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Mountain Voices is a singing class where the songs are chosen from the age of great doo-wop, film songs of many decades, and contemporary hits and performs in public throughout the year. The students practice all the fundamentals of good singing: breathing deeply, staying on open vowels, maintaining good posture, memorizing lyrics and melodies, and perfecting techniques of successful performance. The goal is to have fun, achieve beautiful sounds, and learn to communicate as “one voice.”

This honors level course is for students who are mathematically and intellectually ready for a faster-paced class. Honors: Foundations of Mathematics II focuses on the development of sound critical thinking and flexible problem solving skills. In this course students will begin shifting from the concrete realm of arithmetic into the abstract area of algebra. The focus of this course is to develop genuine understanding through a blend of problem based learning and explicit instruction, where an emphasis is placed on making connections between old and new concepts. Because of the faster pace students will study properties of exponents, linear equations, congruence and similarity of geometric figures, the Pythagorean theorem and surface area and volume of geometric solids, in addition to all of the topics found in the regular section of this course. The successful completion of this course will provide students with the mathematical foundation needed to take Algebra I in the fall.

In the seventh grade history course, Early United States History, students begin their study of the principles and guidelines on which this nation was founded and built. A main goal is for the students to view American history as not just a series of events, but also to understand their causes and consequences in the development of the United States. Through outlines, quizzes, tests and a term paper, this course also emphasizes the development of reading, note-taking, writing, research and other organizational skills.

The text for this course is America: Pathways to the Present. The class begins with an introductory review of several important skills: map use, note-taking, outlining and how to read a text. This is followed by a brief look at the native peoples of North America and the Age of Exploration. The term concludes with a study of European colonization, with a particular focus on the English colonies.

In the winter the students examine life in the thirteen English colonies, the breakdown of British/colonial relations, and the American Revolution. Winter term concludes with the development of the independent American government, and in-depth study of the Constitution.

The spring term begins with a study of the growing young nation, the strengthening of the federal government, and the expansion of democracy during the Jacksonian period. Much of the middle part of this term is devoted to research and writing of a term paper as the class studies the westward expansion, the Mexican War, and the problems of maintaining the balance between the North and South. The year concludes with a study of the Civil War.

The Art Program at the Lower Campus of Indian Mountain School has many goals for our students in grades pre-kindergarten through four.

Key objectives include:

* Developing core artistic skills, techniques, and discipline
* Laying a strong base of vocabulary and knowledge of art terms for each student
* Creating an environment that fosters creativity and risk taking in each child
* Delivering a balanced and positive experience of individual and collaborative projects for each child
* Encouraging the use of imagination, artistic skills, and time management to create work that satisfies the imagination and vision of each student

On a weekly basis, one-hour art classes are held with grades pre-kindergarten through four. Our goal is to create a vibrant and engaging environment for every child. Each class creates art projects of many genres that are both age appropriate and challenging. Throughout the year, all grade levels will study past and present artists, multicultural art techniques, watercolor, pastels, printmaking, sculpture, collaborative work, self portraiture, still life drawing, large sculpture, collage, and many other mediums and techniques. The classroom environment puts a high value on respect, community, problem solving, and independent responsibility. Art class is a place where all children can explore and be challenged and where all children can enjoy a great level of success and satisfaction. We support and applaud resilience, accepting differences in peers, resisting negative peer pressure, taking artistic risks, and working with focus and diligence.

In the spring of each school year, the Lower School has a wonderful Art Show Reception. Projects are collected throughout the year and put up all over the school on display for this grand event. Parents and friends are invited to come and enjoy a lovely evening that celebrates our community of young artists.

Advanced Chinese is mainly designed to advance heritage learners’ reading and writing skills. It also helps students to polish their pronunciation in the standard dialect of Chinese. The course aims to develop heritage learners’ reading and writing proficiency to be as fluent as their listening and speaking level. The course also coaches students to gradually be independent learners in their Chinese studies through the method of “read, reflect, and write”. The selection of the content is based on students’ background, interests, and needs. Moreover, one of the goals is to guide heritage learners as they seek out their cultural roots and deepen their personal, cultural experience in China.

Added for Historic Transcripts Only

Added for Historic Transcripts Only

Added for Historic Transcripts Only

Added for Historic Transcripts Only