Tuition-Free Online Middle School in Missouri

LANGUAGE ARTS

Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of informational texts related to historical topics. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 6th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.

Grade 6 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit- long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self- management skills to plan activities.

SCIENCE

In this inquiry-based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.

A: Students begin the semester with a study of light and matter, exploring the phenomenon of one- way mirrors which act as both a window and a mirror. They will investigate how light transmission and reflection impacts how we see an object. Next, they will study thermal energy and learn how containers can keep materials hot or cold. During this study, they will investigate closed and open systems and the movement of particles. Finally, they will learn about cells and systems. Students will explore the systems of the body and investigate how we heal from injuries at a cellular level. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

B: Students begin the semester with a study of weather, climate, and water cycling. They investigate the movement of air in the atmosphere and the impact that it has on the weather. Students explore precipitation and storms and investigate why some storms are more severe than others. Next, student will learn about plate tectonics and rock cycling. They study Earth’s surface and how tectonic plate movement has impacted land. Finally, students will focus on tsunamis as they investigate natural hazards and how to prepare for them. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

MATH

A: In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

Students begin the year exploring geometry through the study of area and surface area of figures. They then move into a study of ratios, unit rates, unit pricing, and percentages. The semester concludes with an in- depth dive into dividing fractions, focusing not only on algorithms, but also conceptualizing and applying this skill. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

B: In this problem-based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

Students begin this semester by exploring decimals, and learn how to perform operations with decimals in context of real- world situations and problems. They then begin to delve into algebraic concepts such as expressions, expressions with exponents, and equations with one variable. Students begin to learn about negative numbers and plot positive and negative numbers on a coordinate grid. Finally, students explore data analysis and statistical questions through the study of dot plots, histograms, median, IQR, and measures of center. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The middle school social studies program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of history, geography, civics, and economics while building critical thinking and inquiry skills. Students explore world history from ancient civilizations through the modern era, U.S. history from precolonial America to the 21st century, and the foundations of government, citizenship, and economic systems. Along the way, they examine major historical events, influential cultures, geographic regions, democratic principles, and economic decision-making while learning to analyze primary and secondary sources, evaluate evidence, construct logical arguments, and solve real-world problems. Project-based learning encourages students to make meaningful connections to the content through research, choice, and practical application, while fostering independence, organization, and self-management skills that prepare them for future academic success and informed civic participation.

LANGUAGE ARTS

A: Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections from the Harlem Renaissance, as well as a student- friendly version of Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 7th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.

Grade 7 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit- long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self- management skills to plan activities.

B: Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic and contemporary poetry as well as student- friendly versions of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a nonfiction work of their choice. Each unit in 7th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, spelling, and reading.

Grade 7 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit- long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self- management skills to plan activities.

SCIENCE

In this inquiry- based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.

A: This semester begins with an investigation of bath bombs and the chemical reactions that happen when they are placed in water. Students will learn how matter can change forms while total mass remains the same. Next, students continue their study of chemical reactions as they learn about chemical reactions and energy. They investigate how to heat up food and how to create a flameless heater. Finally, they will explore ecosystems and how changing an ecosystem impacts living things. They will study the impact of various products on rainforests and on the plant and animal life within them. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

B: This semester begins with a study of metabolic reactions. Students will learn about what happens to food molecules as they pass through the digestive system and will study the chemical reactions that happen within the human body. Next, students will investigate how plants get their food and the cycling of matter in the plant life cycle. Finally, students will study the impact of humans on Earth’s resources and will learn strategies to work together to help battle climate change and changes to our atmosphere. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

MATH

A: In this problem- based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

Students begin the year exploring relationships between figures as they examine scaled copies and scale drawings. This transitions into learning about proportional and nonproportional relationships as well as how to represent proportional relationships with tables, graphs, and equations. Next, students learn about relationships within circles: measuring circles and finding the area and circumference of a circle. Finally, students conclude their study of proportional relationships by studying proportional relationships with fractions, percent increase and decrease, and application of percentages. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

B: In this problem- based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

Students begin this semester with rational number arithmetic, learning how to interpret negative numbers and complete all 4 operations with rational numbers. They are also introduced to solving equations with negative numbers. Next, students apply their skills to solving expressions, equations, and inequalities, as well as writing equivalent expressions. Students then transition to geometry, working with angles, triangles, and prisms. They study relationships between angles and learn how to draw figures with given specifications. The course concludes with a study of probability of single- and multi- step events and sampling. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The middle school social studies program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of history, geography, civics, and economics while building critical thinking and inquiry skills. Students explore world history from ancient civilizations through the modern era, U.S. history from precolonial America to the 21st century, and the foundations of government, citizenship, and economic systems. Along the way, they examine major historical events, influential cultures, geographic regions, democratic principles, and economic decision-making while learning to analyze primary and secondary sources, evaluate evidence, construct logical arguments, and solve real-world problems. Project-based learning encourages students to make meaningful connections to the content through research, choice, and practical application, while fostering independence, organization, and self-management skills that prepare them for future academic success and informed civic participation.

LANGUAGE ARTS

B: Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic short stories and a variety of fiction and nonfiction selections from the Harlem Renaissance, as well as a student- friendly version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a novel of their choice. Each unit in 8th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, and reading.

Grade 8 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit- long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self- management skills to plan activities.

B: Middle school students are able to independently read increasingly complex text, as well as respond in writing to these same texts. Readings include classic and contemporary poetry as well as student- friendly versions of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Students will also have the opportunity to read and study a nonfiction work of their choice. Each unit in 8th grade Language Arts includes explicit instruction and practice in writing, grammar, morphology, and reading.

Grade 8 writing expands in scope and complexity, consisting of a robust series of unit- long writing activities that incorporate language skills and focus on developing craft and structure while incorporating and building upon writing skills learned in the earlier grades. These writing projects are intended to prepare middle school students for the writing they will do in high school, college, and the professional world.

The semester culminates with a project in which students apply the learning from the semester to complete a comprehensive activity. The projects are intended to promote independent learning as students make choices about work products and apply self- management skills to plan activities.

SCIENCE

In this inquiry- based curriculum, students engage with science questions with the goal of explaining a phenomenon and/or solving a problem. Students begin by posing questions, developing models, proposing ideas for investigation, investigating and gathering data, applying data to answer questions and revise models, and then forming new questions to answer. They question, investigate, and build understanding as they read, complete interactive activities and simulations, and engage in virtual labs.

A: This semester begins with a study of motion and contact forces. Students will investigate how changing the mass or speed of an object can affect forces in a collision, as well as learn ways to protect objects in a collision. Next, students investigate sound and how sounds can make matter move. They study sound waves and frequency and examine the effects of different pitches and volumes of sounds. Finally, students continue their study of forces by investigating magnets and the forces that they can apply on objects. They investigate magnetic fields, energy transfer, and the force pairs in magnetic fields. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

B: This semester begins with an exploration of patterns in the sky and in space. Students investigate phenomena with the Moon, Sun, and other objects within and beyond our solar system. Next, students explore the world of genetics, as they learn how traits are passed from parents to offspring. They model trait variations and learn about the reproduction of plants and animals. Finally, students explore the connection between living beings of today and those of long ago as they investigate the process of natural selection. They engage in case studies about population changes and the impact of the environment on various living beings. Additional course elements include readings, discussions, and unit projects.

MATH

A: In this problem- based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

This semester begins with an in- depth study of transformations. Students first learn about rigid transformations and congruence of shapes and angles in triangles. They then expand this knowledge to work with dilations and similarity of figures. Next, they begin to explore linear relationships as they find slopes and solve and graph linear equations. Finally, students learn more about linear equations in one variable and are introduced to systems of linear equations. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

B: In this problem- based curriculum, students will build on their math skills through exploration. Throughout this course, students will use interactives and offline tools to explore math concepts. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real- world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language. Students hear thoughts and ideas from their “virtual classmates” as they explore mathematical concepts and are encouraged to explain their thinking in writing throughout the course.

This semester begins with an in- depth study of functions as students learn to represent and interpret functions. Students evaluate linear functions and apply them to rates of change. They then shift to geometry skills, working to find the volume of cones, cylinders, and spheres. Next, students analyze data by looking for associations, analyzing patterns, and trends. Students then review previous learning about exponents, learn about rules of exponents, and apply exponents to scientific notation. Finally, students apply computational skills to geometric figures, work with the Pythagorean Theorem and find side lengths and volume of cubes. Additional course elements include real- world applications, discussions, graphic organizers, and unit projects.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The middle school social studies program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of history, geography, civics, and economics while building critical thinking and inquiry skills. Students explore world history from ancient civilizations through the modern era, U.S. history from precolonial America to the 21st century, and the foundations of government, citizenship, and economic systems. Along the way, they examine major historical events, influential cultures, geographic regions, democratic principles, and economic decision-making while learning to analyze primary and secondary sources, evaluate evidence, construct logical arguments, and solve real-world problems. Project-based learning encourages students to make meaningful connections to the content through research, choice, and practical application, while fostering independence, organization, and self-management skills that prepare them for future academic success and informed civic participation.

6TH-8TH GRADE DIGITAL ART AND DESIGN

The world is filled with so many different forms of art – including digital art. In this course, you’ll explore this special genre of art found in everything from advertising to animation to photography and beyond. Additionally, you’ll tap into your creative side to create digital art and make it come alive!

6TH-8TH GRADE 2D ART

Do you like to draw, paint, or take pictures? Whatever medium you prefer, this course will teach you the design elements and principles needed to create a work of art and explore your artistic inspirations. You’ll also travel back in time to look at art in different cultures and learn about the art of critiquing. Let’s turn your creative dreams into reality!

6TH-8TH GRADE KEYBOARDING

The keyboarding course is appropriate for elementary and middle school students. The curriculum introduces new keys by rows where students first learn the middle row, then the top row and the bottom row of the keyboard. The content is designed with a strong focus on sight and high frequency words. This course assumes no keyboarding experience and will guide them through the keyboard.

6TH-8TH GRADE COMPUTER APPLICATION

In this course you will learn how to use productivity and collaboration tools, such as G Suite by Google Cloud to create word processing documents, spreadsheets, surveys and forms such as personal budgets and invitations.

7TH GRADE MS CAREER EXPLORATION 1

How do you pick a career path when you’re not sure what’s even out there? This course allows you to begin exploring options in fields such as teaching, business, government, hospitality, health science, IT, and more! you’ll align your interests, wants, and needs to career possibilities, including the required education for each. Let’s find a pathway that works for you.

7TH GRADE MS CAREER EXPLORATION 2

Imagine that it’s 20 years from now. What career do you see yourself in? What do you imagine that you’ll be doing? In this course, you’ll explore more careers and what it takes to succeed in different fields. You’ll learn more about what steps are needed to prepare for your career and how to compare the pros and cons of different career choices to find one that’s best for you.

8TH GRADE BEGINNING SPANISH A

Get ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant world of Spanish! Imagine sipping a metaphoric cafecito as you unlock the secrets of this beautiful language. From saying hello with flair to waving goodbye like a pro, you’ll master the basics—the key to unlocking Spanish conversations. Whether you’re talking about school, your daily adventures, or your preferences, explore the richness of Spanish-speaking countries through birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations. Ready for this new adventure?

8TH GRADE BEGINNING SPANISH B

Hold on tight—our metaphorical mototaxi is revving up for the next leg of your Spanish adventure! As we cruise through different Spanish-speaking countries, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of cultural and language gems. Get ready to learn how to talk about family, free time, cities, daily routine, and even communities. You will continue to sharpen your communications skills as you learn about nationalities, occupations, family traditions, sports, music, clothing, forms of transportations, and daily routines. Buckle up and get ready for this new leg of your adventure!

8TH GRADE CAREER DEVELOPMENT 1

This course introduces students to essential career readiness skills, including digital literacy, communication, stress management, decision-making, problem-solving, and financial literacy. The focus is on fostering resilience and adaptability while exploring future career opportunities.

8TH GRADE CAREER DEVELOPMENT 2

Focuses on self-discovery, goal setting, communication, interpersonal skills, and career exploration. Students reflect on their interests and strengths to identify potential career paths, preparing them for academic and professional success.

7TH-8TH GRADE STEM

You’ve probably heard of STEM, but what exactly is it? STEM is the process of applying a combination of science, technology, engineering, and math and brainstorming, building, testing, and seeking answers through research. In this course, you’ll begin to develop these skills and learn how STEM can shape the future and even solve the world’s biggest problems through innovation. Seems pretty cool, right? Let’s start digging for answers into this groundbreaking subject!

7TH-8TH GRADE GAME DESIGN

We love to play video games, but have you ever wanted to build your own? If you are interested in a career in technology but also want a creative outlet, Game Design might be the field for you. Learn how to build a game from the ground up in this interactive and hands-on course that will teach you all the ins and outs of making your own game.