Click here to view a PDF of our new Middle School Curriculum Guide.
Humanities
Sixth grade Humanities is divided into two courses, each taken for two of the four quarters. Humanities through Literature is a course designed to improve reading and writing skills within the context of different types of literature (fiction, short story, poetry, memoir, and essay). Humanities through History is a course designed to improve reading and writing skills within the context of history (ancient Rome, Greece, and ancient China).
Frequency: 2 quarters of each course, 5 days per week, 90 minutes per day
Math 6
Math 6 is designed to challenge students with a wide range of abilities. All students reinforce skills and concepts appropriate for sixth grade, while exploring new concepts (including some pre-algebra) in preparation for seventh grade. Students who have mastered a particular skill or concept are offered opportunities for enrichment within the context of the course. One section of Math 6 Honors is offered.
Frequency: 5 days per week for 45 minutes
Science 6
In Science 6, students study Earth Science (volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, weather, etc.) through hands-on activities and interactive labs.
Frequency: 2 days per week for 90 minutes, 1 day per week for 45 minutes
Introduction to Foreign Language
Sixth grade students take one quarter each of Chinese, German, Latin, and Spanish and then, during the seventh grade year, choose to study one of the four languages. The sixth grade introductory language course focuses on speaking, vocabulary acquisition, and a presentation of linguistic concepts. There is also an introduction to culture, history and geography.
Studio Art 6
Art uses the ancient cultures studied in Humanities as a context for learning art in a variety of modalities, including sculpture, printing and Photoshop.
Frequency: 2 quarters per year, 2 days per week for 90 minutes
Literacy Strategies
Literacy Strategies is a required course designed to provide students with the skills necessary to become effective and deep readers. Class time focuses on improving reading comprehension through the identification of themes and main ideas, finding supporting evidence in texts, and making inferences and generalizations. Some class time is also spent on each student’s independent reading program, in which students read young adult literature in a number of genres.
Frequency: 2 days per week for 45 minutes
Arts Electives
Students may choose Band, Orchestra, Choir, or a rotating course consisting of dance, and drama.
Frequency: 3 days per week for 40 minutes
Physical Education
In P.E., sixth grade students learn the value of physical fitness while being exposed to the wide range of sports and activities Baylor has to offer.
Frequency: 2 quarters per year, 2 days per week for 90 minutes
Wellness
The Middle School years are a time of significant development for students with respect to physical, mental, social, and emotional changes. Our Wellness Program emphasizes making responsible health decisions and provides information and opportunities for mature discussion on a wide range of current health topics and issues. The course is offered to all Middle School students. Wellness meets once a week for 45 minutes for two quarterss.