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Middle School

Providing college preparatory curriculum to students while meeting their changing physical, social, and academic needs

students working on science project

In middle school, students are making the transition from child to young adult

They are learning to embrace life and its questions from a new perspective and will grow in their maturity, independence, and responsibility. Our program is designed to give students the skills necessary for higher learning, to help them grow in their ability to organize knowledge, cooperate in groups, and gain independence.

Enrichment opportunities

Our teachers are aware of and address the unique spiritual needs of this age as well. Inductive Bible studies help our middle school students grow in their faith and knowledge of the truth. Throughout the middle school years students will be exposed to enrichment opportunities, will start to earn high school credits, and will begin to explore together with their parents pathways for their future learning and success.

Student Experience

Our sixth and seventh graders enjoy 4 days of rigorous classroom-based instruction and a fifth day of rich directed independent study. They also have the option to complete their fifth day lesson plans under the direction of a certified teacher.

Our eighth graders enjoy 5 days of rigorous classroom based instruction.

In the classroom, higher order thinking skills will be engaged and developed through hands-on experiments, class discussions, small group projects, and large group work.

Teachers will work with students to help them develop study and life management skills.

Homework will be assigned each night to practice concepts introduced in class, and Fridays will be devoted to additional challenge opportunities, individual research and group projects, literature and history readings, test preparation, and personal and family devotional time.

Parent Experience

In the middle school years, parents move from the role of teacher to that of coach and mentor. Instruction in all new concepts will be provided in class, and parents will be freed up to focus on the spiritual and relational needs of their students.

Bible work on Fridays will have a parent discussion component to provide parents with a window into the heart of their child.

Parents will work with their students to help them develop and practice time management and study skills.

Parents have the peace of mind in knowing their students are in a spiritually encouraging and academically challenging atmosphere of learning.

Faculty and Staff

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Eric Rodriguez Middle School Administrator
Eric Rodriguez profile
Tammy Burgess Upper School Art
Tammy Burgess profile
Erin Decker Upper School Bible
Lisa Eikeland Upper School Spanish + Cultural Geography
Mei Harden Upper School Math/Science
Mei Harden profile
Liz Hayes Upper School Drama
Liz Hayes profile
Matthew Howell Upper School Music
Matthew Howell profile
Katie Jamieson Upper School Math
Nikolas Oliverio Upper School English
Christa Plettl Upper School Leadership Program Coordinator
Bev Touchton Upper School Math
Nicole Walgamott Upper School Math

Curriculum

6th Grade

Students learn how to take ownership of their academics as well as their spiritual walk with God

Bible Leadership
This course is designed to give students the ability and desire to become lifelong students of God’s Word and apply it to every aspect of their lives. Students begin the school year with How to Study Your Bible for Kids by Kay Arthur before moving into a study of the book of John. Specific days of the class are set out for leadership growth where students are taught the seven habits of highly effective people while receiving reinforcement on how to apply CLA’s ten leadership traits. Finally, students are lead through a study habits workbook to learn how to begin basic yet essential skills to be successful in their academics, such as keeping a calendar and learning study skills. All the while, students are memorizing scripture to continue their growth and ownership of their faith.

Standard or Advanced Mathematics Courses
CLA’s math course for sixth grade students is a preparatory course for upcoming advanced mathematics, such as Pre-Algebra and Honors Algebra One. In Course Two, students learn basic algebraic skills such as ratios, expressions, equations, statistics, and probability.

US History Part Two
Sixth grade students study the major events, people, and ideas that helped to shape our nation’s history. Students pick up at the start of Reconstruction and continue on to present day. Students also infuse their study of US History with some basic studies in civics and ask questions like, what are our rights and responsibilities as citizens? What role should we as Christians play as wise consumers of news and information? How can we learn from the examples of both wise and poor leaders from our nation’s past? How can we ourselves become leaders for the future?

Language Arts
English/Language Arts in sixth grade has several subsections to engage each student’s abilities in reading and writing. Students have regular discussions, assignments, and opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge in the following areas: spelling, vocabulary, literature analysis, grammar, writing (fiction and nonfiction), and reading comprehension (fiction and nonfiction).

Life Science
Sixth grade students study all aspects of life from the living cell to the most complex cellular structures in the body. Topics of study include Cells, Genetics, DNA, Microorganisms, Plants, Animals, the Human Body, and Ecosystems.

Advanced PE
Five physical qualities make up the foundation of the program: Mobility/Flexibility, Speed, Strength, Agility, and Endurance. Students are pushed to the limits to reach health and wellness goals, all while having fun.

Study Hall
Young Middle School students benefit greatly from having this time frame to ask questions and excel in independent assignments as they continue to learn time management.

Music/Band
Middle School music class focuses on how to recognize scales, harmony, rhythm, and notes in relation to each other. Students practice vocal warm-ups which help develop the sense of different tones. Band students have an opportunity to learn to play an instrument, read music, and develop performance skills.

Art
Middle School students use art as an opportunity to generate and conceptualize artistic ideas, organize and develop art using multiple mediums, and gain knowledge of art history. Likewise, students are challenged creatively to refine, analyze, and apply criteria to evaluate artistic work. Students have several opportunities to work with peers to synthesize personal experiences to make art.

Theater
Theater classes at CLA will create an environment in which students will learn more about themselves and their God-given gifts. All classes will help students refine poise, confidence, and speaking skills. Through interactive learning, students will learn creative expression, technical aspects of theater, performance and reading of theatrical literature, scene writing and much more.

*Elective options such as art, music, band, theater, and PE may vary from year to year.

7th Grade

Students begin mastering time management, study habits, and interpersonal skills

Bible Leadership
This course is designed to help students form an accurate Biblical Christian Worldview. We will also help them to identify the three prevailing worldviews they will encounter in culture today: Theism, Naturalism, and New Age. In addition, students will learn about the fastest growing religion in the world; Islam. Additionally, specific days of the class are set out for leadership growth where students receive reinforcement on the seven habits of highly effective people while concurrently learning how to apply CLA’s ten leadership traits. Students will begin career exploration as well using Florida’s MyCareerShines website. Finally, students conduct in-house service projects to put their leadership ideas into action. All the while, students are memorizing scripture to continue their growth and ownership of their faith.

Math or Pre-Algebra
CLA’s math course for seventh grade students is an advanced mathematics called Course Three, or Pre-Algebra. In this course, students learn algebraic skills such as linear equations, functions, systems, exponents, data analysis, and an introduction into geometry.

Ancient History / Civics
Seventh grade students study a broad and rigorous history of the ancient world, and then transition to the study of modern day Civics. Students gain an understanding of the structure of our government as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizens to be involved.

Language Arts
English/Language Arts in seventh grade has several subsections to engage each student’s abilities in reading and writing. Students have regular discussions, assignments, and opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge in the following areas: spelling, vocabulary, literature analysis, grammar, writing (fiction and nonfiction), and reading comprehension (fiction and nonfiction).

Physical Science
Seventh grade students study aspects of Physical Science, including matter, the periodic table, atoms, chemical reactions, motion, energy waves, gravity, and scientific formulas.

Advanced PE
Five physical qualities make up the foundation of the program: Mobility/Flexibility, Speed, Strength, Agility, and Endurance. Students are pushed to the limits to reach health and wellness goals, all while having fun.

Honors Spanish 1A
Students who take Honors Spanish 1A in seventh grade and Honors Spanish 1B in eighth grade earn a high school credit for Spanish 1 by the end of eighth grade. Students practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through a variety of activities, games, videos, songs, and projects. Students also have opportunities to present special projects on various aspects of Hispanic culture. Even if this is a first experience with the Spanish language, students emerge from this class feeling confident in their budding foreign language skills.

Study Hall
Middle School students who participate in extra/after school curricular activities as well as students needing extra reinforcement in their academics benefit greatly from having this time frame to ask questions and excel in independent assignments as they continue to learn time management.

Music/Band
Middle School music class focuses on how to recognize scales, harmony, rhythm, and notes in relation to each other. Students practice vocal warm-ups which help develop the sense of different tones. Band students have an opportunity to learn to play an instrument, read music, and develop performance skills.

Art
Middle School students use art as an opportunity to generate and conceptualize artistic ideas, organize and develop art using multiple mediums, and gain knowledge of art history. Likewise, students are challenged creatively to refine, analyze, and apply criteria to evaluate artistic work. Students have several opportunities to work with peers to synthesize personal experiences to make art.

Theater
Theater classes at CLA will create an environment in which students will learn more about themselves and their God-given gifts. All classes will help students refine poise, confidence, and speaking skills. Through interactive learning, students will learn creative expression, technical aspects of theater, performance and reading of theatrical literature, scene writing, and much more.

*Elective options such as art, music, band, theater, and PE may vary from year to year.

8th Grade

Students indulge in deep theological study of questions surrounding a Christian’s purpose

Bible Leadership
This course is designed to help students establish a Biblical worldview through Thinking Like A Christian by Summit Ministries. This study is designed to help students identify worldview in current events, compare and contrast some of the major worldviews seen today, and uncover the truths of the Bible as we look at the world. Specific days of the class are set out for leadership growth where students receive reinforcement on the seven habits of highly effective people while concurrently applying CLA’s ten leadership traits. Students will continue their career exploration using Florida’s MyCareerShines website and begin to narrow their focus on possible career choices. Finally, students conduct service projects to put their leadership ideas into action. All the while, students are memorizing scripture to continue their growth and ownership of their faith.

Pre-Algebra or Honors Algebra One
In 8th grade students begin their formal study of Algebra by taking either Pre-Algebra or Honors Algebra One. Honors Algebra One is a high school credit course. In this course, students learn algebraic skills such as functions, inequalities, statistical models, polynomials, quadratic functions, and inverse relationships. Algebra One students are offered a chance to take and pass the Florida End of Course Exam (EOC) in order to earn the Florida public high school graduation requirement for the course.

Honors Cultural Geography
In this high school level class, eighth grade students study several different areas of the world through learning about people groups, cultures, and practices that include economic regulations, heritage, customs, traditions, map studies, and many other aspects of societies from every continent. Students earn an honors high school credit for this course.

Language Arts
English/Language Arts in eighth grade has several subsections to engage each student’s abilities in reading and writing. Students have regular discussions, assignments, and opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge in the following areas: spelling, vocabulary, literature analysis, grammar, writing (fiction and nonfiction), and reading comprehension (fiction and nonfiction).

Honors Earth & Space Science
Eighth grade students are enrolled in a high school credit honors science course titled Earth and Space Science. Students study the composition of the earth, the history and the dynamic of the earth, reshaping the crust and atmospheric forces, and oceans and space.

Honors Spanish 1B
Students who take Honors Spanish 1A in seventh grade and Honors Spanish 1B in eighth grade earn a high school credit for Spanish 1 by the end of eighth grade. Students practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through a variety of activities, games, videos, songs, and projects. Students also have opportunities to present special projects on various aspects of Hispanic culture. Even if this is a first experience with the Spanish language, students emerge from this class feeling confident in their budding foreign language skills.

Advanced PE
Five physical qualities make up the foundation of the program: Mobility/Flexibility, Speed, Strength, Agility, and Endurance. Students are pushed to the limits to reach health and wellness goals, all while having fun.

Study Hall
Middle School students who participate in extra/after school curricular activities as well as students needing extra reinforcement in their academics benefit greatly from having this time frame to ask questions and excel in independent assignments as they continue to learn time management.

Music/Band
Middle School music class focuses on how to recognize scales, harmony, rhythm, and notes in relation to each other. Students practice vocal warm-ups which help develop the sense of different tones. Band students have an opportunity to learn to play an instrument, read music, and develop performance skills.

Art
Middle School students use art as an opportunity to generate and conceptualize artistic ideas, organize and develop art using multiple mediums, and gain knowledge of art history. Likewise, students are challenged creatively to refine, analyze, and apply criteria to evaluate artistic work. Students have several opportunities to work with peers to synthesize personal experiences to make art.

Theater
Theater classes at CLA will create an environment in which students will learn more about themselves and their God-given gifts. All classes will help students refine poise, confidence, and speaking skills. Through interactive learning, students will learn creative expression, technical aspects of theater, performance and reading of theatrical literature, scene writing, and much more.

*Elective options such as art, music, band, theater, and PE may vary from year to year

Additionally, students may participate in the Tropicana Speech contest, spelling bee, Mini Mu math competition, educational field trips, and the science fair.

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