Spanish I is an introductory course designed to develop students’ foundational communication skills in the Spanish language. Using the Vale curriculum, students build proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through meaningful, real-world contexts.

The course introduces basic vocabulary, grammar structures, and pronunciation while emphasizing communication over memorization. Students learn to exchange information about themselves and their surroundings, describe daily activities, and interact appropriately in culturally relevant situations.

In addition to language skills, Spanish I integrates cultural studies that highlight the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. Students gain an appreciation for cultural practices, perspectives, and traditions, supporting both linguistic development and global awareness.

7th Grade Geography is a world studies course that explores the relationship between place, culture, history, and human interaction. Using a variety of instructional sources and inquiry-based activities, students examine how geography has shaped civilizations and belief systems across time.

Major units focus on the cultural and historical geography of China, Medieval Japan, and the Middle East, with particular attention to trade networks, religious traditions, political systems, and technological innovation. The course also examines the Renaissance as a period of cultural exchange and transformation, followed by a study of imperialism and its lasting global impacts.

Throughout the course, students develop geographic literacy by analyzing maps, primary and secondary sources, and visual media. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, comparative analysis, and understanding how historical events continue to shape the modern world.

7th Grade – This year-long course introduces students to key concepts in life, Earth, and physical science. Students study cells, human body systems, reproduction and growth, and the relationships among populations, communities, and ecosystems. They also explore natural resources and the impact of human activity on the environment. Physical science topics include waves and electromagnetic radiation, electricity and magnetism, and information technologies. Hands-on investigations and problem-solving activities support scientific thinking and real-world connections.

This class is designed to deepen student’s understanding and prepare them for pre-algebra concepts.  Students extend their understanding of rational numbers, develop algebraic reasoning through expressions and equations, and explore proportional relationships.  Instruction also emphasizes percentages, geometry, statistics, and probability and data analysis. Throughout the year, students use mathematical reasoning and problem-solving strategies to make connections, communicate mathematical ideas, and apply mathematics in meaningful contexts, following the Indiana Academic Standards for Mathematics.

This course is designed for students who have shown strong mathematical ability and readiness for instruction beyond 7th grade standards.  Advanced 7th grade placement is based on standardized tests and teacher recommendations.  This accelerated course integrates all 7th- and 8th- grade standards, preparing students for high school mathematics.  This course requires additional practice and occasional independent work to support mastery of grade-level standards.

8th Grade U.S. History is a chronological survey of American history from the colonial period through the early 20th century.  Students examine the political, social, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the development of the United States.

Key topics include colonization, the American Revolution, the formation of the Constitution, westward expansion, slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, industrialization, and the rise of the United States as a global power. Students engage with primary sources, historical narratives, and structured inquiry activities to evaluate multiple perspectives and historical causation.

The course emphasizes historical thinking skills such as sourcing, contextualization, argumentation, and evidence-based reasoning, helping students understand how past decisions continue to influence contemporary American society.

8th Grade - This year-long course introduces students to key concepts of chemistry, physics, genetics, and earth science.  Students study atomic structure, bonding and compounds, acids and bases, and synthetic materials.  They also explore forces and motion such as gravity and friction, speed and acceleration. Genetics and natural selection over time includes topics such as chromosomes, heredity, and genetic technologies. The Earth history unit introduces students to carbon dating, fossils and the geologic time scale. Hands-on investigations and problem-solving activities support scientific thinking and real-world connections.  

8th Grade Math is designed to help students deepen their mathematical understanding in preparation for algebra.  The course builds on concepts learned in earlier grades by extending number sense to include irrational numbers and connecting ratio and proportional reasoning to linear functions.Students explore algebra and functions including solving and graphing linear equations and systems, inequalities, geometry and measurement including congruence, similarity, and the Pythagorean Theorem.  The students also expand their skills in data analysis, statistics, and probability. 

This course is designed for students who have shown strong mathematical ability and readiness for instruction beyond 8th grade standards.  Algebra 1 formalizes and extends the mathematics students learned in the middle school grades.  The curriculum is aligned with the Indiana Academic Standards and the content areas include Number Systems, Expressions, and Functions; Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Functions; Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities; Quadratic and Exponential Equations and Functions; and Data Analysis and Statistics.  This course prepares students for Geometry and higher-level high school mathematics and is offered for two high school mathematics credits. 

Students in grades 7 and 8 participate in Art as part of the Related Arts rotation. Each student attends art class for a 9-week session, allowing focused exploration of visual art concepts and creative skill development.

Art instruction is designed to be developmentally appropriate and flexible, meeting students where they are while aligning with Indiana Academic Standards for Visual Arts. Lessons are thoughtfully adapted to support a wide range of abilities, learning styles, and prior experience.

Throughout the course, students engage in hands-on projects that emphasize:

• The elements and principles of art

• Creative problem-solving and visual thinking

• Craftsmanship and safe use of materials

• Personal expression and artistic voice

Students are encouraged to take creative risks, reflect on their work, and build confidence as artists. The goal of the program is not only to teach foundational art skills, but also to foster creativity, perseverance, and appreciation for the arts.

Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) for 7th and 8th graders- This course focuses on preparing students to be independent, productive citizens.  This is achieved through five core domains designed to help students manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse society. Those domains include Financial Literacy, Nutrition and Wellness, Human Development and Relationships, Career Planning and Continued Education, and Life Skills and Resource Management.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in Food/Cooking and Sewing Labs to learn introductory/basic skills.

PE is offered to 7th and 8th grade students daily on a quarterly basis.  8th graders may take 2 quarters to qualify for high school credit.  During this course, students spend time in the gym and the classroom learning the importance of lifelong healthy habits.  We focus on the importance of daily physical activity, teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance by playing active games, doing group projects, and learning new skills that are often student directed.  Proper technique is demonstrated and practiced for basic calisthenics, stretches and dynamic movements.   Each student is encouraged to focus on personal growth, both physically and socially.