Integrated Studies

5th Grade

Fifth graders explore the wonders and science of Cultures in Conflict, study ecosystems and environmental stewardship in Word Play, dive into historical perseverance in The Civil War, and analyze character transformation through Heritage.

Students refine critical reading skills by analyzing how structural elements contribute to a text, explaining how an author uses reasons and evidence to support points, and comparing texts from different genres. Writing instruction focuses on composing formal, multi-paragraph essays with clear introductions, text-based evidence, logical transitions, and strong conclusions.

Module Overview

6th Grade

Sixth graders examine resilience and survival in Resilience in the Great Depression, explore medieval history and leadership in A Hero’s Journey, investigate environmental conservation in Narrative in the Natural World, and study systemic change through Courage in Crisis.

Middle school students advance to evaluating how authors develop central ideas and character perspectives over the course of a text. Writing development centers on crafting formal argumentative and informative essays, incorporating well-integrated textual citations, analyzing figurative language, and practicing structured academic discussions.

Module Overview

7th Grade

Seventh graders analyze choices and identity in Identity in the Middle Ages, study historical movements and civil rights in Americans All, examine how society interacts with science in Language and Power, and explore storytelling mechanisms in Pushed to the Brink.

Students focus on close reading to analyze how authors build arguments, evaluate the soundness of reasoning, and trace theme development across complex texts. Their writing shifts to formal synthesis—blending evidence from multiple print and digital sources into coherent argumentative and explanatory compositions.

Module Overview

8th Grade

Eighth graders engage in high-level critical thinking by investigating human strength in A Great Love, studying historical impacts in The War to End All Wars (WWI), analyzing power and justice in Subversion and Conformity, and reflecting on future innovation in Teens with a Purpose.

Eighth graders master high-level textual analysis, focusing on how specific dialogue or incidents shape story plots, identifying author bias, and evaluating opposing arguments. Writing mastery is demonstrated through rigorous research essays, persuasive arguments backed by verified evidence, and sophisticated stylistic writing that prepares them for high school coursework.

Module Overview