Middle 6-8

Our Students

Overview

Our Middle Grades are regularly ranked as one of the top middle schools in New York City based on Math and English scores. Students in grades 6–8 are challenged to read, write, and think critically through a comprehensive humanities and arts program and an accelerated Regents math and science curriculum.

Our stellar academic curriculum is further enhanced with a strong athletics program—our soccer, track, and volleyball teams consistently rank at the top in citywide competitions—plus music and drama productions, art exhibits, and exciting after-school activities.

Read the latest issue of our student-produced Middle Grades SOAR Newsletter.

Middle Grades Athletics

MIDDLE GRADES CLUBS

Summer Reading

 Please see our Summer Reading webpage for this year's assignment!

School Supplies

Please visit the PTA Classroom Supplies webpage to make a contribution to the Classroom Supplies fund.

You will also find the 6th, 7th and 8th Grade individual supply lists.

Middle Grades Course Descriptions

Courses

The Middle School at NEST+m offers an accelerated curriculum with a firm grounding in Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Mathematics, plus exciting courses in Computer Science, Mandarin, Spanish, Theater, Music, Studio Art, Physical Education, and Health. Students follow an A/B schedule, with some of the courses and science labs occurring on alternating days.

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade
Daily Classes

Honors Math

ELA

Honors Science

Honors Social Studies

PE

Honors Pre-Algebra

ELA

Honors Science

Honors Social Studies

World Language: Spanish or Mandarin

Regents Algebra 1

ELA

Regents Living Environment

Regents US History

World Language: Spanish or Mandarin

Classes on Alternating Days

4 Specials:

Studio Art • Band • Computer Science • Theatre

Physical Education

3 Elective specials:

Studio Art • Band • Computer Science • Theatre

Physical Education

2 Elective specials:

Studio Art • Band • Computer Science • Theatre

Health

Regents Living Environment Lab

Math

6th Grade Math:
In sixth grade there are five units of study:

  1.  Rations, Proportions and Percentages
  2. The Number System: with an emphasis on number sense and algorithms for all operations with rational numbers including whole numbers, fractions, decimals and integers.
  3. Expressions & Equations
  4. Geometry
  5. Statistics

This course combines arithmetic, geometry, and statistics with an emphasis on real life mathematics and mastery of skills. In this course you will be encouraged to make sense of the quantitative nature of our world. The course has three major components: conceptual understanding of mathematics, development of problem solving strategies, and the strengthening and expanding of basic skills.

7th Grade Pre-Algebra:
This course has four units of study: Rational Numbers and Exponents, Proportionality and Linear Relationships, Statistics and Probability, and Geometry. Each of these units will make use of both old and new mathematical skills. The work students do in each unit will explore both mathematical concepts and real-world issues.

Throughout this course you will be asked to make sense of mathematical information, develop effective communication skills, learn problem-solving methods, and make connections between mathematical concepts. You are expected to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes.

8th Grade Regents Algebra I:
Students in this course learn from the following units of study:

  1. Equations, Inequalities, and their Graphs (including Systems)
  2. Descriptive Statistics
  3. Linear and Exponential Functions
  4. Quadratic and Polynomial Expressions, Equations, and Functions

This course culminates in the Algebra I Regents exam in June. Upon successful completion of both the course and Regents exam, students receive two math credits for High School.

English

6th Grade English Language Arts: The class explores and critically analyzes works of literature, thinking carefully about how they relate to our lives and the world around us. This year we explore the theme of “identity,” through discussions, writing assignments, projects, and literature. Students are expected to read at least 25 books as a way to develop a lifelong love of reading.

7th Grade English Language Arts: This year the class explores the theme of “perspective”: What is perspective and why is it important to explore other points of view? The class will read nonfiction articles from a variety of sources. Students will choose a current issue that is important to them, then research different points of view and write a feature article that examines two or more sides of the issue. The class also develops strategies for reading nonfiction and understanding the structure of nonfiction writing.

8th Grade English Language Arts: This class, which emphasizes reading from multiple genres, independent inquiry, and composition, is designed to prepare students for the rigors of high school English classes. Students will read, analyze, and compare works of American literature from the Civil War period through modern times (authors include Stephen Crane, William Golding, Elie Weisel, and Harper Lee). They will take the New York State ELA exam.

Social Studies

6th Grade Social Studies: Students study world history from the formation of our planet all the way to the Medieval period. The class explores how our species developed, the beginnings of civilization, and the beginnings of agriculture. They will also study the great ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

7th Grade Social Studies: This year, students examine American history from European exploration in the fifteenth century to the Civil War and Reconstruction. One of the primary goals of this course is to utilize a variety of disciplines, including geography, anthropology, economics, and political science, to better understand the history of our nation. An emphasis is placed on the lasting impacts that history has on individual lives and the world at large.

8th Grade Regents US History: In this Regents course, students focus on a chronological study of the history of the United States, and particularly New York State, from the Civil War to the present. While students will look at the actions of presidents and other important figures, they will also focus on how common people lived and acted, comparing the different experiences of various ethnic, religious, and racial groups, social classes, and genders.

Science

6th Grade Project-Based Inquiry Science: PBIS is a nontraditional curriculum that provides students with a rich and engaging experience, enabling them to consider and apply complex science ideas.

7th Grade Project-Based Inquiry Science: Continuation of the PBIS nontraditional curriculum.

8th Grade Regents Living Environment: In preparation for the Living Environment Regents Exam, students meet six times a week (including two lab sessions) to study life sciences. The seven units covered in this course include organization of life; heredity and genetics; evolution; reproduction and development; homeostasis; ecology; and human impact on the environment.

Physical Education

The Physical Education program at NEST+m is designed to develop the mental, emotional, physical, and social skills to promote lifelong fitness. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of team and individual sports, which include skills, rules, game strategy, and physical fitness, as well as promoting activities they can integrate into healthy lifestyles.

Theater & Literacy

6th Grade Introduction to Theater: Introduction to Theater will introduce students to the fundamentals of theatrical expression and performance. We will address how to use the body, imagination, and voice as tools of expression. We will also focus on the importance of collaboration and ensemble building. Students will master basic theatrical vocabulary, gain confidence performing in front of an audience, develop a directorial sense of dynamic staging, interpret and analyze text for the purposes of design, direction, and performance, and practice writing for the stage.

7th Grade Acting Workshop: Students in Acting Workshop will learn techniques to hone their control of movement, breath, and voice and to analyze and interpret classical and contemporary texts in order to conceive and execute nuanced and informed performances. Students will engage in movement exercises as an ensemble, solo recitations, and scene study in partnerships and small groups. Students will also workshop and perform two contrasting monologues as a synthesis of the skills learned in class and in preparation for future auditions.