THE MAKING OF A GREAT SCHOOL:
THE BASIS TUCSON MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

GENERAL CURRICULUM GOALS
1. Provide students with broad knowledge, in the spirit of a classic liberal arts program consistent with worldwide academic standards;
2. Teach skills that enable students to develop, utilize, and enjoy this knowledge; and
3. Offer students a solid foundation for high school studies by introducing high school concepts and activities as early as 7th Grade.

5th Grade Curriculum
The 5th Grade curriculum is a unique program, fully aligned with the Arizona Standards to include all traditional aspect of a 5th Grade curriculum but especially designed to:
Develop academic and organizational skills, to prepare students for the demanding BASIS middle school curriculum.
Challenge 5th graders up to their highest intellectual potential.
Provide an organic connection to the 6th Grade BASIS curriculum, to introduce topics and academic concepts that the students will more fully explore in the 6th Grade.

Middle School Curriculum
MATHEMATICS
BASIS TUCSON uses the SAXON program for its math curriculum. With its excellent textbooks and wide test bank, leaders in mathematics and educational communities recognize SAXON as one of the most successful programs nationwide. During summer, BASIS TUCSON offers incoming sixth graders a preparatory math course using SAXON Math 7/6, to provide students the fundamental math skills required for 6th Grade Pre-Algebra. All students entering BASIS TUCSON should plan on taking Algebra I in 7th Grade and Algebra II in 8th Grade. Preparatory classes also are available for incoming 7th and 8th graders during the summer. For families who are not in town during the summer, we have a Spring School Program that provides preparatory tutoring.

SCIENCE
The BASIS TUCSON science curriculum offers a unique program based on European principles for elementary science education. Beginning in 6th Grade, students study three independent science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This approach simultaneously introduces basic concepts; progresses in a steady, incremental manner throughout the middle school grades; and ensures maximum retention of a wide spectrum of scientific knowledge.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE
The BASIS TUCSON Foreign Language program starts in 6th Grade with Latin studies. Latin is an excellent introduction to learning all languages, including English. In 7th and 8th Grade, students can choose to take a European language, such as Spanish or French, or they can enroll in Mandarin Chinese.

ENGLISH
The BASIS TUCSON English curriculum focuses on reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. In 6th and 7th Grades, formal literary study is combined with traditional language exercises to encourage mastery of basic reading and writing skills. Seventh graders complete a Public Speaking class that explores linguistic skills. Eighth Grade English prepares students for Advanced Placement study in 9th Grade, through intensive study and practice of composition skills. BASIS TUCSON uses the Great Books reading program, supplemented by a weekly reading workshop in which students read and analyze major literary works.

SOCIAL STUDIES
The BASIS TUCSON Social Studies curriculum balances a conceptual, thematic approach with an introduction of basic historical and geographical facts. History is taught on a timeline that stretches from Ancient History in 6th Grade to modern times in 8th Grade, with special emphasis on American History in 7th Grade and extensive World Geography in 8th Grade. To meet the new requirements of Arizona Social Studies standards, and to better prepare our students to understand the world around them, we have a separate Economics course in 8th Grade that introduces our middle school students to the basic concepts of economics and the functions of a market economy.

FINE ARTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
BASIS TUCSON recognizes that fine arts and participation in sports are essential parts of a well-rounded liberal arts education. Consequently, BASIS TUCSON offers a wide range of subjects and activities that enhance and complement our strong core curriculum. As an integral part of our 6th Grade curriculum, students study music history and theory, art fundamentals, and physical education, including Taekwondo. The 7th and 8th graders have the opportunity to choose electives, and all students who wish to explore other interests can join after-school activities such as Drama, Band, String Ensemble, and Newspaper.