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.
Language Arts
8th grade Language Arts serves as the culmination of students' Middle School Language Arts journey, preparing them with the skills, habits, and foundational knowledge needed to excel in high school and beyond.
With an emphasis on writing with purpose and intent, students engage with a variety of genres and forms, refining their unique voices as writers and critical readers. The curriculum reinforces the literacies and conventions necessary for clear, effective communication. Course texts explore the power of youth as agents of change in complex and often chaotic worlds, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning.
Through student-driven experiences—including Capstone Research Papers, Harkness Discussions, and small-group novel seminars—students develop the collaborative and discussion-based skills necessary to analyze, interpret, and engage with texts and ideas. By the end of the year, they will have the confidence and ability to navigate high school coursework and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Social Studies
8th-grade Social Studies explores American History and Government, examining key events that have shaped the nation, including the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, WWII, and 9/11. Students analyze these historical moments through discussion, primary sources, and independent research, fostering a deep understanding of their lasting impact. To further enrich their learning, suggested readings include:
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The Split History of the Civil War – Stephanie Fitzgerald
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The Emancipation Proclamation and The Gettysburg Address – Karen Price Hossell
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Lincoln’s Last Days – Bill O’Reilly
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The Split History of WWII – Simon Rose
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Living Through World War II – Andrew Langley
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Bomb – Steve Sheinkin
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Witness to History, September 11, 2001 – Brendan January
These texts offer diverse perspectives and deeper insights, equipping students with the knowledge to critically engage with American History.
Math
8th grade Math builds on students’ prior knowledge while preparing them for the challenges of high school mathematics. Using the Big Ideas curriculum by Houghton Mifflin, students engage with three levels of challenge, ensuring a personalized and supportive learning experience.
The curriculum covers data and statistics, number systems, linear functions, systems of equations, exponential functions, polynomials, non-linear functions, and quadratic equations. As students advance to Algebra I concepts, they are encouraged to master these skills at a level that aligns with their individual needs and learning styles.
By reinforcing problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning, this course equips students with the tools to approach complex problems with confidence and precision.
Science
8th-grade Science is an immersive study of biology, guided by Biology – A Human Approach by BSCS. The curriculum is built around key scientific themes: Evolution (change in living systems), Homeostasis (maintaining balance in organisms), Energy, Matter, and Organization (relationships within living systems), Continuity (reproduction and inheritance), Development (growth and differentiation), and Ecology (interactions and interdependence in nature). Through inquiry-driven lessons and lab investigations, students gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of life, preparing them for advanced scientific study.
8th Grade Capstone
As a culmination of their Middle School experience, 8th graders at St. Elizabeth’s embark on a three-month interdisciplinary project that challenges them to apply their learning in a meaningful way.
Students begin by researching a social issue in Denver, exploring its causes, impact, and potential solutions. Through this process, they develop critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills. Their work culminates in the creation of a documentary showcasing their findings, which they present at the 8th Grade Capstone Dinner, a special event for family and friends.
This project serves as a powerful and reflective milestone, celebrating students’ growth as engaged citizens and thoughtful scholars ready for the next step in their journey.
