Riverside Christian School Junior High is a two-year program created to prepare 7th and 8th grade students spiritually, academically, and socially for senior high.
The Bible is the sole source and basis for the curriculum and therefore directs and drives the thought and flow of the subject matter. Building on the foundations and doctrine learned in the elementary grades, 7th grade students explore the Old Testament through an integrated survey with personal application with an emphasis on God's power and activity. Eighth graders will explore the Life of Christ in the Gospel of John throughout the first semester, followed by a second semester New Testament survey intended to give students an overview of each of the 27 books.
Mathematic principles and integrated Biblical truths taught at the elementary level are further developed in the Junior High program. At this level students are placed into two different tracks for their secondary mathematics program.
Regular Accelerated
7th Pre-algebra A Pre-algebra A/B
8th Pre-algebra B Algebra I
God is a communicating God as demonstrated in His written Word and through His Son, Jesus Christ. The emphasis in Junior High is the application of the foundational concepts previously learned. Grammar, vocabulary, various forms of written expression and verbal communication are integrated with reading comprehension and critical thinking.
World Geography and US History are the primary focus of 7th and 8th grade social studies. The 7th grade students will see the need for Christians to live and work with people from other places and to bring the knowledge of Jesus Christ to the lost as they are guided through an in-depth geographical study of our world. As a culmination to their study of US History, 8th graders are invited to travel to the East Coast and explore Washington D.C. as well as many other historical sights with their classmates. This unique opportunity brings the year's study of the birth of our country alive for the students.
Seventh grade Life Science encompasses the study of God's creation, the living things and their relationship to one another and to their environment. The class covers the basic concepts of cells, a study of the plant and animal kingdoms, along with genetics and the human body using scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Earth Science is the emphasis of the 8th grader's course work. Students are introduced to Earth as a system of four interrelated spheres: atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. The students will understand how God, our great Creator, put all of the pieces together to accomplish His good purposes.
Physical Education is required for 7th and 8th students. The program emphasizes fitness, proper warm-up techniques, and basic conditioning. During appropriate seasons, group and team sports are introduced and practiced.
In Junior High, most of our students have already had several years of exposure to basic keyboarding skills taught in our elementary program. Students who have met the standard (35 words per minute at 95% accuracy) for keyboarding proficiency prior to leaving 6th grade are exempt from taking a basic keyboarding class. Students who are not yet proficient will be enrolled for at least one semester of computer keyboarding in the Computer Lab.
Most junior high students have the option to choose from several electives for their 7th period class. Offerings include: Art, band, drama, home economics, critical thinking skills, and study hall.