Seventh grade is a fully-departmentalized program, with students assuming more responsibility as they move to and from seven classes throughout the day. Students begin the year with a study skills session, where they learn to record assignments and due dates in a planner, emphasizing responsibility and organization.

Core Classes

Bible 7

This one-year course is designed to help students apply biblical truths to their lives through oral, written and daily communication. Students memorize passages of Scripture directly applicable to struggles they face. The course covers the importance of character trait studies, cautions regarding negative counterparts and practical applications to everyday living. The focus is on demonstrating critical thinking skills and equipping students to understand character traits studied with an emphasis on allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them in the truths of Scripture.

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 7

This one-year course is designed to prepare students to perform advanced arithmetic operations. The course covers word problems, fractions, polygons, decimals, percentages, area, perimeter, ratios, basic and exponential equations, prime, rational and irrational numbers, simple inequalities, basic algebra, basic geometry and a review of basic arithmetic.

Pre-Algebra

This one-year course is designed to prepare 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 problem-solving strategies. The course also covers plane geometry, linear equations and inequalities.

Prerequisite: Placement in the course is based on teacher recommendation and Davis test scores.

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.

English

This one-year course is designed to prepare students to develop an understanding of the structure of the English language and apply this knowledge to literature and writing. The course covers grammar skills, vocabulary, sentence diagramming, application of literature to God’s word, essential communication skills, organization skills and writing skills.  The focus is on examining literature from a Christian point of view.

Life Science

This one-year course is designed to introduce students to the world of the living sciences. Students learn to explore, study and discover the awesome majesty of God the creator. The course covers the scientific method for problem solving, cellular structure and function, and a general knowledge of why and how to classify organisms from every kingdom. The focus is on understanding and discussing scientific concepts and defending the argument for a Christian view of the scientific world.

World History

This one-year course is designed to develop the students’ understanding of world geography, relevant geographical terms and world cultures. The course covers world events leading from the Roman Empire, through the Byzantine Empire, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Reformation, and culminating at early exploration. This course emphasizes the Christian world and life view, so that students will have an understanding of how man has made use of the time God has provided.

Middle School P.E.

This one-year course is designed to allow 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

Introduction to Spanish

This semester course is designed for students to gain skills in listening, speaking, and writing in a way that makes acquisition of the Spanish language meaningful and enjoyable. Incorporated in this course is the development of cultural awareness of the Spanish speaking world and its people. The goal is that middle school students would have a positive experience with the Spanish language and culture that will benefit their endeavors in future Spanish courses.

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.

Seventh Retreat

Our 7th grade students attend a Spiritual Retreat (UPGRADE 7.8) at Jenness Park in Cold Springs, California. The goal of the retreat is that students grow closer to God, develop stronger relationships with each other, learn new leadership skills, and build great memories that will unite the class as they move up to their leadership role as 8th graders. Our prayer is that God will use the 7th graders to have a powerful and positive influence as they UPGRADE from 7th to 8th grade