8th Grade Algebra class, while covering the same content and using the same text, this Honors course may include more wide-ranging conversations and diverse applications, as well as possible investigation of broader connections to concepts not directly encountered in the text. Homework loads are often higher, and tests and quizzes will be more difficult. Thorough mastery of Algebra 1 content is an expected outcome of this course, and the successful student will more likely be prepared for entrance into Honors Geometry in the 9th Grade.
     

Middle School Exploratories

The Exploratory Classes for middle school students add breadth to Calvary’s education. Through the exploration of the arts, technology, music, leadership, speech, sports and drama, students dramatically improve their talents through exposure and hands-on experience.

Each trimester students experience a different exploratory subject and will take an intensive 10-week course. The combination of talented teachers, student-centered learning, and tremendous facilities makes Calvary's Middle School a place for students to experience the joy of art, music, technology, and communication and leadership skills, and to grow richly in their creative endeavors.
Examples of exploratory classes include: World Culture Through Art, Photography, Worship Band, Robotics and Coding, Art, Culinary Arts, Theater, Mock Trials, and Leadership.

Educational Field Trips

All of these activities are planned to help students bond and build relationships in an educational, yet relaxed and enjoyable setting.
 
  • 6th graders spend three days at Pali Institute in the San Gabriel Mountains where they experience a thoroughly enriching science program and the thrills of an outdoor adventure course.
  • 7th graders travel to Santa Barbara where they tent camp, learning how to set up their own camp, enjoy a kayaking adventure, and explore other team-building activities.
  • 8th graders spend three days in Ojai at a team-building retreat, including a high ropes course. Additionally, they culminate their 8th Grade year with a week in Washington D.C. and New York City learning all about the history and government of this great nation.