Middle School

The goal of our middle school math program is to help students become confident, independent learners and to prepare them to meet the challenges of upper school mathematics. Instruction is designed to address individual learning profiles through a variety of materials, groupings, and instructional formats. Teachers use a wide range of instructional techniques and scaffolding strategies to ensure all students can access grade-level standards while developing a deep conceptual understanding of mathematics.

Teachers employ multisensory techniques—such as manipulatives, color-coding, and interactive games—to reinforce key ideas and actively engage students in their learning. Math instruction emphasizes both conceptual understanding and practical application, with students exploring topics such as scale, linear functions, proportionality, and graphing through hands-on experiences. Instruction is designed not only to teach mathematical standards but also to help students apply their knowledge to real-world problems, strengthening their ability to think critically and make meaningful connections. Cross-curricular projects provide additional opportunities for students to understand the relevance of math in science, technology, and other academic disciplines, reinforcing the importance and usefulness of math beyond the classroom.

A key aspect of our program is the intentional embedding of foundational concepts within grade-level instruction. This approach helps ensure retention of critical skills while providing students with access to increasingly rigorous content as they advance. As math builds in complexity from year to year, this foundation allows students to confidently engage with more challenging material.

Middle school English Language Arts shifts from foundational literacy skills learned in lower school to more advanced reading comprehension strategies, sophisticated grammar, and exploration of diverse genres. Students develop abstract thinking as they engage with complex texts, build critical thinking skills, and express ideas clearly in both writing and speaking.

Our program uses Amplify ELA, a curriculum based on the science of reading, which supports literacy growth through engaging digital content, built-in differentiation, and carefully sequenced texts. These selections—ranging from novels and plays to memoirs and informational texts—align with Tennessee state standards and gradually increase in complexity to build comprehension and stamina.

Instruction emphasizes vocabulary development, including morphology, teaching students how to analyze word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode and understand complex vocabulary. Building strong background knowledge and making cross-curricular connections also helps students see the real-world relevance of their learning. Writing focuses on helping students independently generate, organize, and refine ideas into coherent essays and responses. Speaking and listening skills are developed through structured discussions and presentations.

With scaffolding and targeted support, all students gain access to grade-level content and develop the literacy and communication skills necessary for success in upper school and beyond.

Our middle school science program centers on the scientific process and what it means to be a scientist and engineer in the 21st century. Classes focus on real-world topics and projects that encourage students to think critically and creatively to solve problems both independently and collaboratively. Teachers seek to demonstrate the practical applications of science so students understand the role science plays in the world around them. Each year, students build on their experiences with the scientific process by learning to identify problems, design experiments, analyze data, and present their findings. Peer collaboration is emphasized to promote problem-solving, build confidence, and broaden students’ curiosity about the natural world.

Our science curriculum is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. Sixth graders explore Earth and Space Science, seventh graders focus on Life Science, and eighth graders study Physical Science. This progression provides students with a solid foundation across the major branches of science, preparing them for the more advanced work they will encounter in upper school.

Believing that hands-on experience is key to learning, students participate in numerous projects—many based on problem-based learning—that highlight the importance of creativity and invention in scientific discovery. Through these experiences, students not only deepen their understanding of scientific concepts but also develop skills essential for success in science and engineering fields.

In middle school social studies, our goal is to make history come alive through immersive, meaningful experiences. Teachers use primary source documents, dramatizations, and reenactments to help students form personal connections with the people, events, and cultures they study. This approach deepens understanding, fosters empathy, and encourages a lasting interest in the past.

Students explore the cause-and-effect relationships between historical events and examine how decisions and actions from the past continue to shape the present. Instruction emphasizes critical thinking and multiple perspectives, helping students build a more nuanced understanding of historical and contemporary issues.

An important focus of the curriculum is the development of civic awareness. Students learn about citizenship and their role within their communities, the nation, and the wider world. They are encouraged to consider how individuals can influence society and contribute positively as informed, responsible citizens.

In addition to historical content, students build essential academic skills such as note-taking, critical reading, source evaluation, and test preparation. They also engage in meaningful class discussions and collaborative work, developing the ability to process and retain information while becoming independent, analytical learners.

Grade-level focus:

• 6th grade: World History and Geography – Students explore early civilizations through the fall of the Western Roman Empire, examining the cultural, political, and technological legacies that continue to influence the modern world.
• 7th grade: World History and Geography – Students study the Middle Ages through the exploration of the Americas, learning about global interconnections, major belief systems, and transformative developments across continents.
• 8th grade: United States History and Geography – Students trace the development of the United States from the colonization of North America through Reconstruction. Special emphasis is placed on Tennessee’s role in nation building, helping students understand their state’s unique contributions to American history.

Skyuka Hall is dedicated to providing a well-rounded education for all students in order to help them become self-aware, confident, knowledgeable, and resilient. We recognize that many students with learning differences thrive when they are in motion, participating in the arts, and engaging in high-interest activities. That’s why our enrichment program is designed to develop not only academic skills but also the whole child—offering experiences that foster personal confidence and self-worth.

All middle school students participate in physical education for one semester each year. We believe strongly in the importance of movement for students and the connection between physical activity and overall well-being. Physical education supports not only physical health but also emotional regulation, focus, and teamwork.

During the other semester, students choose between art and music, allowing them to explore and deepen their creative talents in a setting that aligns with their personal interests. These elective courses give students the chance to build specific skills, express themselves, and experience success through creative endeavors.

By supporting both the mind and the body, our enrichment offerings help students grow into well-rounded individuals prepared to face challenges with confidence and creativity.

The development of self-expression and creativity is fostered through weekly art instruction.  Our intent is to help our students flourish and realize their strengths through the use of multiple modalities designed to integrate various functions of the brain.  Students are introduced to different design concepts, how to use various familiar and unfamiliar media, and to art history. 

Students are exposed to a variety of music, composers, and songs to nurture interest, talent, and appreciation.

In Grades 6-8 we move into an ensemble setting, with guitar being introduced in class instruction. Band instruments are also studied, as well as percussion.  As the students progress in their singing skills, we begin to branch out in this area.  Piano is also explored in the middle school grades.

All middle school students take physical education for one semester. Our PE classes are dynamic environments focused on building dexterity and providing purposeful movement. Through station-based activities, students practice skills at their own level and learn how to apply individual skills in team settings. The program aims to deepen social and physical skills from lower school and foster interest in various physical activities. By nurturing both mind and body, our enrichment program helps students grow into well-rounded, confident learners.