Math
6th Grade Math
Students hone the skills of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers, fractions and decimals. Additional topics include statistics, measurement and constructions. Enrichment or advanced concept development is available for students who excel.

7th Grade Pre-Algebra
Concepts include working with decimals, negative numbers, unit conversions, introductory geometry, introductory algebra, probability and equation solving. Real life applications are emphasized throughout the course. Ability groupings are available if necessary.

8th Grade Algebra I
Concepts include solving equations with one variable, working with polynomials and fractions, factoring, solving equations with two variables, graphing, working with inequalities, rational and irrational numbers and quadratic equations. Word problems related to real life applications are emphasized throughout the course. Ability groupings are available if necessary.

English
6th Grade
Sixth grade English covers a broad range of language arts skills: literary elements, correct grammar usage, documented research. Students are exposed to different kinds of literature including short stories, poems, and novels. The writing process is practiced extensively according to the Six-Trait model of writing.

7th Grade
Seventh grade students expand their abilities in narrative, expository, persuasive, research and creative writing supplemented by study in grammar, spelling and vocabulary. Critical reviews are employed and students are encouraged to analyze information. Major units include novels, legends or folklore, and poetry that often integrate with the Social Studies curriculum.

8th Grade
Eight grade English serves as a bridge to Upper School language and literature studies. Literary elements and an extensive study of poetry and poetic devices enable students to have a deeper understanding of literature and the craft of literary writing.

Science
6th grade Life Science
Topics include the importance of diversity and adaptations of organisms; structure and function in living systems (plant and animal cells); set up and experiment with aquatic and land ecosystems and populations; and study of the human body’s circulatory and respiratory systems. Students continue to observe, measure, record and interpret data.

7th grade Earth & Space Science
Students study the major structures of the earth, earth’s history and earth in the solar system. Students examine the water cycle and become more knowledgeable about the weather and astronomy. Each unit is accompanied by major research projects and weekly lab experiences.

8th grade Physical Science
A comprehensive overview of properties, classification and structure of matter; periodic law and elements; atoms and bonding; basic chemistry; motion, force and energy; electricity and magnetism; and sound and light. New concepts are studied through student investigation of real world problems within the discipline. Concept understanding and mastery is evaluated through student driven projects, labs, tests, quizzes and participation in discussion. Laboratory safety and skills are assessed through periodic laboratory practical exams.

Book Club
Meeting twice a week, Book Club emphasizes Riverfield’s commitment to reading and individualized learning. Students read books of their choice and participate in written dialogue with the Book Club teacher about their reading.

Social Studies
Social Studies is a project-based multiage course which teaches the skills of an historian on a three-year rotation. The first year covers the birth and growth of human societies with ancient and medieval history. The second year encompasses the birth and growth of our nation through the Civil War, including civics. The third year completes the rotation with modern cultural geography, an exploration of our physical, social and political world today.

Foreign Language
6th Grade
Students take one semester each of German and Spanish to become familiar with both languages.

7th and 8th Grade
Students may choose either German or Spanish to continue through 7 th and 8 th grade. The combination of the 7th and 8th grade years equates to taking Spanish I or German I at the high school level.