Junior House Academics

English

Literature is chosen to enhance the moral and ethical curriculum and to begin the development of analytical and critical reading skills through the in-depth study of contemporary and classical novels, short stories, plays and poetry. Students are taught skills including note-taking, highlighting, and annotation of texts. Instruction is essay writing emphasizes ideas, organization, voice, and sentence fluency and variety. Vivid vocabulary and correct grammatical usage are taught and expected in written work.

History

In Grade 7, students study American History from the exploration of the Americas to the beginning of the Civil War. Students develop such skills as distinguishing between fact and opinion, recognizing propaganda, understanding different perspectives, resolving conflicts, evaluating strengths and weaknesses of arguments, and comparing and contrasting time periods. The study of American History continues in Grade 8 with the exploration of people and events from the Civil War through the present day. In Grade 9 students focus on world cultures and the advancement of human societies.

Mathematics

A variety of mathematics courses are offered to Junior House students. Groupings are designed to provide instruction at all levels so that all students are challenged. The focus of the curriculum is to provide students with a solid foundation in both algebra and geometry. All courses involve the use of manipulatives and all courses stress the application of mathematics in the real world. Graphing calculators, algebra software, Goemeter's Sketchpad and other technology is used extensively throughout the mathematics curriculum.

Science

Junior House students study life science, physical science and introductory physics. As students proceed through the curriculum, they learn to maintain a scientific notebook, to manipulate equipment and to make accurate observations from which they can draw significant conclusions. Emphasis is placed on deductive reasoning skills. The scientific method is applied in class work and lab work.

Junior House students also receive instruction in foreign language (including Latin), fine arts, art appreciation, music, drama, physical education, ethics and community service. Junior House students also participate in student clubs. For more information, click on the highlighted program.