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 are 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
- Seventh grade equivalent course
- Builds the foundation to further develop mathematical skills
- Prepares students for a Pre-Algebra course the following year
Pre-Algebra
- Eighth grade equivalent course
- Prepares students for a high school equivalent Algebra I course the following year
- Offered to honors sixth grade students and accelerated seventh grade students who have successfully completed Accelerated Math 6/7
Algebra I
- Ninth grade equivalent course
- Develops fluency in solving different types of equations
- Builds proficiency in analyzing situations verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically
- Offered to honors seventh grade and accelerated eighth 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 such as right-triangle trigonometry
- Focuses strongly on critical thinking and creative problem solving to “real-world” situations
- Offered to honors eighth grade students who have successfully completed Algebra I
Geometry
- Tenth grade equivalent course
- Explores fundamental Euclidean geometric concepts and progresses to more advanced topics such as right-triangle trigonometry
- Strengthens reasoning skills and application by constructing logical proofs
- Offered to honors eighth 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.
Sixth Grade English Language Arts
- Exposes students to a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts as students identify:
- author’s purpose
- theme
- elements of a short story
- types of conflict
- characterization
- Explores writing styles to build fluency and style:
- persuasive writing
- expository writing
- narrative writing
- Develops research fundamentals leading to a research-based project
- Expands vocabulary and grammar skills
- SAT/ACT vocabulary preparation
- parts of speech and sentence parts
Seventh Grade English Language Arts
- Challenges students to think critically about literature and its influence on the world in which we live
- Utilizes project-based collaborative learning that builds creativity and enhances independence and leadership
- Builds confidence with the writing process through frequent writing and editing of their own work.
- a full-length creative short story
- brochures using persuasive techniques
- literary analyses with specific textual support
- Explores the roles that tone, mood, foreshadowing, and point of view can play in a text
- SAT/ACT vocabulary preparation
Eighth 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 through engagement in lively class discussions
- 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:
- introduction to the scientific method
- lab skills, and lab safety
- plate tectonics
- earth history
- the atmosphere
- weather and climate
- the solar system.
- Sixth grade course
Life Science
- Explores the nature of our living world
- Studies the classification of organisms through the use of dichotomous keys
- Examines viruses and bacteria, genetics, various phyla in the plant and animal kingdom, biomes and ecosystems, and incorporates lessons on human anatomy and physiology.
- Engages in labs and projects while conducting extensive research on these topics
- Seventh grade course
Physical Science
- Continues the investigation of scientific principles that began in the lower grades
- 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
- Eighth 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 eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C.
World History
- Covers major events and figures from prehistory to modern time
- Builds to help students gain a greater understanding of the development and interactions of world civilizations and cultures
- Discusses the formation of the United States and principles of American democracy
- Embraces many geography topics to develop a spatial sense of the world and 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
- Takes a thematic approach allowing students to make connections across time and place as well as develop their critical thinking skills
- Covers major units:
- community & civilization
- religion
- expansion
- revolution
- an in-depth study of government.
- Touches on all the major events in American History to build understanding how they affect the world we live in today
- Allows students to participate in learning through lecture, discovery activities, projects and discussions.
American History & Government – Part 2
- Builds on the concepts and skills learned in American History & Government Part I
- Makes connections across time and enhances critical thinking skills with a thematic approach to American History
- 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 lecture, individual discovery and project based learning.
Spanish
Because we know that early exposure to language is key to developing competency, Hancock students begin their study of the Spanish language and culture at the pre-kindergarten 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 rich culture of Spanish speaking countries.
Sixth Grade Spanish
- Continues to build foreign language skills in basic conversation and progress towards the foundational grammar functions
- Designed to build vocabulary and grammar in a sequential manner
- Provides general information which allows students to express feelings, emotions and exchange opinions.
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 and enables students to express an array of feelings and emotions and exchange opinions
Eighth Grade Spanish
- Challenges students to think critically and engage in substantive conversations
- Engages students in more sophisticated conversations and enables students to express an array of feelings and emotions and exchange opinions
- 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.
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