Courses & Curriculum

Bible

In the fifth-grade Bible class, we use the Building on the Rock: Stewardship curriculum.  This class introduces biblical and unbiblical beliefs about God, the universe, human beings, truth, and value. Students will memorize scripture, identify main points, creatively apply concepts, reflect on important ideas, and participate in class discussions surrounding biblical Christianity as the true view of God and the world. We also build in times for group worship time in the classroom.  The ultimate goal is to build confidence in the knowledge of scriptural truths and encourage students in their personal relationship with the Lord. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 30 minutes  
Service Hours: 15 

English

This course incorporates literature circles, writing, spelling, and grammar.  We teach the basics of literary analysis, expository writing, creative writing, and poetry analysis. It includes extensive vocabulary development and an opportunity to write an MLA research paper. This course focuses on proper mechanics and grammar through a variety of activities. Further, students will use critical-thinking skills while reading a variety of literature that encompasses different genres and literary devices.  Works will include The Hatchet, Number the Stars, Derwood Inc., Maniac McGee.   

Term: Full Year

Math

Students are introduced to basic pre-algebraic concepts and will build upon previous math knowledge and increase in new skills that help students become stronger, more confident problem solvers. Concepts are taught through a spiralized approach and will be worked upon throughout the year to ensure success. Primary concepts include multiplying, dividing, adding problems, and solving ratio and rate problems. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0-30 mins 

Science 

Fifth-grade Science class explores environmental, life, ecological, and physical sciences through a Biblical Worldview lens.  Students will develop and use problem-solving skills: observation, classification, sequencing, measuring, and comparing/contrasting.  The curriculum focuses upon fundamental principles of science and presents God as the creator, sustainer, and upholder, along with notes on scientists who believed in creation.  It also includes a health unit focusing on body transitions through adolescence.   

Term: Full Year

Social Studies

In this class, students explore geography, different ages of exploration, Native American tribes, the 13 colonies, and complete the year with an entrepreneur unit with a fun field to Biz Town! Students will have the opportunity to learn how to research, use STEAM skills to create a website, give mini-presentations, and collaborate with classmates on other fun projects.  

Term: Full Year

Art

Building on previous art experience, students will begin to study art history, focusing on individual artists.  Students will use multiple mediums, including drawing, painting, and clay, creating projects highlighting knowledge of the artist being studied.     

Term: Full Year

Physical Education

Physical Education focuses on lifetime sports, sports education, fitness, and sportsmanship. It involves strategic learning relating to overall lifetime health, fitness, sports, sports competitions, and conduct, keeping in mind to be Christ-minded in all activities. Units covered include volleyball, badminton, pickle ball, playground games, golf, softball/baseball, tennis, hockey, soccer, basketball, skateboarding, etc. Classes are divided by gender and grade; the uniform is a gym shirt purchased from Branding Wearhouse.  See the Fee-Based Classes and Physical Education Uniforms section for further details.  

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Innovation Hour

Innovation Hour combines literacy with innovation to produce a fun, hands-on class. Students will research, design, and create various projects during the year, such as the tiny house and the wax museum projects. In addition, students will spend time working in and planning events using the MCA School Garden. By the end of Innovation Hour, students will discover the maker inside themselves.   

Term: Full Year

STEAM 

5th grade STEAM is an accumulation of previous years, neatly packaging cross-cutting concepts and drawing on prior knowledge to create an elementary capstone year. 5th grade will continue to build on coding skills and apply them to units such as LEGO robotics and animation programming. 3D modeling is a crucial skill in Lower School STEAM to prepare students for upper school programs that expand their thinking and creativity. 

Term: Full Year

Band

Students begin to develop skills in performing on an instrument. Students are expected to participate in performances during the year, including the Christmas Concert in December and spring concert during Experience Maranatha in May.  Students are invited to the band open house during the summer before beginning band class to help decide which instrument to play.  We partner with Schmitt music to bring instruments to our campus for students to explore. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Choir

Students will develop singing skills while preparing for performances. Vocal techniques, stage presence, music of varying cultures, foundations of sight-reading, musical terms, and basic theory will be taught. Students will learn to sing in two-part harmony.  Performances include the Christmas Concert and spring concert, Experience Maranatha. 

Term: Full Year

Bible

Building on the Rock: World of Worldviews.  This class introduces biblical and unbiblical beliefs about God, the universe, human beings, truth, and value. Students will memorize scripture, identify main points, creatively apply concepts, reflect on important ideas, and participate in class discussions surrounding biblical Christianity as the true view of God and the world.  The ultimate goal is to build confidence in the knowledge of scriptural truths and encourage students in their personal relationship with the Lord.  

Term: Full Year

Homework: 30 minutes  
Service Hours: 15 

English 

Incorporating literature, writing, and grammar, this class teaches the basics of literary analysis, expository writing, creative writing, and poetry analysis. It includes extensive vocabulary development and an opportunity to write an MLA research paper. This course focuses on proper mechanics and grammar through a variety of activities. Further, students will use critical-thinking skills while reading various literature that encompasses different genres and literary devices. Works will include Found, A Wrinkle in Time, A Father’s Promise, Where the Red Fern Grows, The City of Ember.   

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0-60 minutes 

Foundations of Math

Students are introduced to basic algebraic concepts and will build upon previous math knowledge and increase new skills to prepare for pre-algebra. Concepts are taught by focusing on topics broken up into smaller lessons throughout the year to ensure success.  Primary concepts include positive rational numbers, numeric and algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, ratio and rate, percent, area and volume, and data usage.  

Term: Full Year

Homework:0-60 minutes 

Pre-Algebra

Students are introduced to fundamental arithmetic concepts, to prepare students for Algebra 1. Topics are taught in small steps and spread over time in an incremental approach. Primary concepts include rational and real numbers, proportional relationships, percent problems, equivalent expressions, equations, inequalities, linear equations, probability, geometry, congruence and similarity. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0-60 minutes 

Earth and Space Science 

This course is a study of energy and matter, with an overview of chemistry, physics, and earth/space sciences. The student will develop and use problem-solving skills: observation, classification, sequencing, measuring, and comparing/contrasting. It delves into space exploration and discusses origin theories. 

Term: Full Year

Homework:0–30 minutes 

Minnesota History

This class explores Minnesota’s long and diverse history, beginning with the area’s earliest inhabitants, highlighting historical markers in our state’s history, and continuing to the present day. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate and problem solve while studying Native American settlement, early European settlement and influence, and Minnesota’s role in the Civil and World Wars. Students will explore how Minnesota’s people and ideas helped shape the state and impact the nation, along with citizenship, economics, and the government of the United States. 

Term: Full Year

Homework; 0–30 minutes 

Art Foundations

Art exploration lessons incorporate art history, criticism, and self-assessment, using multiple art media, including architecture, graphic design, and clay-relief tiles. Students begin the year with step-by-step instruction on the basics of drawing and color theory, leading into acrylic painting. 

Term: Full Year

Physical Education

Physical Education focuses on lifetime sports, sports education, fitness, and sportsmanship. It involves strategic learning relating to overall lifetime health, fitness, sports, sports competitions, and conduct, keeping in mind to be Christ-minded in all activities. Units covered include volleyball, badminton, pickle ball, playground games, golf, softball/baseball, tennis, hockey, soccer, basketball, skateboarding, etc. Classes are divided by gender and grade; the uniform is a gym shirt purchased from Branding Wearhouse.  See the Fee-Based Classes and Physical Education Uniforms section for further details.  

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Design and Modeling

This hands-on course has students work to develop innovative solutions for design and engineering problems. Students design and create a tabletop game, use CAD software to create 3-D objects, and use everyday items to design different animal prosthetics. Communication, teamwork, brainstorming, and problem-solving are a central part of the work in this course.    

Term: Full Year 

Homework 0–30 Minutes  

Band

Students continue to develop skills for performing on a chosen instrument. Students are expected to participate in performances during the year, including Christmas Concert in December and spring concert during Experience Maranatha in May. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Choir   

Students will develop their singing skills while preparing for performances. Vocal techniques, stage presence, sight-reading, musical terms, and basic theory will be taught. Students will learn to sing in two-part harmony. Performances include the Christmas Concert and spring concert during Experience Maranatha in May. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Theater 

Students learn the basics of stage terminology, stage movement, pantomime, voice quality, characterization, and improvisation through games, monologues, sketches, and scripts. In addition, participation in a one-act play or variety show at the end of the semester will showcase skills they have successfully acquired. If needed, students may be required to participate in extracurricular MCA Thespian productions.   

Term: Full Year

Homework 0–30 Minutes   

Bible

Building on the Rock: God’s New Family (Yr.) Building upon the biblical foundations learned in 6th grade; this class explores God's plans for His Old Testament and New Testament families.  Students will learn biblical principles to apply daily life.  The ultimate goal is to build confidence in the knowledge of scriptural truths and encourage students in their personal relationship with the Lord. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 30 minutes  

Service Hours: 25 

English

Incorporating literature and grammar, English 7 teaches the basics of literary analysis, expository writing, and creative writing. In addition, English 7 includes extensive vocabulary development through the study of Greek and Latin roots. An in-class reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and William Gibson’s The Miracle Worker also introduces students to the medium of plays and provides an opportunity to work on speaking skills in front of others.  Additional works: The Giver and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0-60 minutes 

Pre-Algebra

Students are introduced to fundamental arithmetic concepts, to prepare students for Algebra 1. Topics are taught in small steps and spread over time in an incremental approach. Primary concepts include rational and real numbers, proportional relationships, percent problems, equivalent expressions, equations, inequalities, linear equations, probability, geometry, congruence and similarity. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0-60 minutes 

Algebra 1 

Students are given a review of equivalent expressions, linear equations, and inequalities and introduced to various algebraic concepts.  These concepts include solving power properties; writing, factoring, and graphing linear functions; writing and graphing exponential functions; polynomials; writing, factoring, and graphing quadratic functions; and simplifying rational expressions 

Term: Full Year

Homework-0-60 minutes 

Life Science

Cells, heredity, diversity of living things, the human body, ecology, and the environment—Students study different types, parts, and functions of cells. Students will explore heredity and characteristics of bacteria, viruses, and animals. Students will also study population dynamics in communities, Earth’s ecosystems and resources, and the human impact on our environment.  Structures and functions of each body system and how systems work together are detailed in the unit on the human body. Students will complete hands-on laboratory experiments to more deeply explore these topics. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Global Studies 

This course covers world regions, cultures, and global issues. Students will use skills such as civic participation, economic reasoning, geographic inquiry, and historical inquiry while exploring the world around them. Students also explore the relationships between diverse cultures and the world in which they live, will include reading, writing, discussion, analysis, and taking positions on multiple topics. Students will use various print and non-print sources to analyze and suggest solutions to real-world problems and analyze global and societal issues. The course goal is to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the world's different geographical and cultural areas. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 30–60 minutes 

Foundations of Technology

This course will introduce foundational technology skills students need to succeed to continue through middle and High School careers at Maranatha. Students will focus on using personal devices as a learning tool and increasing student competency in a digital organization, common word processing, presentation, and educational applications. Students will learn how to utilize Schoology as a learning management system. Students will also learn what it means to be a good digital citizen and use social media and technology in a way that honors God.  

Term: Full Year

Physical Education

Physical Education focuses on lifetime sports, sports education, fitness, and sportsmanship. It involves strategic learning relating to overall lifetime health, fitness, sports, sports competitions, and conduct, keeping in mind to be Christ-minded in all activities. Units covered include volleyball, badminton, pickle ball, playground games, golf, softball/baseball, tennis, hockey, soccer, basketball, skateboarding, etc. Classes are divided by gender and grade; the uniform is a gym shirt purchased from Branding Wearhouse.  See the Fee-Based Classes and Physical Education Uniforms section for further details.  

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Health 

This class alternates curriculum every other year.  Year one focuses on health and wellness, taking charge of your health, achieving mental and emotional health, managing stress, and coping with loss.  This class will also emphasize relationships; family, peer, and dating relationships resolving conflict; Project Alert (drug, alcohol, and cigarettes), and preventing violence. 

Year two focuses on living a healthy life through proper nutrition, managing weight, eating behaviors, physical activity, and fitness.  Other units covered will include personal care and body systems, Project Alert (substance resistance), and growth and development.  This class also includes a dating/abstinence unit. 

Term: Semester

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Art Design

In this hands-on art class students will learn at length about the different elements of design: line, shape, color, space/ form, and texture. Students will complete projects using each element. Students will work with drawing, painting, sculpture, and many other creative materials.  Offering alternating years with MS Art History 

Term: Semester

Requirements: Certain projects will require the student to obtain additional material. 

Fee: $$45 

Current Events 

This course focuses on current issues affecting students’ everyday lives. Students learn how to detect media bias, embrace exploration by researching current topics, and learn how to lead with empathy by listening to different perspectives. Additionally, students will conduct interviews, participate in class discussions, and bring current news to the class. Above all, students will learn to ground themselves in Christian faith amidst the various conflicts of the world.  

Term: Semester

Homework: 30–60 minutes 

Design Lab 

In this hands-on course, students will learn, design, and create different moving mechanisms. Students will explore mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, use CAD software, explore computer programming, and build toys. Problem-solving, tinkering, and teamwork are a part of this course.   

Term: Semester

Homework: 10–20 Minutes  

Fantasy Literature and Writing

This course focuses on the study of “fantasy” as a genre and how to write fantasy stories. The main novel read throughout the semester is Alice in Wonderland, but many excerpts from other books such as The Return of the King, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Catching Fire will also be read/studied. This course covers everything from early fantasy tales found throughout Greek mythology and the legend of King Arthur up to modern-day fantasy written by well-known authors such as Brandon Sanderson and Rick Riordan. This course is open to anyone interested in the “fantasy” genre.  

Term: Semester

Homework 0–60 Minutes 

Historical Fiction  

This course offers a unique and comprehensive introduction to the genre of historical fiction. Students will read examples of the genre and discover new glimpses of the past. In addition, students develop critical skills to be an author of historical fiction to an audience of a specific age group from K-6. Conducting research with primary and secondary sources, students will craft an original work of historical fiction. 

Term: Semester

Intro to Chapel Band 

Explore the essentials of being in a worship band through singing, playing the keyboard and acoustic guitar, and playing with a worship band. Learn the basics of playing chord charts to familiar worship songs. This class also has some opportunities throughout the year to lead worship in Middle School or Lower School chapel. Students in this course will grow musically, spiritually, and as leaders in the school and community. 

Term: Semester

Lego Programming

Students in this course build and program Lego EV3 Mindstorm. Starting with constructing a robot vehicle and then program its movements to navigate a maze. Students are challenged to build and program robots or machines to solve problems through different missions and objectives. Students work together, use the design process, solve problems, and explore physical computing in this hands-on course.  

Term: Semester

Homework: 0–30 minutes  

Speech 

This introductory course in public speaking will give students opportunities to develop skills in preparing speeches and delivering it with confidence. Students will be exposed to various speech types, including impromptu, informative, and persuasive. This class also equips students with presentation skills needed to succeed in High School courses.  

Term: Semester

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Textile Arts 

Using the medium of textiles: threads, strings, cloth, etc., along with a possibility of dyes, paper, paint, and other media, students will create two and three-dimensional works of art such as collages, soft sculptures, and functional pieces like backpacks, ties, vests bracelets, string bags, weaves, Macramé hangings, bags, aprons, and totes. Students will also learn simple hand stitches, and practical sewing skills. In addition, students will incorporate used articles of clothing and other recyclables and upcycle them into new works of art for decoration or function. Students will also learn simple “fix it” projects to repair rips, holes, hems, etc.    

Term: Semester

Theater

Students learn improvisation through acting games, exercises, sketches, short lessons, and scripts. The goal is for students to experience a learning process that enhances lives and develops skills used in the world beyond. Theatre work contributes to the development of 21st Century Learning Skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and other life skills to serve them well in school and beyond. Students participate in a one-act play or variety show to showcase their new skills at the end of the semester. Also required is attending a theatrical production within the semester (MCA productions do count). 

Term: Semester

Homework: 0–30 Minutes 

Storytelling and Literature Video Game Design 

This course is focused on studying video games and the impact of storytelling that happens throughout the game design. Students will also look at video games' visual and auditory impact and how those components play a part in quality game design. Students will review a variety of video games throughout this course and create their own video game storyline.  

Term: Semester

Homework: 0–30 Minutes 

MS Band

Students continue to develop performance skills in a large group setting, emphasizing instrumental performance techniques and the development of a good overall band sound. Students are expected to participate in performances during the year, including the Christmas Concert and Experience Maranatha concerts.  

Prerequisite: Participation in the school band for at least one year.  

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

MS Choir 

Students will develop their singing skills while preparing for performances. Vocal technique, stage presence, solfege/sight-reading, musical terms, and beginning theory will be taught. Students will learn to sing in two- or three-part harmony. Performances include the Christmas Concert and the spring concert during Experience Maranatha in May.  

Prerequisite: Must be able to sing independently on pitch. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Bible

Walking in Truth: Christianity in Action (Yr.) Building on the topics of a Christian Worldview (6th gr) and Competing Worldviews (7th gr), this course helps students understand how to live out their Christian worldview in a post-Christian culture. This two-part course begins with a focus on the application of our Christian worldview within the disciplines of theology, philosophy, ethics, psychology, sociology, biology, and history. Part two of this course focuses on the New Testament Epistles and application of God’s Word to student’s daily lives.  

Term: Full Year

Homework: 30 minutes 

Service Hours: 25 

English

Incorporating literature and grammar, English 8 continues to build upon the basics of literary analysis and expository, creative, and persuasive writing while including extensive vocabulary development. Students will be introduced to Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night with an opportunity to write an MLA research paper in conjunction with Christopher Paul Curtis’ Bud, Not Buddy. Students will also write a speech with a digital slide/media presentation in conjunction with Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett’s play The Diary of Anne Frank.  Additional works: The Hobbit and The Old Man and the Sea. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0-60 minutes

Algebra 1 

Students are given a review of equivalent expressions, linear equations, and inequalities and introduced to various algebraic concepts.  These concepts include solving power properties; writing, factoring, and graphing linear functions; writing and graphing exponential functions; polynomials; writing, factoring, and graphing quadratic functions; and simplifying rational expressions 

Term: Full Year

Homework-0-60 minutes 

Geometry

This course will introduce students to the foundations of Geometry, followed by instruction on postulates and theorems in a formal proof setting, with particular attention devoted to critical thinking skills.  Other concepts include parallel and perpendicular lines; transformations; congruence and similarity in triangles; quadrilaterals; introduction to trigonometry; circles; and two- and three-dimensional models.  

Prerequisites: Algebra 1  

Term: Full Year

Homework: 40 minutes 

Earth and Space Science

This course is a study of energy and matter, with an overview of chemistry, physics, and earth/space sciences. The student will develop and use problem-solving skills: observation, classification, sequencing, measuring, and comparing/contrasting. Units also delve into space exploration and origin theories. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

U.S. Studies 

This class offers an interactive and comprehensive overview of the history of the United States. Students will begin learning the rich history of the Indigenous people of North America and will conclude with the Civil War. Students will explore the content by annotating primary and secondary sources, reading historical literature, creating hands-on projects, and participating in class discussions. This course also gives a glimpse of how all of us are part of God’s redemptive plan and how He wants us to be co-creators of the future. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 30–60 minutes 

Physical Education

Physical Education focuses on lifetime sports, sports education, fitness, and sportsmanship. It involves strategic learning relating to overall lifetime health, fitness, sports, sports competitions, and conduct, keeping in mind to be Christ-minded in all activities. Units covered include volleyball, badminton, pickle ball, playground games, golf, softball/baseball, tennis, hockey, soccer, basketball, skateboarding, etc. Classes are divided by gender and grade; the uniform is a gym shirt purchased from Branding Wearhouse.  See the Fee-Based Classes and Physical Education Uniforms section for further details.  

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Health 

This class alternates curriculum every other year.  Year one focuses on health and wellness, taking charge of your health, achieving mental and emotional health, managing stress, and coping with loss.  This class will also emphasize relationships; family, peer, and dating relationships resolving conflict; Project Alert (drug, alcohol, and cigarettes), and preventing violence. 

Year two focuses on living a healthy life through proper nutrition, managing weight, eating behaviors, physical activity, and fitness.  Other units covered will include personal care and body systems, Project Alert (substance resistance), and growth and development.  This class also includes a dating/abstinence unit. 

Term: Semester

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

American Sign Language 1

This American Sign Language course is designed to introduce students to the basics of this beautiful language and the culture that created it. The environment of the class is designed to be both fun and educational. The course will focus mainly on vocabulary and the mechanics of communicating manually instead of verbally. Some specific areas covered include fingerspelling, numbers, and verbs. The class will also include learning greetings and introductions in ASL and some basic grammar sentences.  

Throughout the entire class, students will also learn about the culture of the American Deaf community. Songs and games will be incorporated into the curriculum to help students constantly review and practice what has been learned.  

Although the instructor is hearing, classes will be taught in ASL and English.  The course will end with little or no spoken English by the instructor or students allowing students to learn the signs, ask questions, and practice the signs they have learned.  

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Spanish I 

This Introductory course features the integration of language skills with the culture of Spanish-speaking people in a situational context. Course emphasis is on establishing the natural output of the Spanish language using consistent comprehension-based strategies.  

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes  

Art Design  

In this hands-on art class students will learn at length about the different elements of design: line, shape, color, space/ form, and texture. Students will complete projects using each element. Students will work with drawing, painting, sculpture, and many other creative materials.  Offering alternating years with MS Art History 

Term: Semester

Requirements: Certain projects will require the student to obtain additional material. 

Fee: $$45 

Current Events  

This course focuses on current issues affecting students’ everyday lives. Students learn how to detect media bias, embrace exploration by researching current topics, and learn how to lead with empathy by listening to different perspectives. Additionally, students will conduct interviews, participate in class discussions, and bring current news to the class. Above all, students will learn to ground themselves in Christian faith amidst the various conflicts of the world.  

Term: Semester

Homework: 30–60 minutes 

Design Lab 

In this hands-on course, students will learn, design, and create different moving mechanisms. Students will explore mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, use CAD software, explore computer programming, and build toys. Problem-solving, tinkering, and teamwork are a part of this course.   

Term: Semester

Homework: 10–20 Minutes  

Fantasy Literature and Writing 

This course focuses on the study of “fantasy” as a genre and how to write fantasy stories. The main novel read throughout the semester is Alice in Wonderland, but many excerpts from other books such as The Return of the King, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Catching Fire will also be read/studied. This course covers everything from early fantasy tales found throughout Greek mythology and the legend of King Arthur up to modern-day fantasy written by well-known authors such as Brandon Sanderson and Rick Riordan. This course is open to anyone interested in the “fantasy” genre.  

Term: Semester

Homework 0–60 Minutes 

Historical Fiction 

This course offers a unique and comprehensive introduction to the genre of historical fiction. Students will read examples of the genre and discover new glimpses of the past. In addition, students develop critical skills to be an author of historical fiction to an audience of a specific age group from K-6. Conducting research with primary and secondary sources, students will craft an original work of historical fiction. 

Term: Semester

Intro to Chapel Band

Explore the essentials of being in a worship band through singing, playing the keyboard and acoustic guitar, and playing with a worship band. Learn the basics of playing chord charts to familiar worship songs. This class also has some opportunities throughout the year to lead worship in Middle School or Lower School chapel. Students in this course will grow musically, spiritually, and as leaders in the school and community. 

Term: Semester

Lego Programming  

Students in this course build and program Lego EV3 Mindstorm. Starting with constructing a robot vehicle and then program its movements to navigate a maze. Students are challenged to build and program robots or machines to solve problems through different missions and objectives. Students work together, use the design process, solve problems, and explore physical computing in this hands-on course.  

Term: Semester

Homework: 0–30 minutes  

Speech 

This introductory course in public speaking will give students opportunities to develop skills in preparing speeches and delivering it with confidence. Students will be exposed to various speech types, including impromptu, informative, and persuasive. This class also equips students with presentation skills needed to succeed in High School courses.  

Term: Semester

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

Textile Arts

Using the medium of textiles: threads, strings, cloth, etc., along with a possibility of dyes, paper, paint, and other media, students will create two and three-dimensional works of art such as collages, soft sculptures, and functional pieces like backpacks, ties, vests bracelets, string bags, weaves, Macramé hangings, bags, aprons, and totes. Students will also learn simple hand stitches, and practical sewing skills. In addition, students will incorporate used articles of clothing and other recyclables and upcycle them into new works of art for decoration or function. Students will also learn simple “fix it” projects to repair rips, holes, hems, etc.    

Term: Semester

Theater 

Students learn improvisation through acting games, exercises, sketches, short lessons, and scripts. The goal is for students to experience a learning process that enhances lives and develops skills used in the world beyond. Theatre work contributes to the development of 21st Century Learning Skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and other life skills to serve them well in school and beyond. Students participate in a one-act play or variety show to showcase their new skills at the end of the semester. Also required is attending a theatrical production within the semester (MCA productions do count). 

Term: Semester

Homework: 0–30 Minutes 

Storytelling and Literature Video Game Design 

This course is focused on studying video games and the impact of storytelling that happens throughout the game design. Students will also look at video games' visual and auditory impact and how those components play a part in quality game design. Students will review a variety of video games throughout this course and create their own video game storyline.  

Term: Semester

Homework: 0–30 Minutes 

MS Band 

Students continue to develop performance skills in a large group setting, emphasizing instrumental performance techniques and the development of a good overall band sound. Students are expected to participate in performances during the year, including the Christmas Concert and Experience Maranatha concerts.  

Prerequisite: Participation in the school band for at least one year.  

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes 

MS Choir 

Students will develop their singing skills while preparing for performances. Vocal technique, stage presence, solfege/sight-reading, musical terms, and beginning theory will be taught. Students will learn to sing in two- or three-part harmony. Performances include the Christmas Concert and the spring concert during Experience Maranatha in May.  

Prerequisite: Must be able to sing independently on pitch. 

Term: Full Year

Homework: 0–30 minutes