Advanced Art is a year-long course designed as a continuation of the Foundations Art course from 7th grade for our strong-minded growing visual artists. This course encompasses an in-depth experience in a vast array of the visual arts. Among these are drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, 3D printing, digital media, and sculpture. Students will push their ideas and explorations further as developing artists and individuals. As students build a body of work and explore different media they will do a deeper dive into their work and engage in aesthetics through class critiques, group discussions, and reflections. Entry into the Advanced Art course is limited to serious art students who commit to a full-year course and may be recommended by Visual Arts Department or former art instructors. (Small digital camera required.)
Curriculum Guide
Let's face it: not everyone is as good at calculus as they are at 20th-century literature. At Woodward your child will be able to mix and match the level of challenge for their courses to help them flourish in areas where they have strong aptitude and to get support in areas where they need more reinforcement.
We take the time to get to know your child so they can grow to their fullest potential. If your child is particularly strong in sciences, we want to make sure they are placed at a more intensive level with our honors preparatory or advanced placement tracks. But perhaps they need extra reinforcement in English? We can support them there, too, with our college preparatory or enriched preparatory tracks where they can continue to build their self-confidence in the subject. It’s a balancing act to get it right, but at Woodward, we’ll meet your child where they are and give them the tools they need to succeed in school and in life.
Our Challenge Levels
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Drawing and Painting is a semester course designed to further develop students’ skills in two-dimensional expression and the fundamentals of creating art through observation and experimentation. Media will include graphite, charcoal, pastels, watercolor, and acrylic painting. Creating the illusion of depth with techniques in perspective, vanishing points, contour lines, and value will be key focal points. We will also explore color theory, abstraction, gesture drawing, and figurative work.
2D Design is a semester-long course where students will focus on developing their fundamental understanding of two-dimensional art and design. Students will explore media and techniques surrounding drawing, painting, printmaking, as well as digital design.
3D Design is a semester course designed to further develop students’ skills in three-dimensional art and design. Students will envision, plan, and execute sculptures using a variety of materials and techniques. Media may include clay, soapstone, cardboard, found objects, fabric, and soft sculpture Students will explore concepts in space, scale, function, and abstract ideas.
This dance class is designed to train students in the beginner levels of Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Improv and Choreography techniques. Throughout these genres, students will explore dance elements, history and culture, choreography, performance, and learn how to express themselves through dance. This class will help students enhance their critical thinking skills and confidence, develop discipline and coordination, improve strength and flexibility, as well as promote a healthy lifestyle while having fun in the process. This class performs in the annual Spring Dance Concert.
This dance class is designed to train students in the beginner/intermediate levels of Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Improv, Dance Film and Choreography techniques. Throughout these genres students will explore dance elements, history and culture, choreography, performance, and learn how to express themselves through dance. This class will help students enhance their critical thinking skills and confidence, develop discipline and coordination, improve strength and flexibility, as well as incorporate technology such as video application into the classroom to create a dance films. This class performs in annual Spring Dance Concert.
This dance class is designed to train students in the intermediate/advanced levels of Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Improv, Dance Film and Choreography techniques. Throughout these genres students will explore dance elements, history and culture, choreography, performance, and learn how to express themselves through dance. This class will help students enhance their critical thinking skills and confidence, develop discipline and coordination, improve strength and flexibility, as well as incorporate technology such as video application into the classroom to create a dance films. This class performs in annual Spring Dance Concert.
Prerequisite: Director Recommendation
Prerequisite: Audition/Director Recommendation
This ensemble is a year-long class for those 7th and 8th grade string students who play at a very advanced level (violin, viola, cello or string bass). Audition is required. Students will learn advanced bowings, positions and advanced literature.
Algebra I is a high school-level course offered to middle school students, providing a rigorous foundation in algebraic concepts. In this course, students will learn to solve equations and inequalities, including linear equations, and understand the behavior of linear functions. They will explore systems of linear equations and inequalities, as well as piecewise functions, expanding their problem-solving skills. The curriculum also covers exponents, exponential functions, polynomials, factoring, and quadratic functions, along with methods for solving quadratic equations. Additionally, students will be introduced to basic statistics, enabling them to analyze and interpret data effectively.
This course covers events that range from the arrival of Native Americans in prehistoric times to the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. This course is designed around thematic units intended to introduce students to the early development of the United States, as well as trends in political, social, and economic growth. The course is set up within a framework of skill development including values, attitudes and ethics. It provides reinforcement and extension of the general communication skills at the core of the seventh grade program.
Prerequisite: Audition/Director Recommendation
This ensemble is a year-long class offered to 7th and 8th grade students who have demonstrated a moderate level of musical competency on their instrument. To maintain membership in this band, students are required to play their instrument within the performance expectations set for the class and attend all performances and rehearsals.
Prerequisite: Director Recommendation
This ensemble is a year-long class for 7th and 8th grade students who have had experience playing a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello or string bass). At least one year of playing experience is required. These students are developing basic individual and orchestra skills.
Dance Fit is an engaging, high-energy course that combines the fun of dance with the benefits of Pilates, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), and focused strength training. Designed for middle schoolers of all levels, this class blends dance-based cardio with targeted exercises to improve endurance, coordination, flexibility, and overall strength. Students will participate in interval training workouts that build muscle, boost stamina, and enhance body awareness. Through Pilates-inspired movements, they will develop core strength and improve posture, while learning fundamental anatomy concepts to understand how their bodies move efficiently and safely. Each class includes a dynamic warm-up, easy-to-follow choreography, strength-building exercises, and cooldown techniques to promote flexibility and recovery. Whether you're looking to improve dance skills, build athletic performance, or just have fun moving to the music, Dance Fit is the perfect way to stay active, energized, and confident!
Prerequisite: Audition/Director Recommendation This ensemble is a year-long class offered to 7th and 8th grade students who have demonstrated a fundamental level of musical competency on their instrument. To maintain membership in this band, students are required to play their instrument within the performance expectations set for the class and attend all performances and rehearsals.
In this year-long eighth grade course, students will develop a bi-weekly, LIVE broadcast, as well as produce short film segments. Students will learn how to write, shoot, and edit videos. Class members will also learn how to edit their films on iMovie and begin to use Final Cut Pro. This course serves as an intro to Film and Video Production courses in the Upper School.
Foundations Art is a year-long course designed for students who know they want to take art all year, but may not be ready for the increased rigor of the Design Studio course. These include drawing, printmaking, digital photography and manipulation, graphic design, ceramics, sculpture, and 3D design. Students progressively learn to identify and apply the “elements and principles of design” through their work and studying the works of others. Entry into the Foundations Art course is limited to students who commit to a full-year course and may be recommended by their former visual art instructors.
Fundamentals of Algebra 8T is designed for 8th-grade Transition Program students to strengthen their Pre-algebra foundation while gradually advancing into Algebra I concepts. Students will deepen their understanding of proportional reasoning, integer operations, and rational number relationships, while also building fluency in solving linear equations and inequalities. The course integrates essential algebraic concepts, such as exponent rules, basic polynomial operations, and an introduction to quadratic relationships, ensuring students establish a solid mathematical foundation.
This course will provide students with the fundamental skills and knowledge to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Students will participate in a balanced curriculum of individual and team sports and fitness development. This course will incorporate basic cardiovascular training, strength training, fitness testing, and agility activities. Students will also participate in field sports, net/target sports, invasion sports, aquatics, and gymnastics/tumbling (girls only). Performance levels and work ethic in this course will determine teacher recommendation for taking Physical Conditioning for Sports in the 8th grade.
Geometry is a high school-level course offered to students that have successfully completed a full year of Algebra I. This course explores the properties and relationships of shapes and figures in two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. Students will study parallel and perpendicular lines, transformations, and triangle congruence, as well as relationships within triangles. The course also covers quadrilaterals and other polygons, similarity, and introduces the study of right triangles and trigonometry. Students will apply coordinate geometry to solve problems involving geometric shapes and explore the properties of circles. In addition, the course incorporates probability to help students understand and analyze real-world scenarios.
The goal of the American Government and Economics program is to help each student become an independent thinker and responsible citizen. The first half of the course examines the American political system in such areas as the philosophy of government, the decision-making process, and the role of the individual citizen in the political process. The second half of the course focuses on developing a basic understanding of the forces at work in the economic marketplace. Issues such as supply and demand, the flow of money, and government involvement are studied. With a basic understanding of economic issues and the American political environment, students will be able to become effective decision-makers within a democratic society.
Prerequisite: Audition/Director Recommendation This ensemble is a year-long class offered to 7th and 8th Grade students who have demonstrated a high level of musical competency on their instrument. To maintain membership in the band, students are required to play their instrument within the performance expectations set for the class and attend all performances and rehearsals.
This semester-long intro course is designed to give students interested in film and/or video an overview of both programs. Students will make short films and create content for the middle school morning show. Elementary concepts of shots and angles will be introduced. Basic editing in iMovie will also be taught. Both iPads and cameras will be used.
In seventh-grade science, students will cultivate a comprehensive understanding of living organisms. The course commences with a unit exploring the distinctions between living and nonliving organisms, establishing a fundamental framework for biological concepts. Students will utilize both compound light microscopes and stereoscopes to conduct detailed examinations of various cell types, organelles, tissues, and organs. The curriculum delves further into cells, viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms, examining their structures, functions, and ecological roles. Multiple inquiry-based lab investigations and dissections are incorporated throughout the year to enhance student learning. The life science progression continues with an extensive investigation of the Animal Kingdom, focusing on species within major phyla and their distinctive characteristics. The first semester will conclude with a comparative anatomy unit. The second semester is dedicated to an in-depth exploration of human anatomy and physiology, encompassing all 11 organ systems. Within each system, elements of healthy habits will be incorporated. EP and HP honors-level courses will include a unit on genetics, while HP students will engage in additional studies on forensics and evolution during the latter part of the year.
Seventh grade literature is a year-long reading course designed to increase the student’s literacy skills, such as the development of vocabulary decoding skills, literary analysis, comprehension, and reading fluency. This course enables students to read teacher-selected and self-selected books from a diverse collection of literature from various genres, recognize the fundamental elements of a story, study character and theme development, identify author’s style, and connect literature to their own lives. The literature course also allows students to expand their ability to read expository selections that focus on the following: identifying main ideas and supporting details, recognizing authors’ purposes, forming educated inferences, summarizing and paraphrasing select passages, and varying reading speed. This course will develop students’ working vocabulary knowledge through context and a multi-modal vocabulary program.
The eighth grade literature class is a year-long program designed to further develop the students’ literacy skills. The program will continue to develop students’ working vocabulary knowledge through context and a multi-modal program. During the course of the year, students will benefit from whole class lessons over selected novels, short stories, and skill books that are used to review and strengthen reading skills acquired in the seventh grade. Students will also have the opportunity to select novels of their choice in the independent reading course during the second semester. This independent reading course challenges students to read a variety of genres, creates the opportunity for student-led assessments, and encourages an enjoyment of leisure reading beyond the academic requirements of the classroom.
Eighth grade honors literature is an elective, year-long course for selected students and designed to develop their maximum reading potential. Teacher recommendation, superior grades, standardized test scores, and the ability to complete assignments with minimum supervision, indicate students with the necessary background of academic skills for the accelerated pace of the curriculum. The objectives of the course are the same as the eighth grade reading class; however, the skill level of the student permits a greater variety of materials as well as a much faster pace for instruction. An essential component of the program is an emphasis on the development of the students’ written responses as they analyze various literary selections.
This course covers the time period known as the Middle Ages between the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th Century and the beginning of the Renaissance in approximately the 15th Century. This class will broadly explore events and developments over centuries of political, social, and economic history. This class will take a world view, and examine what occurred in different regions during this time period including the rise of specific empires, the growth of economies, lives of individuals, and other factors throughout the Middle Ages. This class will also examine the impact these cultures had on one another, and the impact they have had on modern life. The content is presented within the framework of reinforcing basic communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, and acquiring information. The honors level course includes the objective to develop the ability to express in both oral and written fashion more detailed knowledge of issues and events and the significant relationships between them
Prerequisite: Audition/Director Recommendation This choir is a year-long course. Sight-reading and musicianship training are important elements of daily rehearsals. The choir performs a Winter and Spring Concert. In addition, the Choir will be adjudicated at GMEA district Large Group Performance Evaluation. Alternating years, the choir travels to participate in a national music festival. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances.
(Prerequisite: Director Recommendation)
The Dance Ensemble offers male and female students the opportunity to enhance their dance skills and take their passion for dance a step further and thoroughly explore their love, excitement, and creativity of dance. This ensemble will have extra performance opportunities outside of school throughout the year, make a difference in the community, and work with renowned choreographers. This group meets once a week on Thursday afternoons for two hours and participates in the annual Spring Concert. Members must be enrolled into one of the three dance classes to be eligible for the Ensemble and must be recommended by the director.
This course is an advanced level course for students who are interested in advancing their understanding of theatre. Performance Ensemble students will take on the role of a director to learn basic tools for movement, composition, blocking, and staging. Students will also tackle more advanced acting methods and techniques using their base knowledge from Theatre 7. Under the guidance of the theatre teacher, students' final each semester will consist of an after-school showcase for their own class play and/or their directed scenes. Students will be required to have a recommendation from the teacher after Theatre 7 or Technical Theatre in order to be accepted into the class.
This course is designed to develop the skills necessary for a healthy, active lifestyle and a basic knowledge of rules for many individual and team sports. Students will participate in aerobic and anaerobic fitness activities, including field sports, net/target sports, invasion sports, fitness testing and development, aquatics, and gymnastics/tumbling (girls only).
(Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation) This course is designed to help student athletes develop strength, power, and speed for team and individual sports while focusing on preventing injuries and building stamina. Students will participate in weight-training, agility activities, and running to develop athleticism. This course gives Middle School students an alternative to the traditional team sports P.E. class. Teacher recommendation is a requirement for taking this course.
The eighth-grade physical science curriculum integrates foundational concepts from both introductory physics and chemistry. Through consistent engagement in laboratory activities and additional student-driven, inquiry-based investigations, eighth-grade students will continue to refine the basic process skills introduced in the seventh grade. During the first semester, students will explore fundamental principles of introductory physics, beginning with a unit on experimental variables, graphing techniques, and data collection methods. Additional topics covered include energy, work, power, waves, the electromagnetic spectrum, motion, acceleration, and Newton's Laws of Motion. This semester-long study will provide a solid foundation for more advanced physics studies in the Upper School. In the second semester, students will study introductory chemistry concepts, focusing on the properties of matter, states of matter, phase changes, gas laws, the Periodic Table, atomic structure and bonding, and chemical reactions. Students will develop a deeper understanding of science's impact on the environment and gain valuable insights into the past, present, and future of the world. By fostering effective problem-solving skills, perseverance, and determination, students will become more adept scientists and lifelong learners. Successful completion of both semesters will earn students Upper School science credit at all levels of this course.
Pre-Algebra is an accelerated course designed to build foundational math skills and prepare students for the rigors of Algebra I. Students will explore real numbers, develop an understanding of linear equations, and learn how to solve equations and inequalities. The course also introduces functions and systems of linear equations, providing the tools to analyze and solve more complex problems. In addition to algebraic concepts, students will study probability and apply it to real-world situations. Geometry will be explored through drawing and constructing geometric figures, as well as calculating surface area and volume of 3D shapes, ensuring students are well-prepared for future algebraic and mathematical coursework.
Robotics and Engineering is a course STEAM curriculum path. This course focuses on principles of mechanical engineering and applies those principles to solving problems using mechanical constructs and robots. In 8th grade, students use professional CAD software and build within the framework of the FIRST Tech Challenge. This course is a natural follow-up to the 7th grade course, but it is not a prerequisite.
In Robotics 7, students will learn and implement the engineering design cycle to build and optimize mechanical solutions to complex problems. They will refine, iterate and test their solutions for effectiveness. A Robotics and Engineering student enjoys designing, constructing, refining, and figuring out things on their own. In 7th grade, students learn approachable CAD software and construct and code with VexIQ materials.
Sculpture and 3D Design is a semester course and introduction into three-dimensional form and space in relation to artistic expression and design. Students will be challenged to use a variety of materials following safety protocols to design both functional and non-functional works of art. Media may include paper, wire, cardboard, found objects, clay plaster, soapstone, and paint. Using design thinking principles along with artistic expression students will explore concepts in space, scale, function, and abstract ideas.
Honors level French 1 or Spanish 1 begins in the seventh grade. Honors level French or Spanish is an advanced and more in depth approach to learning the language. An honors student can synthesize concepts. The honors student has taken his or her knowledge of a foreign language to another level. Honors level classes deliver information at a faster pace and require the student to be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking skills. In addition to the requirements of the college-preparatory level, honors level French or Spanish requires the student to learn additional concepts and incorporate them into written and oral assignments. Honors level students may have extra reading and project assignments to practice their skills. Honors level students are required to participate in the national exam in their world language. Some Honors level students may choose to participate in the Delf or Dele diploma certification process in eighth grade.
The two-year sequence in either French or Spanish is designed for Middle School students who begin their study of language in the seventh grade. While using the same approach and materials as the first-year course in the Upper School, the course moves at a slower pace, spreading the coverage of material over a two-year period for a greater comprehension level. The course introduces the students to French or Spanish languages with emphasis on four basic skills: speaking, reading, listening, and writing. These skills are developed through the study of pronunciation, basic vocabulary, and grammatical structures. Elementary reading selections are also used to promote self-expression and written practice of translation from English into the content language. Students are also expected to write basic essays in the content language about culture and other topics. Speaking skills are developed through structured conversation and oral communication exams.
Students in the eighth grade classes are taking the second half of high school level one. Completion of the first half of a French or Spanish level one class is mandatory to enter the eighth grade program. Upon completing this class, students will enter the Upper School at level two. The Upper School at Woodward Academy requires two years of the same language, so students who being world language instruction in the Middle School will have a minimum of three years of a language.
STEAM [Strategies That Engage All Minds] is a project-based, problem solving course in which students get in-depth experience in fields such as 3D design and printing, coding, graphic design and robotics. A STEAM student likes to tinker and learn by doing and making. They are curious risk-takers. This course will provide an intentional foundation for careers that revolve around creating and designing.
This is an introductory, semester-long course examining the principles and practices commonly used in theatrical stagecraft and production. Included are the equipment, basic use, and best practices of lighting, sound, painting, costuming, prop making, stage management, and set construction. Upon completion of this course, students will have knowledge of a variety of technical theatre components. This is an excellent first step into the world of theatre production and the backstage as it combines active learning and a hands-on style classroom experience.
This is a year-long course focused on the student actor in both musicals and non-musicals. Students will be evaluated at the mid-year for recommendation of continuing in the course. This course will offer the student the opportunity to develop acting skills, training and experience necessary for live theatrical performance with an emphasis on acting. Exercises and games; monologue and scene work; character choices and development will be explored. In addition, the Year-Long Drama 7 student will be encouraged to join Junior Thespians and to participate in the Middle School production. This is a full year commitment.
This is a year-long course focused on the student actor in both musicals and non-musicals. Students will be evaluated at the mid-year for recommendation of continuing in the course. This course will offer the student the opportunity to continue developing skills, training and experience necessary for live theatrical performance with an emphasis on acting. Challenging exercises and games; devised monologue and scene work; character choices and development will continue to be explored. Year-Long Drama 8 student will be encouraged to join Junior Thespians and to participate in the Middle School production. This is a full year commitment.
“Tools” is designed for students who are having significant challenges meeting academic expectations. In partnership with the parents, the administration team and/or counselors refer students to this course. The aim is to help students improve their learning effectiveness, attitudes, and motivation. The primary goal of the Tools class is for students to gain confidence in their skills, feel empowered to self-advocate, and learn to better manage independent and interdependent studies. The class will provide instruction in the following: academic goal setting, prioritization, organization, time management, note taking, and study habits. Students may be assigned mandatory tutorial attendance.
Prerequisite: Audition/Director Recommendation This choir is a year-long class. Sight-reading and musicianship training are important elements of daily rehearsals. The choir performs a winter and spring concert. In addition, the Choir will be adjudicated at GMEA district Large Group Performance Evaluation. Alternating years, the choir travels to participate in a national music festival. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances.
Prerequisite: Audition/Director Recommendation
Group meets 2 days a week during Middle School afternoon study hall. Members must be enrolled in the Middle School Treble or Men’s Choir to be eligible. The Middle School Ensemble learns a variety of four part choral music. This group performs a winter and spring concert and alternating years participates in a national music festival.