Junior High (6th – 8th)

Programs & Curriculum

Academics.

While teaching the academic disciplines, Heritage Academy is dedicated to instilling into the minds and hearts of today’s youth a knowledge of and respect for the ideals and values of the great men and women of history, including those who founded the American nation.

See the course catalog for Heritage Academy Gateway campus.  CLICK HERE FOR THE 2022-2023 CATALOG

All courses taught for credit receive a letter grade or a pass/fail option. Grade point and the percentage used are listed below.

Please note, students earning a letter grade of a “D” in an academic course will not received credit in that class (D is not considered passing), but will be issued a general elective credit instead.

Percentage Letter Grade
90 & Above A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
59 & below F

Heritage Academy Course Requirements for 6th Grade

 6th Grade History
 6th Grade English
 6th Grade Math
 6th Grade Science
 1 Semester of PE (Fitness, Kenpo, Dance, or Athletics)

Junior High courses at Heritage Academy are designed to assist the scholars in meeting and exceeding the basic requirements in English, History, Math and Science before progressing on to the high school curriculum. We encourage all of our scholars to strive for excellence, so that the foundation that is laid in junior high becomes a stepping stone to further success. In order to assist our scholars in this pursuit, we offer classes in classical languages, reading, and writing to supplement the basic course work.Click Here to see Class times.


Heritage Academy Course Requirements for 7th Grade

  • 7th Grade History
  • 7th Grade English
  • Math (General Math or Pre-Algebra usually)
  • 7th Grade Science
  • Classical Languages I
  • 1Year of Music (Choir, Band, or Orchestra)
  • At least 1 semester of PE (Fitness, Kenpo, Dance, or Athletics)
  • Other elective choices may fill in the remaining classes

Heritage Academy Course Requirements for 8th Grade

  • 8th Grade History
  • 8th Grade English
  • Math (Pre-Algebra or Algebra I usually)
  • 8th Grade Science
  • Classical Languages II (or Classical Languages I if not taken yet)
  • At least 1 semester of Fine Arts (Music, Art or Drama). Choir and Instrumental classes are year-long.
  • At least 1 semester of PE (Fitness, Kenpo, Dance, or Athletics)
  • Keyboarding (if not previously taken)
  • Other elective choices may fill in the remaining classes

Classical Languages

Latin I:   All junior high scholars will be enrolled in a Latin course in which they will be introduced to the great classical language of Latin. Scholars will learn why so much emphasis was placed on this language by the Founding Fathers. They will learn how Latin can improve their knowledge of English, improve SAT scores, and act as a springboard into the learning of other Foreign Languages (especially French and Spanish), Math, Science, Medicine, Literature and many other subjects. Scholars will learn the alphabet, vocabulary, roots and other components of this language. This course will prepare scholars to read, write and understand this great language.

Latin II: A brief review of Latin I and then second year skills such as translating stories, poems and passages will be added.

Mathematics

Each student is placed in a math class based on the score of their entrance placement exam.  On the first day of class, another assessment is given to help determine if the placement is the right place for the student.  If a change is recommended, scholars and parents are contacted and schedules are changed.  We do our best to place the scholars in the math class that is most appropriate to their individual skill level.  If parents or scholars feel the placement is not a good fit, feel free to contact the teacher.  Jr. High level math courses are as follows:

General Math

General Math:  This is the 7th grade math class.  The curriculum is based on the AZ state 7th grade math standards found at https://www.azed.gov/azccrs/mathstandards/. The course includes a study of various graphic displays including stem and leaf plots and scatterplots, linear functions, solving multi-step equations, geometry and integers.

Textbook:  Holt McDougal Mathematics-Grade 7

Requirements:  Scientific Calculator

Pre-Algebra

This course is for 7th and 8th grade scholars.  The curriculum is based on the AZ state math standards for both 7th and 8th grade.  These can be found at https://www.azed.gov/azccrs/mathstandards/ . The course includes a study of various graphic displays including box and whisker plots and scatterplots, linear functions, solving multi-step equations, geometry and integers.

Textbook:  Holt McDougal Mathematics-Grade 8

Requirements:  Scientific Calculator

Algebra I

Algebra I:  Scholars enrolled in this course will learn problem solving approaches, thinking and algebraic skills necessary for future mathematics courses and other disciplines. It includes a study of real number systems, linear equations, linear inequalities, exponential functions, quadratic equations, and statistics. Scholars must show mastery of Algebra 1 before advancing to Geometry.

Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra or Placement Test (It is rare for 7th graders to test into Algebra I)

Textbook:  Holt McDougal Algebra I

Requirements:  Graphing Calculator

 

Reading and WritingAll 7th grade scholars who do not pass the reading/writing Heritage Academy placement test will be enrolled in a Reading/Writing Skills Class, unless they have demonstrated proficiency in a Heritage Academy reading/writing summer school class.  All 7th and 8th graders will be enrolled in yearly English classes.7th and 8th grade English classes offer challenging curriculums focused on literature, grammar, speaking, and writing skills. The studies of classic literature from a variety of genres include critical thinking and follow up writing experiences.  The composition program emphasizes writing as a process: prewriting, rough drafts, revising, editing, and publishing of final copies.Scholars will write friendly and business letters, five-paragraph expository essays, literary analysis essays, personal narrative essays, creative narrative essays, and persuasive essays.  Writing is scored according to a rubric based on traits of good writing, and scholars will learn how to critique their own writing.  Scholars will also write responses to literature, nonfiction and poetry, and will write their own poetry.  The focus in grammar is on parts of speech, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure.

Elective Courses

All scholars are encouraged to expand and improve their talents. We encourage scholars to take an interest in and involve themselves in music, art and sports. All 7th grade scholars need to be enrolled in a full year of choir or a band or orchestra class; all 8th grade scholars need to be enrolled in at least one semester of a Fine Arts course.  8th grade scholars are also required to take one semester of Keyboarding, a course where they learn typing and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Scholars are also encouraged to develop their physical abilities. All junior high scholars are required to take at least one semester of a P.E. class each year. Heritage Academy offers P.E. classes and competitive team sports which include after school programs.

Junior High Course Electives

7th Grade Electives 8th Grade Electives
  Beginning Band   Beginning Band
  Concert Band *minimum 1 yr. experience   Concert Band *minimum 1 yr. experience
  Beginning Orchestra   Beginning Orchestra
  Concert Orchestra *min. 1 yr. experience   Concert Orchestra *min. 1 yr. experience
  Women’s Choir   Chamber Orchestra *Audition required
  Men’s Choir   Jr. Choir
  Kenpo 1   Kenpo 1
  Fitness (PE)   Kenpo 2
  Dance I   Fitness (PE)
  Dance II *Audition required   Keyboarding *Required
  Dance III *Audition required   Dance I
  Jr. Art   Dance II *Audition required
  Jr. Drama   Dance III *Audition required
  Jr. High Basketball   Jr. Art
  Jr. High Girls Basketball   Jr. Drama
  Jr. High  Co-ed Soccer   Jr. High Basketball
  Jr. High Girls Volleyball   Jr. High Girls Basketball
  Jr. High Baseball   Jr. High  Co-ed Soccer
  Jr. High Softball   Jr. High Girls Volleyball
  Pilates   Jr. High Baseball
  Math Lab (Study Hall)   Jr. High Softball
  Swimming   Pilates
  Flag Football (co-ed)   Math Lab (Study Hall)
 Yearbook   Swimming
  Student Government   Organization & Leadership
*elected position *Special education teacher recommendation required
  Jr. High Cross Country   Weight Training
  Jr. High Track and Field   Flag Football (co-ed)
  Organization & Leadership   Yearbook
      *teacher recommendation required   Student Government  *elected position
  Jr. High Cross Country
  Jr. High Track and Field

Grades and Credits

All courses taught for credit receive a letter grade or a pass/fail option. Grade point and the percentage used are listed below.

Please note, students earning a letter grade of a “D” in an academic course will not received credit in that class (D is not considered passing), but will be issued a general elective credit instead.

Percentage Letter Grade Grade Quality
Point Value
97 & Above A+ 4.33
93 – 96 A 4.00
90 – 92 A- 3.67
87 – 89 B+ 3.33
83 – 86 B 3.00
80 – 82 B- 2.67
77 – 79 C+ 2.33
73 – 76 C 2.00
70 – 72 C- 1.67
67 – 69 D+ 1.33
63 – 66 D 1.00
60 – 62 D- .67

6th Grade Education Program

Heritage Academy Course Requirements for 6th Grade

 6th Grade History
 6th Grade English
 6th Grade Math
 6th Grade Science
 1 Semester of PE (Fitness, Kenpo, Dance, or Athletics)

7th and 8th Grade Education Program

Junior High courses at Heritage Academy are designed to assist the scholars in meeting and exceeding the basic requirements in English, History, Math and Science before progressing on to the high school curriculum. We encourage all of our scholars to strive for excellence, so that the foundation that is laid in junior high becomes a stepping stone to further success. In order to assist our scholars in this pursuit, we offer classes in classical languages, reading, and writing to supplement the basic course work.  Click Here to see Class times.


Heritage Academy Course Requirements for 7th Grade

  • 7th Grade History
  • 7th Grade English
  • Math (General Math or Pre-Algebra usually)
  • 7th Grade Science
  • Classical Languages I
  • 1Year of Music (Choir, Band, or Orchestra)
  • At least 1 semester of PE (Fitness, Kenpo, Dance, or Athletics)
  • Other elective choices may fill in the remaining classes

Heritage Academy Course Requirements for 8th Grade

  • 8th Grade History
  • 8th Grade English
  • Math (Pre-Algebra or Algebra I usually)
  • 8th Grade Science
  • Classical Languages II (or Classical Languages I if not taken yet)
  • At least 1 semester of Fine Arts (Music, Art or Drama). Choir and Instrumental classes are year-long.
  • At least 1 semester of PE (Fitness, Kenpo, Dance, or Athletics)
  • Keyboarding (if not previously taken)
  • Other elective choices may fill in the remaining classes

Classical Languages

Latin I:   All junior high scholars will be enrolled in a Latin course in which they will be introduced to the great classical language of Latin. Scholars will learn why so much emphasis was placed on this language by the Founding Fathers. They will learn how Latin can improve their knowledge of English, improve SAT scores, and act as a springboard into the learning of other Foreign Languages (especially French and Spanish), Math, Science, Medicine, Literature and many other subjects. Scholars will learn the alphabet, vocabulary, roots and other components of this language. This course will prepare scholars to read, write and understand this great language.

Latin II: A brief review of Latin I and then second year skills such as translating stories, poems and passages will be added.

Mathematics

Each student is placed in a math class based on the score of their entrance placement exam.  On the first day of class, another assessment is given to help determine if the placement is the right place for the student.  If a change is recommended, scholars and parents are contacted and schedules are changed.  We do our best to place the scholars in the math class that is most appropriate to their individual skill level.  If parents or scholars feel the placement is not a good fit, feel free to contact the teacher.  Jr. High level math courses are as follows:

General Math
This is the 7th grade math class.  The curriculum is based on the AZ state 7th grade math standards found at https://www.azed.gov/azccrs/mathstandards/. The course includes a study of various graphic displays including stem and leaf plots and scatterplots, linear functions, solving multi-step equations, geometry and integers.

Textbook:  Holt McDougal Mathematics-Grade 7

Requirements:  Scientific Calculator

Pre-Algebra
This course is for 7th and 8th grade scholars.  The curriculum is based on the AZ state math standards for both 7th and 8th grade.  These can be found at https://www.azed.gov/azccrs/mathstandards/ . The course includes a study of various graphic displays including box and whisker plots and scatterplots, linear functions, solving multi-step equations, geometry and integers.

Textbook:  Holt McDougal Mathematics-Grade 8

Requirements:  Scientific Calculator

Algebra I
Scholars enrolled in this course will learn problem solving approaches, thinking and algebraic skills necessary for future mathematics courses and other disciplines. It includes a study of real number systems, linear equations, linear inequalities, exponential functions, quadratic equations, and statistics. Scholars must show mastery of Algebra 1 before advancing to Geometry.

Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra or Placement Test (It is rare for 7th graders to test into Algebra I)

Textbook:  Holt McDougal Algebra I

Requirements:  Graphing Calculator

 

Reading and Writing
All 7th grade scholars who do not pass the reading/writing Heritage Academy placement test will be enrolled in a Reading/Writing Skills Class, unless they have demonstrated proficiency in a Heritage Academy reading/writing summer school class.  All 7th and 8th graders will be enrolled in yearly English classes.7th and 8th grade English classes offer challenging curriculums focused on literature, grammar, speaking, and writing skills. The studies of classic literature from a variety of genres include critical thinking and follow up writing experiences.  The composition program emphasizes writing as a process: prewriting, rough drafts, revising, editing, and publishing of final copies.Scholars will write friendly and business letters, five-paragraph expository essays, literary analysis essays, personal narrative essays, creative narrative essays, and persuasive essays.  Writing is scored according to a rubric based on traits of good writing, and scholars will learn how to critique their own writing.  Scholars will also write responses to literature, nonfiction and poetry, and will write their own poetry.  The focus in grammar is on parts of speech, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure.

Elective Courses
All scholars are encouraged to expand and improve their talents. We encourage scholars to take an interest in and involve themselves in music, art and sports. All 7th grade scholars need to be enrolled in a full year of choir or a band or orchestra class; all 8th grade scholars need to be enrolled in at least one semester of a Fine Arts course.  8th grade scholars are also required to take one semester of Keyboarding, a course where they learn typing and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Scholars are also encouraged to develop their physical abilities. All junior high scholars are required to take at least one semester of a P.E. class each year. Heritage Academy offers P.E. classes and competitive team sports which include after school programs.

Junior High Course Electives

7th Grade Electives 8th Grade Electives
  Beginning Band   Beginning Band
  Concert Band *minimum 1 yr. experience   Concert Band *minimum 1 yr. experience
  Beginning Orchestra   Beginning Orchestra
  Concert Orchestra *min. 1 yr. experience   Concert Orchestra *min. 1 yr. experience
  Women’s Choir   Chamber Orchestra *Audition required
  Men’s Choir   Jr. Choir
  Kenpo 1   Kenpo 1
  Fitness (PE)   Kenpo 2
  Dance I   Fitness (PE)
  Dance II *Audition required   Keyboarding *Required
  Dance III *Audition required   Dance I
  Jr. Art   Dance II *Audition required
  Jr. Drama   Dance III *Audition required
  Jr. High Basketball   Jr. Art
  Jr. High Girls Basketball   Jr. Drama
  Jr. High  Co-ed Soccer   Jr. High Basketball
  Jr. High Girls Volleyball   Jr. High Girls Basketball
  Jr. High Baseball   Jr. High  Co-ed Soccer
  Jr. High Softball   Jr. High Girls Volleyball
  Pilates   Jr. High Baseball
  Math Lab (Study Hall)   Jr. High Softball
  Swimming   Pilates
  Flag Football (co-ed)   Math Lab (Study Hall)
 Yearbook   Swimming
  Student Government   Organization & Leadership
*elected position *Special education teacher recommendation required
  Jr. High Cross Country   Weight Training
  Jr. High Track and Field   Flag Football (co-ed)
  Organization & Leadership   Yearbook
      *teacher recommendation required   Student Government  *elected position
  Jr. High Cross Country
  Jr. High Track and Field