Grades
Six-Eight
The Upper School Program at Oakbrook begins in the sixth
grade as students change classes and teachers throughout
the school day. They also begin to choose elective courses
in physical education and the arts.
They may choose to join clubs, become members of school
athletic teams, or participate in the band, chorus, or
dramatic productions.
A middle school retreat at the beginning of the year helps
the students develop friendships and focus on the Christian
values and traits of character that will strengthen and
sustain them as they begin their teen years. A cultural
trip at the end of the year will reinforce these ideals.
By the eighth grade, the students will begin their transition
into high school, earning academic units for
graduation. Middle School students take four
core academic courses (math, English/language arts, science,
and social studies). They also take a world language class,
religious studies, and two electives* (band, chorus/drama,
art, guitar, dance, and fitness). Sixth & seventh
graders also take a basic computer class. *Orchestra is
offered before the school day begins.
See Middle School Rubric below.
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Social
Studies
Beginning in sixth grade, students move to a book-based
curriculum. Books are used as a guide by the teacher.
Students have opportunities for group and independent
project work. Our sixth grade students study the history
of our state and county, as well as the history of Native
Americans.
Our seventh grade students study American history following
the period of reconstruction, and our eighth grade students
study world geography.
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Language Arts
In sixth grade, middle school students are weaned off
of Sitton Spelling and Shurley Grammar that they used
during their earlier years. More and more, the students
use their literature and writing to practice their literary,
writing, grammar, and spelling skills. Falling in line
with the "classical education" teachings of
Charlotte Mason, students read quality literature, including
classics such as Shakespeare's As You Like It
and Romeo & Juliet, The Odyssey,
The Phantom Tollbooth, A Christmas Carol,
and others. Students have numerous other opportunities
to improve their writing and speaking skills throughout
the year through poetry & essay contests, annual Literary
Meet, etc.
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Math
The Saxon approach of teaching math, spiraling in nature
in order to have built-in constant review, will be used
only for one more year. The sixth grade will use Saxon
87. After that, the math becomes more specialized (pre-algebra,
algebra, geometry, etc.), so a different curriculum guide
is used. The usual progression is pre-algebra in seventh
grade and algebra 1 in eighth (receiving one Carnegie
unit toward high school graduation). Some sixth grade
students, who have been selected based on test scores,
teacher recommendation, and academic grades, have the
opportunity to take pre-algebra, which puts these students
ahead in the program.
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Science
The "Interactions in Science" series is used
as a guide in grades six through eight. Each year the
students receive a mixture of earth, physical, and life
sciences. Seventh graders participate in the Science Fair.
Oakbrook often has winners in the Regional Science Fair.
Many other project-oriented assignments are made throughout
the year to complement the curriculum. Other grade levels
often participate in other science challenges during
the year: Young Inventors, DuPont Challenge, or the Young
Naturalist.
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World Languages
Language studies for middle school begin to become more
focused. Seventh graders move from a two-day class to
a three-day class. In Lower School, their language studies
were mostly oral. In middle school they begin to do more
written work. They begin to use a book or workbook for
the first time to reinforce the written language. In eighth
grade, students earn a Carnegie unit toward high school
graduation by taking an daily class in the language of
their choice (Spanish I or German I).
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Computer
Technology
Currently sixth & seventh graders visit the computer
lab two or three days a week to become proficient in keyboarding
and MS Office applications.
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Related Arts
Each sixth, seventh, and eighth grade student chooses
two electives from the following: band, chorus/drama,
art, guitar, dance, and fitness.
For more information: Related Arts
@Oakbrook
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Christian
Education
All students in Upper School, grades 6 - 12,
attend a weekly chapel service. In addition, all middle
school students attend a Christian education class twice
weekly.
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