Middle School

The English Language Arts program offers a comprehensive, vertically aligned curriculum that nurtures students' reading, writing, and critical thinking skills from fifth through eighth grade. In fifth grade, students lay a strong foundation in comprehension, refining their abilities to analyze themes, main ideas, and text structures across a variety of genres. They also build fluency and vocabulary, while developing writing skills through multi-paragraph compositions that emphasize the writing process and essential grammar rules. This foundational work is reinforced by engaging with texts that broaden their social, cultural, historical, and political perspectives.

By sixth grade, students advance to writing structured essays supported by textual evidence and deepening their understanding of literary themes. As they master more complex grammar and vocabulary, they further integrate reading and writing through analysis and critical responses. In seventh grade, students sharpen their critical thinking through detailed literary analysis and the development of sophisticated argumentative and expository essays. The curriculum emphasizes advanced grammar concepts and research skills, allowing students to synthesize and present ideas with clarity. By eighth grade, students are prepared for high school-level challenges, tackling advanced literary analysis, research-based writing, and mastering citation styles. This thoughtful progression ensures that students graduate as confident and articulate thinkers ready for the next academic stage.

Program Philosophy and Structure

• ROBS bases the math program on the introduction, practice, mastery, and maintenance of mathematical knowledge.
• Each grade level expands on previously acquired skills and knowledge, integrating new activities, challenges, and concepts in a continuous progression.

Teaching Approach

• Students participate in problem-solving scenarios that promote conceptual understanding and critical reasoning skills.
• The curriculum is both challenging and supportive, cultivating high expectations in a positive learning environment that motivates students to reach their full potential.
• Daily tutorials are available, providing students with dedicated time to ask questions and receive individualized support from their teacher.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

A variety of assessment methods are employed to evaluate student progress, including:

• Formal assessments
  •  Written tests
  • Projects
• Informal assessments
  • Individual student check-ins
  • Exit tickets
  • Whiteboard practice
  • Small group observations

Inter-grade Collaboration and Transition

Faculty collaborate closely with neighboring grade levels to ensure seamless transitions, creating opportunities to:

• Exchange ideas and best practices
• Maintain consistent routines and expectations across grade levels
• Provide mutual support
• Effectively prepare students for each stage of their mathematical development

Course Progression

ROBS offers differentiated math courses beginning in 6th grade, allowing students to follow a pathway that leads to the completion of either Algebra or Algebra and Geometry by the end of 8th grade.

Grade						Math Courses Offered
5						Math 5
6						Math 6			Pre-Algebra 6
7						Algebra 1A			Algebra 1A Honors		IMAGe I Honors (Integration of Algebra 1A Honors & Geometry 1A)
8						Algebra 1B			Algebra 1B Honors		IMAGe II Honors (Integration of Algebra 1B Honors & Geometry 1B)

 

 

 

 

At ROBS, our K-4 Science curriculum ignites curiosity and fosters a hands-on approach to learning, guided by the Next Generation Science Standards. Highlights of the program include:

• Engaging Topics: Students explore a variety of scientific themes, such as nocturnal animals, simple machines, the water cycle, and the forces of nature.
• Hands-On Experiments: Activities include feeling sound vibrations with tuning forks, observing friction by propelling balls across surfaces, and wrapping rubber bands around a watermelon to witness explosive energy.
• Real-World Connections: Students connect science to everyday life by building solar ovens, simulating volcanic eruptions, and investigating plant growth.
• Critical Thinking Development: Projects and experiments encourage inquiry, discovery, and problem-solving to prepare students for real-world challenges.
• Inspiring Curiosity: The curriculum fosters a sense of wonder, inviting students to embrace the mystery and beauty of the natural world.

Through active learning and exploration, students gain the skills and mindset needed to approach science with confidence and excitement.

In middle school, each grade level explores a different historical focus: 5th grade delves into U.S. history, starting with the founding of the 13 Colonies and continuing through the Civil War; 6th grade investigates ancient civilizations, such as those of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia; 7th grade examines early western civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Middle Ages and Renaissance; and 8th grade returns to U.S. history, covering more complex topics of the late 18th century to contemporary times.

Across these grade levels, our social studies department prioritizes skill development in the following areas:

• Source Analysis: Identifying, examining, and interpreting primary and secondary sources to understand historical context and perspectives.
• Historical Inquiry: Formulating questions about past events, conducting research, and analyzing findings to construct informed conclusions.
• Chronological Thinking: Understanding timelines, sequences, cause-and-effect relationships, and recognizing patterns over time.
• Critical Reading and Interpretation: Reading and interpreting complex texts, extracting key ideas, themes, and arguments relevant to social studies topics.
• Evidence-Based Argumentation: Developing and supporting arguments using evidence from historical documents, data, and credible sources.
• Comparative Analysis: Examining similarities and differences between different societies, time periods, and cultural practices to recognize diverse perspectives.
• Geographical Literacy: Using maps, charts, and geographic tools to understand the spatial relationships and environmental impacts on historical events.
• Civic Understanding: Recognizing and analyzing the principles of government, law, and civic responsibilities in both historical and modern contexts.
• Cause and Effect Relationships: Identifying and explaining how historical events, ideas, or actions have led to significant consequences or societal changes.
• Research and Presentation Skills: Conducting independent or group research, synthesizing findings, and presenting information clearly and effectively through written or oral formats.

Our middle school science program inspires curiosity and fosters scientific literacy through inquiry-based learning, hands-on experimentation, and real-world connections. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they explore Earth’s dynamic processes, the complexities of life, and the foundational principles of physics and chemistry.

• Grade 5: Students get an engaging introduction to general science concepts, dissecting flowers to uncover the structures and intricacies of plants and designing Mars Rover prototypes to explore modern-day space challenges. These activities build excitement and prepare them for advanced studies.

• Grade 6: Earth Science brings the planet’s dramatic story to life through plate tectonics, fossils, and planetary comparisons, igniting a passion for understanding Earth’s processes and stewardship of the environment.

• Grade 7: In Life Science, students explore the intricacies of the human body and genetics, apply the principles of cell theory, and learn through hands-on dissections of various organisms, fostering an appreciation for the complexity of life.
• Grade 8: Integrated Physics and Chemistry challenges students to innovate through engineering projects like catapults and chemical experiments, applying foundational concepts to understand matter, motion, and energy.

Through our program, students not only gain knowledge but also grow as collaborative, creative, and confident learners who see science to make sense of and positively impact their world.

At ROBS, our Middle School Spanish program inspires students to connect with the world through language and culture, fostering global citizenship and cultural competence. By focusing on proficiency and meaningful communication, students develop the skills to interact in with authentic products, practices, and perspectives of the Spanish speaking world. Through engaging lessons and immersive projects, students are challenged to explore Spanish through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, in ways that build confidence, celebrate creativity, and spark curiosity. Our program prepares students for advanced high school Spanish courses and lifelong appreciation of the language and cultures.

Dozens of ROBS students earn medals each year in the National Spanish Exam, signifying the top quarter of all participants, most of whom are in high school. 

Fifth Grade

During the 5th grade year, students experience elective options on a 6-week rotation with one elective period during their schedule. Students experience Choir, Beginning Strings, Visual Art, Theatre, Bible and Digital Literacy.

Sixth Grade

In 6th grade, students receive a deeper dive into each of these subjects on a quarterly rotational basis and enjoy two elective periods in their schedule. During one period, they participate in a semester of Orchestra and then switch to a semester of Choir. For the other period, they rotate through Theatre, Visual Art, Bible, and Maker Space.

Seventh & Eighth Grade

Our 7th and 8th grade students, equipped with a firm foundation of discovering their interests during the two prior years, are able to choose their electives from a wide range of 20 plus courses. Students are again enrolled into two elective periods with choices for both yearlong courses and trimester classes.

Courses may change based on student interests, but our current Fine Arts offerings include:

• Premier Choir
• Chapel Worship Team
• Pop Choir
• Intermediate Orchestra
• Advanced Orchestra
• One Act Play
• Musical
• Speech and Debate
• Drawing
• Painting
• Ceramics
• Artfully Made
• Digital Media/ KROB
• Yearbook

Middle school physical education at River Oaks Baptist School emphasizes daily, high-quality physical activity that fosters the overall growth and development of students. Through a structured and sequential program, students learn fundamental movement skills, sportsmanship, and the value of effort and teamwork. Instruction is designed to enhance physical, cognitive, and social development, providing students with the skills and knowledge to participate in a wide range of physical activities. Students are encouraged to recognize the importance of physical activity in leading a healthy, active lifestyle while building habits for lifelong fitness.

The program also highlights the critical role of physical activity in shaping both the body and mind. By strengthening muscles, bones, and cardiovascular health, students experience physical benefits while simultaneously improving brain function and focus. Middle schoolers develop an understanding of fitness principles, movement concepts, and the long-term benefits of exercise. With a focus on motor skill development, students gain confidence in their abilities, enabling them to stay active, build social connections, and embrace wellness as a core component of their lives.

The Middle School Bible program at River Oaks Baptist School offers a developmentally aligned curriculum that nurtures students’ spiritual growth, biblical understanding, and personal reflection from fifth through eighth grade. In fifth grade, students build a foundational knowledge of the Old Testament by exploring key stories, figures, and themes such as creation, covenant, and God's faithfulness. They begin to understand the overarching narrative of Scripture and how the ancient texts continue to speak into modern life. Bible class encourages both comprehension and personal connection through reflection, discussion, and scripture memorization.

In sixth grade, students shift their focus to the life and teachings of Jesus through an in-depth study of the Gospels. They examine His parables, miracles, and ministry, learning how His words and actions shape the Christian life. This year emphasizes spiritual application and challenges students to reflect on Christlike character in their own lives. Seventh grade centers on the Book of Acts and the formation of the early Church. Through study of the apostles and the role of the Holy Spirit, students gain insight into the beginnings of Christian community, evangelism, and spiritual resilience. Lessons also highlight the historical and cultural context of the New Testament.

By eighth grade, students are invited to deepen their understanding of Christian identity through study of spiritual disciplines, biblical ethics, and theological reflection. They consider how to live out their faith with purpose, developing the tools to articulate what they believe and why. Through journaling, scripture engagement, and meaningful classroom discussions, students graduate from the Bible program with a strong spiritual foundation and a clear sense of their values as they prepare for high school and beyond.