Middle School
The following distinctives characterize our Middle School program:
- Exploratory: Broad academic experiences such as our leadership academy and our fine arts offerings allow students to learn more about God, themselves, and the world in which they live.
- Integrative: Inquiry and action are key elements of the middle school learning experience. Interdisciplinary teaching teams allow students to see that learning is interconnected and relevant. Examining problems, asking essential questions and determining solutions are part of building critical thinking skills.
- Relevant: Middle school students want to know that the work they are doing matters, which leads to higher self-esteem and a greater sense of purpose in life. Active and purposeful learning includes, but is not limited to, problem-based learning and service learning. Technology is also thoughtfully integrated into curricular units.
- Challenging: Meaningful and engaging activities guide learning experiences that reflect high expectations and achievable goals. Developing a thorough understanding of content and providing opportunities for students to become thoughtful communicators are top priorities.
The desire to redeem childhood and dignify children in the elementary years continues into the middle grades with the added component of a challenging explorative, integrated, and relevant curriculum that further nurtures, develops, and educates the whole child as an image-bearer of God. Students have the opportunity to experience exploratory learning, participate in global service initiatives, and explore their giftings through passion projects.
Middle School Program
Curriculum Overview
Middle School academics includes a core program of humanities, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) aligned with state and national standards, and Biblical worldview studies. Exploratory rotations lasting 6-8 weeks in academic leadership, digital citizenship, fine arts, health and exercise science, service initiatives, and a student-led passion project provide an opportunity for inquiry, investigation, inspiration, and involvement.
*Homework will be relevant and practical with assignments that continue to foster the love of learning and the excitement of further exploration and understanding.
Humanities
Humanities is taught through an integrated approach that incorporates English, reading, and history. This cohesive methodology incorporates rich classical literature that reflects historical time periods or themes, grammar and mechanics, writing, research and study skills, and vocabulary. History is the driving force for learning these skills. Students will engage in a classical approach to history through the study of ancient cultures in 6th grade, Medieval culture in the 7th grade, and modern culture in 8th grade.
STEM
- Science is taught from a biblical worldview in a logical and sequential approach. The five core science disciplines are covered each year in an experiential, hands-on environment. Students develop a solid foundation of scientific concepts and principles that govern our world through meaningful labs and experiments.
- Technology and Engineering
- OCS students will utilize technology to enhance the overall educational experience. Students will learn how to be responsible and productive digital citizens. Additionally, students will practice keyboarding skills, learn basic coding, and engage in responsible internet usage.
- Students will build a solid math foundation by practicing and applying math concepts, discussing reasoning, communicating in mathematical terms, and engaging in high quality, academic math exercises daily. The rigorous and rich math program allows students to collaborate, build a growth-based mindset, and share strategies with peers in number systems, algebraic thinking, geometry, ratios, proportional relationships, statistics and probability.
Bible
OCS students will develop a deeper understanding of Truth and how to share their love and knowledge of God with others. They will develop an understanding of a biblical worldview in today’s post-Christian culture and gain exposure to other world religions and cultures. Students will discuss relevant worldview topics from a biblical perspective and engage in critical thinking utilizing Socratic questioning, real-world applications, and a comparative worldview approach. Discipleship opportunities and mentorship relationships are cultivated throughout the year.
Exploratory Rotations
During their school day, students enjoy an exploratory rotation of classes every 6-8 weeks in which broad topics, ideas, and concepts are introduced. Each Exploratory Rotation lasts 6-8 weeks and provides opportunities for growth in academic leadership, digital citizenship, fine arts, health and exercise science, service initiatives, and culminates with a passion project. This student-directed passion project serves as a vehicle for self-discovery, world exploration, creative and critical thinking, and innovation through the resource of technology.
Extracurricular Activities
Our goal for after school and extracurricular activities is to further nurture and develop the whole child – heart, mind, body, and soul. This can be accomplished through values gained in team and individual sports, creative, analytical, and innovative competitions, and skills gained through collaborative work in the arts.
- Fine Arts
- Speech Meet
- Art Fair
- Athletics
- Cross Country
- Academics
- Spelling Bee
- Math Olympics
- Creative Writing
- Academic Games League of America
Interdisciplinary Team-Teaching
Our core classes in the middle grades adhere to state and national standards with history serving as the foundation from which all other classes stem. History is encompassed in our 110 minute Humanities program that is integrated with our STEM program. During their school day, students enjoy an exploratory rotation class every 6-8 weeks in which topics, ideas, concepts, and something are introduced. At the end of the year, students will choose a passion project in which to focus on and serve as a vehicle for self-discovery, world exploration, creative and critical thinking, and innovation through the resource of technology.
Middle School Mentor
The Middle School Mentor (MSM) is an important part of the interdisciplinary team and will support, teach, disciple, and mentor students in 7 interrelated core competencies: spiritual growth, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, learning skills, and responsible decision-making. Through meaningful relationships with their MSM, students will feel a sense of belonging, exhibit positive behaviors, and increase their overall academic achievement.
Service Initiatives
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 A huge priority of ours at OCS is to provide our students with frequent opportunities to serve our neighbors here in Charlotte and around the world. During a time when most become increasingly self-aware & insecure, we want to provide ways that our students can take the focus off of themselves and serve others.
