UPPER SCHOOL
8th
At Coram Deo Classical School, 8th grade serves as a pivotal year, transitioning students from the “Logic Stage” to the “Rhetoric Stage” of classical education. During this year, students begin to refine their ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively, building on their growing capacity for logical reasoning. They are challenged to apply their knowledge across subjects, formulating well-structured arguments and engaging in thoughtful discussions. Biblical teachings continue to play a central role, encouraging students to deepen their faith and articulate it with confidence. With small class sizes allowing for personalized guidance, 8th grade provides an important bridge between middle school and the more rigorous demands of high school, preparing students for greater academic challenges and leadership opportunities.
Eight Grade Core
Bible: Theology will be a basic study of various biblical doctrines including the Bible, God, the Trinity, Creation, Humanity, Sin, Jesus, the Atonement, the Resurrection, Salvation, the Church, and End Times. Students will learn to study Bible passages, learn how to develop their understanding of doctrine, and learn to apply the Bible to their lives.
Grammar: Analytical Grammar is used to help students master formal grammar to build the language skills necessary for successful writing. Assignments will include written work and worksheets each week that cover elements of a sentence, parts of speech, punctuation, clauses, and diagramming. We will put a major emphasis on punctuation.
Vocabulary: Students will expand and enhance their vocabulary using Vocabulary from Classical Roots. Daily assignments at home and computer interaction with the word lists will reinforce understanding of new words and improve reading comprehension skills. Occasional tests will be given.
Literature: Introduction to Literature will be an in-depth study of literature and will focus on examining the literary elements of fiction, author background, historical context, and worldview analysis, while focusing on writing essays. The literature for this class will include works from Verne, Virgil, Bronte, Orwell, Stevenson, Swift, and Shakespeare.
Physical Science
Physical science is a branch of natural science that focuses on the study of non-living systems, encompassing the fundamental principles governing the physical world. It includes a wide range of disciplines, primarily physics and chemistry, but also covers related fields such as astronomy, geology, and meteorology.
Course 3
Course 3 at Coram Deo Classical School is an introductory math course designed to build a solid foundation for algebra and higher-level mathematics. Students will explore fundamental mathematical concepts such as integers, fractions, decimals, ratios, and percentages, while developing skills in arithmetic operations and problem-solving. The course emphasizes understanding number properties, basic geometry, and the concepts of variables and simple equations. Through hands-on activities, real-world applications, and practice problems, students gain confidence in their ability to approach more complex mathematical challenges. Course 3 prepares students for success in Algebra 1 and beyond, equipping them with the essential skills for future mathematical studies.
Latin 1
Latin 1 is an introductory course designed to teach the fundamentals of the Latin language and provide insights into ancient Roman culture and history. The course focuses on building a strong foundation in Latin grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, while also highlighting the influence of Latin on the English language and Western civilization.
Key components of Latin 1 include:
- Basic Grammar: Introduction to Latin grammar, including noun declensions, verb conjugations, adjectives, pronouns, and prepositions. Students learn the basic sentence structure and how to form and translate simple sentences.
- Vocabulary: Building a foundational Latin vocabulary, including common nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Emphasis is placed on understanding Latin roots and their derivatives in English.
- Syntax and Sentence Construction: Learning how to construct and translate Latin sentences, understanding subject-verb agreement, and the use of cases (nominative, accusative, genitive, dative, ablative).
- Translation Skills: Developing skills to translate Latin passages into English and vice versa. Students practice reading and interpreting simple Latin texts.
- Roman Culture and History: Exploring aspects of ancient Roman civilization, including daily life, government, mythology, and historical events. This provides context for the language and enhances cultural understanding.
- Derivatives and Etymology: Studying the impact of Latin on the English language, including common Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes. This helps students improve their English vocabulary and comprehension.
- Pronunciation: Learning proper Latin pronunciation and recitation, including classical and ecclesiastical variations.
Latin 1 provides students with a strong linguistic foundation, enhances their understanding of English and other Romance languages, and offers a deeper appreciation of ancient Roman culture and its enduring legacy.
History
Eighth grade is on a four year cycle of Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Reformation, and Modern History. They cover the same material as 5-7th with the same textbooks, but take a deeper and more intellectual dive into topics.
Electives
Eight graders are also allowed to take one additional class as their elective. Click here to view course descriptions and options.