Upper School Curriculum
A broad based middle school program emphasizes arts and
academics equally, offering English, foreign languages,
history, math, and science, and fine arts including art,
drama, chorus, and band. We offer English as a second
language and we encourage the use of technology across the
curriculum.
For a more detailed look at the Upper School curriculum
please download this pdf.
ENGLISH
The sixth grade course teaches students through the study
of literature to read, to think critically, and to write
effectively. We work on improving vocabulary, spelling,
grammar, paragraph writing, and organization skills. A
study-skills component covers outlining, note-taking and
study habits. Seventh grade students read various genres to
cultivate the ability to recognize and to emulate good
writing. Utilizing the writing process, they write
frequently and continue to develop the mechanical skills and
vocabulary to support self-expression. Grades seven, eight,
and nine explore the connection of American literature and
history in various genres. Eighth grade students also work
on the organization of the expository essay and continue
reading and writing fiction, poetry, and personal
narratives. The ninth grade course allows students to become
familiar with the roots of Western cultures through poetry,
essays, Greek narratives and drama, and the modern novel.
Frequent writing assignments emphasize the establishment of
voice and the ways of achieving cohesive and precise prose.
Grammar study becomes more sophisticated and individualized
vocabulary study continues.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
 In
grade six, students are offered an introductory Latin
course. From grade seven on, the students take formal,
full-length courses choosing either French, Latin, or
Spanish. The goal of the program is to have students become
effective communicators: listening, speaking, reading, and
writing skills are emphasized equally. Grammar and cultural
information are stressed as well. The grade nine courses are
designed to prepare students for the future study of a
language at the high school level.
The department sponsors an exchange program with our sister
school, L'Ermitage, in France. HISTORY
 Bement
students begin their sixth grade year with a study of
physical geography and then move to regional studies of
geography and world cultures including the Middle East,
Asia, and Africa. A two-year study of American History
begins in seventh grade. Grade eight students visit the site
of the Gettysburg battle as part of their studies. Ninth
graders study the ancient civilizations of the Middle East,
Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Current events and historical
fiction are used throughout each year to enhance the
curriculum.
MATHEMATICS
 Students
in grade six begin with a comprehensive introductory
mathematics course, where they are sectioned by ability.
From that study they progress to courses in pre-algebra,
algebra and geometry. Pre-algebra consists of problem
solving with fractions, decimals, integers, and ratios and
leads into an introduction of equations. Algebra I is a
traditional course beginning with linear equations and
advancing through graphing and quadratic equation solving.
Geometry is a Euclidean course beginning with the language
of points, lines, planes, angles, and polygons. The study
culminates with mastery of formal proofs, use of the
geometer sketchpad, and an introduction to coordinate
geometry.
SCIENCE
 Grade
six students study environmental science, scientific method,
and ecology, through texts and lab experience. Seventh grade
students focus on earth science, specifically utilizing the
environment and river valley to teach weather patterns &
plate tectonics and regional geology. In eighth grade
students study basic chemistry and physics to gain
competence and confidence with lab skills and procedures.
There is an applied genetics project coupled with using the
local dairy barn. The ninth grade students study biological
concepts from the cellular level, through genetics to
hominid evolution. The ninth grade course culminates with an
archeological dig or dissection project.
EVALUATIONS
Students are evaluated on their
performance, participation, and effort. Written evaluations,
including achievement and effort grades, are sent home to
boarding and day parents and shared with each student every
three weeks. Comprehensive reports are mailed home at the
end of each trimester.
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