A Solid Foundation For Your Child's
Future
Preschool through 8th Grade
Christian Values
Middle School
Mathematics
Oakridge's mathematics program introduces students to algebra, providing honors-track classes for advanced students. In eighth grade, honors students have the opportunity to begin studying geometry. Upon completion of the honors math track, most students are able to transition to algebra II or honors geometry at the high-school level.
English
Oakridge's Middle School curriculum seeks to prepare students for the challenges of high school. In English, Language Arts, students develop not only an appreciation for literature, but also the ability to think critically about literature. Through analytical compositions, creative projects and socratic seminars, students develop an advanced understanding of abstract concepts such as figurative language, symbolism, characterization and themes.
Social Studies
In 5th grade social studies, students go back in time to the founding of our nation, relive the fight for independence during the American Revolution, and end the year with the unification of the North and South after the Civil War.
6th grade students explore ancient cultures from a variety of perspectives, and learn what makes a civilization successful. Starting with early humans in Prehistory and Mesopotamia, students travel the timeline all the way to Ancient Rome.
In 7th grade, students discover the world of medieval history and cultures. From Islam in Africa to Buddhism's spread in China and Japan, to the ever so majestic castles and knights of Europe, students experience all that medieval history has to offer.
8th grade students take a deep dive back into American history and immerse themselves in our Civics lessons. From the start of our nation, to the end of World War II; to learning what it takes to be a citizen and debating Supreme Court cases, students are able to apply their knowledge and experience in every lesson.
All students engage in making connections across history through discussions and debates, create hands-on projects, as well as develop their critical-thinking skills and academic autonomy.
Science
Middle school science uses an inquiry based approach to provide students with an authentic and engaging science experience. Each science unit begins with a real world problem and students are supported in the various science concepts as they use their newfound knowledge to solve the problem. The science curriculum blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists.
In 5th grade students explore matter at the macro and nanoscale, work to restore a natural habitat and help a museum to fix an ancient artifact that was once used to predict the stars in the various seasons.
In 6th grade students learn Earth Science through the lens of the other planets in our solar system. Students learn that because some planets formed in the same way as Earth, those planets may have similar structures and processes as Earth. Students also explore the causes of various climates around the world and why some rain storms have more rain than others.
In 7th grade students explore life science and learn why the human gut microbiome is so important to overall health. Students also explore why brothers and sisters do not usually look identical to each other and how energy and matter move through an ecosystem.
8th grade students help a space mission to figure out what went wrong when a spacecraft is knocked off course. They learn about physics along the way and develop an understanding of Newton’s 3 basic laws of motion. 8th grade students also help a town diagnose their water quality problems and discover the law of conservation of mass and basic chemistry along the way.
Spanish
Middle School students also study Spanish, developing proficiency through total immersion in the language. Interactive projects, such as skits, teach students conversational skills in fun and exciting ways. Students are also exposed to Hispanic history, civilization, and current events in order to develop an understanding of the cultures that inform the language.