Seventh-grade students take the state-mandated Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments in reading and will take one in the area of mathematics depending on the course in which they are enrolled. This is also the year that students take the Integrated Performance Task (IPT), a locally developed assessment that measures critical thinking, problem solving, and written communication.

At the discretion of their parents and guardians, seventh-grade students may also participate in Family Life Education (FLE), a state-endorsed program that includes age-appropriate instruction in family living and community relationships as well as how to cope with peer pressure and the stresses of modern living. Learn More

Seventh-grade students continue to work with their school counselor on their academic and career plan (ACP) to help guide course and program selections throughout the middle and high school years. Learn More

English Language Arts

Students are enrolled in one of two English courses in seventh grade:

• English 7 or
• Advanced English 7.

These courses provide students with the opportunity to examine and analyze a variety of texts and in doing so they learn to prioritize, organize, and retain important concepts and information. Students are given many opportunities to write in response to what they are reading and they continually revise and edit their writing as they build their writing portfolios. These courses provide students with the opportunity to examine and analyze a variety of texts: fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama. Focusing on the components of literacy, reading, writing, speaking and listening, they will begin to analyze and interpret literature. Learn More

Math

Students are enrolled in one of three mathematics courses in seventh grade:

• Mathematics 7 - This course builds on the skills learned in sixth grade and aims to provide students with the foundations of algebra. Students enrolled in this course take the Grade 7 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment.
• Advanced Mathematics 7 - This course builds on the skills learned in sixth grade and is designed to address more abstract concepts in algebra and geometry. Students enrolled in this course take the Grade 8 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment.
• Algebra I Honors - This course is ideal for students who exhibit high mathematical ability and achievement and is designed to prepare them for Scientific, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Students enrolled in Algebra I Honors take the Algebra I SOL assessment. Students who successfully complete Algebra I Honors and pass the SOL assessment earn a verified credit towards graduation.

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Science

Students are enrolled in one of two science courses in seventh grade:

• Science Grade 7 - This course focuses on the life sciences with an emphasis on the biological sciences (e.g., cells, plants, animals, heredity).
• Advanced Science Grade 7 - This course focuses on the biological sciences and has a heavy emphasis on student-directed research. This course is recommended for highly motivated students with strong mathematics, reading and writing skills. Students enrolled in Advanced Science Grade 7 take the Grade 8 Science Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment.

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Social Studies

All seventh-grade students are enrolled in Social Studies 7, which involves the study United States History from 1865 to the present. The course concentrates on the social, economic, and political history of the United States and examines the effects of developments, events, and change on the lives of people in historical periods. Learn More

Planning Ahead

What you should know about:

• Selecting Middle School Courses
  As students continue to explore careers and career pathways, their interests and goals should guide their course selections. There are several courses that can be taken in eighth grade that provide students with the opportunity to earn high school credits (also known as credit bearing courses) that will count towards their grade point average (GPA). Courses that can be used to earn high school credit in eighth grade include World Language (Level I or Level II), Algebra I, Geometry, Keyboarding, and Earth Science.
• Taking Advantage of Advanced Courses in Middle School
  Taking advanced courses in middle school has many potential benefits for students. Some of the advanced courses allow students to earn high school credit while still in middle school. Taking advanced courses in middle school allows students to take more advanced courses in high school that may receive weighted credit that is averaged in when calculating class rank. In addition, taking more rigorous courses throughout middle and high school also helps to better prepare students for college.
  
  Students who may not have enrolled in advanced courses in seventh grade still can do so in English, mathematics and science in eighth grade. This is advisable for students interested in the advanced academic programs available in high school as some require students to complete Algebra I by eighth grade. Students who completed Science Grade 7 and are interested in enrolling in Earth Science may do so by meeting with their counselor and completing online modules to ensure they are adequately prepared for the advanced coursework. Several factors should be considered when moving up into advanced classes including prior academic performance, teacher recommendation and parent input.
• Applying for Advanced Academic Programs in High School
  The school division offers eight unique academy and advanced academic programs that provide students with skills and experience aligned with specific career areas such as legal studies; health sciences; mathematics and science; visual and performing arts; global studies and world languages; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); and technology, as well as entrepreneurship and business. These programs typically require that students apply during their eighth-grade year, though students may also apply during their ninth-grade year. Students who may be interested in enrolling in an academy or advanced academic program in high school, and their parents, should plan to attend Navigating the Journey, a K-12 resource fair or academy specific information nights held in the fall of each school year. Learn More
  
  In addition, the school division also operates a public charter school, Green Run Collegiate. Green Run Collegiate offers an academically challenging college and career preparatory experience for students. Students wishing to enroll will need to apply during their eighth-grade year. Selection into the charter school is based on a lottery process and applications are typically due in February. Learn More