Math
Our mathematics program is designed to encourage curiosity and creativity, as well as to develop the strengths of each student using a student-centered, hands-on learning environment. Expectations are high for each middle school student, and the faculty is committed to helping all students develop a respect and appreciation for mathematics. Mathematics is needed in the classroom, but more importantly, it is needed beyond the school setting. Therefore, Hancock Day School ensures that mathematics is presented practically and applied to “real-world” situations.
Accelerated Math 6/7
- 7th Grade equivalent course
- Prepares students for a Pre-Algebra course the following year
Pre-Algebra
- 8th Grade equivalent course
- Offered to honors 6th Grade students and 7th Grade students who have successfully completed Accelerated Math 6/7
Algebra I
- 9th grade equivalent course
- Offered to honors 7th Grade and 8th Grade students who have successfully completed Pre-Algebra
- Students may be able to earn high school credit for this course
Advanced Algebra
- Explores algebraic concepts and applications
- Covers a variety of concepts from high school Geometry
- Offered to honors 8th Grade students who have successfully completed Algebra I
Geometry
- 10th Grade equivalent course
- Explores fundamental Euclidean geometric concepts and progresses to more advanced topics such as right-triangle trigonometry
- Offered to honors 8th Grade students who have already completed Algebra I
- Students may be able to earn high school credit for this course
Language Arts
At Hancock Day School we believe in the importance of fostering a love of reading and writing from an early age. All of our English language arts courses are designed with elements of student choice, creative assignments that give students an opportunity to express themselves, and a focus on fundamental reading strategies that build comprehension. Grammar and mechanics are developed through the context of reading and writing, and students expand their vocabularies by studying challenging words in context through the Sadlier Enrichment text.
6th Grade English Language Arts
- Exposes students to a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts
- Explores writing styles to build fluency and style
- Develop research fundamentals leading to a research-based project
- Expands vocabulary and grammar skills
- SAT/ACT vocabulary preparation
- parts of speech and sentence parts
7th Grade English Language Arts
- Challenges students to think critically about literature and its influence on the world
- Utilizes project-based collaborative learning
- Builds confidence in the writing process through frequent writing and editing of their own work.
- Explores tone, mood, foreshadowing, and point of view
- SAT/ACT vocabulary preparation
8th Grade English Language Arts
- Revolves around thematically linked texts that provide students with an opportunity to learn about literature while also exploring their own values and beliefs
- Sharpens their verbal and written communication skills
- Tailors grammar to the individual needs of each class and targets common errors from writing assignments.
- Focuses on sharpening reading and writing skills which prepares students for success at the high school of their choice
- SAT/ACT vocabulary preparation
Science
Across all grade levels, a strong emphasis is placed on scientific principles and procedures. Students often make and use models to represent the different structures and systems being studied. The development of critical thinking skills is emphasized in laboratory and cooperative group settings where students are able to share ideas and analyze information.
Earth Science
- Supports students’ understanding of the earth’s composition, structure, processes, and history
- Focuses on historical contributions in the development of scientific thought about the earth and space
- Major topics of study include scientific method, lab skills, plate tectonics, the atmosphere, weather, and the solar system.
- 6th-grade course
Life Science
- Explores the nature of our living world
- Studies the classification of organisms through the use of dichotomous keys
- Engages in labs and projects while conducting extensive research on these topics
- 7th-grade course
Physical Science
- Continues the investigation of scientific principles
- Strengthens students’ knowledge base as they prepare to move from middle school into higher-level science courses
- Covers two core topics: chemistry and physics.
- Includes more abstract concepts such as the structure of atoms, chemical reactions, forces and motion, and the conservation of energy and matter
- 8th-grade course
Social Studies
Hancock’s courses are designed to help students become informed, active participants in our democratic society. By examining primary sources, students are encouraged to think critically and form their own conclusions about important events in history. Geography is explored throughout all three years of middle school, and our studies culminate with the 8th-grade trip to Washington, D.C.
World History
- Covers major events and figures from prehistory to modern time
- Discusses the formation of the United States and the principles of American democracy
- Embraces many geography topics to develop an awareness of specific regions and cultures
- Builds an understanding of the relations between place and culture and between people and their environment.
American History & Government – Part 1
- Covers major units: community & civilization, religion, expansion, revolution, and an in-depth study of government.
- Touches on all major events in American History
- Allows students to participate in learning through lectures, discovery activities, projects, and discussions.
American History & Government – Part 2
- Builds on the concepts and skills learned in American History & Government Part I
- Covers themes such as conflict, discrimination, immigration, and press and propaganda as well as contains an in-depth study of some of the nation’s Presidents to date.
- Builds on discussion skills and includes lectures, individual discovery, and project-based learning.
Spanish
Hancock students begin their study of the Spanish language and culture at the PK level. With this early start, a formal sequential curriculum, and a proficient faculty, all of our students enter high school with at least one Spanish credit. Our middle school Spanish program is designed to help students continue their linguistic training while also giving them an opportunity to increase their global awareness and explore the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
Sixth Grade Spanish
- Continues to build foreign language skills in basic conversation and progress toward the foundational grammar functions
- Designed to build vocabulary and grammar in a sequential manner
Seventh Grade Spanish
- Focuses on the continued development of communicative competence and cultural understanding
- Students become creative with the Spanish language as they grow more confident in their conversational skills.
- Engages students in more sophisticated conversations
Eighth Grade Spanish
- Challenges students to think critically and engage in substantive conversations
- Builds understanding and interpretation of written information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics
National Junior Honor Society
High-achieving students are invited to participate in our chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, which recognizes students who excel in academics, character, service, citizenship, and leadership. Members must attend all published meetings unless excused by the chapter advisor, must participate in the chapter service project, must perform at least 10 hours of community service devoted to a single cause, and must maintain the minimum required GPA.
Community Service
In light of our goal to educate students to become world citizens, community service is a vital component of the middle school experience. Students are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service each year (this is also one of the requirements for membership in the National Junior Honor Society). Community service opportunities are posted in the Middle School Blog, and those students who go over and above are recognized with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
