Middle School
Abiqua Academy Middle School offers a unique instructional model guided by the principles of HEART and designed to highlight the capabilities of adolescent-aged students. Abiqua's program is split between two groups of students (Fifth/Sixth Grades and Seventh/Eighth Grades) who participate in themed curriculum integrating English Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies with Science, Math, Spanish, Art, and Music.
To guide students through all the changes, challenges and opportunities of Middle School, new students are paired with a teacher-advisor who oversees the general academic and social well-being of that student throughout their middle school years.
Social Studies
Fifth and Sixth Grade Social Studies at Abiqua is an inclusive study of culture, people, places, and environments. Through yearly themes, students will examine primary sources and unravel historic conspiracies, create skits and board games, and participate in interactive writing and art projects that require a close examination of the past and foster the development of a multicultural, multiethnic world view.
“HEROES Through Time” analyzes the New World through the Renaissance, including ancient civilizations, enlightenment, and medieval Europe.
“We the People” covers early North America through American statehood and features European immigration, colonial America, and the American Revolution
Seventh and Eighth Grade Social Studies is designed to prepare students for the rigors of honors level high school programs. Yearly themes create a rhythm for the year and tie into the ELA curriculum.
“The Power of Change” revolves around the study of economics and its relationship with exploration, politics, political and military alliances, historical and modern conflicts, immigration, and cultural development.
“The Power of One” covers American history from colonization through the modern era and world geography.
Mathematics
Middle School students are encouraged to explore, discuss, and apply mathematical ideas as they gain problem-solving skills. They learn procedures for basic computation, estimation, and mental math, which include all strands of mathematics: numeration, measurement, geometry, statistics, and probability.
In our accelerated math curriculum, students expected to take pre-algebra in Seventh Grade, and algebra in Eighth Grade.
Cooperative learning and problem-based inquiry are key components. Teachers pull from a variety of curricula to enhance our program and make sure students are engaged in many mathematics experiences.
Science
The Middle School science program is based on observation and science principles. Students propose questions to form into a hypothesis that can be examined through scientific investigation. They use appropriate tools and techniques to collect relevant data, organize and display relevant information, construct an evidence-based explanation of the results, and communicate the conclusions.
Topics of study are selected from the major science fields: physics, chemistry, life sciences, and earth sciences. Students to develop an understanding of the history and nature of science, including the personal and social perspectives of the field.
Abiqua Academy is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and implements the Next Generation Science Standards.
Middle School students participate in the Abiqua Science Fair and are encouraged to continue their studies by participating in the Regional Science Fair. Recently, over 75% of Abiqua student projects received podium recognition for their efforts at the State Science Fair.
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Guide Groups
Guide Groups comprise the foundation of Abiqua Academy’s social-emotional program. Advisors for each of the multi-age groups work together to guide the entire middle school in a way that works in harmony with the progress of each student. The Guide Group structure ensures learners develop positive relationships with and have adults and peers who support their educational experiences.
The Guide Group program is built around the personal connections between student and advisor using Abiqua Academy’s overarching theme of HEART. Guide Group learning activities promote students’ self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, relationship, and responsible decision-making skills. Discussions, games, written reflections, cooperative challenges, and celebrations are some of the tools used to spur students thinking about these topics.
Guide Groups help to provide a foundation for better adjustment to middle school, positive social behaviors and peer relationships, less emotional distress, fewer conduct problems, and improved academic performance.
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English Language Arts
The Fifth and Sixth Grade Grade ELA curriculum is built on the strong foundation of the lower school program while encouraging greater curiosity, independence, and autonomy for the emerging adolescent. The language arts program is comprehensive in nature growing the reader, writer, speaker, and listener within each child.
The Seventh and Eighth Grade Grade ELA workshop approach supports the needs of varying students, challenges all ability levels, and teaches students lifelong learning habits by empowering them with the skills and tools necessary to successfully navigate written English and develop personal works.
Middle School literary selections encompass a variety of classical and modern works that integrate with Social Studies investigations.