Tuition-Free Online Middle School in Washington

LANGUAGE ARTS

Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of informational texts related to historical topics. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 6th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.

Grade 6 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit-long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self-management skills to plan activities.

MATH

In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

Students begin the year exploring geometry through the study of area and surface area of figures. They then move into a study of ratios, unit rates, unit pricing, and percentages. The semester concludes with an in-depth dive into dividing fractions, focusing not only on algorithms, but also conceptualizing and applying this skill. Additional course elements include real-world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SCIENCE

In this inquiry-based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.

Students begin the semester with a study of light and matter, exploring the phenomenon of one-way mirrors which act as both a window and a mirror. They will investigate how light transmission and reflection impacts how we see an object. Next, they will study thermal energy and learn how containers can keep materials hot or cold. During this study, they will investigate closed and open systems and the movement of particles. Finally, they will learn about cells and systems. Students will explore the systems of the body and investigate how we heal from injuries at a cellular level. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The World History 1 course recounts important historical themes and events in world history from the ancient world to the Medieval era. Topics include the following:

• Complex societies developed independently in different cradles of civilization, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, and Mesoamerica.
• Ancient Greece and Rome laid the foundations for Western civilization.
• The modern world religions of Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam have their roots in ancient and medieval civilizations.
• China introduced the world to new technologies—for example, silk making, paper, gunpowder, and new philosophies, such as Confucianism and Daoism.
• Mesoamerica and South America were home to developed civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, and Inca before the arrival of European conquerors.
• The African kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai dominated West Africa during Europe’s medieval period.

Students learn and apply skills related to geography, historical analysis and reasoning, evaluating and using primary and secondary sources, and developing logical arguments. Additionally, special topics, like ecotourism, are introduced and examined. Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self-management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections from the Harlem Renaissance, as well as a student-friendly version of Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 7th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.

Grade 7 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit-long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure
while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self-management skills to plan activities.

MATH

In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

Students begin the year exploring relationships between figures as they examine scaled copies and scale drawings. This transitions into learning about proportional and nonproportional relationships as well as how to represent proportional relationships with tables, graphs, and equations. Next, students learn about relationships within circles: measuring circles and finding the area and circumference of a circle. Finally, students conclude their study of proportional relationships by studying proportional relationships with fractions, percent increase and decrease, and application of percentages. Additional course elements include real-world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SCIENCE

In this inquiry-based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.

This semester begins with an investigation of bath bombs and the chemical reactions that happen when they are placed in water. Students will learn how matter can change forms while total mass remains the same. Next, students continue their study of chemical reactions as they learn about chemical reactions and energy. They investigate how to heat up food and how to create a flameless heater. Finally, they will explore ecosystems and how changing an ecosystem impacts living things. They will study the impact of various products on rainforests and on the plant and animal life within them. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

SOCIAL STUDIES

From the earliest human societies, principles of economics have influenced the way people live together and interact. Decisions about the production of goods and services, money, and trade helped shape the economies of historical and contemporary societies, including the United States. The middle school economics course recounts important concepts in economics and related events in world and U.S. history, including:

• People use natural resources, human resources, and capital resources to produce goods and services.
• Economies are shaped by interactions between consumers and producers.
• Scarcity, opportunity costs, and incentives all influence economic decision-making.
• Prices are largely influenced by the principles of supply and demand.
• A budget can be a helpful decision-making tool.
• Goods and services can be exchanged by barter, money, or credit.
• Anywhere—real or virtual—where people buy, sell, or trade goods and services is a marketplace.
• Economies are shaped by interactions between consumers and producers.
• Scarcity and opportunity cost influence economic decision-making.
• Prices are largely influenced by the principles of supply and demand.
• Anywhere—real or virtual—where people buy, sell, or trade goods and services is a marketplace.
• A society’s standard of living is influenced by factors such as availability of resources, availability of goods and services, and education.

Examples of these economic principles can be found throughout world history.

Students explore and develop skills in understanding economic principles, analyzing market behaviors, recognizing the roles of consumers and producers, evaluating economic decisions based on resource allocation, and understanding the impact of government policies on the economy. These skills will equip students to better understand the economic world around them.

Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills and to create a personal connection between students and content. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self-management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

WA STATE HISTORY

Students examine Washington state, from native and European contact to the present. The study of Washington state includes an examination of the state constitution and key treaties, including popular and tribal sovereignty issues. Through additional study of migration, differing cultural experiences, and human interactions with the environment, students will develop enduring understandings of the core concepts and ideas in civics, economics, geography, and history.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections from the Harlem Renaissance, as well as a student-friendly version of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 8th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, and reading.

Grade 8 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit-long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self-management skills to plan activities.

MATH

In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

This semester begins with an in-depth study of transformations. Students first learn about rigid transformations and congruence of shapes and angles in triangles. They then expand this knowledge to work with dilations and similarity of figures. Next, they begin to explore linear relationships as they find slopes and solve and graph linear equations. Finally, students learn more about linear equations in one variable and are introduced to systems of linear equations. Additional course elements include real-world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SCIENCE

In this inquiry-based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.

This semester begins with a study of motion and contact forces. Students will investigate ho changing the mass or speed of an object can affect forces in a collision, as well as learn ways to protect objects in a collision. Next, students investigate sound and how sounds can make matter move. They study sound waves and frequency and examine the effects of different pitches and volumes of sounds. Finally, students continue their study of forces by investigating magnets and the forces that they can apply on objects. They investigate magnetic fields, energy transfer, and the force pairs in magnetic fields. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

US HISTORY 1

The U.S. History 1 course recounts important historical themes and events in United States history from the precolonial era to the 1800s. Topics include the following:

• Theories of how the Americas were inhabited by diverse indigenous peoples.
• How the thirteen English colonies were established.
• How the Americans fought the British for liberty and justice.
• The creation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights soon after America’s independence from England, and the U.S. became the first country to create a government of the people.
• Compromise over the issue of slavery eventually led to the Civil War.

The Westward expansion of the United States provided economic opportunity for many and contributed to the growth of the nation, but it came at the price of Native-American sovereignty.

Students learn and apply skills related to geography, historical analysis and reasoning, evaluating and using primary and secondary sources, determining credibility or bias when gathering evidence, and developing claims and counterclaims. Additionally, special topics, like the electoral college, are introduced and examined.Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self-management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

US HISTORY 2

The U.S. History 2 course recounts important historical themes and events in modern United States history from the late 1800s to the 2000s. Topics include the following:

• The U.S. became a world power during the late 1800s and early 1900s, a period marked by immigration, industrialization, and urbanization.
• The U.S. experienced economic, technological, scientific, and social changes during the 1900s.
• The U.S. supported the Allies in World War I.
• The U.S. experienced highs and lows during the Roaring Twenties, the stock market crash, and the Great Depression.
• The U.S. entered World War II after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.
• The U.S. developed the atomic bomb.
• The U.S. and the Soviet Union competed for global influence during the Cold War.
• The 1960s and 1970s were decades of social change.
• The 1980s and 1990s saw economic growth and involvement in regional conflicts.

The early 2000s brought economic, environmental, political, and international challenges, including 9/11 and the war in Iraq.

Students learn and apply skills related to geography, problem solving, constructing historical arguments using reasoning, evaluating primary sources from multiple perspectives, distinguishing fact from opinion, and developing claims and counterclaims. Additionally, special topics, like analyzing political cartoons, are introduced and examined. Projects are provided to allow for a deeper application of skills. The projects are designed to foster independent learning by empowering students to make their own choices about the types of work products they create, the specific areas they wish to research, and the practical application of concepts. As students navigate these decisions, they develop self-management skills that help them organize, plan, and complete their activities effectively.

PRE ALGEBRA

* Teacher Recommendations, iReady scores, SBA scores, or Previous Enrollment

Read, set, go! Grade 8 Pre-Algebra is all about training to run the race of high school math. Students will strengthen their skills in topics like linear relationships, functions, and equations, and learn new skills that prepare them for Algebra 1. This course is designed with interactive learning and real-world activities to strengthen students’ math muscles for the race ahead.

6TH GRADE PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education 6 (1 of 1) explores fitness, nutrition, exercise basics, and specific sports. Topics include fundamental aspects of physical activity (safety tips, warm-up and cooldown exercises, and good sportsmanship), personal fitness and nutrition, and the importance of regular exercise to encourage lifelong healthy activity. Sports in the course include dance, baseball, basketball, pickleball, volleyball, soccer, and football. Project 1 creates a health and fitness log and project 2 explores the basics of golf.

7TH GRADE PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education 7 (1 of 1) explores the importance of physical fitness for good health and provides opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities. Topics include running, strength training, dancing, swimming, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, baseball, bowling, basketball, soccer, and football. Other activities include keeping an exercise and nutrition log and creating an exercise routine for themselves, as well as the importance of warming up and cooling down muscles before and after exercise, health-related versus skill-related fitness, goal setting, and safety.

8TH GRADE PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education 8 (1 of 1) explores personal health and wellness benefits of physical fitness with a variety of activities, a fitness and nutrition log, and two projects. Project one creates a personal fitness plan and project two creates a synchronized swim routine. Topics include endurance and flexibility applied in activities such as running, hiking, stretching, and dancing, as well as improving fitness and well-being with heart-rate monitoring, nutrition tracking, and interval training. Sports skills are practiced in pickleball, tennis, soccer, hockey, football, baseball, basketball, and bowling.

ART EXPLORATIONS

Introducing students to diverse areas in the arts can broaden their perspective on the arts in general. Arts Explorations encourages students to experience each of the modern arts disciplines including Visual Arts, Theatre, Music, Media Arts and Dance. Students will also be able to identify areas of special interest where they would like continued study and the ways that the arts can be a part of their career paths.

MS BASIC DRAWING

In Drawing, students will experiment with several different art materials and tools to see what each tool can do best. Students will explore ordinary things around them to become more observant of the structures and meanings of things which can be seen in their home and community. Student work will be their own study of the forms, textures, movements, and patterns of the things that are seen every day.

Each project and each lesson is based on the one before it; so lessons should be completed in the order they are given. Directions should be followed exactly regarding which materials, sizes, and subject matter to use for each project. Each lesson will be a study of a new way of drawing. The examples given will show only the method and materials to be used, never the same subject or size as the project assigned. The examples are never to be copied. An example will only show one way of using the technique described.

By becoming more observant, experimenting with new materials, and exploring a variety of methods, students will continue to grow in artistic skill and enjoyment. Beyond fundamental skills built are various levels of creativity. Each lesson provides room for expressing the technical skill learned in a unique, creative way.

Designed for grades 6-12

CHARACTER EDUCATION

Character Education (1 of 1) explores values of truthfulness, trustworthiness, responsibility, diligence, and integrity. The course offers specific, real world situations to interpret and connect to these traits to provide safe and appropriate ways to respond in real time. Topics included: identifying bullying, how to develop a bullying-prevention mindset.

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Do you have vacation photos or pics of your pet that need a little editing? How about getting ready to add that new selfie you took to your social media platform? Taking photos is an art, and editing photos is a skill that many photographers seek to master. Explore how to manipulate angles and lighting, the purpose for different types of photo files, how to use different software to edit photos, and safe places you can store them. You’ll be well on your way to being an editing guru when you’re done with this course.

COMPUTER BASICS

In this course you will learn how to use productivity and collaboration tools, such as G Suite by Google Cloud to create word processing documents, spreadsheets, surveys and forms such as personal budgets and invitations.

GAMING UNLOCKED

Gaming Unlocked (1 of 1) researches the basics of gaming, from what makes games fun to what makes them work by exploring quality in a variety of games such as mental games, board games, and video games.

MS 2D STUDIO ART

Do you like to draw, paint, or take pictures? Whatever medium you prefer, this course will teach you the design elements and principles needed to create a work of art and explore your artistic inspirations. You’ll also travel back in time to look at art in different cultures and learn about the art of critiquing. Let’s turn your creative dreams into reality!

MS CAREER EXPLORATION 1

How do you pick a career path when you’re not sure what’s even out there? This course allows you to begin exploring options in fields such as teaching, business, government, hospitality, health science, IT, and more! You’ll align your interests, wants, and needs to career possibilities, including the required education for each. Let’s find a pathway that works for you.

MS CAREER EXPLORATION 2

Imagine that it’s 20 years from now. What career do you see yourself in? What do you imagine that you’ll be doing? In this course, you’ll explore more careers and what it takes to succeed in different fields. You’ll learn more about what steps are needed to prepare for your career and how to compare the pros and cons of different career choices to find one that’s best for you.

MS DIGITAL ART AND DESIGN

The world is filled with so many different forms of art – including digital art. In this course, you’ll explore this special genre of art found in everything from advertising to animation to photography and beyond. Additionally, you’ll tap into your creative side to create digital art and make it come alive!

MS FINANCIAL LITERACY

“Money makes the world go round,” but that’s only because we move it through exchanges, transactions, and financial tools. In this course, you will examine how our economy works through decisions about spending and saving, lending and borrowing, and how institutions play a key role in moving money. You will also explore how credit and interest work, investing, and what you can expect to earn over the length of your career. Once all of the pieces are in place, you’ll discover how you can begin investing in yourself today so your future is everything you dream it can be. Let’s get started!

MS HEALTH

Middle School Health (1 of 1) explores how behavioral choices, such as nutrition and physical activity, affect health, then provides information to make healthy choices. Topics included: nutrition and physical activity; growth, development, and sexual health; safety and injury prevention; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; mental, emotional, and social health; and personal and community health.

INTRO TO AG

* High school credit for grades 7-8

The word “agriculture” often evokes images of farms, fields, and livestock, and while all of these representations are correct and essential, the field of Agriculture is so much more! In Agriscience I: Introduction, you’ll explore how agri scientists play key roles in improving agriculture, food production, and the conservation of natural resources along with the technologies used to keep the field thriving. Are you ready to explore the diverse careers in agriscience and how you can prepare to positively impact the planet? Let’s get growing!

Have you ever strolled past a bright green cauliflower at the market and paused to ponder its unusual color? Ever wonder why “broccolini” is suddenly a thing? Well, if you find yourself curiously questioning these, and other, peculiar vegetables and wondering about the role of agriculture in the modern world, Agriscience II is for you. Learn how science and technology are revolutionizing our food supply and promoting innovative ways to produce healthy plant-based foods, such as developing better hybrids and growing edible plants in challenging places. Food is our most essential resource; see how plant science will change the face of eating in the 21st century and give us the knowledge to continually improve our green thumbs!

MS JOURNALISM

Are you someone who likes to write to get the story straight? Skilled journalists know how to find key facts and write them up in a way that makes it easy for others to read. In this course, you’ll learn how to ask the right questions, how to gather information effectively, organize ideas, format stories, and edit your articles. Get ready to break that news!

MS STEM

You’ve probably heard of STEM, but what exactly is it? STEM is the process of applying a combination of science, technology, engineering, and math and brainstorming, building, testing, and seeking answers through research. In this course, you’ll begin to develop these skills and learn how STEM can shape the future and even solve the world’s biggest problems through innovation. Seems pretty cool, right? Let’s start digging for answers into this groundbreaking subject!

SCRATCH CODING

Scratch Coding (1 of 1) introduces the basics and logic of programming language in Scratch. Topics include introducing and using the different tools in Scratch; creating programs that include loops, variables, lists, or conditionals; and identifying and fixing errors in a program. The course concludes with putting the tools and concepts altogether to create a larger program.

SM WORLD GEOGRAPHY – EASTERN HEMISPHERE

World Geography (Eastern focus) continues the exploration of the five themes of geography with a focus on the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Cultural beliefs and social and political systems are examined within the context of countries, regions, and global interactions.

SM WORLD GEOGRAPHY – WESTERN HEMISPHERE

World Geography (Western focus) explores the five themes of geography, analyzes the earth’s processes, and how the processes impact both physical and human geography. Both physical and political maps are studied to examine trends and impacts with a focus on the Americas, Central Asia, and Europe.

SPANISH FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

* 7th and 8th grade only

Introduces the basics of the Spanish language by learning through reading, writing, listening, and speaking about personal interests and hobbies, asking for directions, and discovering the cultures of some Spanish-speaking countries, such Mexico and Colombia.

Explores how to discuss activities with friends, using vocabulary associated with restaurants, traveling, vacations, and exploring cultures of some Spanish-speaking countries, such as Argentina, Spain, and Peru.