CREATIVE LEARNING ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL (FIFTH - EIGHTH GRADES)

CLA teachers understand that middle school is not a junior version of high school, nor is it an extension of primary grades. A middle school is a very special place, specifically designed to meet the needs of boys and girls at this very challenging point in their lives. Special attention to the students is accomplished through an Advisor/Advisee leadership program at each grade level where a teacher acts as a mentor to the students. The Middle School Division is committed to individualized attention. Students take a challenging prescribed curriculum of core academic courses and an extensive array of enrichments. Spanish is required, as well as art, music, technology, and research instruction. Interscholastic sports are an important part of middle school life and full participation is encouraged.


Science

All science classes in the Middle School are hands-on, exploratory-based labs designed to pique our students’ intellectual curiosity to discover the world around them! Fifth grade science is an integrated study of various science topics.  Students are exposed to the scientific methodology through class demonstrations and labs.  The sixth grade science curriculum is a study of Earth Science.  Students learn such skills as internet research, library research, graphing, and the metric system, all within the framework of scientific discovery. In the seventh grade, the focus is Life Science with subjects ranging from genetics to anatomy. Students have the opportunity to utilize microscopes and to dissect a variety of species from an earthworm to a shark. Correct laboratory procedures are taught and utilized throughout the year.  Students in the eighth grade study Physical Science, which introduces aspects of physics and chemistry.  Students have the opportunity to do research in order to gain greater understanding of the concepts taught.


Social Studies

The social studies curriculum is designed to develop students' self-awareness and critical thinking skills through exploration of culture, history and government. CLA's program is designed to promote civic competence and to develop well-educated students who will be better prepared to live as responsible, effective, and productive citizens within a global society. The fifth grade explores Ancient Civilizations.  Students learn about the first humans and all major early civilizations.  During the sixth grade geography course, students learn to appreciate the multicultural diversity of the world's people. Learning is further reinforced by participation in the National Geographic Geography Bee. During the seventh grade American history course, students learn to understand past events with relationship to modern events. Learning is reinforced through participation in the national History Fair. The eighth grade civics/economics course provides the medium to help students learn to appreciate our nation's government. Study of our government instills pride in our nation and prepares students to become active and informed citizens. On the Civics side, students participate in E-Congress through the Youth Leadership Initiative.  To make economics more meaningful for the students, they participate in the Stock Market Game.


Language Arts

The curriculum for middle school Language Arts builds on elementary concepts, but moves students toward literary analysis. Students are introduced to plot elements and learn to analyze a text for theme and author’s message. The CLA interdisciplinary Language Arts approach supports students’ need to read and write for information in both Science and Social Studies and revolves around developing and enhancing reading comprehension and writing skills, in addition to fostering a knowledge and appreciation for various types of literature. Writing skills involve learning correct paragraph organization and structure, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. Although the standards are high, a student's overall effort and achievements are considered along with their individual ability to master assigned tasks. After their initial introduction to the curriculum's components in fifth grade, students continue to be challenged with more complex writing and reading tasks until their completion of the eighth grade.  Throughout the years, middle school students build on the grammar programs that began in kindergarten.


Math

Each grade level is grouped to allow for the most individualized instruction in mathematics. End of the year evaluations, pre-testing, and standardized test scores are used to help with student placement at the middle school level. As the year progresses, teachers may reevaluate student needs and make changes in student placement. Fifth and sixth graders are usually divided into two groups, both using the same text, but proceeding at different rates dictated by student need. Seventh and eighth graders may be divided into groups based on their abilities and performance of the previous year. Seventh graders will take advanced Pre-Algebra, eighth graders will take Algebra, with the more advanced classes moving at a faster pace. Occasionally, truly gifted students with the necessary resources are able to take Geometry through independent study. All middle school students participate in the Florida Math League and also have the opportunity to participate in the MATHCOUNTS program.


Foreign Language: Spanish

The Spanish curriculum in the middle school is designed to expand the four language learning skills.  These skills primarily focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing.  
In the fifth grade the Spanish course focuses on the Spanish language and culture.  We begin with a review of the basic Spanish vocabulary and progress to various themes.  There is also an expansion on grammar, especially the conjugation of verbs in the present tense. We use the textbooks along with other resources such as workbooks, videos; CDs, DVDs and the Internet to further enhance the students’ skills, as well as their knowledge of the culture of several Spanish-speaking countries. In the sixth grade the students will continue with the same textbook. The fifth and sixth grade Spanish classes are designed to be the equivalent to a level one Spanish course. In the seventh and eighth grades a semester enrichment course is offered. Using the textbook, along with the accompanying workbook, audio CD and video, students will experience contemporary life situations. They will continue to develop language and cultural competency.  The lessons are short and manageable.  The students are exposed to Spanish culture and grammar using a conversational approach.  Links to web sites with projects and a grammar and vocabulary listing keep students motivated, interested and engaged.