This Academy Ancient Civilizations course will focus on many places around the world where some of the first groups of people settled into stable communities and developed complex societies, cities, governments, and empires. Students will discover how geography influenced early cultures and how early cultures have helped shape the world today. By studying the people and events that ushered in the dawn of major Western and non-Western civilizations, students will expand their understanding of history, civics and government, geography, and economics. Ancient civilizations are a necessary building block for all future historical studies.

The Academy Advanced 6th Grade English serves as an introduction to and enhancement of the writing process that many students entering middle school are familiar with.In the first semester of this year-long course, students read and analyze a science fiction novel to explore themes of individual strengths, and the power of community. Reflection is regularly integrated into writing to help students process their own thoughts about the themes, characters, and plot points of the novel. Classic writing patterns like The Hero’s Journey are discussed, paired with meaningful excerpts from literature to enhance a student’s understanding of the journeys we all take as we mature into adulthood. Finally, students learn and apply the basics of research writing, identifying credible sources, and broadening their worldview with a culture study.

In the second semester, students dive into fables and folklore, digging into ideas that discuss why we use stories to teach morals and lessons in different cultures. Students dive into non-fiction writing with informational and narrative essays to explore their own culture and understanding of their place in the world. The second semester of this course gives students a chance to practice the responsibility and accountability of reading their novel and completing a novel guide throughout the entire semester. A chance to try their hand at different forms of media to plan and tell stories finishes out the year for a comprehensive foundation for the skills that will be built on as learners progress through their academic journeys.

The Academy Advanced World History focuses on many regions around the world through a thematic approach. A combination of contemporary human behavior heightens students’ understanding of modern social issues and promotes a greater understanding of geography, religions, cultures, and much more.

The Academy Advanced 7th Grade English reinforces foundational skills and makes room for students to develop their voice, tone, and style in their writing all while continuing to develop the critical analysis lens alongside classic and contemporary literature. Students will read and analyze fiction, drama, YA literature, and informational texts representing a wide range of topics. Critical reading and analysis, the writing process, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics are woven into learning practiced in collaborative discussions as well as informal journal entries, presentations, and speeches. Writing assignments include a personal narrative, persuasive essays, poetry, myths, and an original one-act play.

Through an inquiry-based approach to historical exploration combined with the study of contemporary human behavior, the Academy Middle School U.S History course heightens students’ understandings of modern social issues, increases their ability to relate history to their own lives, and promotes greater understanding of their roles and responsibilities as members of society.

In this Academy critical thinking course, students will read and analyze various kinds of written texts, using them as both examples and sources of ideas for reflection, analysis, and argument. Students will learn better ways to discuss their thoughts and perceptions with others by spending some time thinking critically about news and media sources. Students will also examine the role of autobiographies and diaries in their understanding of history, allowing them an opportunity to examine the impact of point of view on nonfiction texts. Students will have a chance to write autobiographical narratives of their own and connect their experiences to universal themes or philosophical positions.

Additionally, through the study of poetic expression and its relationship with language conventions, students will hone their understanding and use of syntax, voice, sentence types, and punctuation. Finally, students will consider what high school will ask of them and how they might fulfill those expectations, having gained a better understanding of their strengths and reflecting on their own development throughout the year via the portfolio they will have compiled during this course.