Middle School Program

Since middle school is a time of transition, Graystone Academy’s middle school curriculum is specifically geared to provide the learning tools and social skills needed for the academic rigors and increased personal responsibility. The curriculum exposes the depth and breadth of each academic course. The school’s curriculums are based on state and national standards. Written progress reports are sent home quarterly to keep parents informed of academic progress.
Middle school students take English, history and mathematics (pre-algebra), earth science, Spanish, art, physical education/health, music, drama and technology. Group debates, hands on science projects, and research papers are requirements.

The middle school English curriculum includes the study of a wide range of literature. Novels, stories, poetry and drama are studied as well as nonfiction, including speeches, biographies, autobiographies, speeches and editorials. Students also study grammar, spelling and vocabulary in an integrated format.
The math curriculum is based on state and national standards. Major concepts include: numbers and numerals, measurement, rational numbers, algebra, geometry, decimals, graphing, number theory and probability. These concepts are developed through a balanced use of manipulative materials, various text-based instruction and technology.

 

Other core subjects taught are science which is through hands-on activities, that encourage students to use observation and the scientific experimentation format; and social studies which is an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach to history.

Special subject areas such as music, art, and physical education are taught weekly to students. Special subject areas help students to express themselves while developing skills that promote self-expression and creativity. Students are assessed with PSSA tests and the TerraNova, and Open Court reading comprehension tests in each grade, as well as with local reading progress and writing assessments.