Middle School (5th-8th)

Our math program emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills through a small group, hands-on approach. Fifth graders are taught using Everyday Math, a program which incorporates logical and analytical thinking while building a strong mathematical foundation. All classes are supplemented with Kumon which both strengthens foundational skills and allows students to develop above-grade-level understanding, giving them opportunities to reach their individual potential.

Students explore the world of language through literature and self-created writing pieces. They interact with one another through Moodle (online interactive learning environment) in order to share their thoughts regarding the characters, events and outcomes of our novels. The different modes of writing are incorporated within Social Studies and Science and eventually as a culminating project where they create their own companies!

Through hands-on experiments students analyze, synthesize and evaluate the scientific world around them. Students use the scientific method in order to discover the processes of science. In order to enhance our knowledge and understanding we combine the use of kits (Science and Technology Concepts), our textbook, Science, A Closer Look by MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, and trade books, Promethean Planet, and Discovery Education.

American History comes alive through project-based learning. The class creates individual and group projects that allow each student to engage through interactive learning. We create timelines and reports using PowerPoint, flipcharts through Promethean interactive learning boards and skits in order to share our knowledge with one another.

• We engage students in discovery through our project-based, student-oriented learning environment.
• We focus on integrating science, technology, engineering and math throughout our curriculum. Students develop skills in observation, experimentation, research and development, as well as problem-solving and communication.
• Students acquire in our literature-rich environment knowledge of a variety of literary genres that provide a global awareness and ethnic appreciation.
• We provide fine arts, computer/technology, library, foreign language, physical education/health, Outdoor Classroom (environmental education), and peacemaking to further enhance and enrich student learning.
• We offer student led assemblies, student-produced programs, off-campus field trips, and a myriad of special events that complement the students' academic and social experiences.

All students benefit from our value-based learning and character education.

Each spring students are given standardized tests, the Stanford 10 and OLSAT, an achievement and aptitude test, respectively.  

Our math program emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills through a small group, hands-on approach. Sixth graders are taught using Everyday Math, a program which incorporates logical and analytical thinking while building a strong mathematical foundation.  All classes are supplemented with Kumon which both strengthens foundational skills and allows students to develop above-grade-level understanding, giving them opportunities to reach their individual potential.

The Branch School sixth grade program focuses on the following core areas: reading, writing, spelling, research and communication skills. Using Rebecca Sitton’s Spelling Program, Prentice Hall Writing and Grammar, The Writing Academy, and a literature-based reading program, students have the opportunity to learn at their individual pace while also collaborating with their classmates. The Branch School Language Arts program helps students to become critical thinkers, descriptive and coherent writers, purposeful researchers, and avid explorers.

Through the use of labs, interactive Promethean boards, computers and real life situations, sixth and seventh grade students explore, observe and process the concepts related to Earth Science and Life Science on alternating years.  Earth Science is taught through the use of Science Explorer: Earth Science by Prentice Hill and Life Science is taught through the use of Science Explorer: Life Science by Prentice Hall. Our science program is enhanced through the addition of our Outdoor Classroom, a weekly class which allows students to observe, explore and interact with nature, helping them to become more environmentally aware.

The Branch School’s sixth grade program allows students to investigate world history.  Sixth grade students discuss world cultures, geography, and early civilizations through content knowledge, research, and varied means of technology.  The sixth grade social studies textbook is World Cultures and Geography by McDougal-Littell. These students participate in differentiated, multidimensional tasks which ask students to read for understanding, interpret data, collaborate with their peers, create logical arguments, and research content in more detail.

• We engage students in discovery through our project-based, student-oriented learning environment.
• We focus on integrating science, technology, engineering and math throughout our curriculum. Students develop skills in observation, experimentation, research and development, as well as problem-solving and communication.
• Students acquire in our literature-rich environment knowledge of a variety of literary genres that provide a global awareness and ethnic appreciation.
• We provide fine arts, computer/technology, library, foreign language, physical education/health, Outdoor Classroom (environmental education), and peacemaking to further enhance and enrich student learning.
• We offer student led assemblies, student-produced programs, off-campus field trips, and a myriad of special events that complement the students' academic and social experiences.

All students benefit from our value-based learning and character education.

Each spring students are given standardized tests, the Stanford 10 and OLSAT, an achievement and aptitude test, respectively.  

Our math program emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills through a small group, hands-on approach. Seventh grade math students use the MathThematics2 series, while pre-algebra students use Passport to Algebra and Geometry, both by Prentice Hall. Seventh graders study math through real-life application, while students ready for Pre-algebra explore concepts which prepare them for advanced mathematics. All classes are supplemented with Kumon which both strengthens foundational skills and allows students to develop above grade-level understanding, giving them opportunities to reach their individual potential.

The Branch School's seventh grade program focuses on the following core areas: reading for content, creative writing, vocabulary, research and communication skills. Using Using Prentice Hall Writing and Grammar, The Writing Academy, and an integrated literature-based reading program, students have the opportunity to learn at their individual pace while also collaborating with their classmates.  Our focus is on integration of 21st Century skills which help students to become critical thinkers, descriptive and coherent writers, purposeful researchers, and avid explorers.

Through the use of labs, interactive promethean boards, computers and real life situations, sixth and seventh grade students explore, observe and process the concepts related to Earth Science and Life Science on alternating years. Earth Science is taught through the use of Science Explorer: Earth Science by Prentice Hill and Life Science is taught through the use of Science Explorer: Life Science by Prentice Hall. Our science program is enhanced through the addition of our Outdoor Classroom, a weekly class which allows students to observe, explore and interact with nature, helping them to become more environmentally aware.

The Branch School’s seventh grade program allows students to investigate Texas History.  Seventh graders study Texas explorers, government, geography, economics and public discourse to form a full picture of Texas history using the textbook Texas & Texans by Glencoe McGraw-Hill. Our program is enriched through varied means of technology.  The students participate in differentiated, multidimensional tasks which ask students to read for understanding, interpret data, collaborate with their peers, create logical arguments, and research content in more detail.

• We engage students in discovery through our project-based, student-oriented learning environment.
• We focus on integrating science, technology, engineering and math throughout our curriculum. Students develop skills in observation, experimentation, research and development, as well as problem-solving and communication.
• Students acquire in our literature-rich environment knowledge of a variety of literary genres that provide a global awareness and ethnic appreciation.
• We provide fine arts, computer/technology, library, foreign language, physical education/health, Outdoor Classroom (environmental education), and peacemaking to further enhance and enrich student learning.
• We offer student led assemblies, student-produced programs, off-campus field trips, and a myriad of special events that complement the students' academic and social experiences.

All students benefit from our value-based learning and character education.

Each spring students are given standardized tests, the Stanford 10 and OLSAT, an achievement and aptitude test, respectively.  

Our math program emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills through a small group, hands-on approach. Eighth graders are tested to determine their readiness for our algebra 1 program. Eighth grade students use Passport to Algebra and Geometry by Prentice Hall while the algebra 1 students use the textbook Algebra 1 by Holt McDougal Larson. The eighth grade pre-algebra and algebra 1 classes are enriched through technology and hands-on application. Students in algebra 1 are completing the first year of ninth grade math. All classes are supplemented with Kumon which both strengthens foundational skills and allows students to develop above grade-level understanding, giving them opportunities to reach their individual potential.

The Branch School eighth grade program focuses on the following core areas: reading for content, creative writing, vocabulary, research and communication skills. Using Prentice Hall Writing and Grammar, The Writing Academy, and an integrated literature-based reading program, students have the opportunity to learn at their individual pace while incorporating digital tools to explore, communicate, and collaborate. The Branch School Language Arts program helps students to become critical thinkers, descriptive and coherent writers, purposeful researchers, and avid explorers.

Through the use of labs, interactive promethean boards, computers and real life situations, eighth grade students explore, observe and process the concepts related to Physical Science using OPC textbook Investigation of Physical Science. Our science program is enhanced through the addition of our Outdoor Classroom, a weekly class which allows students to observe, explore and interact with nature, helping them to become more environmentally aware.

The Branch School's eighth grade program allows students to investigate and explore U.S. History. Eighth grade students discuss effective leadership, governments, citizen responsibilities, geography, economics, and cultures of our nation. Content knowledge, research, and inquiry methods are accomplished through varied technology applications. The eighth grade social studies textbook is American History by McDougal-Littell (also available online). These students participate in differentiated, multidimensional tasks which ask students to read for understanding, interpret data, collaborate with their peers, create logical arguments, and research content in more detail.

• We engage students in discovery through our project-based, student-oriented learning environment.
• We focus on integrating science, technology, engineering and math throughout our curriculum. Students develop skills in observation, experimentation, research and development, as well as problem-solving and communication.
• Students acquire in our literature-rich environment knowledge of a variety of literary genres that provide a global awareness and ethnic appreciation.
• We provide fine arts, computer/technology, library, foreign language, physical education/health, Outdoor Classroom (environmental education), and peacemaking to further enhance and enrich student learning.
• We offer student led assemblies, student-produced programs, off-campus field trips, and a myriad of special events that complement the students' academic and social experiences.

All students benefit from our value-based learning and character education.

Each spring students are given standardized tests, the Stanford 10 and OLSAT, an achievement and aptitude test, respectively.