General Outline of the 5th through 8th Grade Sequence
Grades Five to Six: Transitions to Middle School.
Session for 5th Grade Students. Saturdays all day, Wednesdays after school office hours and study halls via Zoom:
English literature and writing and math taught with a focus on individual creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. Building skills needed to excel in the common core standards and foundations for broader engagement and success. (Generally, 15 sessions).
Summer Session for Rising 6th Grade Students. Mondays to Fridays mid-summer:
One week of creative writing camp with Writopia Lab. Four weeks intensive pre-Algebra, math problem solving and spontaneous writing with. Friday field trips. (25 days).
Fall Session for 6th Grade Students: Saturdays all day:
Math problem-solving and pre-Algebra. Reading and writing to find a personal voice. Specific preparation for the Hunter College High School admissions test for students whose 5th grade records qualify them to apply (about half of our students). Students also attend recruitment events by Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics, the TEAK Fellowship and Center for Talented Youth. (14- 16 sessions)
Spring Session for 6th Grade Students:
Morning classes continuing problem centered pre-Algebra, critical thinking as readers and writing in response to texts and experience. Field trips mid-week during school breaks. (15 sessions).
The Seventh Grade Year: Learning for Its Own Sake (and to Undergird Motivation and Success)
Summer Session for Rising 7th Grade Students
Four-week half day- program focused in writing on incorporating on evidence-based expression and continuing the 6-7 pre-Algebra course. Some students may opt to participate in alternative summer programs. Friday field trips. (20 sessions).
Fall-Spring Session for 7th Grade Students
Full year half-day Saturday courses in Math and English literature taught by experienced classroom teachers. Completion of the pre-Algebra curriculum from the Art of Problem Solving’s curriculum. Reading and writing beyond the YA genre. Afternoon electives in the Spring. (30 sessions).
Eighth Grade Crunch Time: Applications, Admissions Tests and Head Starts on High School
Summer/Fall Session for Rising 8th Grade Students
Five-week half-day intensive preparation for the Specialized High School Admissions Test taught by expert test prep instructors with regular practice tests and diagnostics. Followed by half day Saturday test prep in the fall until the test is given. Guidance and counseling on the high school application process across the variety of high performing NYC high schools. (28 sessions).
