Middle School
At Cranium Academy - Winter Garden, our middle school inspires curiosity and fosters critical thinking while building a solid knowledge base prepares students for future academic success. Below, you'll find an overview of our dynamic curriculum, tailored to meet the needs of our students through engaging and innovative learning experiences.
U.S. History: Exploring the American Story
Our U.S. History curriculum brings the past to life through a two-year cycle:
- Cycle 1: Early Settlers to Westward Expansion
- Cycle 2: Westward Expansion to World War II
Taught in a whole-group setting, this primarily lecture-based class emphasizes:
- Mastery of note-taking and thinking maps
- Use of the McGraw Hill textbook The American Journey
- Empathy simulations to connect with historical perspectives
- Collaborative group projects
Science: Hands-On Discovery
Science at Cranium Academy is all about exploration, delivered in a two-year cycle:
- Cycle 1: Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics)
- Cycle 2: Life Science (Biology and Anatomy)
Students dive into hands-on learning with:
- Dissections, experiments, and demonstrations
- Textbooks like Prentice Hall Physical Science and Pearson Life Science
- Group and individual projects to deepen understanding
Language Arts: Building Skills Through Literature
Our Language Arts program is taught in small, student-paced groups, blending classic literature with tailored skill-building:
Core Texts
- 7th Grade: The Outsiders, A Monster Calls, excerpts from Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Through Quick and Quinn (new addition)
- 8th Grade: Lord of the Flies, To Kill a Mockingbird, Anthem, and Through Quick and Quinn (new addition)
Historical Fiction (Tied to History Cycle)
- Cycle 1: The Fifth of March
- Cycle 2: Chasing Lincoln’s Killer
Shakespeare
- 7th Grade: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- 8th Grade: Macbeth
Additional Components
- Etymology: Two-year cycle (Latin Roots in Cycle 1, Greek Roots in Cycle 2) using teacher-designed curriculum
- Grammar: No Red Ink digital curriculum paired with teacher-created lessons
- Spelling & Vocabulary: Derived from reading texts
- Writing: Three-tiered approach—small-group lessons, independent timed assignments, and weekly whole-group explorations of writing styles
Math: Personalized and Engaging
Math is taught in small, student-paced groups with a focus on hands-on learning:
- 7th Grade: Pre-Algebra (Prentice Hall Mathematics Pre-Algebra)
- 8th Grade: Algebra (Pearson Algebra 1 Common Core)
Students engage through:
- Lectures and practice problems
- Math games and activities
Supplemental Curricula: Enriching the Experience
Our supplemental offerings are student-driven and teacher-designed, adapting annually to student interests and needs. These include:
- REED Cycle
- Computer Science
- Discourse/Debate
- Travel Magazine/Path to Publishing
- Geo/Geo
- Mindfulness
- Life Skills
- Art
- Physical Education
- Electives
A Curriculum That Evolves
At Cranium Academy, we blend established resources with innovative, teacher-developed content. For example:
- Language Arts: Inspired by CommonLit360 and enriched with custom materials
- Science: Built from state standards, enhanced with textbooks, labs, and real-world applications
- Social Studies: A fully teacher-developed curriculum reflecting years of expertise
Our goal is to create a vibrant, adaptable learning environment that meets students where they are and propels them toward where they want to be.
For more details or to connect with our faculty, feel free to reach out!