Eighth Grade Curriculum

Grammar

Students are expected to speak and write clearly, using excellent grammar and punctuation skills.

Spelling and Vocabulary

Primary text is Wordly Wise.

Literature

Students complete a two-year study of several classical texts, including The Odyssey, Antony and Cleopatra, The Scarlet Letter, Pride and Prejudice, and Animal Farm.

Writing

Students are expected to write in various genres with fluency.

Latin

Text is Cambridge Latin, Unit 2 and Unit 3.

Logic

Primary text is The Art of the Argument by Aaron Larsen, Joelle Judge, and Christopher Perrin. Students are trained in the crucial skills of defining terms, recognizing basic types of statements,  and identifying informal fallacies.

Math

Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Introduction to Geometry are taught over a two-year period. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and critical thinking. Interactive, hands-on classes use graphing calculators to gather, understand, and interpret data. Mathematical computer programs like Geometer’s Sketchpad and Fathom are utilized to further visual and kinesthetic understanding of mathematical concepts.

Science

Prentice Hall Physical Science and Prentice Hall Earth Science are covered in Seventh and Eighth Grades, providing lab-based, hands-on experiential learning.

History and Geography

Ancient Civilization through modern World History are covered in the Seventh and Eighth Grades. Key events studied are the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the French Revolution, and the American Civil War. Students graduate from Geneva School familiar with the regions of the globe and able to identify key world countries, cities, lakes, rivers, mountain ranges, deserts, and other important geographical regions.

Bible

Students complete Christian Studies II and Christian Studies III, studying and memorizing key passages from Old and New Testatment books from the invasion of Canaan to the vision of John. Students complete their three-year study of Church History.

Music

Students study the music of America (late 1800s to present day), including songs from pre- and post-slavery field laborers to jazz and contemporary-electronic music styles. Through hands-on learning, students use recording software and sound boards to lay tracks and record classic and original tunes. Students leave Geneva School well prepared to participate in music at the seconary school level.

Visual Arts

Focus is on developing a deeper understanding of the elements of art and principles of design. Continued study of history of art from the Renaissance period to modern day.

Physical Education

Focused training in skills, rules, and strategy of key sports (basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and badminton).