Middle School Curriculum

Our rigorous academic program empowers students to pursue knowledge, explore big ideas, and ask questions. In addition to a robust offering of core and elective courses, students grow in Mind, Body, and Spirit through participation in our interscholastic athletics, Chapel, and Advisory programs.

EA’s Middle School teachers, coaches, chaplains, advisors, and support staff are experts in this transformative stage, blending deep subject knowledge with a strong understanding of early adolescence. They champion each student with empathy, high expectations, and unwavering support—empowering them to take ownership of their learning and grow with confidence.

Explore our academic curriculum below.

Classics

In 7th and 8th grade Latin, students are introduced to the Latin language and the world of the Greeks and Romans through novellas (novellae!) centered on myth (7th) and Roman history (8th). Students learn the basics of Latin grammar, begin to build a core vocabulary, and compete in projects and activities that bring the ancient world to life.

Courses Offered:

Latin 1A: An introductory course for 7th graders
Latin 1B: The second course in our Middle School Latin sequence

Computer Science & Engineering

In Middle School Computer Science & Engineering, students build foundational skills in programming, engineering design, and digital literacy while learning how to be responsible digital citizens. Our courses foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, preparing students to become innovative problem-solvers in a technology-driven world. As they progress through the program, students can choose from a variety of electives that allow them to deepen their knowledge in specific areas of interest.

Required Courses for 6th Graders:

Introduction to CS&E: Required for all 6th graders; students develop skills in programming, computational thinking, and engineering design.
Tech 2.0: Required for all 6th graders; students learn digital literacy skills and explore digital citizenship.

Electives for 7th & 8th graders:

Drones: Hands-on class in which students explore the mechanics and programming of drones.
Cybersecurity: Introduction to digital security, encryption, and ethical computing.
Tech Design and Fabrication: Students design objects for maker tools like 3D printers and laser cutters.
Game Programming: Students learn coding concepts by designing their own interactive games.
Robotics: Introductory course focusing on building and programming robots.
Competitive Robotics: For students interested in participating in team-based robotics competitions (open to students starting in 6th grade).

English

Middle School English introduces students to longer and more sophisticated works of fiction and the reading strategies required for studying rather than simply consuming texts. Writing work focuses heavily on helping students to make the shift from summarizing to analyzing what they read. Students learn to develop their voice through journals, class discussions, and public speaking.

Courses Offered:

English 6: This course builds foundational skills in literary analysis and writing.
English 7: This course expands critical reading and writing abilities and deepens analytical and expressive skills.
English 8: This course strengthens students' ability to interpret complex texts and craft insightful arguments, preparing them for high school-level reading and writing.

History

Middle School history teaches the study of history and exposes students to multiple perspectives. Our classes emphasize skill building in areas of reading, writing, and analytical thinking. From 6th grade through 8th grade, each student will have the opportunity to study relevant issues not only in the United States but throughout the world.

Courses Offered:

6th Grade: Geography and American History
7th Grade: American Civics
8th Grade: 20th Century Turning Points

Math

Our Middle School math program builds problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and fluency while offering the right level of challenge for each student. Covering pre-algebra through geometry, students explore numerical operations, algebra, and data analysis through real-world applications. Courses are offered at both honors and regular levels, with additional support for students who benefit from daily math instruction.

Courses Offered:

Math 6
Math 7
Algebra I
Geometry

Music

Our comprehensive curriculum is structured to prepare all students for a lifetime of participation in the musical arts as performers and/or appreciative, thoughtful audience members. The music program seeks to not only develop skill in music, but to also foster individual growth and potential through support, inclusion, and joy.

In Middle School, students must take a music course in 6th grade and a minimum of one trimester of music in 7th and 8th grade.

Courses Offered:

6th Grade: Band, Orchestra, or Chorus
7th & 8th Grade Electives: Handbells, Music Technology, and Guitar electives
7th & 8th Grade Yearlong Ensembles: Chorus, Band, Orchestra
6-8th Grade Auditioned, Select Groups: Band, Orchestra, and Choir

Religion

Religion is part of daily life at EA, offering students the chance to think seriously about belief, values, and how people make meaning in the world. Our aim isn't to tell students what to believe, but to give them the tools to reflect on their own views, understand others, and think critically about the human condition. Through the study of sacred texts, ethical reasoning, and global religious traditions, students are challenged to engage complexity with empathy, to hold space for both belief and doubt, and to build lives of purpose, integrity, and understanding.

Courses Offered:

6th Grade - Christian Scriptures and the Stripes: 6th grade students will pursue the meaning and purpose of life by exploring the similarities that link us with nature, the Stripes, and our actions. The New Testament scriptures will be the primary resource used to enhance the character, collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking of each student.
7th Grade - The Parables and the Stripes: 7th grade students will connect the Stripes and Parables (and other scripture readings) and their legacy. We call the stories that Jesus told “parables” because they illustrate a spiritual lesson in the life of the characters. In this way, parables are different from fables, which also can impart a moral imperative, because they are about people and real-life situations.
8th Grade - Stripes in the World Religions: 8th grade students will engage in dialogue and exploration through the existential aspects of life, to seek the meaning and purpose of life. The EA Stripes will be combined with the religions of the world to illustrate a basic moral philosophy for each individual student. Students will discover that knowledge is important and is essential to wisdom, the elements of which are insight, good judgment and the capacity to live well.

Science

Theatre & Dance

World Languages

Students in Middle School world language classes begin the formal study of French, Mandarin, or Spanish in 6th grade. This program follows ACTFL proficiency standards, emphasizing communication through interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational skills. Students engage in meaningful, real-world language experiences to develop proficiency at the novice and low intermediate levels. The curriculum fosters cultural awareness and linguistic competence through interactive activities, authentic resources, and performance-based assessments.

Courses Offered:

French:

French 6: Introductory French
French 7: Builds upon fundamentals in French 6
French 8: Students move from simple words and memorized phrases to producing complete sentences and creating original language.

Mandarin:

Mandarin 6: Introductory Mandarin
Mandarin 7: Builds upon fundamentals in Mandarin 6
Mandarin 8: Students expand vocabulary and combine characters to create original language.

Spanish:

Spanish 6: Introductory Spanish
Spanish 7: Builds upon fundamentals in Spanish 6
Spanish 8: Students move from simple words and memorized phrases to producing complete sentences and creating original language.

Visual Arts

The Middle School Art Department fosters creative exploration and skill development through hands-on projects that emphasize observation, imagination, and personal voice. Students engage with a variety of media—such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art—while building foundational techniques and visual literacy. Our integrated curriculum encourages curiosity, risk-taking, and thoughtful reflection as students grow as confident young artists.

Courses Offered:

Art 6
Art 7
Art 8

Quick Links

FAQ

My EA

My EA

In This Section

Middle School Curriculum

Classics

Courses Offered:

Computer Science & Engineering

Required Courses for 6th Graders:

Electives for 7th & 8th graders:

English

Courses Offered:

History

Courses Offered:

Math

Courses Offered:

Music

Courses Offered:

Religion

Courses Offered:

Science

Courses Offered:

Theatre & Dance

COURSES OFFERED:

World Languages

Courses Offered:

Visual Arts

Courses Offered: