Eighth Grade

St. Paul’s eighth graders pursue a full day curriculum that includes art, computers, mathematics, music, physical education, reading and literature studies, service learning, science, social studies, Spanish, and writing and language arts. They also choose between drama and an additional science class. Like all other grades, eighth graders lead Chapel twice each year. Each quarter, eighth graders select an elective from a changing roster of subjects that may include bookmaking, drumming, running, Shakespeare, Tae Kwon Do, tennis, and yearbook. Eighth graders are organized into same gender advising groups of 7-9 students, where under the supervision of middle school faculty and administrators, they meet for one period weekly. Advising groups provide a safe place for students to express their feelings, show compassion for others and their difficulties, seek assistance with problems, practice conflict resolution, and learn strategies for solving problems. Eighth graders may also participate in competitive athletics, student Council, and EBISC, which sponsors multi-school dances and student events.

Eighth graders receive letter grades each quarter and written evaluations following the second and fourth quarters. St. Paul’s middle school students receive two grades in each subject, one for mastery and one for approach. This unique marking system reflects the School’s belief that lifelong learning skills are as important in education and academic achievement as mastery of a particular subject matter.

Following is a brief list of content items in the eighth grade curriculum:

• Explore Shakespeare’s plays and poetry

• Analytical and comparative writing

• Analyze the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Republican form of government

• Student-designed leadership action research projects focusing on problem-solving and change in the greater community

• Set up ratios and proportions to solve for unknown values

• Learning about learning and the brain

• Spanish present, preterit, imperfect, and future tenses

• Multimedia production for yearbook and graduation presentation

• Mexican American murals

• Exploration and study of jazz

• Understanding the disciplines that contribute to a theater production

• Using basic offensive and defensive skills in various team sports