Explore Our Curriculum

7

  • French IA

    This course provides students the foundation for the study of the French language. Students will learn to communicate about various basic topics such as school, sports, family, food, and activities. Students will practice using conversational language to introduce themselves, exchange greetings, talk about the weather, and express interests and feelings.


  • Life Science

    Seventh grade students will embark on an immersive exploration of the living world. Girls will work individually and collaboratively to study the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments, as well as the building blocks and processes that lead to their function and survival. This life science course includes topics such as the scientific method, cells, genetics, diversity of life, and ecology.  Through interactive investigations, hands-on experiments, and engaging discussions, students will develop a strong foundation in key biological concepts. As developing scientists, seventh graders will build confidence in exercising the real-world skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. This course will leave girls with an expanded appreciation for the world around them! 
  • English 7

    English 7 continues each student's growth and academic readiness through reading and writing. Through direct instruction and multi-sensory activities, students work to improve their grammar and composition skills to best communicate their ideas and opinions. Some literary texts are chosen to complement seventh grade history, including myths and poems from ancient civilizations, while other texts challenge students to identify the characteristics of human nature. With an inquiry-based approach, students will draw parallels between the fictional characters and their own lives and communities. A full year of English is required in Grade 7.
  • Explorations in Computer Science & Engineering 7

    Building on the skills gained in STEM 6, Explorations in Computer Science & Engineering 7 incorporates computer science, technology, and engineering principles to emphasize research, teamwork, digital organization, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Topics include engineering, programming, game creation, robotics, 3D printing, and digital art. Throughout the course, students use the engineering design process to collaboratively complete engineering design challenges in various course topics.
  • History and Social Sciences 7: Ancient Civilizations

    Students in Ancient Civilizations expand their understanding of history and culture by exploring and celebrating the diversity of human experience that shaped the ancient world. The course begins with prehistoric development and traces the functioning of early modern societies through 1000 CE. The class emphasizes the roles people of all walks of life played in developing social, economic, and political structures throughout world. Students develop critical thinking by considering interactions among various societies, focusing on changes and continuities over time. The class emphasizes enduring contributions and links between the contemporary and ancient worlds and helps students continue development of their historical thinking and writing skills with inquiry-based activities and primary-source research.
  • PE 7

    PE 7 expands upon basic skills and health awareness. The class has a primary focus on team activities, character building, and increased opportunity to lead. Class activities include tennis, lacrosse, badminton, table tennis, basketball, volleyball, track and field, free swim, eclipse ball, floor hockey, pickle ball, and the use of the cardio fitness room. Interactive behavior in sports and activities provides avenues through which character education traits are addressed and developed. Those traits include fairness, respect for others, cooperation, self control, punctuality, diligence, and kindness.
  • Pre-Algebra 7

    In Pre-Algebra, students take a broader look at computational and problem-solving skills while beginning to learn the language of algebra. This introduction to algebra continues to review operations with integers, fractions, and decimals, as well as basic exponent properties. Students work on translating word phrases and sentences into mathematical expressions; solving multi-step equations in one variable; applying arithmetic skills to problems involving measurement, percentages, ratios, and proportions. The course provides an introduction to graphing linear equations and solving inequalities, and a more in-depth exploration of geometry concepts previously discussed. Student work emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills as well as the relevance of these skills in real-world applications. Departmental placement determines student course enrollment.
  • Art 7

    The seventh-grade studio art class is focused on developing skills incorporating the “principles of art and design.” The course is designed to challenge a student’s imagination and problem-solving abilities. Project materials and techniques in this interdisciplinary class become increasingly more complex as the year progresses. All levels of talent are served by this curriculum. Art 7 projects offer experiences in drawing, design, sculpture, painting, printing, and more. All necessary materials are provided.
  • Honors English 7

    Honors English 7 continues each student's growth and academic readiness through reading and writing. Through direct instruction and multi-sensory activities, students work to improve their grammar and composition skills, helping students to best communicate their ideas and opinions. Some literary texts are chosen to complement seventh grade history, including myths and poems from ancient civilizations, while other texts challenge students to identify the characteristics of human nature. With an inquiry-based approach, students will draw parallels between the fictional characters and their own lives and communities. Honors English 7 mirrors the English 7 course but accelerates the teaching of grammar and deepens the study of literature. Departmental approval is required for placement in Honors English 7.
  • Honors Pre-Algebra 7

    Honors Pre-Algebra is designed to aid students in making the transition from elementary mathematics to more advanced high school math courses and lays the foundations for the study of more complex algebra topics. This course moves at an accelerated pace, exploring pre-algebra concepts in greater depth and with more complex scenarios, while addressing additional concepts. This introduction to algebra briefly reviews operations with integers, fractions, and decimals. Students develop their skills solving multi-step equations and inequalities in one variable, including rational equations, and continue to apply arithmetic skills to problems involving measurement, percentages, ratios, and proportions. The course explores graphing linear equations, including writing equations and comparing parallel and perpendicular lines, as well as operations with polynomials and rational expressions. The study of radical expressions and rational exponents complete the year, along with an introduction to radical equations. The study of geometry is weaved throughout this course, and student work emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills as well as the relevance of these skills in real-world applications. Departmental approval is required for placement.
  • Spanish IA

    This course provides students the foundation for the study of the Spanish language. Students will learn to communicate about various basic topics such as school, sports, family, food, and activities. Students will practice using conversational language to introduce themselves, exchange greetings, talk about the weather, and express interests and feelings.
  • Honors Algebra I

    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

    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.
  • Human Growth & Development 7

    Human Growth and Development is the next step in the Health and Wellness curriculum. In this course, students learn how brains and bodies develop and about human reproduction. Through discussion, students explore adolescent emotions, practice resolving conflict, and identify choices that nurture our bodies and brains through nutrition education and proper hygiene practices. Objectives include self-care, self-esteem, boundary-setting, and finding balance. Emphasis is placed on self in the context of relationships.
  • Dance 7

    Seventh-grade dancers enjoy this interdisciplinary class that collaborates with the seventh-grade history/social sciences class. The students will explore historical events, discuss the reasons and the results of the events, and reinforce learning and understanding through physical movement. The cultural history of many countries around the globe aid in illuminating and enriching this exciting dance class. Required dance clothing can be purchased through the school.
  • MS Choir

    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.
  • MS Orchestra

    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.
  • MS Band

    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.
  • Theater Arts 7

    In this course, we will dive deeper into the magical world of theater arts. We will establish the theater family and the importance of working as a team and following directions as well as taking feedback. We seek to build connection and confidence through the art and craft of theater arts. We explore modes and methods of acting (including improv, voiceover, monologue, and scene work), playwriting, directing, and stage management.

Faculty

  • Photo of Andrew Arick
    Andrew Arick
    Dean of Girls Leadership and Outdoor Education, English Teacher
    (423) 634-5427
  • Photo of Kelly Ballard
    Kelly Ballard
    Director of Band & Orchestra
    (423) 634-7615
  • Photo of Mackenzie Brown
    Mackenzie Brown
    (423) 634-7657
  • Photo of Jenny Bullard
    Jenny Bullard
    English Teacher, Dean of Seventh Grade Class, Varsity Bowling Coach, Assistant Varsity Golf Coach, M
    (423) 634-3487
  • Photo of Amanda Byars
    Amanda Byars
    Director of Fine & Performing Arts, Assistant Director of Terpsichord, Dance Teacher
    (423) 634-7661
  • Photo of London Cornelius
    London Cornelius
    PE Teacher, Varsity Softball Coach
    (423) 634-7619
  • Photo of Katye Couch
    Katye Couch
    Dean of Teaching and Learning, Science Teacher
    (423) 634-3471
  • Photo of Ralph Covino
    Ralph Covino
    Humanities Department Coordinator and History & Social Sciences Teacher
    (423) 634-7698
  • Photo of Rachel Craig
    Rachel Craig
    (423) 634-7631
  • Photo of Angelina DeVincenzo
    Angelina DeVincenzo
    (423) 634-7625
  • Photo of Rosali Espinosa
    Rosali Espinosa
    World Language Teacher
    (423) 424-4505
  • Photo of Jamie Holodak
    Jamie Holodak
    Middle School Head Track & Field Coach
  • Photo of Kimberley Myers
    Kimberley Myers
    Math Teacher
    (423) 634-5447
  • Photo of Melissa Nati
    Melissa Nati
    School Nurse
    (423) 634-7662
  • Photo of Liesl Neubert
    Liesl Neubert
    Math Teacher
    (423) 424-4503
  • Photo of Kathryn Outlaw
    Kathryn Outlaw
    Head of Middle School, Director of Student Support Services
    (423) 634-7674
  • Chandler Patrick
    Assistant Middle School Basketball Coach
  • Photo of Hannah Richards
    Hannah Richards
    Assistant Director of Admission
    (423) 634-7642
  • Photo of April Ross
    April Ross
    Computer Science and Engineering Teacher
    (423) 634-3486
  • Photo of Casey Santos
    Casey Santos
    Middle School Counselor
    (423) 634-3456
  • Photo of Ginger Sillery
    Ginger Sillery
    Science Teacher
    (423) 634-7692
  • Photo of Erin Sizemore
    Erin Sizemore
    Dean of Students, Assistant Head of Upper School
    (423) 6343462
  • Photo of Lauchlan Sky
    Lauchlan Sky
    Assistant Rowing Coach
  • Photo of Meghan Smith
    Meghan Smith
    Science Teacher
    (423) 634-7622
  • Photo of Chelsea Sokol
    Chelsea Sokol
    World Language Teacher
    (423) 634-3469
  • Photo of Allison Tennyson
    Allison Tennyson
    Director of Athletics & Strategic Partnerships
    (423) 634-7617
  • Photo of Emily Tousek
    Emily Tousek
    Music Teacher
    (423) 634-7604
  • Photo of Kipton Tugman
    Kipton Tugman
    Learning Specialist
    (423) 634-7683
  • Photo of Benjamin Wagner
    Benjamin Wagner
    Technical Theater Director and Theater Manager
    (423) 634-7671
  • Photo of Augusta Webb
    Augusta Webb
    Fine Arts Teacher
    (423) 634-7648
  • Photo of Lane Winchester
    Lane Winchester
  • Photo of Sara Wood
    Sara Wood
    Assistant to the Head of Middle School/LMS Administrator
    (423) 634-7653