Eighth grade is a fully-departmentalized program. The focus is to prepare students for the academic rigors of high school.

There is an emphasis on writing proficiency in 8th grade, and students are required to pass a Writing Proficiency Test prior to entering 9th grade at CCHS. Students that are accelerated in math may take a high school math class. Students with a 3.0 or better grade point average may take Spanish 1 for high school credit.

Core Classes

Bible

The one-year course equips students to search out God's Word in regard to victorious Christian living. The course covers positive and negative lives of Old and New Testament characters. The focus is on memorizing, analyzing and applying key passages to instill God's Word in students’ hearts for times of challenge.

Worship Team Bible Class

This one-year course is a combination of the study and practice of worship. Throughout the course students will engage in an ongoing study about what worship is and what God wants/expects. This will include an in-depth Bible study, scripture memorization and academic study. Students, as a team, will prepare songs, prayers and devotions to bring to chapel and other events to lead their peers into the presence and worship of the Lord.

Math 8

This one-year course prepares students for high school math. Students perform advanced arithmetic operations; analyze verbal problems and present them in correct format; solve basic geometric problems; process more difficult concepts of fractions, decimals and percentages as they apply to everyday life; and manipulate basic algebraic equations.

Pre-Algebra

This one-year course prepares students for the many and varied uses of mathematics that are encountered in Algebra I. The course strengthens topics from earlier math courses, such as fractions, decimal notation, use of variables, mathematical patterns and problemsolving strategies. The course also covers plane geometry, linear equations and inequalities.

Algebra I

This one-year, college-preparatory course is designed to meet the requirements of the California State and University School System. The course covers concepts such as fractional polynomials, word problems, linear and quadratic equations, simplification of exponentials, mixed numbers and decimals in all operations, area and volume of complex polygons, percent, ratios, order of operations and the beginning concepts of Algebra II. In addition, students learn the importance of quality note-taking skills, as developed by the use of composition books.

Prerequisite: Grade of a C or better in Pre-Algebra, qualifying score on Davis Test and teacher recommendation

Geometry

This one-year course offers students a practical alternative to the purely algebraic-style of mathematics, using tangible figures and shapes while helping students to improve problem-solving skills. The course covers the fundamentals of Euclidean Geometry and mathematical problem-solving, such as the language of geometry, algebraic proofs, geometric shapes, geometric translations, working backwards, and drawing diagrams, figures and graphs.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I 

8th Grade Honors English

This one-year course is designed to prepare students to understand the structure of the English language. The course covers development and application of complex sentences, knowledge of literature, analytical examination and inquiry of literature from a Christian perspective as a method of strengthening comprehension, writing skills, research skills and vocabulary. Projects are designed to integrate the upper level thinking skills of application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Students expand their usage of literary terms and figurative language through reading, writing and speaking. Students are required to pass a writing proficiency test in the second semester.

English

This one-year course enables students to understand the structure of the English language. The course covers development of complex sentences, knowledge of literature, analytical examination of literature from a Christian perspective, writing skills, research skills and vocabulary. Students expand their usage of literary terms and figurative language through reading, writing and speaking. Students are required to pass a writing proficiency test in the second semester. Space and Earth Science

Physical Science

This one-year course is designed to emphasize the provision of God, our creator, in the orderliness of the universe, and the student=s place in God=s plan. This course covers a basic but thorough introduction to the principles, terms, and laws of physical science. The course lays a solid foundation in the basic understanding of matter, chemistry, motion, and energy through lectures, reading, discussion, research, and experimentation.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and Physical Science readiness test.

Space and Earth Science

This one-year course is designed to teach students about four spheres of the earth: the celestial sphere, the atmosphere, the lithosphere, and the hydrosphere. The focus is on the provision of God our Creator in the orderliness of the universe, and the student’s place in God’s plan. The course covers the relationship between science, faith, and reason; elements found in nature; and natural occurrences such as earthquakes and volcanoes.

History

This one-year course is taught within the context of a Christian world and life view, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in each historical event. Society, both past and present, is critically examined in order to teach students how to be effective Christians in our world. Developing perspective is encouraged, with an emphasis on the Bible being the final perspective for all conclusions. The course covers a foundation in American History; the basics of the Constitution; Colonial America; the American Revolution; the Western Movement and the Industrial Revolution in America. An Election Unit is included during presidential election years. Students are encouraged to attend the 8th grade Washington DC trip as a supplement to their study. All students complete a Washington DC scrapbook project.

Middle School P.E.

This one-year course allows students to improve their personal fitness and to introduce them to competitive sports. The course covers team play, practicing responsible actions in sports and fitness, and building aerobic and muscular endurance. Individual fitness testing, competitive play and sportsmanship are all valuable life lessons focused on in middle school P.E.

Electives

Middle School Art

This semester course prepares students to understand art media techniques and processes. The course covers structures, functions, symbols, ideas, history, culture, evaluation, classification and presentation. The course includes two- and three-dimensional art. The focus is on presenting artistic viewpoints within the context of a Christian world view; impacting the world for Christ.

Middle School Band

This one-year course prepares students to perform. The course focuses on increasing playing skills and knowledge of various composition styles in band literature, including various musical forms, scales (rudiments for percussion), rhythmic concepts and ensemble proficiency. Emphasis is placed on ministering to others with music and developing musical skills for the glory of God. Students will perform public concerts throughout the year.

Middle School Choir

This semester course stimulates student’s growth through musical experience. Students develop their vocal technique, musicianship and performance skills through daily rehearsals. The course covers vocal technique, music theory, sight-reading skills and spiritual application of the music presented.

Middle School Home Arts/Life Skills

This semester course introduces students to home arts and life skills. It covers topics such as etiquette and manners; money management and the influence of advertising on spending; child development and babysitting; nutrition and basic food preparation; clothing care and purchasing tips. Students also have an opportunity to perform some essential household tasks.

Middle School Cooking

This semester course introduces students to basic elements of cooking and food preparation; and also to become aware of food sanitation and safety issues. They have an opportunity to prepare meals and individual dishes. Baking is addressed, along with some international cooking. Good nutrition and healthy eating alternatives are covered as well.

Prerequisite: Home Arts

Middle School Drama

This semester course prepares students for performance in theater arts. The course covers dramatic elements, actions, characterizations, puppetry, storytelling, playmaking, playwriting and theatrical performance. The focus is on both social and individual development in creative arts, and use of talents to the glory of God. Students are expected to attend CCS play productions.

Journalism - Yearbook/Newspaper

This one-year course enhances students writing and journalism skills. The course covers creation of a yearbook through design principles, publication techniques, and photography; and publication of a school newspaper that covers school-wide topics.

Prerequisite: English teacher recommendation

Office Aide

This semester course enables students to learn in a professional working environment that includes practical, hands-on experience. Students assist staff in the Capital Christian Middle School Office. The course covers miscellaneous clerical tasks such as copying, filing and mail preparation. (Limited enrollment by administrative approval.) Spanish I

This one-year course introduces students to the language and culture of Latin America. Students will participate in oral and written exercises. The course covers basic grammatical skills through reading, writing, conversation and listening comprehension.

Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA or higher for last semester of 7th grade, a B or better in English, and teacher recommendation.

Digital Photography

This semester course explores the fundamental principles, techniques and applications of camera-based image making. It explores the techniques and applications of acquiring, manipulating and outputting digitized photographic images utilizing Adobes Creative Suite 3. Technical skills for digital photography are covered, including refinement of exposure, post-image capture processing and manipulation with computer-based photo projects. Emphasis is on the development of the student’s self-expression.

Prerequisite: English Teacher Recommendation

Keyboarding

This semester course prepares students to learn the basics of touch typing as well as proofreading skills and beginning MS Word skills, including typing business letters. The Internet is used in various assignments throughout the course. Students are required to reach 35 words per minute by the end of the semester. Students are introduced to 10-key (number key pad) by touch. Students can test out of Keyboarding if they can type 35 net words per minute and demonstrate they can type a Block Letter in MS Word.

Prerequisite: None

Introduction to Computers

This semester course introduces students to the MS Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. Students study the basic elements of design, create a project in Moviemaker, and learn how to use the Internet to effectively conduct searches for school projects.

Prerequisite: Keyboarding or passing of equivalency test

Intro to Web Design

This semester course is designed to teach students HTML programming language used in Web Design. Students learn how to effectively create a website using Adobes Creative Suite 3, the leading software used in the Web Design Industry.

Prerequisite: Keyboarding or passing of equivalency test

Dance Class

In this semester course the students will learn the fundamentals of different genres of dance such as ballet, jazz, and musical theatre.

8th grade Historical Study Trip

Our 8th graders spend eight amazing days learning about our spiritual heritage as Americans. The students visit the Historical Triangle in Virginia, Monticello and Washington D.C. Students see evidence of the undeniable fact that the founders of our country were men and women of faith who sought the Lord’s leading as the nation began. This is an educational and spiritual experience unlike any other, where textbook facts and concepts literally come to life. Through this experiential learning, students increase their understanding of United States history and government, witness the influence of the strong faith and Christian values of our founding fathers, and gain a perspective of our country’s development and rich heritage.