Middle School (7-8)
The Middle School years are predictably unpredictable, which makes working with students in grades 7 and 8 a unique and wonderful experience. Our goal at Bear Creek is to embrace students at their own level, acknowledging the uniqueness of the Middle School years. Our small, gender-separated classes permit individualized attention from the teachers, which means that students feel both challenged and cared for at the same time.
Curriculum
The intentionality of our curriculum consists of a carefully structured, classical, Christian course of study which advances the “intentionality or logic of learning.” Central to our curriculum are six core academic subjects: Christian studies, English, history, Latin, math, and science. A variety of electives provides students additional curricular breadth and exploration. Each subject at Bear Creek is taught from a Christian worldview which builds a critical framework to help each student become the individual God intends.
Math Acceleration
Students are encouraged to advance beyond traditional grade-level math competency. Based on ability and motivation, many Middle School students take advanced-level math courses and enter high school ready to enroll in a strong pre-collegiate advanced math course sequence.
Latin Foundations
Latin is key to a classical, Christian education. The early study of Latin prepares students for advanced study of foreign languages and improves English grammar and vocabulary. Latin is a core class in grades 7 and 8 and is taught daily. The curriculum also includes Greek and Roman mythology, literature, ancient history and daily life, and an intensive study of the Latin roots of English vocabulary.
Gender-Separated Classrooms
In order to meet the unique needs of Middle School students, most core classes are separated by gender, producing an exceptionally strong learning dynamic. This allows freedom for safe classroom discussion and participation, fewer distractions, and a supportive classroom environment among peers of the same gender.
Small Class Sizes
With average class sizes of 12-18, each student is well known and highly valued. Teachers are able to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of every student, ensuring that they are challenged to learn and grow as much as possible.
Study Skills and Office Hours
Building strong study habits and receiving individualized support are critical during these years. Office hours are scheduled four times each week to provide students, under the guidance of a faculty advisor, the opportunity to seek extra tutoring help, make up missed work, or just get a jump start on homework. Teachers also use office hours to teach and reinforce critical study skills, organizational strategies, time management, and to evaluate specific learning needs.