Inspired by our values of Wisdom, Honor and Service, the mission of Parish Episcopal School’s inclusive Episcopal community is to guide young people to become creative learners and bold leaders, prepared to impact a complex global society.
The 5th Grade English curriculum is grounded in the IMPACT Mindsets, with a focus on personal responsibility. Students will explore this theme through anchor texts such as Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk, Tales of Greek Heroes by Roger Lancelyn Green, and On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer. They will also engage with poetry, short stories, and nonfiction texts to build annotation skills and the ability to differentiate main ideas and supporting details. Through discussions and collaborative activities, students will develop foundational critical thinking and communication skills. Writing will be a regular practice in both informal and formal formats and will culminate in a personal narrative. Grammar and vocabulary instruction will support a strong foundation in language arts.
The 6th Grade English, students engage with a diverse range of literary texts to explore how individuals collaborate and contribute to building strong, supportive communities. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, as students examine authors’ purposes, literary techniques, and character development. They learn to formulate and respond to various levels of questions, using textual evidence and personal experiences to support their ideas. Throughout the year, students will refine their writing skills by engaging in the full writing process across multiple genres, including descriptive, expository, and research-based writing. Each writing assignment is purposefully connected to the literature studied, deepening students’ understanding and encouraging thoughtful expression. Students will demonstrate their learning through a variety of formats—written work, oral presentations, hands-on projects, and collaborative activities—fostering both individual growth and collaborative learning.
In 7th Grade English, students explore the theme of tenacity by reading a variety of texts framed around the archetype of the Hero’s Journey. Through novels, short stories, poems, and nonfiction articles, students analyze how different individuals demonstrate grit and resilience in the face of challenges. Students engage in a variety of structured discussions, projects, and writing pieces throughout the year, demonstrating how an understanding of the foundations of grammar and a well-developed vocabulary directly enhance writing. Critical thinking skills continue to develop as students make connections across genres and historical contexts. Ultimately, students connect the theme of tenacity to their own lives and to the greater world around them, fostering both personal growth and a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling.
In 7th Grade Social Studies, students will learn to make connections between and inferences about the influence of cultures on their world and our own. They will look closely at how geography, in all its richness and social complexities, shapes identity, both of the individual and the group. Throughout the process of discovery, students will look deeply at how we come to know what we know, and why it is important to look at everything from multiple points of view. Our historical journey will take us from the Middle Ages through the Age of Enlightenment, from Western Europe to the Americas, Africa, and Eastern Asia. At each stop, students will come to appreciate both how interconnected and yet richly diverse our world is. They will learn to think like historians, to understand the many lessons of history. More importantly, they will learn how to apply that understanding to the questions of the present.
In 8th Grade Social Studies, students will understand and appreciate the richness and complexity of American cultures and histories by exploring connections between people, places, and events utilizing the themes of the Meaning of Freedom, Movement of Peoples, and Justice and Redefining Freedom. Students are expected to synthesize connections while using evidence in support of their theses and analysis in their writing. Eighth grade Social Studies focuses on the construction of identity, paramount in the lives of adolescents. The social studies topics investigate America from the origins of the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement. The curriculum has a particular emphasis on the Constitution and branches of government
The 5th Grade Math course is designed to strengthen students’ computational skills while emphasizing reasoning, problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills. Students build an understanding of number sense, measurement, geometry, and data analysis through a variety of manipulatives, models, and algorithms. They will apply their skills to problem-solving situations and use estimation to check for reasonableness.
The Honors 5th Grade Math course challenges students to deepen their mathematical understanding through advanced reasoning, analytical problem solving, and critical thinking. This accelerated curriculum emphasizes mastery of computational skills while fostering mathematical communication and collaboration. Students will explore complex concepts in number sense, measurement, geometry, and data analysis using a wide range of manipulatives, models, and sophisticated algorithms. They will engage in rich, multi-step problem-solving tasks, apply mathematical reasoning in real-world contexts, and use estimation and logical strategies to evaluate solutions for accuracy and efficiency.
The 6th Grade Math curriculum emphasizes computational fluency, reasoning, mathematic communication, and solid skill-building with the basic operations of fractions, decimals, and whole numbers. This course continues to develop understanding of number relationships and begins to incorporate minor algebraic concepts. Throughout the course, students will make real world connections while problem solving.
The 6th Grade Honors Math curriculum emphasizes computational fluency, reasoning, mathematic communication, and real world connections while problem solving. This course solidifies understanding of rational number operations and relationships, incorporates algebraic concepts, and begins to explore relationships in geometry and data analysis.
The 7th Grade Math curriculum allows students to solidify their arithmetic foundation of rational number (fractions and decimals) operations. Students begin to explore algebraic principles to solve linear equations and inequalities. Students further develop their understanding of ratio and proportion. Students are also introduced to percent application. Students will then enroll in Eighth Grade Math to further their study of algebraic concepts.
This course incorporates project-based learning, experiments, and STEM activities to teach concepts from the three main units of science: life, physical, and earth. An introduction to science at the beginning of the year provides a strong footing for students to understand the difference and similarities between the process of science and STEM. Students learn and hone skills in research, observation, measurement, analysis, and communication. Students also gain additional experience working in cooperative lab groups. Throughout the year, students will demonstrate their understanding of concepts through a variety of assessments including presentations, written quizzes, traditional labs, projects, and in-class assignments. How the natural world works and how everything is interconnected are overriding themes in fifth grade.
This course will give students the opportunity to explore connections among the biosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the geosphere. In addition, students will delve into hydrology, geology, and meteorology through STEM projects and laboratory experiences. There will be a developmental focus on the relationships, systems, and cycles on Earth. Students will continue to develop basic science skills in the areas of measurement, in making empirical observations, in writing hypotheses, data collection, graphing, and drawing conclusions.
This course explores the basics of cellular biology, botany, and genetics. Skills emphasized this year are: how to do inquiry labs, graphing, data analysis and conclusion writing. A specific emphasis will be placed on data collection and displaying results in both graph and table form along with the analysis of the data. Students will be able to utilize and reinforce concepts introduced in Catalina Island throughout the year while having an opportunity to create individual projects related to content taught. Cooperative lab group work along with STEM projects are part of the laboratory experience. Lab practicals will continue to be a part of the assessment process.
This course is designed to engage students through a variety of learning techniques, exploring the skills of a physical science laboratory. Students will be introduced to chemistry and physics. Chemistry topics will include matter, the structure of the atom, the organization of the periodic table, and chemical reactions. Physics topics will concentrate on forces, motion, and forms of energy. Instruction will emphasize experimental design and focus on the use of math, measurement, and graphing. Throughout the course, students will participate in, plan, and conduct labs to strengthen inquiry-based skills.
Latin A covers one half of the material required to complete Latin I. It focuses on developing basic grammar skills, interpreting English derivatives through Latin vocabulary, introducing Roman historical events and legends, and exploring how Latin and Roman culture relate to our everyday lives. Students learn parts of speech, noun cases and declensions, as well as verb tenses and conjugations. As a guide for culture and vocabulary studies, the class follows the daily life and adventures of a Roman family in the year 80 A.D. All students take the National Latin Exam.
Latin B is the continuation of Latin A and completes the Latin I course. It resumes reviewing and developing basic grammar skills, interpreting English derivatives through Latin vocabulary, introducing Roman historical events and legends, and exploring how Latin and Roman culture relate to our everyday lives. Students begin to read, translate, and interpret more complex Latin passages in preparation for Latin II. As a guide for culture and vocabulary studies, the class follows the daily life and adventures of a Roman family in the year 80 A.D. All students take the National Latin Exam. Pre-requisite: Latin 1A
Spanish A is a beginning-level Spanish class. It is equivalent to the first part of Spanish I. The course
provides students with the opportunity to attain new levels of meaningful communication, both orally and in writing, while growing in awareness of the richness of the cultures of the Spanish speaking world. Students learn new vocabulary and grammatical structures in context through a variety of activities, as well as learn to employ previously studied language components with greater understanding. Oral communication skills are developed through daily conversational practice, listening activities, pronunciation drills and multiple opportunities to practice interpersonal communication in authentic situations. Greater emphasis is placed on the building of reading and writing skills than in earlier years of study.
Spanish B takes off in Realidades B where Spanish A leaves off. It is equivalent to the second part of Spanish I. Students will continue to expand their vocabulary and basic verb conjugations including verbs like "to be" and "to like." Students will learn how to carry on a dialogue with others and write about themselves and their surroundings. More time will be spent writing and speaking together in Spanish as students expand their vocabulary and knowledge of the language. The curriculum will also focus on Spanish language, holidays and celebrations, as well as cultural practices and comparisons. Additional topics may be included if time permits.
This course continues development of the four components of foreign language acquisition (listening, speaking, reading and writing) that students have been developing in previous grades and corresponds to the first half of Spanish II. Students will be studying the culture of the Spanish speaking world while also continuing vocabulary development, grammar units (including past tense) and verbal skills as associated with the Realidades textbooks, published by Prentice Hall.
In this course, students continue with the second half of Spanish II, further developing the four components of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students also explore Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures, geographies and histories. Students continue vocabulary development, grammar units and verbal skills as associated with our textbook, Realidades II, published by Prentice Hall. This is accomplished by class assignments and projects that focus on communication skills while making comparisons with Spanish-speaking students in other countries.
This course is designed for students who want to increase their proficiency and prepare for college Spanish. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills will be strengthened and accuracy will increase as they develop a better understanding of the structure of the language. Greater oral proficiency, focusing on extemporaneous speech, is a major goal and particular emphasis is placed on the acquisition of extensive, practical vocabulary and idiomatic usage. The culture of the countries studied is integrated with reading and listening activities.
What does it mean to be a good human? And how should humans live their lives in relationship with others? This course is an introduction to conceptions of ethical living and methodologies for working through ethical problems. The course considers our responsibilities to other humans, communities, and creatures. Students will engage with perspectives from diverse religious beliefs, science and technology studies, and social justice advocates with the ultimate goal of developing ethical practices and strategies for how to collaboratively work towards tackling ethical problems.
This trimester-long course equips sixth graders with essential tools to thrive academically. Through engaging activities and reflective exercises, students will identify their individual learning strengths and areas for growth. The class focuses on practical strategies for organization, time management, study habits, and test preparation. Students will also explore effective test-taking techniques and collaborative skills for working in groups. By the end of the course, students will be empowered with a personalized toolkit of strategies to support their success in middle school and beyond.
Students will (1) learn in-depth information regarding the impacts of alcohol and other drugs use and abuse (2) further explore themes of Internet safety, social networking, and on-line etiquette taught in previous technology classes (3) discuss boundaries within relationships and (4) study the habits outlined The Highly Effective Teen.
7th Grade students are introduced to the basic elements of effective public speaking. They will write and present different types of speeches including persuasive and informative. Students develop the basic presentation skills of eye contact, word placement, and correct breathing while speaking. The class culminates with a final evening presentation for family and classmates.
Dive into the world of art as a 5th grader! This class is all about laying the groundwork for your artistic journey. Discover foundational skills and various techniques that will set the stage for your creative exploration. Get ready to explore a multitude of media, including both 2D and 3D art forms.
Students will choose instruments based on interest and aptitude. Learn about instrument care and maintenance as well as the basics of fundamental tone production, rhythm, and reading music. Students will develop a practice routine and use their understanding of music fundamentals to perform with their grade level at least twice during the school year.
The 5th Grade Choir is a great way to learn to sing! No experience is necessary. Students will be grouped based on their vocal range and develop their melodic and rhythmic reading skills as they learn fun songs. Performances take place each trimester in chapel, combined choir concerts, and other school events. This is an experiential-learning class so grading focuses on participation, attentiveness, and personal growth.
Students will explore movement and learn basic dance techniques and methods. We will stimulate the body to develop general coordination and learn self-awareness through critiques and reflections.
The 5th Grade Music class is filled with joyous sound and movement. Class activities include singing, listening, playing instruments, movement, and music games. Students study the basics of rhythm, note reading, and note/rest recognition. This is an experiential-learning class where grading focuses on participation, attentiveness, and personal growth.
Students will learn the basic elements of stage performance through two extensive units: one in pantomime and the other in character and story creation. Feeling the confidence to stand up and perform in public is an important component of this course, as the students learn to expand their “comfort zones”.
Welcome to the 6th-grade art adventure! Unleash your creativity by delving into a variety of art projects. Exploring both 2D and 3D projects, this class offers a hands-on exploration of diverse artistic forms, allowing you to express yourself in exciting new ways.
Students will continue to learn about and improve their instrument care and maintenance as well as the basics of fundamental tone production, rhythm, and reading music. Students continue to develop a practice routine and build musical knowledge. Students will perform with their grade level at least two times during the school year. 5th grade band or director approval is a prerequisite to this course.
The 6th Grade Choir continues the fun from 5th grade. Students will increase their melodic and rhythmic reading skills by adding key signatures and more complex rhythms as they learn new songs. Performances take place each trimester in chapel, combined choir concerts, and other school events. This is an experiential-learning class so grading focuses on participation, attentiveness, and personal growth.
This course continues to build on previous work by adding more advanced movement and introducing additional techniques. Students will develop proper placement within ballet, modern, and jazz techniques and an awareness of space and rhythm. Students will continue to learn self-awareness through application of critiques and reflections.
Students are introduced to higher levels of stage performance, including movement, character development, and story creation. Feeling the confidence to stand up and perform in public is an important component of this course, as the students learn to expand their individual “comfort zones.”
7th/8th Grade Band is a year-long class where students will continue to learn about and improve their instrument care and maintenance as well as more advanced elements of tone production, rhythm, and reading music. Students continue to develop a practice routine and build musical knowledge. Students will perform at least two times a year. 6th grade band experience or director approval are prerequisites for this class. This class will meet outside of the regular school day during Zero Hour (7:15 am-8:00 am) starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Need more music in your life? Join the 7-8th Grade choir! Now a trimester course that can be taken once or multiple times a year, this class is open to all levels of experience and offers opportunities for solos and leadership. Students will develop their melodic and rhythmic reading skills and have more voice and choice in the songs they sing and perform. Students who are considering being a part of Essential Standards in the Upper School are highly encouraged to take this class to develop their skills and prepare for their audition. This is an experiential-learning class so grading focuses on participation, attentiveness, and personal growth. Class may be taken multiple times per year.
Students will learn the structure of theatre through writing and performing their own works as well as scenes and monologues from contemporary theatre. With a focus on acting theory, students will explore different texts in preparation for an in-depth performance scene study and audition unit. A strong focus is placed on developing a character through strong movement and vocal choices. Technical theatre elements are explored through a design project. This class may be taken multiple times. As a student progresses through their theatrical journey, individual assignments are given to strengthen their performance skills. This course may be taken once per year.
A one trimester, spring course geared towards students who would like a deeper study of theatre production. While focusing on acting theory, students will engage in rehearsing a production, which will culminate in public performances. This is a performance-based class with mandatory participation in the final performances.
Do you like building, thinking, designing and making? In this course you will experience theater beyond performance. Through design, collaboration, & original ideas students will create props, lights and all that happens behind the scenes. With real challenges for actual theater productions, students get their hands dirty bringing productions to life without acting on the stage. This course may be taken once per year.
Get ready for an artful exploration in 7th and 8th grade! Building on your skills, this class not only delves into a range of artistic techniques but also encourages personal narrative, self-expression, and critical thinking. Create meaningful art that reflects your unique voice and perspective while exploring a multitude of media, both in 2D and 3D. This course may be taken once per year.
The 5th grade PE curriculum places a strong emphasis on fostering personal growth, collaboration, and relationship building among students. The program aims to develop not only physical skills but also social and emotional competencies. Through structured activities, students begin to explore and learn the proper mechanics involved in throwing, catching, striking, and moving with a variety of locomotor skills. Through drills, small-sided games, and team sports students learn to navigate the complex dynamics of working together, valuing each other’s contributions, and the importance of sportsmanship. The curriculum introduces students to the richness of multicultural games, allowing them an opportunity to explore diverse athletic traditions from around the world. As they practice agility, coordination, and technique, they simultaneously develop a strong sense of self.
The 6th grade PE curriculum prioritizes the growth of the whole child by integrating activities that foster personal connections, emotional well-being, and physical vitality. Through engaging sports and cooperative games, students are encouraged to challenge their personal limits. By elevating expectations on skill development, students have an opportunity to think critically as they face a variety of obstacles. These challenges foster resilience and determination. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on the values of collaboration, sportsmanship, and leadership. With the introduction of personal fitness, students are given opportunities to explore the four core components of a healthy lifestyle: aerobic fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance. The students celebrate diversity by incorporating sports and skills that hold unique cultural significance, enabling them to appreciate their own heritage and that of their peers.
The 7th and 8th grade physical education curriculum is designed to promote lifelong fitness through a diverse range of activities that support students' physical and mental well-being. Emphasizing strength and conditioning, yoga, cardiovascular exercise, balance, flexibility, and meditation, this comprehensive program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle beyond their school years. Strength and conditioning activities build muscular endurance and improve overall performance, while yoga enhances flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. Cardiovascular exercises promote heart health and stamina, and dedicated meditation practices support stress management and mental focus. By fostering these habits early, students develop a foundation for lifelong well-being, empowering them to make informed choices that prioritize their physical and mental health.
This dynamic athletic period is designed to promote teamwork, physical fitness, and personal development through a variety of seasonal sports. Students will actively participate in team environments, building essential collaboration and communication skills through intentional scheduling and guided coaching. Some teams will also have after-school games and competitions, providing additional opportunities to apply these skills in real-world settings. Throughout these experiences, students will also learn valuable lessons in sportsmanship, fostering respect, integrity, and perseverance.
Students will continue to develop keyboarding, basic formatting, and general productivity skills during their first trimester of Middle School. Acquisition of additional technology skills throughout their Middle School years will be greatly expedited as a result.
I C.A.N. stands for Code, Apply, and Navigate. This course uses the design thinking process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives. Students will design and create in Tinkercad to complete a 3d printed project, learn to code a Sphero robot, and explore the world of circuits with Makey Makeys. Upon completion of this course, students will be excited to utilize the various STEM resources at Parish for cross curricular projects and other courses.
Students learn all things robotics in this class aligned with the FIRST LEGO League Competition. Students work in teams to design and build their own LEGO Spike Prime robot using LEGO pieces to complete various challenges. Students will have robots pulling, lifting, even hanging in the air on the FIRST LEGO League Official Competition Field Table by the end of the class.
Civil Engineering is a broad-based, hands-on course to help students understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives. Using project/problem-based learning, students investigate the forces, materials, and shapes necessary for building structures. As a team, they apply the engineering design process to designing, building, and testing a model bridge.
Get ready to create, code, and innovate! I Can Innovate 2.0 is a hands-on, tech-powered course where 6th grade students bring their ideas to life using interactive tools like Makey Makeys, Spheros, Hummingbird Robotics, and Code.org. Whether you’re new to coding or ready for the next challenge, this course will inspire you to explore how technology and creativity work together to solve real problems.
MAKE Jr is all about learning by doing—experimenting, problem-solving, and building cool projects while sharpening your critical thinking and troubleshooting skills. Students will learn how to use tools, materials, and techniques to safely solve problems in the Design Den. Throughout the course, students will use age-appropriate hand and power tools, explore technical drawing basics, and complete multiple projects to prepare them for authentic challenges in engineering. Custom class projects might include introductory woodworking projects such as step stools, tool boxes, or picture frames.
Today’s students have grown up in an age of progressive environmental choices. In this class, students learn how to apply this concept to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using architectural design software. Students work in teams to design, model, and test more efficient choices in buildings and structures.
Digital Media students will explore a wide range of Adobe software and applications to create and edit photographs, create and edit podcasts, and also create a short video. As a part of the class, the students will work individually as well as collaboratively, while considering their intended audience.
MAKE is a hands-on project-based class in which students gain confidence to design and create with several of the woodshop tools such as the miter saw, band saw, drill press, table saw, etc. Students explore the fundamentals of design and computer aided drafting (CAD), learning how to create with technology driven tools such as laser cutters. These skills are combined with the knowledge of the basic shop tools to allow students the freedom to design and craft their personalized end of course projects. Custom class projects might include wooden candleholders, LED signs, cutting boards, game boards, or puzzles.
Students learn to collaborate with their peers to design, build, and program a Rev Robot. This robotics kit is used to teach a variety of lessons ranging from computer programming and engineering principles to project management. Students begin by building the basic robot using the REV Chassis Guide. Then, they spend additional time wiring the control hub and programming their robot. Students explore the many different types of manipulators they might add to the robot and some of the basics of the physics required to design and build manipulators.
Come learn how to build a hands-on computer game, program your way back to Earth through escape room-like challenges, and create your own virtual reality experience. This course will build upon the design thinking process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives. Students will be exposed to tools and software to expand their experience in problem solving with Technology and STEM related materials. Students will explore and create while learning how machines, electronics, electrical motor controls, sensors, and programming all work together by utilizing circuits, programming languages, and augmented and virtual reality tools.
parishplus.org/the-study
Parish Lab supports students in grades 3 through 12 with specialized instructors focused on the development of effective learning strategies and organizational systems. This unique environment emphasizes cross-curricular study skills, peer collaboration, and the growth of executive functioning and self-management. Two core principles guide student participation: ownership and accountability. The ultimate goal is for each student to develop independent and sustainable habits for success.
Middle School students with an Individual Accommodation Plan on file may enroll in Parish Lab. Services are tailored to each grade level. In 5th and 6th grade, students attend a dedicated Parish Lab class in place of their band or choir enrichment. This class provides direct instruction in academic study skills, executive functioning, self-management, and the brain science behind these essential habits.
In addition to the class, all Middle School students enrolled in Parish Lab have access to daily support during the Study Hall portion of their Student Life block, as well as during morning office hours, before school, and after school. Parish Lab opens each day at 7:30 a.m. and remains staffed until 4:00 p.m., with extended hours from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. available by appointment.
Language Foundations is an invitation-only course led by a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), designed to support students in grades 3 through 8 who have been diagnosed with a specific learning difference in reading, such as dyslexia. The class is delivered in small groups, allowing for a highly personalized, multisensory curriculum tailored to each student's needs. The primary goal is to build a stronger foundation in reading, spelling, vocabulary, and written expression.
Middle School Students enrolled in Language Foundations attend this course in place of their world language class. Students must have an Individual Accommodation Plan on file to enroll.
Parish Link provides a curated referral network that connects families with trusted private tutors, therapists, and specialists outside of the school day. Parish Link offers guidance and vetted resources for academic support, speech and language services, and more.