Middle School Curriculum

The FRA Middle School curriculum is designed to move students toward independent thinking. Using a program heavily tied to computer interaction, students begin to perfect language arts skills including grammar, written language, research skills, literature, reading strategies, and vocabulary. Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Computer Technology are also emphasized. As added preparation for the Upper School curriculum, select high school level classes are available to qualifying seventh and eighth grade students.

Enrichment opportunities encompass chorus, band, art, drama, dance, journalism, and physical education. Participation in sports, class trips, and clubs for a variety of interests - from foreign languages to songwriting - also contributes to the education of the well-rounded Middle School student.

Curriculum Overview

Language Arts English and Literature: All grades have summer reading requirements with a very diverse choice of novels including To Kill a Mockingbird, The Call of the Wild, The Diary of Anne Frank, Romeo and Juliet, etc. Traditional grammar/composition requirements are included in each grade.
Mathematics: Building on knowledge from the Lower School, students in each grade learn the standard math skills as well as geometry, pre-algebra, and algebra. Examples of topics include: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios, probability, measurement, integers, graphs, equations, expressions, statistics, and functions.
Science: Earth, life, and physical sciences are explored through many topics including mineral and rock, water systems, atmosphere, weather and climate, cell processes, genetics, animals, ecosystems, anatomy, energy, and atomic structures.
Social Studies: Through Western Hemisphere, Civics, Tennessee History, World Studies, and United States History, students experience a range of topics relating to geography, ancient civilizations, civil wars, governments, and current events.
Foreign Languages: Bievenidos al mundo maravilloso del espanol! Welcome to the wonderful world of Spanish! Students learn both the written and spoken languages of both Spanish and French. Included in the learning is the experience of the history and culture. Students get the full spectrum throughout the middle school years.
Physical Education and Enrichments: A well-rounded student is a student who is prepared for college. The Middle School has various opportunities in all grades including physical education, technology, art, dance, journalism, and band.