--- syllabus listing ---

Art

Computer/Technology: 6th

Computer/Technology: 7th

Gardening

Guitar

Journalism

Language Arts: 6th Grade

Language Arts: 7th Grade

Language Arts: 8th Grade

Mass Media

Math: 6th Grade

Math: 7th Grade

Math: 8th Grade Pre-Algebra

:: Developmentally Responsive ::

In keeping with the National Middle School Association’s description of the curriculum in "developmentally responsive" middle schools (This We Believe A Position Paper of the NMSA, 1995), the curriculum in the Seaside Neighborhood School will be

challenging — actively engaging each student in learning skills in context rather than just "covering material"

integrative — helping students connect school experiences to their daily lives

exploratory — enabling students to discover their particular abilities, interests, etc., and ways they can make contributions to society.

:: Performance-Based ::

This curriculum will be performance-based in keeping with Florida’s Sunshine State Standards. Results rather than processes are emphasized.

:: Interdisciplinary ::

"In the traditional curriculum, the student learns subject by subject. This does not allow students to connect new and old ideas or to construct their own meaning of the information.

In the core curriculum of the transformed middle grade school, the student confronts themes, which are clusters of subjects, and learns to inquire, associate and synthesize across subjects" (from Turning Points: Preparing American Youth for the 21st Century, "Teaching Young Adolescents to Think Critically").

Our teachers, by planning interdisciplinary units or courses, by linking subject matter thematically or through specially designed projects and programs, by teaming with community faculty who have a special knowledge or expertise, or by using any other sound instructional approach, will help our students see the connectedness or what they are learning.

Required Classes at Seaside Neighborhood School

Language Arts
Students are placed in grade level classes for Language Arts.

Mathematics
Students are placed in math according to ability. Advanced course are offered in each grade level. Students may also take Algebra 1 and Geometry for high school credit.

Social Studies
Social Studies classes have mixed grade levels and occur on a rotating schedule. Students will have to attend Seaside Neighborhood School for all three years in order to complete all three areas. The rotation is as follows: World History, United States History, and World Geography.

Science
Science classes have mixed grade levels and occur on a rotating schedule. Students will have to attend Seaside Neighborhood School for all three years in order to complete all three areas. The rotation is as follows: Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science.

Physical Education
Mixed grade levels

Spanish
Classes in Spanish include beginning Spanish and Spanish 1 and 2 for high school credit.

Elective Classes
Sixth graders rotate through art, music, mass media, and organic gardening each nine week. Seventh and eighth graders may choose from technology, journalism, radio, art, yearbook, and band.