This course builds on the coursework from French 1A and continues to provide students with a foundation of novice-level coursework centered around themes of identity, daily life, family and friends, and food and culture.  Students will learn to express themselves in the present and near future, and will begin to make connections between their own culture and those of francophone communities from around the globe.

If you can imagine it, you can build it! With a foundation in Computer Science and Engineering, this elective course focuses on using the Engineering Design Process and Design Thinking principles to create both digital and physical solutions to problems girls identify in their communities. This class harnesses all of the technology GPS has to offer and combines it with the creativity of the 8th graders to solve problems, bolster critical thinking skills, and design and manufacture products. Creations will be engineered with exciting digital tools and the power of the GPS Makerspace. Students will work individually and in small groups on projects throughout the course, culminating in a final project developed completely by the student!

Our understanding of U.S. history begins with the indigenous people who populated the Americas for centuries, examines the forces that drove European exploration and colonization, and analyzes subsequent centuries of conflict and growth. Second semester moves into the creation of the United States of America, linking our founding documents both to the ideas that launched democracy and to the ways our nation has interpreted these ideals for generations since.

PE 8 students are led through a variety of games and activities sequenced to develop an enthusiasm for physical activity and lifelong fitness. They are tasked with leadership opportunities to build skills and confidence. They are presented with information and means to develop a healthy appreciation of lifelong fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Class activities offer play that stretches present ability and develops unexplored skills. Team, individual, and group work are designed to build each student's ability to lead, follow, and work with classmates toward common success. Positive character traits are encouraged with an emphasis on fair play, effort, consideration, cooperation, diligence, and an attitude of contribution to the whole.

The Physical Science 8 curriculum provides extensive opportunities to practice and master science processing and laboratory skills. The emphasis is on acquiring these skills through the study of the physical sciences as a preparation for advanced work in the Upper School. The topics include lab safety, measurement, precision, graphing, the scientific method, and various topics rooted in chemistry and physics. Students will explore the concepts of energy, simple machines, forces and motion, atomic structure, small particle theory, atomic bonding, and chemical reactions. This full year course is required in Grade 8.

English 8 coursework strengthens each student’s ability to think critically and communicate oral and written evidence-based arguments. Students improve reading comprehension by engaging with challenging texts. English 8 and Citizenship in Action often work in tandem, using literature as a framework for understanding history and social responsibility. Building on sixth and seventh grade skills, students employ curricular texts to gain command of the five-paragraph analytical essay and practice refining its form as well as continuing formal practice in grammar and vocabulary. A full year of English is required in grade 8.

Introduction to Algebra is designed to strengthen skills from Pre-Algebra and expose students to various topics seen in Algebra I. The course provides a wonderful opportunity for students to investigate concepts at a pace that allows them to master foundational skills and processes necessary for success with algebra-based topics. Students practice problem solving and utilize their critical thinking skills as they apply their knowledge in various contexts. Completion of this course allows students to enter high school ready for college-preparatory course work. Departmental placement determines student course enrollment. This course is not available for high school credit.

This course builds on the coursework from Spanish 1A and continues to provide students with a foundation of novice-level coursework centered around themes of identity, daily life, family and friends, and food and culture. Students will learn to express themselves in the present and near future, and will begin to make connections between their own culture and those of Hispanic communities from around the globe.

Algebra I emphasizes both the structure of algebra and the development of logical problem-solving skills. Students study linear equations and inequalities, as well as quadratic equations, in detail. The study of polynomials and factoring, rational expressions and radical expressions complete the year. Practical applications and critical thinking are woven throughout the course as students experience the relevance of various topics in the real world. Departmental placement determines student course enrollment.

Algebra I emphasizes both the structure of algebra and the development of logical problem-solving skills. Students study linear equations and inequalities, as well as quadratic equations, in detail. The study of polynomials and factoring, rational expressions and radical expressions complete the year. Practical applications and critical thinking are woven throughout the course as students experience the relevance of various topics in the real world. Departmental placement determines student course enrollment.

This studio course builds on concepts introduced in seventh grade art and places emphasis on developing a more detailed and personal approach to abstract and realistic art. Students will explore the creative worlds of drawing, painting, and sculptural textile arts with a variety of materials, color mixing, and design principles. Students will use problem solving techniques and imagination is the key ingredient in this course. All necessary materials are provided.

Honors English 8 coursework strengthens each student’s ability to think critically and communicate oral and written evidence-based arguments. Students improve reading comprehension by engaging with challenging texts. English 8 and Citizenship in Action often work in tandem, using literature as a framework for understanding history and social responsibility. Building on sixth and seventh grade skills, students employ curricular texts to gain command of the five-paragraph analytical essay and practice refining its form as well as continuing formal practice in grammar and vocabulary. This curriculum mirrors English 8 but asks students to read more extensively, consider arguments more critically in oral and written response, and adopt an enthusiastic and ambitious approach to the study of English. Departmental approval is required for placement in Honors English 8.

Honors Algebra I emphasizes both the structure of algebra and the development of logical problem-solving skills. Students are challenged to connect topics throughout the course as they flex their problem-solving muscles. Students will encounter linear equations and inequalities, as well as quadratic equations. The course includes a thorough study of polynomials, factoring, and rational expressions and equations. Students also explore the concepts of sequences and series and work with radical expressions and complex numbers. Practical applications and critical thinking are integrated throughout the course, enhancing the relevance of algebra in our society. Honors Algebra I moves at an accelerated pace, both exploring algebraic concepts in great depth and encountering complex scenarios. Departmental recommendation is required for placement in Honors Algebra.

Honors Algebra I emphasizes both the structure of algebra and the development of logical problem-solving skills. Students are challenged to connect topics throughout the course as they flex their problem-solving muscles. Students will encounter linear equations and inequalities, as well as quadratic equations. The course includes a thorough study of polynomials, factoring, and rational expressions and equations. Students also explore the concepts of sequences and series and work with radical expressions and complex numbers. Practical applications and critical thinking are integrated throughout the course, enhancing the relevance of algebra in our society. Honors Algebra I moves at an accelerated pace, both exploring algebraic concepts in great depth and encountering complex scenarios. Departmental recommendation is required for placement in Honors Algebra.

The Geometry course offers a formal deductive and inductive approach to the study of Euclidean geometry. Students develop skills in thinking logically, in reading with understanding, in writing proofs, and in developing concepts of spatial relationships in two and three dimensions. Students will utilize the graphing calculator as a problem solving tool. Algebra is strongly integrated throughout the year. Departmental recommendation is required for placement in Honors Geometry.

Building on topics introduced in Seventh Grade Human Growth and Development, students will spend the semester learning about overall wellness strategies related to their mental, physical, and relational health. Through each topic girls will be guided through the processes of healthy decision making and leave with tools they need to make good decisions as they encounter new freedoms and experiences.

This course is based on learning various dance techniques beginning with modern dance followed by ballet and jazz. Each of these components includes dance history relevant to each style. Through each genre of dance, students are asked to create movement phrases in small groups based on what they learned in previous classes. Putting together phrases through inspiration from class focuses the student on collaborative skills, competency, and authentic experiences. The class concludes with a student-created video documenting each girl’s choreographic studies in the various styles of dance. Required dance clothing may be purchased through the school.  This is a semester course.

This course is for the vocal music student who wishes to further develop skills as a performer. Focus is placed on the development of healthy vocal tone, ensemble skills, and music reading and terminology. MS Choir is open to 7th and 8th grade girls. This group will have two (2) required evening performances during the year. Students who enroll in this course will receive further information from the instructor including required materials, or placement information. This is a full year course. Highly motivated students can audition for placement in the Coordinate Choir with McCallie, which functions as a daytime club activity through GPS.

This class is for students of the violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Repertoire will range from beginning to intermediate pieces. An instrument must be purchased or rented for this class. This group will have two (2) required evening rehearsals and 2 required evening performances during the year one for fall, and one for spring. Students who enroll in this course will receive further information from the instructor including required materials, auditions, or placement information. All experience levels are welcome.

This class is for beginning to experienced students of flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, and percussion/drums. Students will improve their music reading ability, learn multiple 5 note patterns, scales and master beginning rhythm techniques. An instrument must be purchased or rented for this classThis group will have two (2) required evening rehearsals and 2 required performances during the year. Students who enroll in this course will receive further information from the instructor including required materials, auditions, or placement information. All experience levels are welcome.

The Movement and Music Theory course is designed for students who enjoy modern technique, choreography, and music! Dance elements will be explored, applied, and combined with music to give the dancer a dual experience in both artistic forms. Each dancer will examine the symbiotic relationship between music and modern dance by exploring rhythm, dynamics, meter, and tempo. This will lead to finding meaningful ways to connect with an audience and culminate in a small performance at the end of the semester.

In this course, we will dive deeper to the magical world of theater arts by performing a one-act play. We will establish the theater family and the importance of working as a team and following directions. We seek to build connection and confidence through the art and craft of theater arts. We dive into blocking, acting, character development, theater terminology, stage management, production, and everything needed to perform for a live audience…culminating in a class performance for peers, parents, and faculty.