Middle School

The Pinnacle will encourage and provide growth in basic skills and follow the Core-Knowledge Sequence. We have evaluated many publishers and have found that Core Knowledge, Houghtin Mifflin, Step Up To Writing, Soar to Success and Saxon math, to name a few, are programs we utilize to accomplish the Core Knowledge Sequence.

Curriculum Guidelines

The Pinnacle will continually evaluate the curriculum and related methods and materials based on the following criteria:

  1. Curriculum written from a Core-Knowledge approach
  2. Curriculum conventional in nature, utilizing proven advances in education
  3. Curriculum teacher-centered, allowing the teacher to exercise personal judgment in applying the curriculum, methods, and materials.

With the above in mind, The Pinnacle will use curriculum methods and materials with the following stresses:

  1. Reading and Language Arts: Reading, penmanship, composition and writing, phonics, speaking, listening, grammar, persuasion, literature, library skills.
  2. Mathematics: Problem-solving, application and computational skills.
  3. Spelling: An emphasis on spelling generalizations to word families and word lists.
  4. Handwriting: Introduced through a cursive program in Kindergarten.
  5. Grammar and Writing: Grammatical terms, concepts and rules with writing and presentation of ideas.
  6. Science: The use of a “hands on” approach as well as training in science concepts and terms.
  7. Social Studies: American and World Civilizations and geography.
  8. Languages: Spanish and others as available.
  9. Music: Traditional music and music appreciation.
  10. Physical Ed.: Set a firm foundation for a life-long physical fitness program.
  11. Art: Emphasis will be placed on art history as outlined in the Core-Knowledge.

Grading Scale

6th Through 8th Grade

A (90-100) Exceptional Achievement
B (80-89) Above Average Achievement
C (70-79) Average Achievement
D (60-69) Below Average Achievement
F (below 60) Unsatisfactory Achievement

GPA Scale

A+ = 4.3
A = 4.0
A- = 3.66
B+ = 3.3
B = 3.0
B- = 2.66
C+ = 2.3
C = 2.0
C- = 1.66
D+ = 1.66
D = 1.0
D- = 0.66
All F’s = 0

To learn more about a specific grade level, choose from the list below:
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade