Students are tested before each school year starts to determine math placements. Math curriculum includes Eureka Math2.
NEW SUMMIT MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle school has five/six periods of core classes. Students are assigned a homeroom, the class they start in each day. The homeroom teacher they are assigned is the main teacher to answer questions and communicate events and assignments.
CORE CLASSES
MATHEMATICS
01
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Curriculum includes Amplify Core Knowledge Arts.
02
SCIENCE
Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence
03
HISTORY / GEOGRAPHY
Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence
04
ELECTIVES
ART 1
Semester-long course
Middle School Art I is a visual arts course open to all students. This introductory course is designed to allow students to explore the use of art-making materials while learning about the elements and principles of visual design. Students will also participate in discussions about art history and critique and practice the processes artists use to create a variety of artworks. Students will explore an assortment of art materials throughout the semester. Students may learn about art movements and styles, including Classical, Gothic, Rococo, Neoclassical, Romantic, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Architecture.
ART 2
Semester-long course
Middle School Art II is a visual arts course for grades 7-8. This continued visual arts course is designed to allow students to continue to build their skills and knowledge from Art I. Students can dive deeper into more advanced art processes and materials. Students will participate in more in-depth discussions on art history and social and cultural influences on artistic movements/styles and make presentations on learning. Art movements and styles students may learn about include but are not limited to Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstraction, 20th-century Photography and Sculpture, Contemporary Art, and Post-Modern Architecture.
Prerequisite: Art 1
BEGINNING BAND
Year-long course
This elective is a year-long class designed to provide students with an enriching and diverse instrumental music education by performing music of various genres and periods. No music experience is necessary to join this class. Students must provide their own brass or woodwind instrument and needed supplies. There will be at least two formal, required concerts each year. The class will focus on the following…
- How to read and perform music notes
- Care and maintenance of the instrument.
- Fundamental techniques of tone production.
- Expressive aspects of performance, such as dynamics, articulation, and phrasing.
- Fundamental rhythms.
- Concert band literature is in various styles and with various difficulties.
- Development of technique through scales and arpeggios
- Performance etiquette
ADVANCED BAND
Year-long course
This elective is a whole-year class designed to expand upon all the skills learned in the beginning band at a more advanced level. To be in the advanced band, students must have completed the black belt level in the beginning band OR must audition for the director and show that they are at the proper skill level. Students must provide their own brass or woodwind instrument and needed supplies. There will be at least two formal, required concerts a year with the aim of at least one informal performance every month (assemblies, small concerts in the band room). The class will focus on the following…
- Advanced techniques of tone production.
- Expressive aspects of performance, such as dynamics, articulation, and phrasing.
- Fundamental rhythms.
- Concert band literature is in various styles and with various difficulties.
- Development of technique through scales and arpeggios, specifically the learning and performance of all 12 major scales
- Performance etiquette
This class can be taken for multiple years. Students will build upon what they have learned. Students will be given differentiated instruction and playing tests to challenge and motivate them.
BUSINESS, LEADERSHIP, AND GROWTH
Ready to be your own boss? In this hands-on elective, students will explore the exciting world of entrepreneurship, business management, and self-leadership. Through real-world projects, team challenges, and personal development activities, students will learn how to turn ideas into action, manage time and money, build confidence, communicate effectively, and set goals that matter. Whether you dream of starting your own business, leading a team, or just want to sharpen your life skills, this course gives you the tools to succeed—in school, in business, and in life.
CHOIR 1
Semester-long course
Choir I is beginning Middle School Choir. It will comprise the majority of 6th graders and those in upper grades who did not have a chance to take Choir I in 6th grade and desire to advance in the choir. In Choir I, students will learn the basics of the choir: reading note names and rhythms, understanding melodic intervals, singing solfege syllables, learning how to properly breathe from our diaphragm, singing with tall vowels, and more. We will focus on implementing music theory and technique skills into the music we sing, and by the end of the semester, students will be able to sing in harmony with one another. They will put on a holiday concert in December and a spring concert in May to showcase their skills.
CHOIR 2
Year-long course
Choir II is an intermediate choir comprised of most 7th and 8th-grade students who have taken and passed Choir I. In Choir II, students will build on the skills they learned in Choir I, learning songs with more advanced rhythms and intricate harmonies, perfecting musical intervals, and expanding on their music theory and ear training. Students will take these skills and implement them into the music we sing. By the end of the semester, students will be able to sing in more advanced harmony with one another, holding firm to their vocal parts. They will put on a holiday concert in December and a spring concert in May to showcase their skills.
Prerequisite: Choir 1
CREATIVE WRITING
Do you love to tell stories, write poems, or dream up characters and new worlds? In this Creative Writing elective, students will explore the art of writing in a fun, supportive environment. From short stories and poetry to journaling and script writing, this course encourages students to find and develop their unique voice. Through creative prompts, peer workshops, and writing games, students will build confidence in their writing and learn how to revise and polish their work. Whether you’re an aspiring author or just curious about writing, this class is a great place to let your imagination soar!
DRAMA
Semester-long course
Lights, camera, action! In this exciting drama elective, students will explore the world of theater through acting games, improvisation, script work, and stage performance. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or trying drama for the first time, this class will help you build confidence, express creativity, and work as a team. Students will have opportunities to perform scenes, create characters, and possibly participate in a class production or showcase. Get ready to take the stage and let your talent shine!
HOME ECONOMICS
Semester-long course
Step into the kitchen and discover the basics of cooking in this fun and practical unit. Students will learn essential life skills such as food and kitchen safety, how to properly measure ingredients, and follow step-by-step recipes to create simple, delicious dishes. Whether you’re brand new to cooking or already comfortable in the kitchen, this unit will help build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of food.
INTRO TO LAW & MOCK TRIALS
Step into the courtroom and discover all about constitutional law. In this engaging elective, students will explore the basics of constitutional law as it relates to the legal system. They will learn how laws are made and participate in a mock trial at the end of the semester, which brings real-world scenarios to life. Students will build argument, debate, teamwork, and persuasive communication skills through role-playing, public speaking, and critical thinking activities. If you love solving problems, asking questions, or just want to see what justice looks like in action, this class is for you.
LEADWORTHY
Leadworthy is a leadership development and character class from Capturing Kids’ Hearts. Students in Leadworthy will learn to:
- Develop a healthy self-concept and a sense of personal responsibility
- Understand emotional intelligence and the skills it measures, including self-awareness, self-control, self-motivation, and social skills
- Build skills in public speaking and communication, as well as develop an understanding of personal image
- Understand how to manage and positively channel the power of social media
- Develop an understanding of principle-based decision-making
- Learn to make responsible financial decisions
- Recognize and resist peer pressure
- Develop bullying prevention and defense skills
- Become better family members and citizens
- Appreciate the need for vision in goal-setting, both personally and professionally
- Develop leadership skills through practicing community service
All students must complete this course.
MARTIAL ARTS 1
Semester-long course
Martial Arts is an ancient discipline focusing on Self-Discipline, Self-Defense, and Character Development. Many nations throughout history have adopted martial arts into their schools’ youth programs to discipline and teach respect. In this program, students will learn the keys to being successful throughout their lives, as well as the skills necessary to defend themselves and live a peaceful life.
MARTIAL ARTS 2
Semester-long course
This class will continue developing the student’s martial arts and self-defense skills. It will also move the student into more challenging roles involving higher-level techniques and teaching the basics of leadership and training others. Students in this class will be given opportunities to lead small groups of students under supervision. Students in this program will be expected to be an example to others in attitude, effort, and understanding.
Prerequisite: Martial Arts 1
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Semester-long course
Physical Education will provide cognitive context and instruction to develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for physical activity and physical fitness. This class will focus on introducing students to a variety of individual sports and recreational activities and teaching them various forms of exercise.
STRATEGIES FOR MENTAL PERFORMANCE
In this course, students will explore 10 key strategies to improve their mental performance in school, sports, and future careers. These strategies include:
- The Power of a Mindset
- Motivation and Commitment
- Focus and Awareness
- Self-Control and Discipline
- Mental Imagery
- Routines and Habits
- Time Management and Organization
- Leadership
- Cultural Development
Throughout the semester, students will actively apply these strategies to their daily lives, helping them build confidence, resilience, and success in different areas. At the end of the course, each student will present one strategy, sharing how they used it and what they learned.
This class is designed to help students develop strong mental skills that will benefit them in and outside the classroom.
TEACHER ASSISTANT
This is a hands-on course designed for responsible and motivated 8th grade students who want to support teachers and gain real-world experience in a classroom setting. Students will assist teachers with organizing materials, preparing classroom activities, helping younger students, and completing other tasks as needed. This elective fosters leadership, communication, responsibility, and time management skills while giving students an opportunity to contribute positively to their school community.
Expectations & Responsibilities:
- Assist teachers with classroom organization and preparation
- Support students with learning activities (as appropriate)
- Complete assigned tasks responsibly and efficiently
- Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and confidentiality
- Serve as a role model for younger students
Application required
YEARBOOK
Year-long course
Students will work on creating the New Summit Charter Academy yearbook. Students will learn the basics of camera usage and photography while taking photos of events throughout the school. Basic principles of yearbook production, such as layout and page design, will be taught. Students must use the cameras, computers, and yearbook software appropriately. There will be an emphasis on staying organized, working as a team, and meeting deadlines. After the yearbook is completed, students will work on project-based assignments.