8th Grade

In eighth grade, students choose semester-long arts courses across drama, music, studio art, media arts, and woodshop, allowing for deeper exploration of their interests. Across disciplines, students refine technical skills while exploring identity, culture, and creative expression. The year emphasizes artistic voice, collaboration, and communicating meaning to an audience.

Eighth grade English centers on identity formation through the guiding question: “Who am I, who are we, who are they?” Students explore memoir, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction while examining personal and collective identity, including a study of the Holocaust. Writing, reading, and discussion are tightly connected, with students developing analytical thinking, empathy, and the ability to support ideas with evidence. Research projects and student-designed inquiries further strengthen independence and voice.

Eighth grade Humanities focuses on grappling with complex social issues through American civics, Holocaust studies, and multicultural history. Students examine founding documents, democratic principles, and contemporary civic issues before studying the rise of totalitarianism and the Holocaust. The year concludes with an exploration of multicultural America and the many narratives that shape U.S. history. Through essays, debates, and inquiry projects, students build skills in historical thinking, argumentation, and evidence-based writing. 

Life Skills supports students as they navigate advocacy, identity, and increasing independence. Students explore mental health, relationships, substance use, and sexual health, with an emphasis on recognizing warning signs and making informed, responsible choices. Digital citizenship is also a key focus, including media literacy, online safety, and the impact of technology on well-being. The course prioritizes self-awareness, communication, and accessing support systems. Eight grade Life Skills also includes exploration of tinkering in our dedicated studio and leadership development. 

Most eighth graders take Algebra I, where they formalize algebraic thinking and apply it to real-world contexts. Students study linear, exponential, and quadratic relationships while developing fluency with equations, expressions, and functions. Problem solving, modeling, and discussion are central as students build a strong foundation for high school mathematics.

Students at an advanced level of mathematics also have the opportunity to take an accelerated course of study in the Upper School, at the recommendation of faculty. 

Students continue studying Spanish, French, or Mandarin in a proficiency-based program aligned with ACTFL standards. Instruction emphasizes communication, cultural understanding, and increasing independence with language use. By the end of eighth grade, students can engage in connected conversations, interpret authentic materials, and write short paragraphs about familiar topics. Opportunities for global travel experience can further deepen cultural fluency and real-world application.

Eighth grade science explores chemistry, genetics, evolution, and human impact on the environment through inquiry-based labs and engineering challenges. Students investigate chemical reactions, model matter at the particle level, and design solutions such as flameless heating systems. They then study inheritance, natural selection, and evidence for evolution before examining climate systems and sustainability. Experiential learning includes community-facing environmental proposals and hands-on design challenges.

Wellness provides students with increasing autonomy as they refine fitness, teamwork, and personal health habits. Students engage in a range of physical activities—including strength training, sports, and fitness challenges—while learning to set goals and support peers. The program emphasizes lifelong wellness through physical, social, and emotional awareness.