Eastside Christian Middle School
Preparing students to rise to the demands of high school and beyond
In addition to academic preparation for high school, we recognize that middle school students need a safe environment in which to learn and develop. Our faculty and staff integrate social skills, strong relationships, and character building as core values in daily middle school programming. Additionally, the development of personal faith in our students drives our instructional design and classroom practices.
Teachers in the Middle School come alongside students to offer an engaging environment in which all learning styles are served. A blend of traditional teaching techniques with hands-on experiences helps students establish a foundation of skills and worldview that prepare them for success in high school and beyond.
In addition to helping establish academic success, small student-to-teacher ratios and our focus on teaching from a Christ-centered perspective are both essential ingredients to providing an environment in which healthy social and emotional skills grow. Additionally, a variety of curriculum offerings allow students to grow skills in traditional subjects as well as engineering, music, art, computer, Spanish, and physical education.
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Middle School Curriculum
Middle school years present an important time for fostering a love for learning, developing character and strong relationships, and building faith. Our teachers and students embark on this journey together, focusing on establishing a safe learning environment that brings out the best in each student. Teachers equip students with real-life strategies to excel academically and own and defend their faith throughout their high school career and beyond. We offer a variety of elective classes that provide students with opportunities to pursue their passions. Students also participate in standardized testing throughout their time at the Middle School.
Mathematics
From mastery of fractions and decimals to algebra, students focus on developing reasoning skills that will serve them in high school mathematics. Critical thinking remains a priority for students as they continue building on basic concepts and explore more complex problem solving skills. As in our Lower School, students are encouraged to look for the order and structure in God’s creation as they learn.
English
Students build communications skills and broaden their perspectives through studies in literature, vocabulary, grammar, and writing. Teachers guide instruction by introducing students to various forms and genres of literature and providing opportunity for discussion and analysis. Teachers instill a high standard for communication skills through research projects, creative writing, and presentations.
History
Teachers provide opportunities for students to develop greater understanding of our country, our world, and diverse cultures through studies in history. Students engage in a wide range of projects and benefit from field trips that help to solidify the lessons of history. Responsibility and compassion are values that students explore and develop through their studies and experiences.
Science
Teachers guide students through instruction, labs, and hands-on learning opportunities in life, earth, and physical science. Students continue to develop curiosity and appreciation for the scientific method as they gain an understanding of how God created the word to operate around them.
Technology
Students interact with technology throughout middle school instruction, and teachers model the use of technology in daily classroom instruction. There are also regular opportunities for students to build mastery in essential skills like keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheet manipulation, and desktop publishing. Students develop Internet research skills and the planning and creation of multimedia presentations.
Bible
Establishing a biblical worldview for our students is a top priority in all curriculum. Bible class offers an environment where the gospel, Christian values, and worldview are explored as students gain greater confidence in defending their faith in high school and beyond. Instruction focuses on Scripture memory, Bible study, and apologetics. Middle School chapel provides an engaging environment for students to worship and learn together.
S.T.E.M. / Introduction to Making
Students learn how to use technology and manual tools to design and build projects. Students learn how to develop budgets and materials lists, use equipment, and design and execute a building plan. Students brainstorm, design, create prototypes, and improve their projects using the engineering cycle.
Spanish
Students learn how to be world citizens by embracing the gifts of language and cultural learning. The eighth grade Spanish program offers technology-integrated instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and provides opportunities for students to develop independence, confidence, and appreciation for the richness of other cultures.
Music
Confidence and appreciation for the arts hold high value in the Middle School program. Music electives in band and chorus give a wide range of paths for students to explore God’s gift of music. Students receive valuable character training as they support and encourage each other in performances throughout the year. Students also learn how the arts are an expression of God’s creativity and are an opportunity to worship Him.
Set Design & Construction
Open to accepted seventh and eighth grade students, the class learns about the stage, the role the set plays in a musical's success, and what tools are needed to create the set. The students, along with parent volunteers, work through the complete process of set design and creation to a completed set for the spring musical.
Visual Arts
Instruction in visual arts incorporates traditional and historical studies as well as graphic design. Students explore the visual arts through hands-on learning in painting, drawing, sculpting, ceramics, and printmaking techniques. The visual arts program provides a safe atmosphere for students to gain experience in self-expression as they gain deeper appreciation for God’s gift of beauty and creativity.
Video Productions
Students learn how to develop a storyboard, how to use a variety of film and sound equipment to create footage, how to edit video and sound, and how to do general production tasks. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through hands-on projects and service opportunities. A full audio and television lab and studio offer environments for students to produce film and informational media.
Yearbook
Yearbook gives students the opportunity to reflect the incredible art, design, and heart of the Lord as they create a book that records the story of Eastside Christian School each year. The middle school yearbook class provides students with the opportunity to dive into the following aspects of scholastic journalism and print production: interviewing, reporting, page design, photography, page editing, and deadlines. The class culminates with the presentation of ROAR, the 120+ page, full-color yearbook, during a spring yearbook chapel.
Lifetime Fitness
Lifetime Fitness is a physical education course focused on training students in exercise and healthy activities that they can continue to pursue throughout their life. This course includes running/walking, stretching, strength and conditioning, along with team sports and skill development promoting physical activity for a lifetime.
Are you ready to see first-hand how we equip students for success in learning and development?
Field Trips
Experiences enhance learning and shape students’ view of the world around them. The Middle School field trips focus on student fellowship and bonding, hands-on learning, cultural awareness, and appreciation of the arts.
Camp Glisson
The school year begins with our Middle School Retreat at Camp Glisson. This trip is an opportunity to build community, cast vision, and set a strong foundation for the year ahead.
Washington, DC
One of the highlights of the eighth grade year at Eastside Christian School is a trip to our nation’s capital. During this four-day, three-night trip, students pair hands-on experience with the material they’ve been studying. The agenda may include visiting each of the memorials, touring the Capitol and the White House, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and visiting Mt. Vernon.
Excellence in learning, strong relationships, vibrant community. Come experience Eastside Christian School.
Student Life
Student life at Eastside Christian School includes a wide range of extracurricular activities from which students can choose. These opportunities provide environments for students to develop skills, practice collaboration and teamwork, and explore their passions.
Sports programs include girls and boys basketball, cross-country, soccer, swim, and tennis; baseball for boys; and cheerleading and volleyball for girls. An annual Middle School musical production, spelling competitions, DEN activities, and community service experiences round out extracurricular opportunities.
Discover the Eastside Christian School difference today.