Grade 8
Preparing you for success in high school
In eighth grade, students thrive on academic, social and leadership opportunities that prepare them for the transition to high school. Supportive staff and a daily advisory period help students feel confident and ready for ninth grade. Core eighth grade classes delve deeper into key concepts, while an expanded offering of elective courses helps students find their path. Eighth graders are eligible to receive high school credit for several courses, providing a solid foundation for a successful freshman year.
Grade 8 Academic Opportunities
Leadership Opportunities
Eighth grade students have the opportunity to take the lead as mentors to new students via their school's leadership program ("WEB: Where Everybody Belongs" or "GPS: Guides to Personal Success"). These programs actively engage new students, build community, and strengthen school climate and culture.
Daily Advisory
Advisory is similar to a homeroom where a peer group meets daily with a teacher. Advisory time provides a structured curriculum, including college/career planning, social/emotional learning, and academic oversight. It also provides time for academic support and enrichment. Daily advisory:
- Provides students with a stronger sense of belonging within the team and at school;
- Allows for more personalized attention from teachers, with more focused attention to academic, social and emotional needs; and
- Offers opportunities to talk in a safe environment about topics relevant to young adolescents.
Technology
All grade 6-8 students receive a district-issued Chromebook for educational use. Learners use their device to do schoolwork both at home and at school. Mobile devices also allow students to experience a flipped classroom, which involves viewing (during non-classroom hours) a video of their teacher providing instruction and then using class time to dig deeper into that topic, ask questions, or do group work on a project.
Students also use Schoology, a learning management system that supports online learning, communication, and collaboration among teachers, students, and families.