Grade 7 Curriculum

Overview

Seventh Grade students are ready to take on greater challenges and embrace expanded opportunities to learn, lead, and grow within their school and local communities. The year begins with a return trip to Frost Valley, this time as role models to Sixth Grade peers. Here, students are encouraged to push their limits in new ways, fostering self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. As they continue their academic journey, students take on milestone projects—most notably their community service work with local organizations—which allow them to engage meaningfully with the world beyond the classroom.

Seventh Graders also step into more visible leadership roles across campus life and community initiatives. With growing independence, organization, and cognitive maturity, students are given increased autonomy, preparing them for the transition from childhood into adolescence. The level of scaffolding decreases as they demonstrate readiness to take more ownership over their work and responsibilities. A major focus of the year is preparing for high school: in January, families participate in a Parent Kickoff Meeting to begin the exploration process. Later in the spring, students and their case managers meet with families to review a preliminary list of schools, and students begin reflective journal writing to prepare for essays and interviews—a process that continues into the first trimester of Eighth Grade.

Language and Literature

Language and Literature in the Seventh Grade is packed with an exciting variety of topics and projects. Students read and discuss novels that correlate with their Individuals & Societies and Design curriculum. At this grade level, students are expected to submit all work in MLA format with correct citations. Additionally, students learn how to quote both text and dialogue using MLA formatting.

Mathematics

Seventh Grade Math continues to explore complex systems of mathematics, such as algebra and geometry. Students develop a broad understanding of exponents, roots & scientific notation. They begin to examine geometric theorems and the balancing and graphing of algebraic equations. Students become familiar with coefficients and formulas. Throughout these new explorations, they will continue to improve their facility in working with integers, decimals, fractions, and percents. An advanced section, a pre-algebra course, offers more independent problem-solving explorations and skill development, as well as an additional unit of data analysis, and further exploration of functions and graphing to help prepare them for algebra in Eighth Grade.

Projects can differ from year to year, depending on current events, but have included topics such as risk analysis for hurricane and tornado prone areas or creating a newspaper to showcase the use of percentages in real-world situations. Grade 7 Math also includes a personal finance course with lessons centered on money management, wise consumerism and career exploration. Topics include savings, investing, and risk management, taxes, salary, net monthly income calculation and creation of an effective household budget.

Science

Seventh Grade covers concepts in Physical, Life, and Earth & Space Science which follow the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards). Units of study include Energy, Waves, Electromagnetism, Cellular Processes, Photosynthesis, Genetics, Human Body Systems, Thermal Energy, and Renewable Resources. Students not only learn about the scientific concepts but connect them to issues of equity in the world. They create models, engage in experiments, and view demonstrations to support their learning. Field trips further enhance their experience by providing real-world examples of scientific concepts.

Co-Curriculars

Grade 7 Students partake in several co-curricular activities such as music, Latin, art, physical education, and world language. Please see our Beyond Core Academics page.

Milestone Projects

Pre-Kindergarten Class at All Saints School

Grade 7 ~ Ethics Shadow Boxes

In Seventh Grade, the study of Ethics enables students to develop fellowship among their peers and strengthen their understanding and respect for perspectives other than their own.