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Middle School Academy Academics
Ascension’s Middle School 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Academies are directed at developing Christlike character in our students. It is our belief that character and academic development are both necessary in developing stellar human beings. Our Academy provides an exemplary environment in which our students learn how to thrive as they learn whom God has created them to be.
All of our students receive instruction in the following disciplines:
Students utilize “Go Math” as lessons are differentiated to their individual level from pre-algebra through introductory geometry. We are often able to facilitate accelerated students to progress past their grade level.
Mathematics involves operations with whole numbers, integers, fractions and decimals; numerical expressions, algebraic expressions and equations, coordinate plane, graphing data; problem solving and algebraic thinking; continuing to develop and practice endurance and persistence; the use of technology such as calculators and laptops to help solve problems; and taking notes in math journals.
We have the ability to differentiate learning for advanced math students while still meeting the needs of our grade level students and providing intervention for those who need extra support.
Our “Amplify” curriculum exceeds grade level standards and encourages inquiry-based and hands-on learning. Our classroom science curriculum is augmented by both our Makerspace and Nature Lab programs.
Our science curriculum uses hands-on investigations, vocab-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to inspire students to think, read, write, and argue in the science and engineering world. Sixth grade students work through an increased number of science units studying microbiomes, metabolism, the role of genes in traits and reproduction, energy, oceans and atmosphere, weather events, and changing climate
Our gifted teachers consistently stretch our students to grow in their writing, critical thinking, reading, and oration skills. Comparative novel studies are utilized along with the best components of several leading curricula, including Readers and Writers Workshop and Fountas and Pinnell. Cross curricular lessons are emphasized across the humanities, with a specific focus on character formation through highly interactive and challenging academics. Treasured traditions like the school-wide spelling bee and speech meet help to ensure that our Academy students set an example of academic excellence for our younger students and provide leadership and mentoring opportunities for students in our upper grades.
Academy students are given the opportunity to learn about the cultures, geography, religion, government systems and inventions from a Global perspective. Specifically, 6th grade focuses on ancient civilizations, 7th grade focuses on World History, and 8th grade on US History. We incorporate project based and online learning with the Social Studies weekly curriculum. At Ascension Lutheran School, students get real world experience attending field trips aligned with our grade level content.
Each day begins with devotions led by students or their homeroom teacher as students are mentored into integrating the Christian faith into their daily life. We recently invested in The Gospel Project series. This curriculum walks students through the whole biblical story over several years and offers activities directed at each grade level. In this series, students are covering Bible passages that include cultural and family connections that apply to real world interactions.
All students memorize the same monthly Bible verse which will be emphasized in chapel. In addition to devotions and an excellent Bible curriculum, our Academy students help to lead our excellent Chapel program, with ample opportunities, to sing, run the tech booth, acolyte, or read the weekly scripture passage. As a way to emphasize our community of Christ Centered learners, Academy students are paired with Elementary school chapel buddies each week and share special moments together.
Our Spanish program is designed to prepare students for high school Spanish. Academy students receive 40 minutes of instruction in Spanish three times per week. Our Spanish textbook is designed to prepare middle school students for high school Spanish, and our dedicated Spanish teacher, Mrs. Lopez, ensures that students put their language acquisition into practice with projects like a recorded weather forecast orated exclusively in Spanish by each student.
The Thrive Curriculum is a comprehensive program carefully crafted to empower your middle schooler with essential life skills, grounded in a strong sense of identity rooted in Christ. Our goal is to foster a supportive and positive school environment where students not only excel academically but also flourish emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Beyond our Academy curriculum, we also offer a choice of electives supporting our effort to grow life long learners. Students can choose from a variety of options such as Flight School, Creative Writing, Basic Skills 101, and Multi-Media Art.
Our Makerspace program features a dedicated room and teacher, with over a dozen lab-quality microscopes, programmable robotics, and 3D printers. Makerspace emphasizes hands-on and project-based learning throughout the “STEAM” disciplines: science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. All of our students receive 40 minutes of Makerspace instruction per week, and Makerspace lessons are intentionally designed to highlight that rigorous academics and deep learning can be truly fun endeavors.
Mrs. Packman leads both our worship arts and music programs here at Ascension and also leads the Christmas program and Spring musical. Mrs. Packman is a nationally award-winning keyboardist and a gifted educator, formerly leading her own music academy before beginning her tenure here at Ascension. Students receive instruction in Music twice per week and enjoy lessons covering everything from songwriting to recognizing and repeating myriad percussive styles and techniques.
Our physical education program teaches the basics in most team sports from volleyball to flag football and soccer. Students receive PE instruction in our gym under the direction of Mr. Gottmer, our athletic director, Academy Dean and Instructor. Upper-grade students enjoy PE twice per week and are also welcome to become members of our after-school sports teams such as flag football, soccer, volleyball and basketball!
Dr. Charlotte Miranda joyfully oversees our Nature Lab program, which students enjoy for 40 minutes per week. Nature Lab allows our students to get their hands dirty planting, composting, and studying. A few times a year, students get out in nature on our nearby trails, while Dr Miranda connects real-world examples with the curriculum. Our annual tomato plant sale is an Academy student favorite activity in which students learn to plant and grow various types of tomatoes and then learn the basics of accounting and business as they sell the plants they have grown.