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  4. Eighth grade

Eighth grade

8th Grade Required Courses

  • All schools, full year

    This class is aligned with the Common Core State Standards, which include College and Career Readiness standards. Reading, writing, speaking, listening, language and collaborative strategies are used purposefully to build knowledge and skills and to help students become independent readers, writers and thinkers as they transition to high school.

    The primary goals of the course are to foster independent learning, encourage in-depth exploration of the content and develop academic habits of mind. Students will develop proficiency in composition, grammar, mechanics and usage in the writing process. Students will craft multiple pieces of narrative, argumentative and expository writing throughout the year. Comprehension, vocabulary and research skills are developed with thematic units drawn from multiple texts, novels and visual media. Students will analyze and evaluate what was read for the theme, authors’ craft effectiveness and purpose. Emphasis is placed on higher-level thinking skills.

  • All schools, full year

    In addition to our standard course, there is an Honors English option in middle school. Most students are appropriately challenged by our

    standard English courses and are prepared to enter career and college pathways in high school, including Honors and Advanced Placement.

    Middle school honors courses cover materials in greater depth and classroom activities require increasingly complex thinking and problem solving. Students are expected to demonstrate increasing independence, creativity, and responsibility when completing work in these courses.

  • There are two levels of mathematics for eighth graders. Students who completed seventh grade math are placed in eighth grade math. Students who completed seventh grade advanced math are placed in eighth grade Algebra I.

    All schools, full year

    Instructional time will focus on three critical areas of the Common Core State Standards: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation and solving linear equation and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe qualitative relationships; and (3) analyzing two-and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

  • There are two levels of mathematics for eighth graders. Students who completed seventh grade math are placed in eighth grade math. Students who completed seventh grade advanced math are placed in eighth grade Algebra I.

    All schools, full year

    This is the first course in a sequence of college and career preparatory mathematics and uses the high school Algebra 1 curriculum. The course aims to deepen and extend student understanding built in previous courses by focusing on developing fluency with solving linear equations, inequalities and systems. These skills are extended to solving quadratic equations, exploring linear, quadratic and exponential functions, graphically and algebraically and as sequences. In addition, the course covers introductory statistics by using regression techniques to analyze the fit of models to distributions of data. This course counts as the Algebra I credit of the high school graduation requirements. Algebra 1 grades appear on the high school transcript and course concepts appear on the Smarter Balanced Assessment in Grade 10.

  • All schools, full year

    This course explores the three dimensions of science: Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas and Crosscutting Concepts. The content covered in these units is aligned with Washington State/Next Generation Science Standards and is focused around four big ideas: (1) Humans and their place in the universe: Earth and human activity, the sun/earth/moon system, exploring the universe; (2) Change over time: reproduction of organisms, geologic time, natural selection and adaptations, evidence of evolution; (3) Energy and motion: forces and motion, mechanical energy electromagnetic forces; (4) Understanding waves: introduction to waves, light, and information technology.

    Students also apply a variety of science and engineering practices to accomplish the goal of a challenge, including working under the conditions of criteria and constraints.

  • All schools, full year

    Students will survey the history of the United States from the Colonial Period to Reconstruction, including a study of the State Constitution. Students will participate in classroom-based assessments. Students will practice reading, interpreting, and analyzing nonfiction information using textbooks, primary and secondary sources, and multimedia. They will apply these skills through writing, discussion, note taking, and collaborative project-based learning activities, emphasizing higher-level thinking and advanced writing skills.

  • Explorer MS, 1 or 2 trimesters or full year; Harbour Pointe MS, full year; Olympic View MS & Voyager MS, 1 or 2 trimesters

    These classes are designed to improve the student’s physical fitness level, brain function, motor skills, and social relationships. Students build competence in many different sports and activities, emphasizing participation and enjoyment. Units focus on fitness, team and individual sports, leisure and recreational activities, dance and aerobic activities, strength training, and cooperative games. This curriculum celebrates fitness, movement, sport skills, and activities in a safe, creative environment.

    Students will take the basic health and fitness skills learned in the previous grade and 

    further develop competencies to challenge and improve their physical abilities, boost their self-esteem, and participate in activities with confidence.

    Health is focused on fitness and nutrition planning, as well as the state’s required materials for Comprehensive Sexual Health Education.

    In all physical fitness activities, 8th grade students will demonstrate leadership skills to fellow classmates. Through analysis of performance students will demonstrate an advanced level of commitment and personal engagement through goal setting in mental and physical activities that contribute to lifelong fitness.

  • Only at Harbour Pointe, 1 Trimester or full year

    Partner P.E. provides a unique opportunity for students with and without disabilities to come together through ongoing educational and physical activities. This class supports the development of leadership skills for all students as well as the empowerment of all students to foster an inclusive class and schoolwide environment. Students who register for this course have a passion for physical education, helping others, creating positive relationships with all students, service, coaching/teaching, and developing their own leadership capacity.

8th Grade Electives

  • Only at Voyager MS, 1 trimester

    Art students with varied previous experiences will further develop or learn methods of personal expression within project guidelines in a wide range of art experiences that will include drawing, ink, paper craft, ceramics, and collage. Students will develop their visual arts vocabulary to create, revise, refine and reflect upon their work.

  • All schools, full year

    Advanced Art is for students who want to continue in-depth exploration of art concepts beyond the basics. Students develop methods of personal expression through drawing, painting, 2-D design and composition, sculpture, ceramics, collage, and printmaking. Students create a long-term portfolio project using the five steps of the design process: ideation, research, implementation, evaluation, presentation. These students also focus on art criticism and peer critiques to improve their work. This is the most independent art course, which develops a student's artistic voice.

  • All schools, full year

    This class is open to all eighth graders. Experience is recommended, but not required. Students will refine their skills on a wind or percussion instrument and participate in daytime and evening performances throughout the school year. Regular home practice is expected.

  • Harbour Pointe MS, Olympic View MS & Voyager MS, full year

    Jazz Band is open by audition to all seventh and eighth graders who are also enrolled in a prerequisite music elective.

    Students will develop skills in traditional contemporary jazz performance and improvisation on your chosen instrument. We can also offer instruments to students who can't afford one; instrument and travel expense scholarships available as needed. Regular home practice is expected, and participation in daytime and evening performances throughout the school year is expected.

  • All schools, full year

    Choir is open to all eighth graders. Though choral singing experience is recommended, it’s not required. This course guides students through vocal music exploration, understanding and performance. Students learn advanced vocal technique, advanced music theory and sight singing skills. Students sing more challenging three-part and four-part choral music in a variety of styles. Home practice and participation in evening performances is expected. Throughout the year the Choir is called upon to perform for various occasions and events. These include traveling to choral festivals, community performances, performances at various school functions and concerts.

  • All schools, full year

    Eighth graders with one or two years of experience on their instrument will be placed in Advanced Orchestra. Eighth graders that have not played an instrument before will be placed in Orchestra. Both classes have various performances throughout the year, at times including orchestra festivals, community performances, and performances at various school functions and concerts.

  • Harbour Pointe MS & Voyager MS, full year

    Students will build their knowledge and skills in all facets of performance, and dive into the basics of acting and drama. No previous experience in drama required. In trimester 1 students will learn content vocabulary, improv, acting techniques, monologues and more. In trimester 2 students continue to build on their skills by learning about staging, architecture, and costume design. In trimester 3 students will take all their new skills and performance knowledge and put on a production of a play or musical. Students can show off their newfound skills through solo and squad presentations, performances, moves, voice exercises, and scriptwriting. Students in drama may be expected to participate in various performances throughout the school year.

  • Only at Explorer MS, full year

    AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is an academic elective course that prepares students for college and career readiness and success. In this year-long course, students engage in learning tasks that incorporate strategies focused on Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR®) to support their academic growth.

  • Only at Harbour Pointe MS, full year

    Students in this year-long class help produce the daily newscast shown each morning. Students need to be self-motivated, organized and able to complete tasks independently. Students learn how to create a full feature video and news broadcasts. Instruction will include video camera operation, digital video editing, set design, production scripting, use of special effects, and on-camera techniques. Students will have a chance to be the director, audio engineer, reporter, and newscaster on the HPTV morning news program.

  • Only at Olympic View MS, full year

    Using CODE.org and Scratch, students will learn the basic concepts of computer science with drag-and-drop programming. Students create interactive stories and games they can share with anyone, using repeat-loop, conditionals and basic algorithms they learn in this hands-on class. Students will also learn how video games are constructed and designed.

  • Explorer MS, full year; Olympic View MS & Voyager MS, 1 trimester

    This course will explore the use and impact of digital media today through various projects and programs. Included in this course will be sections of digital art, 3-D design, photography, videography, graphic design, animation and website design. This is a project-based class where students will explore these areas and develop skills in each through lessons and projects.

  • Only at Explorer MS, 2 trimesters

    This class covers the basics of composition, elements of art, editing, and capturing creative images with a digital camera.

  • Explorer MS & Olympic View MS, 2 trimesters or full year

    Students will study culinary arts, textiles, sewing, child development, and finance. In this class we will cook and eat, have cook-offs, pass a food safety test, crochet, knit and sew, take care of a pretend baby, and learn how to manage money. After this class you will have the skills to be more independent in your personal life.

  • Explorer MS, Olympic View MS & Voyager MS, 1 or 2 trimesters or full year

    Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are the subjects of focus for students to build their knowledge and skills through hands-on activities. Individual and group problem-solving will lead students through the design and engineering process to experience projects relating to community design and development. Students will gain skills in design (drafting and CAD), construction (manufacture and assembly) and basic tools, machine operation and safety. Students may make projects for the school/community, with some emphasis on woodworking and robotics with LEGO Mindstorm.

  • Harbour Pointe MS, Olympic View MS, & Voyager MS, full year

    This course emphasizes the importance of service for our school and community. Students will learn skills to help them develop the three parts of a leader: the head (knowledge), the heart (the desire to serve) and the hands (skills). This class features opportunities to practice character development. To develop the head, heart and hands of a leader, this course will focus on cooperation, initiative, responsibility, compassion, acceptance, appreciation, embracing diversity, empathy, self-control, integrity, grit, and optimism. Also covered in this course: personality types, service to others, effective communication and listening skills, goal setting, relationship building, and personal growth.

    In addition to character/leadership development, students will plan activities for the school such as spirit assemblies, spirit weeks, food drives, holiday assistance projects, school events, and service projects. Students should be self-motivated, dependable, enjoy planning events, and comfortable being in front of their peers. Interested students may be asked to fill out an application.

  • Explorer MS, Harbour Pointe MS & Olympic View MS, full year

    This course provides students with job-like training and experience working in a library. Student library aides work with the library staff to maintain access to materials and to keep the library clean and organized.

  • Explorer MS & Olympic View MS, full year

    Qualifications include responsibility, confidentiality, helpfulness, and being a good role model for others. Office duties include delivering passes and assisting with office-related tasks.

  • All schools, full year

    Students will embark on the exciting journey of creating the school yearbook. This course prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills to the layout, design and typographic arrangement of printed and electronic graphic and textual products. Students will learn the following related basic skills: digital photography, graphic design, interviewing techniques, copy writing and layout design. Using these skills, students will produce and publish the school's yearbook.

    Students will also engage in various activities that include taking photos of school activities, events, and clubs to capture the essence of the school year. Students will make decisions on the theme, look, and layout of the yearbook, fostering teamwork and creativity. Working creatively and independently with tight deadlines is vitally important. Due to the responsibilities, deadlines, and independent nature of the course, interested students may be required to fill out an application, including teacher recommendations.