Advisory
The purpose of Advisory at St. Elizabeth’s School is to:
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Build community, fostering a sense of belonging for every student.
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Explicitly teach social and emotional skills through a culturally sustaining lens.
Advisory consists of small groups of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Community-building activities, including contests and games, help students form connections beyond their grade level. When students feel a strong sense of belonging, they are better able to focus on academic learning.
Social and emotional learning is drawn from the Wayfinder curriculum and covers self-awareness, goal-setting, healthy relationships, conflict resolution, digital citizenship, and stress management.
Advisory also partners with Girls Inc. to provide age-appropriate sexual education for all middle school students through a scientifically accurate, values-based lens.
Social Studies
This course invites students to explore the world through four key lenses: geography, history, economics, and civics. By analyzing different regions through these perspectives, students develop a deeper understanding of global societies and their complexities.
The focus for 7th grade is the Eastern Hemisphere, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, India, Asia, and Eastern Antarctica. Students engage in research, Socratic seminars, and discussions to strengthen their ability to analyze information, articulate arguments, and collaborate effectively.
Throughout the year, students refine essential academic skills such as critical thinking, source evaluation, the research and writing process, presentation techniques, project management, and problem-solving. These skills empower students to make meaningful connections between historical events and contemporary global issues.Language Arts
7th grade Language Arts provides students with regular opportunities to develop their voice as writers and critical readers. Course texts center on young people navigating complex and uncertain worlds, allowing students to explore themes of youth, maturity, and societal change.
A collaborative learning environment fosters thoughtful discussion, while a focus on grammar, structure, and writing conventions equips students with the skills to express themselves with clarity and confidence. Throughout the year, students engage with a wide variety of genres, strengthening their ability to analyze, interpret, and connect literature to their own lives and the broader world.
By year’s end, students will have refined the habits and skills needed to approach future reading, writing, and critical thinking experiences with confidence—both in the classroom and beyond.
Science
Math
In 7th grade Math, students follow the Big Ideas curriculum by Houghton Mifflin, offering three levels of challenge to ensure students are both supported and stretched. The course builds on prior knowledge while introducing more complex concepts to strengthen mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Key topics include number systems, algebraic equations, ratios, proportional relationships, data analysis, probability, and geometry. Through a combination of direct instruction, collaborative learning, and hands-on application, students develop the confidence and skills necessary for higher-level math.7th Grade Seminar
Why doesn’t school teach more about money? We wondered the same thing—so we created 7th Grade Seminar, a course focused on personal finance and career exploration.
In this once-a-week class, students learn essential financial literacy skills, including budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding the connection between values and money. They also explore college and career pathways, gaining insight into future opportunities.
The course features guest speakers from a variety of professions—including firefighters—who share their experiences in engaging and interactive sessions. Through real-world connections and hands-on learning, students develop the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial and career decisions.
