Core Courses

A middle school Pre-Algebra curriculum builds a strong foundation in essential math concepts that transition students from arithmetic to algebra. Key topics include operations with integers, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, percentages, and introductory algebraic expressions and equations. Students also explore graphing on the coordinate plane, basic geometry, and the Pythagorean theorem. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world applications to develop mathematical reasoning and prepare students for success in Algebra 1 and beyond.

Throughout middle school, students deepen their literacy skills by engaging with rich, theme-based texts and expanding their writing across narrative, argumentative, and informational genres. The curriculum is structured around overarching themes such as Identity: Coming of Age, Community: Establishing Your Place and Perspective, and Society: Understanding Your Voice and Responding to Conflict. Carefully selected fiction and nonfiction texts provide a foundation for critical reading, thoughtful annotation, and analysis of author’s craft and purpose. As students progress, they build upon prior knowledge to enhance idea development, sentence complexity, and audience awareness in their writing. Classroom experiences such as literature circles, academic discussions, research writing, and Socratic Seminars support students in articulating their thoughts with clarity and confidence. Emphasis is placed on embracing multiple viewpoints, taking intellectual risks, and developing a strong voice in both written and oral communication—essential skills that prepare students for high school and beyond. 

Middle school civics class is an essential part of helping students understand the structure and function of government, as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizens. In this class, students learn about the Constitution, the branches of government, and the electoral process. They explore topics such as democracy, laws, and how government policies affect everyday life. The course encourages students to think critically about current events, fostering an understanding of how their voices and actions can impact their communities. By the end of the class, students gain a foundational understanding of how government works and how they can become active, informed citizens.

A middle school geography class introduces students to the world around them, focusing on the study of places, environments, and the relationships between people and their surroundings. In this class, students explore the physical characteristics of the Earth, including landforms, climate, and ecosystems, as well as human geography topics such as population, culture, and global development. Through map reading, geographic tools, and case studies, students learn how to analyze the world’s regions and countries, understanding both their similarities and differences. The course fosters an appreciation for the diversity of the world and the interconnectedness of global issues, helping students develop essential skills in spatial thinking and problem-solving.

This course provides middle school students with an engaging, interdisciplinary introduction to key concepts in Earth and Space Science, Physical Science, and Life Science, aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Students will investigate topics such as energy and forces, the structure of matter, Earth's systems and resources, the fundamentals of heredity, and ecosystems. Through hands-on experiments, virtual labs, scientific modeling, and real-world problem-solving, students will develop critical thinking skills and apply the Science and Engineering Practices to explore how the natural world works.

This course provides middle school students with an engaging, interdisciplinary introduction to key concepts in Earth and Space Science, Physical Science, and Life Science, aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Students will investigate topics such as energy and forces, the structure of matter, Earth's systems and resources, the fundamentals of heredity, and ecosystems. Through hands-on experiments, virtual labs, scientific modeling, and real-world problem-solving, students will develop critical thinking skills and apply the Science and Engineering Practices to explore how the natural world works.

A high school Algebra 2 curriculum expands on the foundations of Algebra 1 by introducing more advanced mathematical concepts and techniques. Students explore quadratic functions, polynomial and rational expressions, radical equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, and complex numbers. The curriculum also covers systems of equations and inequalities, sequences and series, and introductory probability and statistics. Emphasis is placed on mathematical modeling, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving, with technology and graphing tools integrated to enhance conceptual understanding. This course prepares students for success in Pre-Calculus, Statistics, and other higher-level math courses.

A high school Geometry curriculum develops students' understanding of shapes, spatial relationships, and the logical structure of mathematics. Core topics include points, lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, transformations, congruence, similarity, and coordinate geometry. Students apply theorems related to parallel lines, triangle congruence, the Pythagorean Theorem, and properties of polygons and circles. Emphasis is placed on logical reasoning, proof-writing, and problem-solving, with real-world applications and technology enhancing engagement and comprehension. This course lays a critical foundation for advanced math courses such as Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus.

The English I & II program is a two-year sequence focused on building essential communication skills for academic and personal success. Students develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and multi-paragraph writing across narrative, argumentative, and informational genres. Literature selections include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, with an emphasis on critical thinking and analysis.

Both years reinforce study habits, organizational strategies, and test-taking skills while offering individualized support in reading and writing. Instruction is flexible to meet varied student needs, and coursework is designed to build confidence and competence. This program provides a strong foundation for upperclassman English and beyond.

English III & IV form a two-year loop that builds on the foundational skills developed in earlier grades, emphasizing deeper connections between life and literature through both classic and contemporary texts. Students engage with a thematic approach to reading and writing, exploring a range of fiction and nonfiction while strengthening 21st-century literacy skills. Instruction focuses on analytical and argumentative writing, vocabulary development, and SAT-aligned reading and writing practice.

Throughout both years, students write across multiple genres—including argumentative, persuasive, narrative, and expository—producing clear, organized, and purposeful work tailored to various audiences and tasks. Individualized in-class support helps students refine reading strategies and writing techniques, preparing them for college-level expectations and professional communication beyond high school.

World History 1 offers students a comprehensive look at the origins of human civilization and the development of ancient societies. Beginning with early human history, students study key civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the early Asian empires. This course explores the rise and fall of empires, the spread of religions, the impact of major historical events, and the development of culture, politics, and technology. Through analyzing primary sources and historical events, students learn how ancient civilizations laid the foundations for modern society. By the end of the course, students gain an understanding of how early history shaped the world we live in today.

World History 2 focuses on more recent historical events, spanning from the Renaissance to the present day. This course covers key developments such as the Age of Exploration, the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and the World Wars. Students examine the impact of these events on global politics, economics, and culture, as well as how nationalism, imperialism, and globalization have shaped the modern world. The course also explores major movements such as civil rights, decolonization, and the fight for democracy. By analyzing historical trends and turning points, students gain a deeper understanding of how the past has influenced contemporary global issues and their role in a connected world.

U.S. History 1 takes students on a journey through the early years of American history, from the pre-Colonial era to the Reconstruction period after the Civil War. The course begins with the exploration and settlement of the Americas, examining the relationships between Native American tribes, European settlers, and enslaved Africans. Students explore the causes and effects of the American Revolution, the creation of the Constitution, and the development of early American government. The course also covers the expansion of the U.S., the issues leading to the Civil War, and the profound impact of slavery. By the end of the course, students gain a deeper understanding of the social, political, and economic forces that shaped the nation's foundations.

U.S. History 2 picks up where the first course leaves off, delving into the major events and changes in America from the Reconstruction era to the present day. Students explore the challenges of rebuilding the nation after the Civil War, the rise of industrialization, and the growth of the American economy. The course covers pivotal events such as the Progressive Era, World War I and II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Cold War. Students also examine key issues such as immigration, women's rights, and modern social and political movements. By the end of the course, students develop an understanding of how 20th and 21st-century events continue to shape American society and its place in the global context.

The high school biology standards build from middle school and allow students to explain additional and more complex phenomena related to genetics, the functioning of organisms, and interrelationships between organisms, populations, and the environment. Students will engage in laboratory investigations, analyze real-world data, and apply Science and Engineering Practices to explore how living things grow, reproduce, adapt, and interact with their environments. Emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the use of evidence to support explanations.  Students are expected to apply a variety of science and engineering practices to the four core ideas of biology: From Molecules to Organisms, Ecosystems, Heredity, and Biological Evolution.

Students will study topics such as plate tectonics, weather and climate, Earth’s history, natural resources, and the solar system and universe. Through inquiry-based investigations, data analysis, and modeling, students will examine how Earth’s systems interact and change over time. The course emphasizes the development of scientific reasoning, use of evidence to support claims, and application of the Science and Engineering Practices. Students will gain the tools to understand environmental challenges and appreciate Earth's role in a broader cosmic context.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles of chemistry, aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Students will investigate the structure of atoms, periodic trends, chemical bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, and the conservation of matter and energy. Through physical and virtual laboratory experiments, data analysis, and scientific modeling, students will develop a deep understanding of chemical concepts and how they relate to real-world phenomena. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of Science and Engineering Practices, including constructing explanations, interpreting data, and engaging in argument from evidence.