MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School

Language Arts 

Laurel Hall’s middle school language arts curriculum provides a comprehensive focus on literary analysis, the fundamentals of grammatical structure, vocabulary building skills, critical thinking, and strengthening writing structure and voice.

Math

Our math program allows students to recognize and appreciate the vital role mathematics plays in the real world. Using the common core standards, we strive to make mathematics useful and accessible to every student. Laurel Hall offers programs in Pre-Algebra and Algebra in the 7th and 8th grades respectively. We aim to meet the needs of all learners whether remedial or advanced.

Science

Middle school science includes a study of living things on earth, journey into space, simple organisms, microbiology, astronomy, chemistry, physics, oceanography, and genetics. Project-based learning and science labs help to reinforce concepts. 

History and Social Studies

Our middle school World History and American History curriculum programs are a compilation of critical thinking and the relationship of historical events that relate to our past and our present existence. The textbooks maintain consistency from seventh to eighth grade as to historical chronology of European and American events. The time frame ranges from the Roman Empire to present day. All cultures are represented and discussed through history and current events. 

Model UN

We participate in the California YMCA Youth and Government Model United Nations program, which is a simulation of the real-life United Nations Assembly. Participants in Model United Nations will take part in some of the activities that the real UN participates in. Delegates will research, debate and establish policies, treaties and resolutions focusing on international issues, including disputes between countries, peace-keeping responsibilities, border crisis, stabilizing financial markets and dealing with hunger, disease and poverty.

Off-Campus Educational Opportunities

Grade 6 - El Camino Pines Outdoor School

6th grade continues Laurel Hall’s long tradition of offering overnight trips that allow our students to grow as individuals, as well as a community. The El Camino Pines Outdoor School in the Los Padres National Forest is a three night adventure that emphasizes growth in teamwork, spirituality, and scientific knowledge.

 Grade 7 - Catalina Island Marine Institute (Camp CIMI) studying marine biology. 

 Grade 8 - Washington, D.C. and the historic east coast to study our country's heritage.

Fine Arts

All students participate in our Fine Arts program. Students may choose from a variety of fine arts choices, including band, bells, strings, guitar, drama, and dance.

Religious Education

In sixth grade, students concentrate on the Old Testament and the Bible as history. In seventh grade students concentrate on the New Testament and, specifically, the teachings of Jesus and in eighth grade students learn how to apply Christian values to life in the real world through exploring social justice and being of service. All students in middle school are required to do community service as part of the Bible curriculum.

Mock Trial

Guilty or Not Guilty? Each year, Laurel Hall participates in the state-wide Mock Trial competition through the Constitutional Rights Foundation, a non-profit, non-partisan educational foundation that has developed law and business-related educational programs for 50-plus years. Assisted by a volunteer attorney, Mock Trial is an after-school Fall program. Students learn various aspects and laws of our legal system by participating in an assigned case as attorneys, witnesses, and more for both the Prosecution and the Defense in Downtown Los Angeles and in an actual courtroom in front of an actual judge. A competition, Laurel Hall goes against another school, and the judge decides who presented their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)

Middle school students are encouraged to apply to our National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). We are the Valiant Vespids (Vespids is the formal name for the hornet, our school mascot). An NJHS member learns how to be an active and passionate member in our ever-evolving society. Our goal is to promote the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. All 7th and 8th grade students with a GPA equal to or above 3.50 are invited to apply to NJHS. As an NJHS member, you are required to do your very own and original community service project. Members also help organize key events for Laurel Hall while learning and advancing their teamwork skills. 

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