Middle School
The middle school curriculum for seventh and eighth graders is an accelerated program that integrates academic challenges with social development. Portland Lutheran’s goals are to cultivate the individual talents of young people, to guide them in transferring their classroom experience to the world, to help them in acquiring skills to be competitive in the 21st century and to assist them in developing a framework for making ethical choices.
The course content in middle school echoes the pattern established in elementary school, but graduated to a more advanced level:
- Students undertake a chronological study of world history and a coordinated program in geography.
- Language classes enhance knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and writing skills. Students read widely from world literature, paying increasing attention to writing styles and literary themes. English classes focus on oral and written communication, comprehension skills and familiarity with world cultures.
- Mathematics courses range from general math to pre-algebra and high school algebra; enrollment is determined through placement tests.
- Information technology is a distinct subject, but its application spans all disciplines.
- All students are enrolled in music, art and physical education throughout the year.
- Daily religion classes explore the students’ impact on the world through and because of their faith.
Community service is an integral part of the curriculum throughout Portland Lutheran School, and middle school students are required to contribute 16 hours of community service each year. Whether they assist at school or church, collect food for a charity or help an elderly neighbor with yard work, PLS middle school students grow to understand the value of giving of their time and talents without expectation of reward.
Portland Lutheran places high expectations on its middle school students. Motivation, positive attitude, self-discipline and pride in work are critical attributes for achieving and maintaining high standards of academic performance and responsible behavior, and family support and flexibility are especially important to a student’s success. By the time PLS eighth graders are promoted, they are not only eager for high school, but they are – most importantly – ready.
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