Eighth Grade

Why Eighth Grade at Friends Academy?

Eighth grade is the culmination of the Friends Academy experience; as such, our oldest students naturally step into the role of school leaders. Over the course of the year, students reflect on the growth they’ve made while preparing for life after graduation. Even as their responsibilities and academic rigor increase, students are still guided by caring faculty who know them well and help them succeed.

The eighth grade curriculum is crafted to align with the skills that our region’s leading independent secondary schools are looking for in their students. This includes the study of algebra and geometry in math, lab-based physical science classes, and deep investigations of historical, social, political, and artistic movements in the humanities and arts. Teachers frequently work together to connect topics across subjects – such as how art, music, literature, and social studies influenced one another in the late 19th and 20th centuries of the U.S.

Where eighth grade shines is in its community – from the relationships between students, faculty, and families to the many opportunities for reflection, exploration, and giving back. In morning advisory, students take time to think about their progress and accomplishments so they can discover their potential. Families partner with teachers and administrators to discover and apply to good-fit secondary schools. And through service learning, eighth graders become school and community leaders. These and other experiences help our graduating students build the confidence to take risks, the focus to prepare for their next steps, and the gratitude for the strong foundation they built at Friends.

“Thank you for caring for and teaching our children over the past 10 years. We are beyond grateful for all the faculty and staff that have shaped their lives daily and helped to instill caring, kindness, curiosity, and joy. Thank you for building the foundation of their education in such a strong and compassionate way.”

Parents of an eighth grade student and an alum

Eighth Grade Curriculum

Families can keep track of their child’s academic progress and assignments in eighth grade via regular online updates from teachers. (See an example.)

Language Arts

• Through interdisciplinary studies with social studies, music, and art, explore the interconnection of literary, artistic, technological, and philosophical movements from the Industrial Revolution to today, including the Classical, Romantic, and Modernist periods and World War II.
• Develop essays, write poems and songs, and practice analytic writing.
• Investigate ethical reasoning through futuristic works of fiction and modern media and political debates.

Mathematics

• In First Year Algebra, students learn about different types of equations and functions, with the goal of discovering how math can be applied in real-world situations to make generalizations and predictions.
• Carry out operations using linear equations and real numbers (rational, radical, and irrational).
• Introduce exponential, quadratic, and rational functions, exploring the properties of each function and their value in analyzing data.

Social Studies

• Examine key figures, pivotal events, and landmark legislation of the past 150 years of U.S. history, including the World Wars, Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, and 9/11.
• Explore more recent issues that have shaped our nation, from foreign relations and immigration policies to environmental concerns and income inequality.
• Recognize connections between the past and present, empowering students to think critically and become responsible global citizens.

Science

• Focus on physical science, with an emphasis on chemistry, including topics such as mass and volume, water quality, and how to separate mixtures.
• Strengthen scientific documentation, observation, and data collection skills through hands-on laboratory projects.
• Learn how to safely design and conduct lab experiments from start to finish, including properly handling materials, the use of protective equipment, and the importance of safety protocols.

World Languages

• Spanish: Focus on mastering present tenses of verbs, with an introduction to past and simple future tenses; Explore the diverse perspectives and experiences of Spanish-speaking countries, with a focus on Guatemala.
• Latin: Continue to learn Latin root words and grammatical structures; Examine philosophical foundations of Rome and Greece through works by Arabic and medieval writers as well as ancient poems and modern Latin novellas.

Art

• Use and develop powers of observation, memory, and imagination as springboards to create artwork.
• Introduce general concepts and basic techniques of drawing and design through units on still life, landscape, and portraiture.
• Develop personal narratives and sequential artwork, including long-form comics and graphic novels.
• Learn about the concepts of realism, abstraction, non-representation, and collaboration.

Music

• Investigate how music can generate impact in a global society by researching a protest-oriented song and recording an informational podcast about it.
• Explore the significance of music, both as a standalone art form and through fusion with other media, using GarageBand to compose a film score that imparts emotion.
• Learn the art of stating, repeating, and developing motifs, from constructing bass lines to writing verses to creating captivating melodies.

Physical Education & Health

• Promote physical movement and motor skill competency through activities including soccer, handball, basketball, volleyball, kickball, and ultimate frisbee.
• Practice skills such as communication, following the rules of the game, proper form and technique, spacing and body positioning, and team strategizing.

Service Learning

• Building upon service learning experiences of prior years, students build their own capstone service project, individually or with a group.
• Students identify a community need, develop their idea, execute their project, and reflect on the experience.