Curriculum

8th Grade

Employing the latest multimedia techniques including graphics, games, and other activities, Enlightium Academy uses a curriculum that fosters a rich learning environment.

8th Grade Curriculum Overview

8th Grade Bible

1 year

In this inspirational course, students will continue their study of practical Christianity and church history. Guided by the King James Version of the Bible, this course explores the establishment of the church, the nature of God, and the concept of salvation. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to expand their understanding of prayer and its purpose in their lives. With helpful instruction on God's will, the roles of parents and children, and Proverbs, this course provides practical biblical principles that guide teenagers on a spiritual path.

With the King James Version as the primary reference, students will trace the history of their faith through the study of early church leaders, the history of the church in the Roman Empire, the importance of the Jews, the Jerusalem church, and the church today. This course also asks students to observe their own behavior and make important personal choices based on biblical thought and prayer.

Topics explored:

  • Prayer
  • Sin and Salvation
  • The Attributes of God
  • Early Christian Leaders
  • Early Church History
  • The Early Churches
  • The Book of Proverbs
  • Personal Choices in Today's World
  • Understanding Parents
  • Walking with God

8th Grade English

1 year – available as an Honor course

A review of English concepts before high school, this comprehensive language arts course covers the origin of the English language, effective communication skills, words, sentences, paragraphs, and compositions. A focus on grammar rules and reading skills helps students to prepare themselves for the rigor of secondary instruction. Course exercises help students improve comprehension with interactive lessons that improve retention.

Throughout this course, students will focus on strengthening their oral and written communications skills and their listening and comprehension. In addition to lessons on the parts of speech, grammar, and proper language usage, students will read from a number of literary genres and write book reports that encourage analysis of writing and its many purposes. Biblical references will help students to understand communication from a Christ-centered perspective.

Topics explored:

  • Communication Basics
  • Evolution of English
  • Punctuation and Essays
  • Understanding Words and Grammar
  • Composition and Biblical Standards
  • Old and Middle English and Autobiographies
  • Structure and Reading and Speaking
  • Evaluating Media and Listening
  • Dynamic and Living Languages

8th Grade History

1 year – available as an Honor course

In this course, students will explore the history of the United States from its early explorers to the present time. From the colonization and the quest for independence to the Civil War, the Cold War, and the challenges America faces today as a global power, students explore the growth and challenges faced by this young nation.

Lessons in this interactive course begin with a look at the Spanish, Dutch, and French empires’ exploration and trading expeditions across the sea, the discovery of the New World, the colonial politics of the British, and the establishment of the colonies. Discussions examine major milestones and stumbling blocks including the quest for independence and westward expansion. Course materials give students a sweeping perspective based on historical facts and political movements that transformed the United States from a group of colonies into the 50 states of America.

Topics explored:

  • European Backgrounds
  • The Colonization of America
  • War for Independence
  • Emergence of a Nation
  • Westward Movement
  • The Civil War
  • The Industrial Nation
  • Twentieth Century World Power
  • The United States in a Changing World
  • The United States in World War One
  • The Great Depression

8th Grade Math: Pre-Algebra

1 year – available as an Honor course

The understanding of higher-level math begins with this challenging Pre-Algebra course. Designed as a core subject for 8th graders, this course can also be taken as an elective course for students in other grades. This interactive course is a thorough examination of significant math concepts including number relationships, variables, scientific notation, functions, integers, measurement, formula use, and data representation.

The first semester of this course is an overview of whole numbers, scientific notations, and square roots, building on these notions with a look at different types of equations, problem-solving, proportional reasoning, patterns, and sequences. Advanced topics such as the measurement of angles, the Pythagorean Theorem, probability, and statistics will be introduced later in the course.

Topics explored:

  • The Real Number System
  • Modeling Problems in Integers
  • Modeling Problems in Rational Numbers
  • Proportional Reasoning
  • Functions
  • Measurement
  • Data Analysis
  • Probability

8th Grade Science: General Science I

1 year – available as an Honor course

Presenting science from a Christian perspective, this course gives students an overview of many facets of science, from an introduction to science to an in-depth look at a number of different disciplines including the earth in space, the planets, astronomy, the weather and climate, the human body, and careers in science. Most lessons are delivered online, while off-computer experiments give students opportunities for hands-on learning and observation.

General Science I gives students a broad scientific look at the world through the eyes of biblical doctrine. From the cells and systems of the human body to the mysteries of space and the study of the earth and its atmosphere, all lessons encourage critical thinking from a Christian perspective while supporting a lifelong interest in the natural world.

Topics explored:

  • What Is Science?
  • Measurements and Graphs
  • Earth in Space
  • The Atmosphere
  • Weather
  • Climate
  • Human Anatomy
  • Careers in Science

8th Grade Electives

Middle School Electives

  Standard Electives
(Includes Offline Electives)
Premium Electives
(Includes All Paid Electives)
Bronze Up to six courses at no extra cost* Extra cost
Silver Up to six courses at no extra cost* Extra cost
Silver+ Up to six courses at no extra cost* Extra cost
Gold Up to six courses at no extra cost* Extra cost
Diamond Up to six courses at no extra cost (up to 6.5 courses)*
Sapphire Up to six courses at no extra cost (up to 6.5 courses)*
*Includes Offline Physical Education; Health Quest can be assigned instead per counselor approval. Physical Education elective is required for grades 3-8.
Premium Middle School Electives
Bronze

Silver

Silver+

Gold

Diamond

Sapphire

Care2Rock Online Music Lessons (Grades PreK-12) $650 per semester
$1,250 per year
Creative Kids Acting (Grades PreK-12) $650 per semester
$1,250 per year
Gifted and Higher-Level Learner Program (Grades 3-8) $650 per semester
$1,200 per year
$500 per semester
$900 per year
Keyboarding I
(Grades 2-5; available to grades K-1 or 6-7 with counselor approval)
$50 for one quarter

Career & Technical

Career Exploration I

1 semester // Grades 7-8

Examine work, lifestyle, and career options before entering high school.

Career Exploration II

1 semester // Grades 7-8

Introduction to five technology-related career fields.

Career Exploration III

1 semester // Grades 7-8

Explore more technology-related career fields.

HIGH SCHOOL COURSES

Students in grade 8 can take the following high school courses per counselor approval.

Algebra I

1 credit – also available as an Honor course
Typically taken in Grade 9

Students explore concepts that include graphing linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions.

High School German I (Robotel)

1 credit // Grades 9-12; Available to Grades 7-8 per Counselor Approval

In Robotel’s High School German I, students will learn to listen and speak at an introductory level of German.

High School German II (Robotel)

1 credit // Grades 9-12; Available to Grades 7-8 per Counselor Approval

In Robotel’s High School German II, students will be able to have simple daily conversations in German.

High School German III (Robotel)

1 credit // Grades 9-12; Available to Grades 7-8 per Counselor Approval

In Robotel’s High School German III, students will be able to carry on everyday conversations in German.

High School Natural Sciences

1 credit // Grades 9-12

Students learn about nuclear energy, Earth’s surface, constellations, oceanography, astronomy, and the future of science.

High School French I

1 credit // Grades 9-12

Expand global awareness and digital literacy with the exploration of French language and culture.

Keyboarding and Applications

0.5 credit // Grades 9-12

Practice proper keyboarding techniques; increasing speed and accuracy over time.

Physical Science Lab

1 credit
Typically taken in Grade 9

Students study atoms and molecules, energy, nutrition and health, electricity and magnetism, and force from a Christian worldview.

State History

1 year // Grades 8-12

Make history come alive through this exploration of the cultural tides and events that have shaped your state.

World Geography

0.5 credit // Typically taken in Grade 9

Students will travel to every continent to learn about the land and its people.

NCAA-APPROVED COURSES

Algebra I

1 credit – NCAA also available as an Honor course
Typically taken in Grade 9

Students explore concepts that include graphing linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions.

High School French I

1 credit // Grades 8-12

Expand global awareness and digital literacy with the exploration of French language and culture.

Integrated Physics and Chemistry

1 Credit
Available to Grades 8-12

Lessons include the study of matter, motion and forces, work and energy, electricity and magnetism, and waves.

Physical Science Lab

1 credit
Typically taken in Grade 9

Budding scientists will discover many facets of the exciting world of science as they study atoms and molecules, energy, nutrition and health, electricity and magnetism, and force from a Christian worldview.

Offline Electives

Fine Arts Offline Elective

1 semester - 1 year // Grades PreK-12

Students may receive elective credit(s) for offline electives if taken under parental supervision/instruction in fine arts.

Physical Education Offline Elective

1 semester - 1 year // Grades PreK-12

Students may receive elective credit(s) for offline electives if taken under parental supervision/instruction such as sports and physical education.

Personalized Pathway

Western Philosophy and a Biblical Worldview

1 semester // Grades 7-8

Students learn about the origin of Western Philosophy, the four major branches, key thinkers and their ideas, various schools of thought, and how Christians can benefit from learning, analyzing, and “doing” philosophy.

Physical Education

Health Quest

1 semester // Grades 4-8

This introduction to health basics focuses on topics such as personal health, wellness, and safety.

Premium Electives

Creative Kids Acting*

1 semester-1 year // Grades K4-12

Designed for the students to have exciting adventures in creativity, build confidence, stretch the imagination, and develop reading and memorization skills.

Gifted Program*

1 semester-1 year // Grades 3-8

One-on-one mentoring, evidence-based practices, specialized instruction, and project-based curriculum are designed to enhance higher-level thinking.

Online Christian Entrepreneurship with Boss Club

1 semester // Grades 6-12

This premium elective course guides students through the process of building their own small business from the ground up.

Online Music Lessons*

1 semester-1 year // Grades K-12

Care2Rock offers virtual music lessons for 100+ instruments during which your student will meet one-on-one with experienced music teachers.


*Premium elective course; additional fees may apply.

Middle school students can enroll in five core courses and, at no additional charge, either:

  • A one-year standard elective course, or
  • Up to two one-semester standard elective courses

Enlightium Academy is a private Christian school serving homeschool, online, and Alliance school students on their journey to embrace their God-given talents and develop a lifelong thirst for knowledge from the biblical worldview.

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