What Makes Us Different

• More than 70% of Middle School students achieve the distinction of High Honor Roll or Honor Roll.
• More than 30% of Middle School students qualify for Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development’s Midwest Academic Talent Search.
• All students participate in the World Languages program, taking either French or Spanish.
• More than 70% of Middle School students average scores of two grade levels or above on their standardized test scores.
• Hands-on science labs are an integral part of the science curriculum.
• Students are exposed to extensive writing and a variety of genres in their study of literature, which includes reading contemporary and classic novels throughout the school year and summer.

• Students choose from a variety of co-curricular activities.
• Students can be elected to the leadership council.Competitive sports such as basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and soccer are offered.
• Students can become involved in the Middle School drama production each year.
• Competitions such as the History Fair, Math Counts, Geography Bee and Spelling Bee provide opportunities for students to compete regionally or nationally.
• A variety of field trips to the theater, museums, and exhibits supplement the academic curriculum.

• The school community celebrates Diwali, Ramadan, Eid and more.
• International Day is an experiential learning experience.
• The Middle School program emphasizes global perspectives through its integrated curriculum in social studies, world languages, English, and the arts.
• Through the World Languages program students thrive in language and cultural experiences.

• Accelerated math and world languages classes allow students to work at their ability level, with some students in Upper School classes.
• Through the Advisory program, Middle School faculty members work closely with their advisees and parents to cultivate effective strategies for achievement.
• The Middle School program includes the availability of a wellness counselor and school nurse.
• The curriculum includes a variety of assessments, including traditional types as well as innovative, project-based designs to allow for varied learning styles and strengths.

• Curriculum content is updated on a regular basis to ensure student achievement.
• SMARTBoards in many classrooms allow for technology integration in the curriculum.
• Two technology centers allow for scheduled computer classes in Middle School, and access for students during some study hall periods.
• Teacher webpages are accessible from the school’s website and provide additional information about course content, class expectations and assignment deadlines.

Advisory Program

Arts

The Middle School art program builds on the artistic foundations established in Lower School. Students encounter a variety of activities to develop skills and appreciation for aesthetics and art history. They are introduced to art criticism. The goal is to provide students with a broad background in the basic art disciplines and to allow maximum time for individual experimentation and creative application of the ideas presented. Students gain a foundation for more advanced study and confidence in meeting the challenges of aesthetic self-expression.

Sixth Grade
This course is a continuation of the development of visual communication and technical skills explored during the fifth grade fine arts program. After the study of Impressionism through Post-modern art, the curriculum assertively moves towards exploring the meaning of art and “power” of the artist. Students work towards clearly communicating their meanings to an audience. Focusing on abstraction and symbolism, they investigate ways in which “non-visual” phenomena become the subject matter of visual expression and are given artistic form. Students respond to their own perceptions, observations, emotions, and intuition. Color and composition will be covered. Through the class discussions, they evaluate and orally respond to the works of art. Throughout the course, students experiment with a variety of two and three-dimensional media. They work independently and in collaboration with each other. Students are required to maintain a sketchbook. They take part in an art exhibition. 

Seventh/Eighth Grade
The main focus of this course is to examine different ways of seeing and realistically and intuitively represent what is seen. Through the use of a wide variety of media, students learn to define, recognize and employ various elements of art and principles of design. They study proportions, rules of perspective and various ways to represent space on two-dimensional surfaces. They examine works of Modern and Post-Modern artists and next, move onto studying Contemporary art period. Students draw connections between art and life and visually express their ideas in a contemporary context. Individual responsibility and personal style are stressed, with opportunities for student decision-making. Students will be exposed to art critique through teacher-led discussions of historical works of art and students’ own work. Students show their work in an art exhibition.

MUSIC 

Sixth Grade 
Sixth Grade general music classes are taught using the Orff-Schulwerk process. Process-oriented classes are experiential in nature and require the student to participate on a high level. Music used in class is usually found in the Music for Children series gathered by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, rich in folk resources and composed music. Activities also consist of folk music, games, and activities. Students learn to play a piece of music as a class, and after the piece is finished and performed as a group, we analyze the piece according to how all of the elements of music are found and used in the piece’s composition (melody, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, harmony, timbre, and form). Classroom work includes the use of instruments (both pitched and non-pitched percussion), singing and soprano recorder. Band instruments and piano are also used as appropriate. By the end of sixth grade, each student should be able to name and attach definitions to each element of music. Students will also have experience learning music in pentatonic and modal music, and do some music composition.

DRAMA 
The drama curriculum is both process and performance-oriented. As students are introduced to the concepts of drama, they learn about movement, voice, and the melding of their personal style with the needs of a character’s. From developing improv techniques to presenting monologues, Middle School students have the opportunity to discover their individual voice and creating a scene with their fellow actors.

Sixth Grade
In the sixth grade, students are introduced to movement for the theatre, and the realization of the “self” on stage. Emphasis is placed on building an ensemble, feeling comfortable about performing in front of others, and recognizing each student’s patterns of movement. Students develop their ensemble skills, vocal articulation, and confident vocal and physical presentation style. By participating in group exercises, they learn to provide objective responses to classmates’ work, and find ways to physically express their thoughts and feelings in a clear, concise and creative manner. 

Create and Produce a Musical
This one-semester course will allow 7th and 8th grade students interested in the Theatre Department at MPA to create their own one-of-a-kind musical. Students will gain real-world experience by learning the craft of theatre though on-stage performances, back-stage crew work, scenic, costume and lighting design, advertising, negotiation, directing, composing, choreographing, etc. The course culminates in a final production for classmates, faculty, family and friends.

Multi-Media Production
In this elective class, students will explore storytelling through the art of the moving picture. Students will learn the basics of screenwriting, storyboarding, pre-production, filming, video editing, sound editing, etc. We will also learn about various moving image genres including commercials,  stop-motion animation, documentary filmmaking and short fiction films. 

Photography
This is an elective, introductory photography class focusing on using a digital point-and-shoot or single lens reflex camera. Students will begin to explore how cameras work and how to create an interesting image. Using their innate creativity, students will begin to understand the power of a photographic image and communicate their unique perspective.

Improv
This elective delves into the history of Chicago Style Improv created by Viola Spolin. Viola Spolin developed acting exercises or “games” that unleashed creativity, adapting focused “play” to unlock the individual’s capacity for creative self-expression.  Both short and long form improv will be explored.

Culinary Arts
This course will help students to understand principles of nutrition in relation to food preparation and creation. The concepts of meal planning and management are also addressed. We will regularly plan and prepare meals, and ethnic, regional and international foods will be studied and prepared. The semester will culminate in a one-night-only pop-up restaurant with food preparation, front-of-house staff, and waiting staff all comprised of students from the class. 

English

Sixth Grade 
This course aims to improve the reading ability of students who have already mastered most basic literacy skills. Working with novels as texts, students learn to read for comprehension using the interpretation of themes and different literary techniques. Classroom approach and assignments are designed to encourage student ownership and interpretation of materials. Some novels allow students to recognize the links between literary and historical themes; some text settings allow for the interpretation of primary sources; and others lend themselves to authentic learning experiences. Vocabulary work includes wordplay around meaning, roots and parts, diction, word form, and dictionary skills. The reading program is supplemented with a required summer reading list, which bridges learning from one year to the next. Students study traditional grammar as an editing tool as well as to promote understanding of language structure and use. The focus on grammar includes study of parts of speech, and the functions of words, phrases, and clauses within a sentence. Students produce essays in response to novels, emphasizing the process through invention and drafting techniques and developing a sharp thesis statement and supporting paragraphs with examples.  Throughout the year students explore the elements of good writing with lessons on purpose and audience, and begin learning the basics of MLA Documentation Style with various research projects. Students will learn to write in a variety of organizational patterns and structures, including biography, vignette, analytical essays, and research-based essays. Classes are conducted as workshops covering library skills, the use of the Internet, the use of primary and secondary sources, and project organization and presentation.

Seventh Grade 
7th Grade English introduces students to various genres and types of literature, to more complex grammar and mechanical sentence structures, to numerous organizational writing strategies (analytical expository, compare/contrast, cause/effect, and reader response), and to more critical thinking activities and projects. The students in 7th grade read with the class at least 6 novels (including at least one Shakespeare play), short stories as well as poetry, non-fiction essays, and visual media. For each novel, the class prepares at least one analytical essay, Outside the Novel Project (s) which asks students to critically think about various non-fiction/fiction pieces and their relation to the current novel, along with comprehension quizzes and homework critical thinking discussion questions. The assignments are designed so students read, write, and think critically about a text and make close reading connections beyond the classroom while providing textual evidence to support their analyses. Students will continue their learning of MLA Documentation Style to match the more complex writing and research projects. In addition,  students practice grammar, completing grammar exercise packets, discussing the rules/structures of the grammar module being covered. This addition also includes work learning Greek/Latin root words, prefixes, and suffixes, helping students building more complex vocabulary. The goal of 7th Grade English is to familiarize students with academic analytical writing and to build their critical thinking and writing skills through literature. As a way of building active learning in our MPA students, the Middle School English and Social Studies departments have created a curriculum which complement one another. Students in 7th Grade complete World History, while in 7th Grade English, read novels which reflect the historical periods they are learning.

Eighth Grade
8th Grade English requires higher-level critical thinking from its students. Building from the knowledge and skills gained in 7th Grade English, students read at least 8 novels, various short stories, poetry, non-fiction essays, and engage with multimedia source materials. Lessons are designed around asking students to read, write, and think critically about the novel by participating in class discussion, providing textual evidence, conducting research, and creating pieces which reflect what they have learned. The essays for the 8th Grade class are more challenging, requiring a 900-word count minimum. They, too, complete at least one analytical essay, a project, and various other homework assignments for each novel/non-fiction writing piece. They also complete grammar module packets, focusing on the skills to write more complex/compound sentences. One key difference between the 7th and 8th grade classes is the increased work with Latin/Greek Root Stems. Students work on learning prefixes, suffixes, and root stems in order to build skills in breaking down unfamiliar and complex vocabulary. The goal for 8th Grade English is to increase their familiarity with literature, to build their working vocabulary, and to teach them to think and write critically about literature–both fiction and non-fiction. Just as the 7th Grade curriculum is connected through social studies and English, the 8th Grade curriculum is as well. While 8th Grade students are taking US History, they will be reading complementary and historical novels which reflect the time period, events, and historical concepts they are learning in their history courses.

Creative Writing and Journalism 
Creative Writing and Journalism is designed to give students an introduction to writing poetry, memoir/autobiography, biography/ethnography, and introductory journalism. We will investigate each of these areas, allowing students to learn core principles about these sub-disciplines. Each student will produce portfolios in these areas. In addition, we will be creating a middle school newspaper for the first time, The MPA Middle Way. Students will be required to participate in not only the writing of articles for publication, but also the production of the final copies and distribution of the newspaper to the student body and faculty members of MPA. Students may elect to take the fall semester elective Creative and Journalism I, and then continue to spring semester’s Creative and Journalism II, or students may elect to only take Creative Writing and Journalism I in the fall or only Creative Writing and Journalism II in the spring.

Mathematics

The Mathematics program at Morgan Park Academy stresses the importance of process in understanding math concepts. Each year, students build upon the foundations established in the previous years, and more complex ideas can be mastered. Mathematics standards for each grade include: mathematical process; number operations; geometry; measurement; statistics and probability; and algebra.

Sixth Grade
This is a course in which students will effectively master arithmetic and geometry skills needed in preparation for Algebra. As such, students will not only learn conceptual material but will also learn effective math study skills, aptness in showing written work, and a general appreciation for the study of math. 

Computational skills from previous levels are reviewed and maintained at this time, and new concepts are introduced.  In terms of instruction, chapters are broken down into smaller sections to allow a concentration of concepts.  Technology is used as a math tool where possible.   Students independently complete daily/weekly assignments that are graded based on either accuracy or completion, depending on the assignment.

Concepts covered include: All operations with integers, decimals, and fractions; comparing and ordering integers, decimals, and fractions; mathematical properties;  inequalities and their graphs; absolute value; writing algebraic expressions; solving one- and two-step equations; order of operations; compass and straightedge constructions; area and perimeter; problem-solving strategies and applications; factors and multiples; divisibility rules; computational shortcuts; mean, median, and mode; prime factorization; exponents; equivalent fractions and simplest terms; ratios, unit rates, and solving proportions; percentages; applications of percent; use of the scientific calculator; similar triangles; maps and scale drawings; using a compass and protractor; angle relationships and logical reasoning; square roots; the Pythagorean Theorem; the Coordinate Plane; linear equations and their graphs; slope and y-intercept form; and nonlinear equations and their graphs.

Sixth grade students are sectioned into at-level or accelerated groups, according to the previous year’s achievement scores, grades, and 5th grade teacher recommendations. These groups, referred to as the Accelerated and the At-Level groups, progress at the pace appropriate for the current groups.  

Seventh Grade Pre-Algebra (At-level and Accelerated)
The pre-algebra curriculum is designed to build student confidence in mathematics through computational experiences involving: whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers; non-routine problem-solving employing a variety of techniques including guess and test, make an organized list, and write an equation; probability and statistics; and experiences involving ratio, proportions, and percents.  Many topics are introduced and practiced with the use of a variety of manipulatives.

Computational skills from previous levels are continually reviewed and built upon. Technology is used as a math tool where possible, and logic puzzles and problem-solving exercises are used throughout the year.  Students complete daily assignments, which are evaluated, and chapters are approached in smaller, thematic sections. Every effort is made to identify and correct common student errors prior to formal assessment.

Placement in the accelerated section is determined by achievement in the previous course, achievement on standardized test in both problem solving and procedures, and the recommendation of the 6th grade mathematics teacher with optional inclusion of the results of a placement test given at the end of 6th grade.

Foundations of Algebra (8th Grade) 
This foundational algebra course challenges students to develop a better conceptual understanding of the structure of algebra and stronger problem-solving skills. Students learn to make connections among different branches of mathematics and solving real-life problems. By the nature of algebra, mastery of many of the techniques in this course is a prerequisite for higher-level math and science courses. Students in this class encounter beginning topics of algebra and are expected to take Algebra 1 as high school freshmen. The topics covered in this course include: Integers and Rational Numbers, Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Exponents and Polynomials, Polynomials and Factoring. 

Computational skills from previous levels are continually reviewed and built upon. Technology is used as a math tool where possible, and logic puzzles and problem-solving exercises are used throughout the year.  Students complete daily assignments, which are evaluated, and chapters are approached in smaller, thematic sections. Every effort is made to identify and correct common student errors prior to formal assessment.

Algebra 1 Honors (8th Grade)
This Algebra 1 course challenges students to develop a better conceptual understanding of the structure of algebra and stronger problem-solving skills. Students learn to make connections among different branches of mathematics and solving real-life problems. By the nature of algebra, mastery of many of the techniques in this course is a prerequisite for higher-level math and science courses. Topics include Expressions, Equation, and Functions; Properties of Real Numbers; Solving Linear Equations; Graphing Linear Equations and Functions; Writing Linear Equations; Solving

and Graphing Linear Inequalities; Systems of Equations and Inequalities; Exponents and Exponential Functions; and Polynomials and Factoring.

Science

Sixth Grade
The sixth grade science course allows students to study a portion of both life and physical science.  Subjects introduced in sixth grade are revisited in more depth in the following years. The building of prior knowledge is a strength that is apparent as the students complete the program.  A variety of meaningful laboratory activities are planned for each chapter, and working in both large and small cooperative groups is incorporated at these times. Assignments are regularly given to be done by the student independently and graded by the instructor.  Announced chapter tests are administered approximately three times during a marking period with a study guide provided approximately one week in advance. An alternative assessment, lab assignment, or project is occasionally completed in lieu of the chapter test.  

Physical science topics begin with an introduction to matter, which makes up everything in the universe.  Mass, weight, volume, and density are studied, and density is used as an example of a characteristic property.  Physical and chemical changes are defined and compared, and the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, and plasma) and accompanying phase changes are investigated.  The classification of matter as mixtures, elements or compounds is discussed, and the chemical symbols, formulas, and equations used by scientists are studied. Students learn about the history of the atomic model, including the current theories, as well as subatomic particles. An investigation into the development of the periodic table strengthens an understanding of its design and interpretation. Finally, the world of carbon chemistry is explored including hydrocarbons and the four main classes of organic compounds.

The topic of organic compounds naturally leads into life science.  Concepts presented in the last physical science chapter help students understand the basic characteristics of life and the organic compounds that are the building blocks of life.  Both plant and animal cell structure and function are studied in depth, as well as cell growth and division and the cell cycle, first through the text and then via a hands-on microscope unit.   Students examine how materials flow into and out of a cell through osmosis, diffusion, and active transport. Students discover how cells obtain and use energy through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.  The last chapter introduces genetics concepts from Mendel’s classic pea experiments to multiple alleles and sex-linked traits.

Seventh Grade – Physical Science 
Seventh Grade Physical Science is lab-based, stressing a hands-on approach aimed at developing curiosity, an understanding of the world around and within us, laboratory skills, and keen powers of observation and analysis for later advanced study. Class and lab work involves hypothesizing, experiment design, measurement, data collection and interpretation, and formulation of conclusions. Technology is integrated into this course. After completing the course students will be able to explain and use the methods and tools of scientific inquiry, applying them across scientific disciplines; identify properties of an atom, element, compound, and acids and bases; describe the concepts of motion, force, sound and light, and kinetic and potential energy; apply their knowledge to use of formulas and equations; describe the environmental cycle involving water and discuss the global implications of altering it; identify sources of environmental distress and discuss different measures that humans are taking to improve the health of the planet.  A Capstone-like Project is completed at the end of the class.

Eighth Grade – Life Science
The Eighth Grade Life Science course is designed to offer an organized sequence of experiences that help students develop an understanding and appreciation of the natural world of which they are a part.  This course using scientific methods introduces students to basic concepts in biology.  Technology is integrated within the class.  The building of prior knowledge is a strength that is apparent as the students complete the program.  Topics include: the chemical compounds in living things; Mendel’s genetics experiments; the factors that control the inheritance of traits; the principles of probability and how they are related to the theory of inheritance; the role of chromosomes, multiple alleles, and sex-linked traits in inheritance; causes and symptoms of human genetic disorders; Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution; the way in which organisms are classified today; the seven levels of classification; the six kingdoms; bacteria and viruses; protists and fungi; vascular and nonvascular plants; characteristics of animals; fish, amphibians and reptiles; birds; mammals; the chemistry of communication; animal behavior; and adaptations in the living world.  A variety of meaningful laboratory activities are planned for each chapter, and working in both large and small cooperative groups is incorporated at these times.  A Capstone Project is completed at the end of this class.

Social Studies

Sixth Grade: Ancient History
Sixth Grade Ancient History provides the foundation for the study of six historical themes: geography, culture, economics, government, belief systems, and science and technology. Using these themes, students explore early man and the effects and influence of discoveries such as fire and agriculture on the development of civilization. Basic elements of civilizations serve as the focal point for the study of several chapters: Egypt, Mesopotamia, early empires, Greece and Rome. Each chapter unit is supplemented with specific skills such as map and timeline interpretation and the recognition and use of primary and secondary sources. Vocabulary, word study and note-taking skills are incorporated into each chapter. In addition, each unit includes supplementary activities such as the nature of government, the development of law, and the influence of geography within historical contexts as well as application to the current world. A foundational understanding of the nature of civilization provides perspective to explore both historical and contemporary events. Students are introduced to research skills throughout the year: such as note-taking, identifying primary vs. secondary sources, and developing thesis statements and finding appropriate evidence for support. This course will use the online textbook, Discovery Techbook. Classes are conducted as workshops covering library skills, the use of the Internet as resource, project organization and presentation.

Seventh Grade: World History
Seventh grade social studies is a survey course of World History that builds upon students’ historical research skills and focuses on the larger ideas students will become more familiar with as they move into Upper School. This course will use the online textbook, Discovery Techbook, and will offer a collaborative approach to historical study, as it will use project-based learning as a major method of instruction. As students study World History, students will learn the difference between primary and secondary sources of information and have multiple opportunities to utilize primary source documents in their investigation of World History. They will build upon the skills necessary to read and analyze such documents. Additionally, as students prepare for the Chicago History Fair in 8th grade, they will have opportunities to work with using primary sources to support a thesis and the importance of critically investigating the source of information when studying any history. Other historical research skills like understanding cause and effect, how to read maps and timelines, and skills needed for oral and written presentation will be taught and built on in this class as students will have opportunities to use technology as a mode of instruction for research-based projects.

Eighth Grade: U.S. History and Government
The goal of the 8th Grade social studies curriculum is to gain an interest and appreciation of American history. The year begins by looking at what discovery is, and an investigation of whether Columbus really “discovered” America. Students then study the early inhabitants and exploration of the New World. The study incorporates exploring the reasons for geographical exploration and expansion of our nation, and an examination of the problems encountered in the historical development of the U.S. As the year progresses, students explore the importance of past events and make connections to understand how the past relates to the present and to themselves. Emphasis is placed on learning and understanding historical facts in a variety of contexts, map skills, graph reading, and skills required for development of both oral and written reports. A major emphasis is placed on identifying and analyzing cause and effect relationships. Furthermore, students evaluate aspects of history to determine the relative importance and influence of each, and discuss their findings with their classmates in order to determine the most important/influential aspects of U.S. history. Students are given opportunities to use multiple sources of information and to express their creativity through a variety of projects. Various primary and secondary resources such as art, photos, comics, speeches, and skits will be used to supplement the material in the text. The curriculum spans from European exploration to modern day. This course will use the online textbook, Discovery Techbook. In addition, all eighth graders will participate in the Chicago History Fair as a culminating historical project. 

American History Through Film
This elective course for seventh and eighth graders takes an in-depth look at the history of Americans through the lens of modern Hollywood movies. Students will view between five to seven films and analyze the historical accuracy and the representation of the history of Americans in America. Students will be assessed through discussion, research papers, and projects. 

Technology

Middle School Technology Course
This course introduces students to various technology projects using Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and Google Forms through Project Based Learning. Projects and activities will also integrate subject areas such as language arts, geography, visual arts, science, history, and mathematics. Students gain proficiency in Information Communication and Technology (ICT) skills. All technology projects are correlated to ISTE Standards.

World Languages