Middle School Course Catalog (Grades 6–8)
Middle School Course Catalog (Grades 6–8)
The following catalog details the rigorous academic milestones of the Franklin Academy Middle School curriculum. Designed to challenge and inspire, our Middle School courses represent a crucial shift from foundational learning to independent, analytical thought. By integrating complex problem-solving, laboratory inquiry, and advanced trilingual discourse, these courses ensure our students are fully equipped for the elite demands of our High School and the Franklin Research Internship Program (FRIP).
Humanities (Literature & History)
Critical Analysis and Global Perspectives
Core Methodology: Deep literary criticism, Document-Based Questions (DBQs), and evidence-based argumentative writing.
Grade-Level Benchmarks:
Grade 6: Literature
Students transition to analyzing complex themes, focusing on social hierarchies through novels like Lord of the Flies and The Outsiders. Writing focuses on structuring analysis essays prioritized by cited evidence.
History: Covering the Medieval to the Modern era. Students compare global power structures (e.g., European vs. Japanese feudalism) using Venn diagrams and simulations, and explore the cultural shifts of the Renaissance and Enlightenment.
Grade 7: Literature
Approaching texts through a critical lens to analyze allegory and authorial intent. Mastery of the argumentative essay, constructing logical rebuttals and utilizing high-level academic vocabulary.
History: Investigating European and Early American transitions. Students act as historians by examining primary sources (such as the Declaration of Independence) and completing rigorous Document-Based Questions (DBQs).
Grade 8: (High School Prep) Literature
Introduction to complex dystopian literature and excerpts from classic playwrights (e.g., Shakespeare). Focus on advanced literary criticism and synthesizing cross-textual arguments.
History: A deep dive into American History and Civics, analyzing the social, economic, and political forces that shaped the nation, directly preparing students for AP U.S. History.
From Pre-Algebra to Algebraic Mastery
Core Methodology: Multi-step real-world applications, spatial reasoning, and advanced equation solving.
Grade-Level Benchmarks:
Grade 6 (Pre-Algebra Foundations)
Fluency in operations involving negative numbers, fractions, and decimals.
Deep understanding of ratios, rates, percentages, and speed through financial and real-world contexts.
Algebra & Geometry: Simplifying expressions, solving linear equations, and interpreting graphs (pie charts, histograms). Introduction to circle geometry and volume.
Grade 7 (Algebra & 3D Geometry Integration)
Geometry: Angle relationships with parallel lines, polygons, and symmetry. Calculating the surface area and volume of 3D figures (prisms, cylinders) and applying concepts of density and scale drawing.
Algebra: Working with exponentials and literal equations. Solving quadratic equations by factorization. Graphing linear/quadratic equations and solving system equations using elimination and substitution methods.
Grade 8 (Algebra I & High School Prep)
Comprehensive study of Algebra I concepts, including parabolas, complex quadratic functions, and their applications in real-world physics.
Note: Exceptional students may qualify to concurrently begin High School Geometry.
Comprehensive Laboratory Science
Inquiry, Systems, and Scientific Modeling
Core Methodology: Laboratory safety, the scientific method, data analysis, and cross-disciplinary applications.
Grade-Level Benchmarks:
6 (Matter & Cells)
Chemistry & Physics: Introduction to models of matter (particulate nature of solids/liquids/gases), elements, compounds, mixtures, and the periodic table. Hands-on labs using separation techniques (filtration, chromatography) and exploration of the ray model of light (reflection, refraction).
Biology: Understanding biodiversity, the use of dichotomous keys, and the structure/function of cells and organelles.
Grade 7 (Life Systems & Physical Principles)
Biology & Ecology: Examination of plant and human transport systems (diffusion, osmosis, circulatory, digestive, and reproductive systems). Studies in heredity, puberty, ecosystems, and energy flow.
Physics & Chemistry: Investigation of forces, work, energy, and heat transmission (conduction, convection, radiation). Deep dive into chemical reactions, chemical changes, and the conservation of matter.
Grade 8 (Advanced Scientific Inquiry)
Advanced application of physical and earth sciences. Students design independent experiments and refine their technical lab reporting skills, laying the exact microscopic and data-analysis groundwork required for High School AP Biology and AP Chemistry.
Advanced Trilingual Immersion
Native-Like Academic Expression
Core Methodology: Refining non-native patterns, conducting independent research in target languages, and high-level cultural literacy.
🇪🇸 Spanish Immersion
Grades 6 & 7
Focuses on advanced reading comprehension and textual analysis. Students evaluate the structure of informational texts and cite strong textual evidence to support their interpretations. Production of coherent narrative, expository, and argumentative formats. Spanish is strictly used as the primary language of academic communication.
Grade 8:
Advanced discussions on complex social and cultural perspectives within the Spanish-speaking world, bridging the gap to High School AP Spanish Language and Culture.
🇨🇳 Mandarin Chinese (Ma Liping Curriculum)
Grade 6
Introduction to classical Chinese poetry and modern prose, focusing on paragraph cohesion and expanding high-level vocabulary.
Grade 7
Designed for students transitioning from Intermediate High to Advanced Low proficiency. The curriculum utilizes historical legends, idioms, and biographical narratives to strengthen cultural literacy while correcting common grammatical errors.
Capstone Project: During the final two months, students complete an independent research project. They select a topic, conduct guided research, produce a structured essay, and deliver an oral presentation entirely in Mandarin.
Grades 8
Emphasizes cross-cultural communication, the analysis of current events, and rigorous critical reading, fully equipping students for future AP Chinese assessments.