Middle School Education

Middle School Mathematics: Empowering Future-Ready Learners

Our district’s middle school math program is specifically designed to lead students to a true mastery of the NC Standard Course of Study mathematics standards, moving beyond simple memorization and toward a deep, conceptual understanding of mathematical principles.

Core Areas of Focus

At each grade level, students engage in a rigorous exploration of:

• Numeracy and Number Sense: Strengthening the foundations required for higher-level calculation.
• Ratios and Proportional Relationships: Analyzing patterns and relationships between quantities.
• Algebraic Equations and Expressions: Transitioning from concrete arithmetic to abstract reasoning.
• Statistical Reasoning and Geometry: Using data and spatial logic to understand and solve real-world problems.

For more information, see the following parent guides provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI):

• 6th Grade Parent Guide 
• 7th Grade Parent Guide
• 8th Grade Parent Guide 

Pathways to Success

We are committed to meeting the unique needs of every learner. In addition to our core grade-level courses, accelerated pathways are available at each stage. These accelerated courses integrate advanced standards from the following grade level, strategically preparing students for the opportunity to successfully complete high school-level math courses while still in middle school.

World language skills are key to global competence, national security, career advantages and travel. World language skills also improve first language skills.

Languages Offered

The languages offered vary per middle school but might include:

• Chinese
• French
• Spanish  

Curriculum Standards

• North Carolina DPI Middle School World Languages Standards and Support Documents

Program Models

World Language programs vary per school for the length of study and languages offered. Programs vary between:

• Exploratory courses
• Beginning courses
• Continuing courses
• High School Level One courses for high school graduation credit

High School Level One is available for high school graduation credit at some middle schools for Chinese, French or Spanish.

6th Grade Programs

6th grade programs are exploratory in nature usually lasting six weeks. Exploratory programs permit students to understand the basics of language learning that will help them decide on their path to more formal language study.

• The French and Spanish 6th grade program topics include: greetings, introductions, classroom instructions and objects, numbers and dates, describing friends and family as well as some basic actions.
• The Chinese 6th grade program topics include: greetings, introductions, classroom instructions and objects, numbers and ages, facial features, describing people’s height and facial features.  Students learn the fundamentals of character strokes and are able to read and write some basic characters while relying on the phonetic version of the language, pinyin.

7th and 8th Grade Programs

7th and 8th grade beginning programs focus on understanding and using the language while laying the foundation for high school credit programs.

• The French 7th–8th grade program topics include: introductions, numbers, classroom instructions, numbers, greetings, ages, likes and dislikes, preferred activities, classroom subjects and times, school objects, colors, sports, hobbies, weather, months, seasons, foods and beverages, places to go, things to do, and describing family members. Amount covered depends on the duration of the course.
• The Spanish 7th–8th grade program topics include: greetings, introductions, dates and days, weather, seasons,  time, introductions, classroom instructions, likes and dislikes, personality descriptions, school classes, foods and beverages, good health, leisure activities, sports, places in the community, families, celebrations, age and ordering in a restaurant. Amount covered depends on the duration of the course.
• The Chinese 7th–8th grade program topics include: greetings, introductions, countries, nationalities, family members, numbers, homes, foods and drinks, students and school classes, dates and days of the week, and time.  Students learn the fundamentals of character strokes and are able to read and write some basic characters while using the phonetic version of the language, pinyin, as a pronunciation tool.

World Languages Resources

• Staff Resources