"Every teacher I have is able to take a lesson and use it to point students to Christ. As an athlete, I know that coaches desire players to represent our school and to represent Jesus in all they do. Teachers and coaches want to see students growing in the classroom and on the field; most importantly, though, they want to see students growing in their daily walk with Christ.
Emily Clement, Class of 2010
TCA Middle School
The curriculum of Trinity Christian Academy’s middle school provides our students with coursework that seeks to enable them to rise to their potential. John III verse 4 says "I have not greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." Because God’s words are the words of life itself and our ultimate source of truth, Bible is a central premise upon which every subject is presented. Science, math, history and English are all integrated thematically with scripture in order to inspire a biblical world view. Bible is also taught as a separate class.
Nine week series of enrichment classes are provided to further enhance learning. These classes include computer, art, music and physical education.
The primary objective of this course is to extend student understanding in the broad areas of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, ratio/proportion, measurement/geometry, and algebra. Number patterns, statistics and graphs, integers, solving equations, and probability are among the key concepts to be studied.
Math/pre-algebra 7
Students in this course will extend their math development in 6 basic areas: decimals, fractions, algebra and statistics, integers and algebra, geometry and measurement, and proportional reasoning.. Students will extend their knowledge of algebra by solving multi-step equations and working with inequalities, functions, and graphs. The concepts of patterns, probability, and statistics will also be explored in depth. Students in the accelerated class will cover the same basic topics but at a faster pace and in greater depth.
Pre-algebra 8
Students in this course will extend their development in 5 basic areas: algebra and integers, algebra and rational numbers, linear equations, inequalities, and functions. Among other important areas of emphasis will be the application of algebra to geometry, statistics, and polynomials, the study of integers, equations, rational numbers, two and three dimensional figures, polynomials, and nonlinear functions.
Algebra I:
In this comprehensive, accelerated class taught on a high school level, students will develop a solid foundation of algebraic skills including solutions of equations, inequalities, radicals, expressions, factoring, and rational expressions. Successful completion of this course qualifies students to take honors geometry as freshmen.
English 6
The objectives of this course are to introduce and/or continue to develop fundamental writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills. The writing portion of the course focuses on journaling, creative writing, literature responses, and letter, paragraph, and essay writing Sixth graders will work to develop the five paragraph essay. Grammar will be taught in the context of writing with an emphasis on parts of speech, capitalization, and punctuation skills. Vocabulary and spelling skills will be taught weekly.
English 7
The objectives of this course are to continue fundamental writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills. Seventh graders will work toward mastery of writing both expository and descriptive 5 paragraph essays. Greater emphasis will be placed on the development of a thesis statement and body paragraphs. Grammar will be taught in the context of writing with an emphasis on capitalization, punctuation, and sentence structure skills.
English 8
The objectives of this course are for students to further develop their fundamental writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills. The writing portion of the course focuses on mastery of the five paragraph essay including expository, narrative, persuasive, comparison, and descriptive writing. Greater emphasis will be placed on supporting details, use of transition statements, strong hooks and thesis statements, and word choice. MLA style format will be introduced. Grammar will be taught in the contest of writing with an emphasis on sentence structure, agreement, and EXPLORE/ACT testing skills for English.
Reading 6
The objectives of this course are building and improving fundamental reading skills including comprehension, decoding, using context clues, drawing conclusions, distinguishing between fact and opinion, making predictions, identifying the main idea, and other critical skills. Course objectives will be taught through use of short stories, novels, poetry, and other works of literature.
Reading 7
The objectives of this course are building and improving fundamental reading skills including comprehension, determining cause and effect, making predictions, summarizing, and other vital skills. Course objectives will be taught through the use of short stories, fiction and nonfiction literature, poetry, novels, drama, and other works of literature.
Reading 8
In addition to the skills introduced in English 6 and English 7, the objectives of this course include making inferences, paraphrasing, and other vital skills. Course objectives will be taught through the use of short stories, fiction and nonfiction literature, poetry, novels, drama, and other works of literature. Reading 8 also focuses on figurative language, symbolism, imagery, tone, point of view, and other literary elements.
Science 6
The first objective in this course is to present a general overview on the nature of science through the study of science theory, matter, elements, and atoms. After completion of this first unit, Science 6 becomes a general introduction to the study of earth science, physical science, and biological science. Major topics include the study of motion, energy, simple machines, electricity, magnetism, minerals, forces that shape our planet, climate, space, cells, the human body, and ecology.
Science 7
The major focus of this course is on the study of life science. The major units of study include the structure, processes, and reproduction of cells, evolution, bacteria, protest and fungi, plants, mollusks, arthropods, echinoderms, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Science 8
Science 8 is the study of physical science. Units taught include motion and speed, forces, energy and energy sources, work and machines, electricity, magnetism, radioactivity and nuclear reactions, classification of matter, atoms and the Periodic Table, chemical bonds, chemical reactions, solutions, acids, bases, and salts.
History 6
World History 6 is designed to expand students’ understanding of history through the study of people and events up to the era of European exploration in the 1600’s. This course focuses on the significance of geography on the development of human cultures as well as the development of social, economic, and political structures in major civilizations.
History 7
This course is a combination of the study of Tennessee History and world geography. In Tennessee History students learn about the important events and people of our state beginning with prehistoric Native Americans. Emphasis is placed on the study of state and local government. The major units of study in geography include the study of world cultures, religions, and economies.
History 8
This course is a study of the history of the United States from colonial times to modern times. In addition to examining the important events and people of our history, students will concentrate on the make-up and functions of our constitution and federal government. The development of the social studies skills will continue to be emphasized in this course.
Bible 6
The primary objective of this course is to study the basic foundations of our faith in Christ and for the students to know and understand our Lord and Savior in a way that positively affects their everyday lives. Major topics of study include learning about the characteristics of God, of Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Sin and man’s need for a Savior are taught in a focus on the concept of salvation. The academic year will end with an in-depth study of the book of James with the objective of finding practical ways for students to live their lives and express their faith.
Bible 7
This course is a fast-moving survey of the Bible with emphasis on personal application. Students will visit all 66 books from Genesis to Revelation, from creation to the cross to the consummation of time. The major focus of this course will be the study of God’s plan of redemption including how sin came into the world, the first promise of a Savior, how God chose Abraham and his descendents through which to send the Savior, how Jesus came to earth to complete the plan, and how Christ will return as Judge of the universe to punish evil and to reward believers with eternity in heaven.
Bible 8
Eighth grade students will learn how to study the Bible using basic inductive Bible study principles. Several specific books of the Bible will be taught during the year including some of the books referred to as the Minor Prophets, Ruth, Proverbs, James, 1st Peter, and Revelations.
Sixth graders complete a 9 week rotation through each of 4 auxiliary classes that meet during 6th period each day. The rotation of auxiliary classes includes art, computer, music, and physical education.
Seventh and eighth graders are scheduled together into two semester-long auxiliary classes of their choice. Auxiliary classes available to 7th and 8th graders include art, computer, drama, choral music, and physical education.
Art 6
Art for 6th graders is a 9-week survey of the elements and principles used to create artwork. Students will explore different art media including pencil drawings, watercolor, and tempera paint. This should be an enjoyable class in which students will be graded based on effort and their willingness to follow instructions.
Art 7/8
This semester long course is more of an in-depth study of the elements and principles used to create artwork. Students will gain hands-on experience in pencil drawing, colored pencil drawing, watercolors, tempera paints, and other art media. Students will begin with an overview of drawing in its basic form and then move into other media such as painting. As in 6th art, students will be graded on effort and willingness to follow instructions.
Computer 6
The primary objectives of this 9-week course are to introduce students to word processing (Microsoft Word), keyboarding skills, publishing, and the Internet. This course actively involves students in daily hands-on activities.
Computer 7/8
The primary objective of this course is to teach students to apply computer software applications such as word processing, Excel, desktop publishing, and multimedia presentation software. Additional areas of instruction include the Internet for research, e-mail, and the use of digital cameras and music CDs for a multimedia presentation.
Drama 7/8
Drama is a second semester course designed to introduce students to theater arts. Students learn not only about performing but also about stage design, set building, and backstage work. The production of the annual high school musical in the spring provides an opportunity for these students on a voluntary basis to audition for roles and gain experience in all aspects of a major production.
Music 6
This course is an introductory study of general music that includes singing, performing on instruments, improvising melodies, reading music, analyzing and describing music, evaluating music and musical performances, understanding the relationship of music to the other arts and disciplines of study outside the arts, and understanding music in relation to history and culture.
Choir 7/8
In this participation course students will develop choral skills by learning to sing different parts and in harmony with each other, singing in different languages, and participating in actual performances. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in music competitions with other middle schools.
Physical Education 6,7,8
P.E. at all grade levels is an active class designed to improve the physical fitness of all students and to introduce or expand upon student knowledge of healthy recreational activities. Among units covered in middle school P.E. are team building, volleyball, soccer, speedball, ultimate Frisbee, Frisbee golf, badminton, brisketball, whiffle ball, topple ball, and participation in the Presidential Physical Fitness program.
Accelerated Classes
In addition to the regular classes offered in each subject listed above, Trinity Middle School offers a variety of accelerated classes to students who need a faster pace in order to be academically challenged. Accelerated classes available to 7th graders include pre-algebra, English, and reading. Eighth graders who qualify may take accelerated English, reading, physical science and Algebra I. Algebra I and Accelerated Physical Science are taught at a high school level and enable 8th graders who successfully complete these courses to take honors geometry and Biology as freshmen.
In order to qualify for enrollment in accelerated classes, students must meet at least two of the following criteria: