Middle School Curriculum

English

The Middle School English curriculum develops students' writing, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and textual analysis skills while broadening their understanding of literature. Focusing on themes like social diversity, ambition, and adversity, the program fosters an appreciation of literature's transformative power through various novels, plays, memoirs, and poems. It emphasizes understanding literary characters and enhances creative and analytical writing skills.

English 6

English 6 enhances writing, vocabulary, grammar, and analytical skills through themed literature exploration, aiming to cultivate an appreciation for literature's transformative influence by broadening experiences and fostering an understanding of literary characters.

English 7

English 7 develops students’ writing skills, furthers their command of grammar and literary devices, and continues their thematic study of literature, through written assignments, experiential activities, and texts which explore adversity, injustice and hope.

English 8

English 8 exposes students to an array of literary forms such as graphic novels, plays, short stories, and memoirs in order to develop their analytical writing skills and explore central questions about personal identity, power, and the purpose of stories.

Health

Middle School Health education focuses on social and emotional health, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and physical health. It helps adolescents better understand their bodies and lifestyles. This structured approach aims to equip students with essential knowledge for making informed choices in life.

Health 7

Health 7 provides essential information and explores personal and community wellbeing through physical, mental, and social health. Topics include healthy routines, human sexuality education focused on puberty, and substance abuse prevention. Students take Health 7 for the full year. It meets twice a cycle and is graded Pass/Fail.

Health 8

Health 8 provides essential information and explores personal/community wellbeing through physical, mental, and social health. Topics include mental health, substance abuse prevention, and human sexuality education focused on health relationships and consent. Students take Health 8 for the full year. It meets twice a cycle and is graded Pass/Fail.

History

Middle School History immerses students in diverse historical contexts and themes, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Through case studies, simulations, and persuasive writing, students engage with complex questions about governance, law, and civic responsibility. Throughout the curriculum, they enhance their ability to analyze sources, construct well-reasoned arguments, and develop a comprehensive understanding of global geography.

History 6

History 6 explores the history of New York City through the lens of four major themes: Resources, Labor, Migration, and Urban Planning. Students examine case studies from three different periods, past and present, to make connections and comparisons across time. Students will build an analytical vocabulary, master the critical skills of annotating and writing formal paragraphs, and explore the city's story through creative projects. Students conclude the year by collaboratively constructing a massive model representing the five boroughs as a culminating project.

History 7

History 7 is a civic-based curriculum designed to prepare students to pick up a major American newspaper and understand the events on a deeper level.Students explore events from multiple perspectives as they consider the development of U.S. legislation, governance, foreign policy, the legal system, and social change. The course includes a series of simulations in which students take on the role of various political players: senators, diplomats, judges, and protest leaders. The course emphasizes persuasive writing, annotation, and the ability to connect theory and reality, past and present.

History 8

History 8 introduces the history of the Ancient World through a series of case studies including Han China, early Islam, ancient Rome, and the Middle Niger Delta, each guided by core essential questions that allow students to connect questions of governance and society in the ancient world to contemporary questions. Students practice reading scholarly secondary sources, become more adept at understanding and analyzing primary sources, and work on crafting well–reasoned historical arguments.

Language

Middle School students can study Chinese, French, Latin, or Spanish. After 6th grade, students needing study strategy and executive function support from our Learning Research team can take a Study Skills course instead of a language class. This approach ensures personalized support for academic success.

Chinese 6

Chinese 6 introduces students to Mandarin basics including pinyin, pronunciation, tones, vocabulary, and character-writing. Covering lessons 1-5 of Integrated Chinese, Level I, Part I, it aims for basic conversation proficiency, recognizing 150 characters, and cultural understanding through presentations and assessments.

Chinese 7

Chinese 7 advances students' Mandarin skills, focusing on grammar, vocabulary expansion to 200 characters, and cultural competency. With lessons 6-10 from Integrated Chinese, Level I, Part I, supplemented by authentic texts, the course emphasizes communication and cultural awareness through various assessments and projects.

Chinese 8

Chinese 8 advances Mandarin proficiency by refining listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. With lessons 11-16 from Integrated Chinese, Level I, Part II, students learn new grammar, expand vocabulary to 600 characters, and master 70% of basic sentence structures. Authentic materials enrich learning, alongside assessments and cultural presentations.

French 1a

French 1a provides an introductory immersion into French grammar, vocabulary, and culture. Students learn foundational skills including presentations, numbers, weather, and daily activities, alongside cultural insights. By course end, proficiency includes descriptive writing, noun-adjective agreement, and conjugation of essential verbs, preparing students for French 1b.

French 1b

French 1b expands upon foundational knowledge from French 1a, delving deeper into grammar and culture. Topics include -re and -ir verb conjugations, new irregular verbs, interrogatives, and expressions. Cultural exploration extends to family, identity, cuisine, regions of France, and films. Utilizing D’accord 1, students enhance all language skills.

French II

French II is a cross-divisional course for students who have completed French 1a and 1b. Classes are conducted in French, and students develop the four language skills. By the end of the year, students will have finished the D’accord 1 multimedia program and will be able to describe daily activities, favorite pastimes, home environment, and more.

Latin 1a

Latin 1a offers a grammar-focused introduction to Latin language and Roman civilization. Using Suburani and supplementary materials, students learn noun declensions, verb tenses, pronouns, and infinitives. Exploration of word roots, derivatives, and Roman civilization topics enriches understanding. Emphasis on reading with support for writing, speaking, and listening skills. Assessments include quizzes, tests, and written projects.

Latin 1b

Latin 1b expands on Latin 1a, covering remaining noun and adjective declensions, genitive and dative cases, and active verb tenses. New grammar topics include relative clauses and indirect speech. Using Suburani Book 1, emphasis remains on reading skills, clause structure, and exploring Roman history, culture, and mythology like Roman Britain and The Great Fire of Rome.

Latin II

This course introduces grammar, participles, and the subjunctive mood. Homework includes reading, translation, composition, and exercises. Assessments, quizzes, tests, class participation, and homework completion contribute to the course grade.

Spanish 1a

Spanish 1a introduces middle school students to foundational Spanish language skills. Topics range from family to hobbies, with focus on grammatical concepts like agreement, verb conjugation, and basic question formation. Immersive learning aids comprehension and conversation skills, while cultural exploration enhances understanding of Hispanic culture. Assessments include presentations, projects, and tests.

Spanish 1b

Spanish 1b advances students' language proficiency in a fully immersive setting, emphasizing speaking confidence through group work and oral presentations. Cultural exploration encompasses readings, songs, and celebrations. Vocabulary expands to include travel, shopping, and daily routines, while grammar covers stem-changing verbs, new tenses, and object pronouns.

Spanish II

Spanish II is a course for students who have completed Spanish I or the 1a and 1b sequence. It covers language fundamentals, preterite and imperfect tenses, and command forms, focusing on acquiring new vocabulary. Grades are based on tests, quizzes, homework assignments, projects, and oral proficiency exams.

Spanish II/III

Spanish II/III is an accelerated course that covers the topics of both Spanish II and III in one year. It is only available to a select group of students who have shown exceptional proficiency in Spanish language acquisition. To enroll, students must have completed Spanish I, Ia, and Ib or a comparable course.

Mathematics

Middle school math aims to enhance students' skills in data interpretation, word problem-solving, and computational abilities with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals while introducing variables and basic algebraic equations. As students progress, they build on arithmetic foundations, explore algebraic expressions, ratios, geometry, and statistics, and engage in problem-solving and critical thinking activities. Advanced and honors levels are available based on performance and placement tests, ensuring students are challenged appropriately and prepared for higher-level mathematics.

Algebra I

Algebra I covers standard course curriculum. It is designed to strengthen and stretch students' understanding of functions and various multistep equations. It is the foundational course for geometry and algebra 2.

Algebra I (H)

Algebra I Honors covers all standards of Algebra 1 with more extenstions for problem solving and more robust calculations. Students are expected to rely on previous knowledge to explore and discover concepts before explicitly being taught them.

Algebra I with Python

Algebra I with Python is a course that teaches algebra and computer science using Python. Students will learn algebraic and programming concepts and apply them to real-world problems. No prior programming experience is needed.

Mathematics 6

Math 6 is designed to build upon the students' prior learning, with some review of decimal and fraction operations. The majority of the course focuses on an introduction to algebra, exploration of integers and two-dimensional geometry.

Mathematics 7

Math 7 is designed with the understanding that foundational computation skills have been mastered. The majority of the course focuses on developing foundational algebra skills, including linear equations, and proportional reasoning. Students will also explore various topics in two-dimensional geometry and number theory.

Mathematics 7 (H)

Math 7 Honors is a course for students who demonstrate the ability to think both critically and creatively, and can assimilate material at a faster pace to allow for a deeper investigation of the material. It covers foundational algebra skills as well as extention topics to stretch students' reasoning abiliites

Music

The Middle School Music department offers sixth and seventh graders the opportunity to begin or continue studying a musical instrument in String Ensemble or Concert Band or to join the chorus. The program includes longer and more frequent class meetings in eighth grade, with options to participate in the Arioso (the eighth-grade choral ensemble), orchestra, wind ensemble, and concert band.

Arioso

Students in Arioso will learn advanced vocal technique and musicianship skills, including developing mix voice, using solfege syllables to be able to sight-read, and singing in 3- and 4-part harmony. This course prepares middle school students to be able to enter upper school singing ensembles with a high level of vocal ensemble skills.

Band 6 Grey

The Sixth-Grade Band students will learn about music theory, composition, and world music in a performance setting. Students will develop performance skills on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments in class by exploring a diverse and challenging program. Independent practice is essential to help students improve and develop musical skills.

Band 6 Maroon

Band 7

Repertoire is drawn from diverse musical genres. We will work on articulation, an expanded range, and improvisation. You will encounter odd meters, syncopated rhythms and learn to count multi-measure rests. Playing in a band is a great way to cultivate your own abilities while being part of a team.

Chamber Music

Step into the world of Chamber Music! All instrumentalists and singers are welcome, matched into ensembles based on interests and schedules. Our unique curriculum caters to diverse genres, promoting individual growth, teamwork, and a profound appreciation for music. From our Spring Concert to various performances, students enjoy continuous learning in a passion-driven, pass/fail class.

Chorus 6

Students in Chorus 6 will learn and develop basic vocal technique including elements of breath support, switching between chest voice and head voice registers, and singing in 2-part harmony. Students will also have the opportunity to learn basic ukulele skills in order to accompany themselves while they sing.

Chorus 7

Students in Chorus 7 will continue to develop their vocal technique skills learned in Chorus 6, and will begin to build ear-training and sight-reading skills using traditional notation. By the end of 7th grade, students will learn to sing in 3-part harmony with their ensemble.

Strings 6H

Join 6th Grade Strings and experience a nurturing environment that inspires discipline and teamwork. We offer two classes based on student level. Through a diverse and challenging program, students will learn the necessary skills to succeed as a musician. Participants will enhance technical proficiency and explore the historical context of music performed.

Strings 6L

Strings 7

Join 7th Grade Strings and enjoy a challenging class that prepares students for the advanced proficiency needed to move up to Orchestra, a pre-college level ensemble. Through a diverse and stimulating program, students will take ownership of their skills to independently succeed as young musicians.

Strings Orchestra

This Chamber Orchestra course is designed for 8th and 9th graders who are just starting to learn violin, viola, cello, and bass. A smaller class size will give students more attention to build upon their note-reading skills and musical creativity. The students will perform on-campus at the end of each semester to celebrate their work.

Physical Education

The Middle School Physical Education curriculum promotes personal growth, providing opportunities for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction. The program develops physically educated individuals with the knowledge, skills, sportsmanship, and appreciation of exercise necessary for a lifetime of physical activity. It emphasizes lifelong learning of fitness, health, and sports skills, fostering teamwork, encouragement, and personal best in a safe environment.

Physical Education 6

Physical Education provides opportunities for health and wellness, self expression, challenge, and social connections. Class units vary each season and cover a wide range of functional modalities, meditative practices, and competitive sports.

Physical Education 7

Physical Education 8

Science

The Middle School Science curriculum offers a hands-on, technological approach to learning, integrating the scientific method with real-world applications. Students engage in lab activities, experimental design, and investigations across Earth, Life, and Chemical and Physical sciences. The program emphasizes scientific inquiry, data analysis, and communication skills, with a strong focus on integrating technology.

Science 6

In 6th grade science, students investigate Earth as a system. Topics of study include Earth’s structure, plate tectonics, water, the atmosphere, and ecology. Lab and exploration activities are a regular part of the classroom experience and are included within each unit of study.

Science 7

In 7th grade science, students will explore what defines living organisms, which will expand into an investigation of cells and human body systems. Alongside these topics, students will continue to refine their science skills, such as graphing, research, analysis, and hands-on experiments.

Science 8

In 8th grade science, students will explore the nature and behavior of matter. Topics of study will include the periodic table, properties of matter, energy transformations, and laws of motion. Students will continue to develop their skills in mathematics and scientific reasoning, and will engage in hands-on experiments.

Theater, Dance and Film

Riverdale's Middle School Theater, Dance, and Film department stages two productions a year: a musical and a drama or comedy. Students may also study dance as a class or an optional activity, providing opportunities for creative expression and performance skills development.

Dance 6

In Dance 6, students are introduced to different styles of movement, including hip-hip and contemporary. Students use this non-competetive and non-performance focused environment, to improve coordination, flexibility and musicality. Additionally, students will learn how be a good audience member and how to speak about dance.

Dance 7

In this year long course, Dance 7 students will begin to learn ballet technique, while also continuing their hop hop and contemporary training from Dance 6. Students will amplify their studies in choreography and creative expression. This class culminates in a performance at the Spring Dance Concert.

Dance 8

In Dance 8, students continue to advance their technique in ballet, hip-hop and contemporary while also looking at new styles of dance. Some possible units could include tap, jazz, musical theater and famous dance choreographers.

Drama 6

In Drama 6, students will spend the semester being introduced to the elements of drama, storytelling, theater etiquette and performance. This class focuses on building students confidence and allowing them to make big and bold choices. Students work both individually and collaboratiely to create unique moments of theater.

Drama 7

In Drama 7, students will not only build their performance skills but will begin to think about other elements of drama such as playwriting and technical theater. By the end of the year, students will be working collaboratively to tell a story through different theatrical mediums.

Drama 8

In this year long course, Drama 8 students will focus on creativity, storytelling and collaboration, while learning about different modes of theater and performance. Students will work to cement the principles of stage etiquette. This class culminates in a group movie project.

Visual Arts

The Middle School Visual Arts curriculum immerses students in various techniques and mediums. Students explore their creativity and develop artistic skills through drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art. The program emphasizes art fundamentals while encouraging personal expression and critical thinking. Through this subject matter, students gain a deeper appreciation for the visual arts and their impact on culture and society.

Maker Lab

In the student-driven Maker Lab course, students can design and build practically anything: they can make furniture, a chopper bicycle, large-scale pieces of art, or even clothing. They explore and learn skills from sewing to woodworking, electronics to welding, and laser cutting to CNC fabrication.

Studio Art 6

In Studio Art 6, students are welcomed to the Hill Campus and introduced to many possibilities of artmaking. They can work collaboratively and individually while expressing themselves and practicing imagination. Students work with 2D and 3D media to build confidence in their artistic abilities and create compelling works.

Studio Art 7

In Studio Art 7, students express themselves visually and practice using imagination with various 2D and 3D media, including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and digital tools.The fundamental elements of visual art are explored, and students create compelling works. In addition, they are exposed to an array of visual artists and art-making techniques.

Studio Art 8

In Studio Art 8, students dive deeper into artmaking by learning observational drawing skills and other 2D and 3D mediums and techniques, such as painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and digital video. Both individually and in collaborative settings, they explore and reflect on themes relating to identity and self-expression to find their unique creative voices and explore their creativity.