Sixth grade ELA focuses on continuing to build writers who refine their own work, including vocabulary development, grammar, and writing. The vocabulary program continues with the next level, and the study of grammar focuses on how the use of correct grammar helps writing be clear, correct and interesting. There are many opportunities for expression through informal writing times and discussion. The course also builds on the introduction to literary elements and analysis begun in fifth grade. Students write, discuss, and synthesize information into projects in response to novels studied in class. The boys also read books outside of class to meet Accelerated Reading goals. 

Sixth grade mathematics is a time to solidify the computational skills of the boys while preparing them for algebraic thinking. This course focuses on strengthening previously learned mathematical concepts while introducing new topics such as exponents, simple equations, integers, multiplication/division of fractions, rates, ratios, percents, and a development of statistical analysis. There is also a heavy emphasis on problem solving and logical thinking. The Regis School utilizes the In Focus Math program—a Singapore Math system which engages students through technology, hands-on learning, and written activities. The Accelerated Math program helps reinforce previously learned concepts and allows for different learning styles.

We are pleased to have a Math Specialist, Math Resource Teacher, and Reading Specialist as members of our Regis faculty. These content area specialists partner closely with classroom teachers in all grade levels to further support all that our boys are learning. Our specialists are actively involved in daily classroom instruction and also instruct students in our STEM Lab, Math Institute, and the Cogan Reading Room.

Beginning in sixth grade, students choose one language on which to concentrate their study through eighth grade.

French: Sixth grade French is a formalized study of the language and culture. It assists students in developing grammatical accuracy, while at the same time working on oral and written proficiency. The students carry on beginning level conversations integrating new vocabulary and begin to formulate questions and answers in present and future tenses. 

Latin: Sixth grade Latin explores the language through stories of ancient Rome. Students are encouraged to see the similarities in sentence structure and many English vocabulary words.

Spanish: Sixth grade Spanish focuses on building proficiency in the Spanish language through the knowledge and practice of correct grammatical rules, phonic awareness, and vocabulary reinforcement. Students become familiar with Latin American cultures through a variety of activities, crafts, programs, and presentations.

Students engage in hands-on science learning that emphasizes critical thinking and science process skills using the FOSS and Baylor College of Medicine science curriculum kits as well as the online Glencoe textbook, Earth Science. Inquiry experiences guide the students in building their content knowledge. During this course, the students explore planetary science, earth history, and electronics and robotics. 

Sixth grade Social Studies is an overview of World History. This course gives an understanding of the emergence of the modern world through the study of its past. Students examines the social, political, economic, and geographic aspects of the world at large. A strong emphasis is placed on connecting the past to current events. 

The emphasis of the sixth grade program is the study of the Old Testament as the revelation of God in the history of His people. The students utilize their text, the Catechism, the Bible, small group study, and prayer journal entries to enhance and expand their understanding of these subjects. While continually incorporating the Sacred Heart Goals, students also learn about lives of the saints, examine the sacraments, and study the importance of religious holy days as they occur during the year. 

Art: In sixth grade, the boys will learn to demonstrate technical skills effectively using a variety of art media and materials to produce drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures, fiber-art, photographic imagery, and electronic media-generated art. They will illustrate these skills through themes from direct observation, personal experience, and traditional events.  

Music: In sixth grade music, students develop their skills through studying theory, instruments, singing, creating and composing, and preparing for music performances. Additionally, brass hand bells are introduced in sixth grade. Technology is incorporated using a variety of music software as well as having the students create their own music video.

The laptop program begins in sixth grade. Students use their new laptop computers to learn the applications used in other middle school courses, including introducing the iLife Suite (iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band) and iWorks (Keynote, Numbers, and Pages), as well as reinforcing skills learned in the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and Power Point). 

Sixth grade health uses the Healthy Lifestyle Choices curriculum based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), School Health Education Resources (SHER) initiative, and National Health Education Standards. This comprehensive program focuses on overall mental, physical, and emotional health. It encourages positive health behaviors and guides students in becoming advocates for their own health. 

Sixth grade physical education develops individual athletic skills, introduces the rules and skills of team sports, and promotes overall fitness. Throughout the year, the boys practice skills to help them maintain good cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Before each Regis athletic season, the boys are introduced to that season’s sport: soccer at the beginning of the year, basketball in the late fall and rugby in the winter. In addition, the boys learn the skills and rules for football, baseball, and track.

Starting in fifth grade, all students participate in the Advisory program. Each student is part of an Advisory group that meets daily for a variety of activities, such as team-building, discussions of topics relevant to adolescent boys, study skills, health lessons, and more. The advisory members, as well as their advisor, stay together for the remainder of Middle School, creating close relationships and support structures, and giving each student an adult who is particularly invested in them. 

Eighth grade ELA focuses on vocabulary development, reading comprehension, review and reinforcement of basic grammar usage, and essential writing skills. The students learn the general skills and strategies of the writing process, how to use grammatical and mechanical conventions in written composition, and how to use reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of texts. They read one to two books per trimester as a class and are required to read Accelerated Reader books outside of class. The students write journal entries and papers as well as complete projects each semester. 

Algebra: Algebra serves as a foundation aimed toward exposing students to the continued study of higher mathematics in high school. Students develop an understanding of variables, expression, and equations and their use in problem solving. The course also explores the foundations of algebra through the study of basic axioms, definitions, and properties. 

Pre-Algebra: Eighth grade pre-algebra reviews previous material and continues to further the students’ computational proficiency while developing mastery of basic number concepts. The curriculum includes solving equations with fractions and decimals, solving and graphing inequalities, graphing linear equations, and solving motion and work problems.

We are pleased to have a Math Specialist, Math Resource Teacher, and Reading Specialist as members of our Regis faculty. These content area specialists partner closely with classroom teachers in all grade levels to further support all that our boys are learning. Our specialists are actively involved in daily classroom instruction and also instruct students in our STEM Lab, Math Institute, and the Cogan Reading Room.

Eighth grade students continue the focused study of the foreign language they chose. 

French: Eighth grade French is a continuation of the formalized study of the French language and culture. It assists students in developing grammatical accuracy, while at the same time working on oral and written proficiency. The students read and discuss short stories to practice conversations integrating new vocabulary. French grammar focuses on past, present, and future tenses.

Latin: Eighth grade Latin continues the study of vocabulary and grammar using the Cambridge Latin Course, Unit 2, supplemented by Wheelock’s Latin. Building on their study of culture and history in sixth and seventh grade Latin, eighth grade focuses specifically on the Imperial period of Roman history.

Spanish: Spanish in eighth grade is designed to give students a complete Level I high school course at the middle school level. It is a continuation of the formalized study of the Spanish language and cultures and assists students in developing grammatical accuracy, while at the same time working toward oral and written proficiency.

Eighth grade students engage in hands-on science learning that emphasizes scientific thinking and science process skills using the FOSS and Baylor College of Medicine science curriculum kits as well as the online Glencoe textbook, Introduction to Physical Science. The goal of the course is for students to experience science and develop their understanding and knowledge of the natural world, to engage in scientific thinking and processes, and to communicate in a scientific manner. During this course, students are introduced to both chemistry and physics. 

This course is an overview of United States history, government, and politics. The scope and sequence of this curriculum begins with European exploration and discovery of the New World, continues through American Independence and ends with the Civil War and Reconstruction era. An added component of this course is the study and discussion of current events through the use of contemporary media. Additionally, through chronological study, this course examines the social, political, economic, and geographic aspects of the United States. 

This course focuses on the teachings and traditions of the Church as well as Church history from its beginning at Pentecost. Topics include nourishing God’s gift of faith, ancestors in faith, what it means to be Catholic, Catholic morality, Catholic social teaching, and liturgical seasons of the Church. The boys are continually encouraged to incorporate the five Sacred Heart Goals in their daily lives. 

Eighth graders choose either art or music as an elective.

Art: Students will select appropriate art materials and tools to interpret subjects or themes when producing drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures, photography/film making, and electronic media-generated art both traditionally and experimentally. They will apply design skills to their art to communicate effectively ideas and thoughts in everyday life. 

Music: Eighth grade music focuses on advancing the boys’ technical skills and knowledge as well as allowing them to discover new talents. Students will experience music through studying theory, instruments, singing, creating and composing, and preparing for music performances. Technology is incorporated using a variety of music software as well as having the students create their own music video.

In eighth grade, students complete projects that incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and math. From making Rube Goldberg machines to programing Spheros, the boys creations are only limited by their imaginations.

Eighth grade health uses the Healthy Lifestyle Choices curriculum based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), School Health Education Resources (SHER) initiative, and National Health Education Standards. This comprehensive program focuses on overall mental, physical, and emotional health. It encourages positive health behaviors and guides students in becoming advocates for their own health. 

Physical Education develops individual athletic skills, covers the rules and skills of team sports, and promotes overall fitness. Throughout the year, the boys practice skills to help them maintain good cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Before each Regis athletic season, the boys review that season’s sport, soccer at the beginning of the year, basketball in the late fall, and rugby in the winter. In addition, the boys learn the skills and rules for football, baseball, and track. 

Starting in fifth grade, all students participate in the Advisory program. Each student is part of an Advisory group that meets daily for a variety of activities, such as team-building, discussions of topics relevant to adolescent boys, study skills, health lessons, and more. The advisory members, as well as their advisor, stay together for the remainder of Middle School, creating close relationships and support structures, and giving each student an adult who is particularly invested in them.