Thursday, March 11th, 2010

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Middle School


THE MIDDLE SCHOOL believes in and promotes an appropriately rigorous and challenging course of study, as well as a supportive, nurturing academic environment. Students experience an excellent and relevant curriculum balanced in content knowledge and skill development. The curriculum is appropriately differentiated at each grade level and combines required classes in Arabic, English, Islamic Studies, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, and the Visual Arts with electives in Music, Band, and the Performing Arts. All courses and curriculum are designed to meet all state and national standards.

Arabic Department
The Middle School Curriculum currently offers three (3) levels of instruction within the Arabic Language. Students will be placed in their respective classes based on pre-testing assessments. Students also have the flexibility to move to another class as his/her instructor feels the need.

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Islamic Studies Department
Four Islamic Studies courses exist within the Middle School Curriculum, one per grade level. These course are designed to build upon students’ knowledge and understanding of Islam, its principles, practices and rites, the Prophets of Allah and their messages, and the practical application of such material.

The goals of the Islamic Studies department is to awaken in students a deeper consciousness (Taqwa) and love of Allah and His Messenger. This will serves as the foundation of their intellectual, emotional and spiritual life, thereby providing a sound basis for rational and reflective understanding of the people and world around them.

All four Middle School courses will teach students to be conscious of their responsibility to obey Allah, serving Him actively as trustees (Khalifas) with all the talents and resources He has given them. Most importantly our aim is to enable students to fulfill their obligation to worship Allah in the manner Heand His Messengers have prescribed. We will nurture the student’s personality towards the best moral and social conduct, healthy attitudes and self-discipline, in accordance with the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah and to encourage them to develop as responsible citizens.

  • Adab and Self
  • Islam and the Family Life
  • Islamic Life in the Community
  • Islam and its Global Perspectives

Language Arts Department
ALL Middle School students are required to take a year-long course in Language Arts which focuses on reading and writing, infused with daily practice and application of grammar and punctuation. In addition to students reading a specific selection of texts, i.e. novels, short stories, essays, a mandatory, weekly reading log of non-curriculum literature is also incorporated into the Language Arts curriculum on all grade levels.

  • Language Arts Grade 5
  • Language Arts Grade 6
  • Language Arts Grade 7
  • Language Arts Grade 8

Mathematics Department
Our courses encourage students to learn mathematics by doing mathematics, by applying and connecting mathematical ideas, and by actively increasing their understanding and critical thinking and analysis. Through continual review and daily practice, our curriculum will strengthen students’ grasps of concepts, improve their flexibility to work with several mathematical concepts at a time, and improve their long-term retention of concepts. In doing so, students will become fluent in the language of mathematics and leave the classroom with knowledge and power over their own learning.

  • Progress in Math Grade 5
  • Progress in Math Grade 6
  • Fundamentals of Algebra
  • Foundations of Algebra
  • Advanced 8th– Algebra I

Science Department
An inquiry-based curriculum, all Science courses are designed to provide students with engaging experiences in the life, earth, and physical sciences while developing their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will be given grade-appropriate activities and tasks which allow them to: Expand their understanding of important science concepts and principles, while building a solid science vocabulary; acquire problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through mathematical and analytical thinking and tactics; use technology and lab experiments to learn more about science and relate it to other disciplines and subject areas; and develop positive habits of mind toward science and have fun while doing such.

  • General Science
  • Earth Science
  • Life Science
  • Physical Science

Social Studies Department
All courses are designed to help students organize their thinking around the major themes of social studies: culture; time, continuity, and change; people, places, and environment; individual development and identity; individuals, groups, and institutions; power, authority, and governance; production, distribution, and consumption; science, technology, and society; global connections; and civic ideas and practices. Furthermore, this curriculum will establish a connection between social studies and citizenship and help connect social studies to students’ lives. The Social Studies curriculum will be linked with Language Arts, Islamic Studies, Language, Science, Math, Art and Technology to give students a well-rounded learning experience.

  • United States in Modern Times
  • World Regions
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • United States Government & Civics/ Georgia History

The Fine Arts Department
A yearlong course or two semester courses are required in all four grades.

Physical Education Department
ALL Middle School students are required to take four years of physical education & health. The courses are single-gendered classes and incorporate dance, music and fitness within the Physical Education curriculum.