2025-2026

Middle School

Course Selection Guide

Grades 6 - 8

The Nash County Public School system does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, or handicap in any of its educational or employment programs or activity

(Revised 3/11/22)

MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Click to access topic below

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Nash Public Schools Board of Education

Directory of Middle Schools

Welcome

English Language Arts (ELA)

Mathematics Course Offerings

Science Course Offerings

Social Studies Course Offerings

Healthful Living Courses

Academic Electives

Arts Education

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Getting Ready for High School

Directory of Middle Schools  

Welcome

The NCPS Middle School Course Selection Guide is provided to assist students and parents in planning for middle school courses. Students and parents should read through this guide completely to understand the course offerings in middle school.

Middle School Organizational Structure

Middle Schools are organized in interdisciplinary teacher teams of two to five teachers. This organization offers advantages for students, teachers, and parents (e.g., while the population of middle school may be between 200 and 1000 students, a student will be on a team that consists of 50 to 100 students).

• The teachers on the team get to know their students and are able to personalize instruction to meet their needs.
• All core subjects (English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies) are taught by a team of teachers.
• Core classes are between 60 and 90 minutes.
• Students have two (2) electives each semester. Elective classes are between 40 and 45 minutes.

English Language Arts (ELA)

ELA | Grade 6 (1056AYOMS)

Following the North Carolina State Standards for English Language Arts, sixth graders develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening and language through experience with print and digital resources. Students read a wide-range of text, varying in levels of sophistication and purpose. Through print and non-print text, they develop comprehension strategies, vocabulary, as well as high-order thinking skills. They read a balance of short and long fiction, drama, poetry and informational text such as memoirs, articles and essays, and apply skills such as citing evidence, determining theme and analyzing how parts of the text affect the whole.

Students learn about the writing-reading connection by drawing upon and writing about evidence from literary and informational texts. Writing skills, such as the ability to plan, revise, edit and publish, develop as students practice skills of specific writing types such as arguments, informative/explanatory texts and narratives. Guided by rubrics, students write for a variety of purposes and audiences, and each student’s writing and product samples are compiled in a portfolio. Sixth graders also conduct short research projects drawing on and citing several sources appropriately.

Students hone skills of flexible communication and collaboration as they learn to work together, express and listen carefully to ideas, integrate information and use media and visual displays to help communicate ideas. Students learn language conventions and vocabulary to help them understand and analyze words and phrases, relationship among words, and shades of meaning that affect the text they read, write and hear. Students are encouraged to engage in daily independent reading to practice their skills and pursue their interests.

Extended ELA | Grade 6

This course is designed to meet the needs of students, who need differentiated educational services beyond those provided in the other language arts/ reading classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education plan. The academic areas of reading, spelling, grammar, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary building, reading comprehension skills and literature appreciation are taught.

ELA | Grade 7 (1057AYOMS)

Following the North Carolina State Standards for English Language Arts, seventh graders develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening and language through experience with print and digital resources. Students read a wide range of text, varying in levels of sophistication and purpose. Through print and non-print text, they increase their comprehension strategies, vocabulary, as well as high-order thinking skills. They read a balance of short and long fiction (with a focus on historical fiction), drama, poetry and textual evidence, analyzing points of view and presentation, and examining how parts of the text affect the whole. Experience with a variety of text types and text complexity helps students develop a knowledge base that is essential for recognizing and understanding allusions.

Students learn about the writing-reading connection by drawing upon and writing about evidence from literary and informational texts. Writing skills, such as the ability to plan, revise, edit and publish, develop as students practice skills of specific writing types such as arguments, informative/explanatory texts and narratives.

Guided by rubrics, students write for a variety of purposes and audiences, and each student’s writing and product samples are compiled in a portfolio. Seventh graders also conduct short research projects drawing on and citing several sources appropriately. They hone skills of flexible communication and collaboration as they learn to work together, express and listen carefully to ideas, integrate information and use media and visual displays to help them communicate ideas. Students learn language conventions and vocabulary to help them understand and analyze words and phrases, relationships among words and nuances that affect the text they read, write and hear. Students are encouraged to engage in daily independent reading to practice their skills and pursue their interests.

Extended ELA | Grade 7

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who need differentiated educational services beyond those provided in the other language arts/reading classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education plan. The academic areas of reading, spelling, grammar, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary building, reading comprehension skills and literature appreciation are taught. Other subject matter areas are taught when necessary.

ELA | Grade 8 (1058AYOMS)

Following the North Carolina State Standards for English Language Arts, eighth graders develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language through experience with print and digital resources. Students read a wide range of text, varying in levels of sophistication and purpose. Through print and non-print text, they further develop comprehension strategies, vocabulary, as well as high-order thinking skills. They read a balance of short and long fiction, drama and poetry with a focus on comparing how two or more literary elements create effects such as suspense or humor. Eighth graders approach informational text such as articles, arguments and essays with the intent to cite textual evidence, analyze points of view and presentation, and evaluate accuracy and relevance of details. Experience with a variety of text types and text complexity helps students develop a knowledge-base essential for recognizing and understanding allusions.

Students learn about the writing-reading connection by drawing upon and writing about evidence from literary and informational texts. Writing skills, such as the ability to plan, revise, edit and publish, develop as students practice skills of specific writing types such as arguments, informative/explanatory texts, and narratives.Guided by rubrics, students strategically write for a variety of purposes and audiences, and each student’s writing and product samples are compiled in a portfolio. Eighth graders also conduct short research projects drawing on and citing several sources appropriately.

Eighth graders hone skills of flexible communication and collaboration as they learn to work together, express and listen carefully to ideas, integrate information and use media and visual displays to help communicate ideas. Students learn language conventions and vocabulary to help them understand and analyze words and phrases, relationships among words, and nuances that affect the text they read, write and hear. Students are encouraged to engage in daily independent reading to practice their skills and pursue their interests.

Extended ELA | Grade 8

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who differentiated educational services beyond those provided in the other language arts/reading classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education plan. The academic areas of reading, spelling, grammar, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary building, reading comprehension skills and literature are taught. Other subject matter areas are taught when necessary.

Mathematics Course Offerings

Math | Grade 6 (20062YOMS)

The focal points of Math 6 are outlined below by domain.

• Ratios and Proportional Relationships: Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems.
• The Number System: Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to divide fractions; multiply and divide multi-digit numbers and find common factors and multiples; apply and extend previous understandings of numbers to the system of rational numbers.
• Expressions and Equations: Apply and extend previous understandings of arithmetic to algebraic expressions; reason about and solve one-variable equations and inequalities; represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables.
• Geometry: Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area and volume.
• Statistics and Probability: Develop understanding of statistical variability; summarize and describe distributions.

Math Compacted | Grade 6 (20092YOMS)

Math 6 Compacted Curricula is a compacted course comprised of a portion of standards from Math 6 and a portion of standards from Math 7. Students that take this course will be on track to take Common Core Math I as an 8th grade student.

The focal points of Math Compacted Grade 6 are outlined below by domain.

• Ratios and Proportional Relationships: Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
• The Number System: Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers.
• Expressions and Equations: Use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions; solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations.
• Geometry: Draw, construct and describe geometrical figures and describe the relationships between them; solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measurements, area, surface area and volume.
• Statistics and Probability: Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population; draw informal comparative inferences about two populations; investigate chance processes and develop, use and evaluate probability models.

Extended Math | Grade 6

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who need differentiated educational services beyond those provided in other math classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education program. Some of the academic areas taught are:

• Ratios and Proportional Relationships: Understand ratio concepts
• The Number System: Extend previous understandings of fractions, multiply with numbers 0-10
• Expressions and Equations: Apply and extend previous understandings of of arithmetic to algebraic expressions
• Geometry: Solve real-world and mathematical problems, area and perimeter
• Statistics and Probability: Develop understanding of statistical variability

Math | Grade 7 (20072YOMS)

The focal points of Math 7 are outlined below by domain.

• Ratios and Proportional Relationships: Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
• The Number System: Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers.
• Expressions and Equations: Use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions; solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations.
• Geometry: Draw, construct and describe geometrical figures and describe the relationships between them; solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measurements, area, surface area and volume.
• Statistics and Probability: Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population; draw informal comparative inferences about two populations; investigate chance processes and develop, use and evaluate probability models.

Math Compacted | Grade 7 (20122YOMS)

Math 7 Compacted Curriculum is a compacted course of a portion of standards from Math 7 and a portion of standards from Math 8. Students that take this course will be on track to take Common Core Math I as an 8th grade student.

The focal points of Math Compacted Grade 7 are outlined below by domain.

• The Number System: Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers; know that there are numbers that are not rational, and approximate them by rational numbers.
• Expressions and Equations: Use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions; solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations; work with radicals and integer exponents; understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines and linear equations; analyze and solve linear equations.
• Geometry: Draw, construct and describe geometrical figures and describe the relationships between them; solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measurements, area, surface area and volume; understand the congruence and similarity using physical models, transparencies or geometry software; solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of cylinders, cones and spheres.
• Statistics and Probability: Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population; draw informal comparative inferences about two populations; investigate chance processes and develop, use and evaluate probability models.

Extended Math | Grade 7

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who need differentiated educational services beyond those provided in the other math classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education plan. Some of the academic areas taught are:

• Ratios and Proportional Relationships: Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems.
• The Number System: Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions and whole numbers.
• Expressions and Equations: Use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.
• Geometry: Solve real-life and mathematical problems involving area.
• Statistics and Probability: Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population.

Math | Grade 8 (20082YOMS)

The focal points of Math 8 are outlined below by domain.

• The Number System: Know that there are numbers that are not rational, and approximate them by rational numbers.
• Expressions and Equations: Work with radicals and integer exponents; understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines and linear equations; analyze and solve linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations..
• Geometry: Understand congruence and similarity using physical models, transparencies or geometry software; understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem; solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of cylinders, cones and spheres.
• Statistics and Probability: Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data.
• Functions: Define, evaluate and compare functions; use functions to model relationships between quantities.

NC Math I (21092YOMS) for High School Credit

The NC Math I course offered in middle school is a compacted course comprising a portion of the Math 8 standards and all of NC Math I standards. This course provides an integrated approach to problem-based instruction using mathematical practices. Course content includes the integration of the extension of properties, reasoning through the meaning of rational exponents, interpreting expressions, equations, and inequalities, reasoning abstractly and quantitatively through arithmetic with polynomials, creating questions through numbers and relationships, and building and interpreting functions with modeling. Embedded in the course will also be geometric measurement and dimension, geometric properties with equations, and representing, summarizing and interpreting univariate data. Graphic calculators are used extensively during this course and at the end of the course test.

• This course fulfills the North Carolina high school graduation requirement for Math I.
• The final exam is the North Carolina End-of-Course Test (EOC) based on the Math I Standards.
• North Carolina’s Future Ready Core requires four (4) mathematics courses to be taken for high school graduation.
• High School Mathematics courses taken and successfully completed in middle school will count as credit toward high school graduation. However, the grade will not contribute to the student’s grade point average (GPA).

Extended Math | Grade 8

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who need differentiated educational services beyond those provided in the other math classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education plan. Some of the academic areas taught are:

• The Number System: Know that there are numbers that are not rational and approximate them by rational numbers.
• Expressions and Equations: Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines and linear equations; analyze and solve linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations.
• Geometry: Understand congruence using physical models, solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of right rectangular prisms.
• Statistics and Probability: Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data.

Science Course Offerings

Traditional laboratory experiences provide opportunities to demonstrate how science is constant, historic, probabilistic and replicable. Although there are no fixed steps that all scientists follow, scientific investigations usually involve collections of relevant evidence, the use of logical reasoning, the application of imagination to devise hypotheses and explanations to make sense of collected evidence.

Student engagement in scientific investigation provides background for understanding the nature of scientific inquiry. In addition, the science process skills necessary for inquiry are acquired through active experience. The process skills support development of reasoning and problem-solving ability and are the core of scientific methodologies.

Science | Grade 6 (3006AYOMS)

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the earth/moon/sun system and the properties, structures and predictable motions of celestial bodies in the Universe.
• Understand the structure of Earth and how interactions of constructive and destructive forces have resulted in changes in the surface of Earth over time and the effects of the lithosphere on humans.
• Understand the structures, processes and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
• Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
• Understand the properties of waves and the wavelike property of energy in earthquakes, light and sound waves.
• Understand the structure, classifications and physical properties of matter.
• Understand the characteristics of energy transfer and interactions of matter and energy.

Extended Science | Grade 6

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who need differentiated educational services beyond those provided in the other Science classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education plan.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Compare structures of the Earth’s surface.
• Understand the major parts of a plant, including seed, root, stem, leaf and flower and their function.
• Understand the role of producers and consumers in an ecosystem.
• Identify the properties of waves.
• Compare the structures and properties of matter before and after they undergo a change.

Science | Grade 7 (3007AYOMS)

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand how the cycling of matter (water and gasses) in and out of the atmosphere relates to Earth’s atmosphere, weather and climate, and the effects of atmosphere on humans.
• Understand the processes, structure and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive, reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life.
• Understand the relationship of the mechanisms of cellular reproduction, patterns of inheritance and external factors to potential variation among offspring.
• Understand motion, the effects of forces on motion and the graphical representations of motion.
• Understand forms of energy, energy transfer and transformation, and conservation in mechanical systems.

Extended Science | Grade 7

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who need differentiated educational services beyond those provided in the other Science classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education plan.

Students are taught about patterns and cycles by exploring the lithosphere, characteristics of matter and energy flow through the ecosystem, understanding the Solar System and energy transfer. By the end of this this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the water cycle.
• Describe characteristics of living organisms that enable them to survive.
• Understand balanced and unbalanced forces.
• Identify the atom as the smallest unit of matter.
• Understand the role of decomposers and the ecosystems.

Science | Grade 8 (3008AYOMS)

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the hydrosphere and the impact of humans on local systems and the effects of the hydrosphere on humans.
• Understand the history of Earth and its life forms based on evidence of change recorded in fossil records and landforms.
• Understand the hazards caused by agents of diseases that affect living organisms.
• Understand how biotechnology is used to affect living organisms.
• Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic components of their environment.
• Understand the evolution of organisms and landforms based on evidence, theories and processes that impact the Earth over time.
• Understand the composition of various substances as it relates to their ability to serve as a source of energy and building materials for growth and repair of organisms.
• Understand the properties of matter and changes that occur when matter interacts in an open and closed system.
• Explain the environmental implications associated with the various methods of obtaining, managing and using energy resources.

Extended Science | Grade 8

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who need differentiated educational services beyond those provided in the other Science classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education plan.

Students are taught about patterns and cycles by exploring the lithosphere, characteristics of matter and energy flow through the ecosystem, understanding the Solar System and energy transfer. By the end of this this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the hydrosphere.
• Understand that germs can cause diseases.
• Explain the interdependence of living organisms in the environment.
• Understand the interactions of matter and energy and the changes that occur.
• Understand that energy has the ability to cause motion or create change matter.

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Social Studies Course Offerings

Social Studies | Grade 6 (World Studies I)

Students will focus on the emergence, expansion, and decline of civilizations from the Paleolithic Era to 1400 CE. They will understand key factors that shaped the development of civilizations. A conscious effort should be made to include an integrated study of various societies and regions from every continent: Africa (North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, South Africa); Asia (East Asia, Central Asia, Southwest Asia, Southeast Asia); Europe; the Americas (North America, Central America, South America); the Caribbean; and the Pacific Islands.

Extended Social Studies | Grade 6

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who need differentiated educational services beyond those provided in the other Social Studies Grade 6 classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education plan.

The focus for sixth grade is on the continued development of knowledge and skills acquired. Students will take a look at how geographic factors influence tools and resources, the use of maps, the impact of available resources on individuals and the community for meeting needs and wants, as well as factors that influence change in rights and responsibilities.

Social Studies | Grade 7 (World Studies II)

Students in World Studies II will continue to expand upon the knowledge, skills, and enduring understandings acquired in the sixth-grade examination of the emergence, expansion, and decline of civilizations by beginning at 1400 CE and moving into the globalized network of nations in the modern world. Modern world is defined by a time in which societies and regions witnessed the birth of the following developments: greater awareness of other cultures; creation of a global economy; rise of powerful nation-states; major technological advancements; and deepening reliance on science. The course should be taught in a way that leads students to make connections between historical events and their own lives. This should be accomplished through an investigation of the various factors that shaped the development of societies and regions in the modern world as well as global interactions between those societies. A conscious effort should be made to include an integrated study of various societies and regions from every continent (Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia). The intent of the North Carolina Social Studies standards is to present information through a conceptual framework which allows for greater depth and enduring understandings of content and issues to include, but not limited to, science, technology, invention, and innovation.

Extended Social Studies | Grade 7

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who need differentiated educational services beyond those provided in the other Social Studies Grade 7 classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education plan.

The focus for 7th grade is on the continued development of knowledge and skills acquired in the sixth grade studies of North Carolina and the United States. The primary discipline is geography, especially cultural geography. Students practice skills in selecting from among a variety of media as they learn about these societies. They use maps and other geographic materials in their studies.

Social Studies | Grade 8 (North Carolina and United States History)

Pursuant to the passage of House Bill 1032 An Act Modifying the History and Geography Curricula in the Public Schools of North Carolina, the new standards for eighth grade will integrate United States history with the study of North Carolina history. The major focus of this course is North Carolina state history with the integration of local and national history. This integrated study helps students understand and appreciate the legacy of our democratic republic and to develop the skills needed to engage responsibly and intelligently as North Carolinians. Students in eighth grade will continue to build on the fourth and fifth-grade introductions to North Carolina and the United States by embarking on a more rigorous study of the historical foundations and democratic principles that continue to shape our state and nation. Students will begin with a review of the major ideas, events, and cultures preceding the foundation of North Carolina and the United States. The main focus of the course will be how students use inquiry to examine critical events, people, issues, and developments in the state and nation from the Colonial Era to contemporary times. Students will understand the relationship of geography, events, and people to the political, economic, technological, and cultural developments that shaped our existence in North Carolina and the United States over time.

Extended Social Studies | Grade 8

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who need differentiated educational services beyond those provided in the other Social Studies Grade 8 classes. The needs of each student are met through an individualized education plan.

The focus for eighth grade is on the continued development of knowledge and skills acquired in the seventh grade studies of North Carolina and the United States. The primary discipline is geography, especially cultural geography. Students practice skills in selecting from among a variety of media as they learn about these societies. They use maps and other geographic materials in their studies as they learn about North Carolina geographic locations, personal economic activities and understanding how the role of an individual can effect change.

Healthful Living Courses

Healthful Living is required for all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and includes health education and physical education. These two courses complement each other as students learn how to be healthy and physically active for a lifetime. Because our health and physical fitness needs are so different from a generation ago, the nature of healthful living is changing. Poor health choices, i.e., use of alcohol and other drugs, poor nutrition and physical inactivity, now account for more than 50% of the preventable deaths in the United States.

Through a quality healthful living education program, students will learn the importance of health and physical activity and develop skills to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle creating a heightened quality of life. Students will learn how to apply the concepts of proper exercise in their daily lives, discover ways to handle stress, avoid harmful and illegal drugs, learn about the relationship between nutrition and weight management, develop healthy interpersonal relationships (including conflict resolution skills), develop teamwork and character-building skills and learn how to achieve health and fitness goals.

Healthful Living | Grade 6

In sixth grade, students learn a variety of communication techniques that will allow them to employ critical thinking skills to make positive health decisions.

• Students will appraise their own health and fitness status, understand sound nutrition principles and develop sensible exercise practices.
• This knowledge will be applied as they demonstrate the ability to set, pursue and achieve personal health and fitness goals.
• Students will engage in physical activities that provide opportunities for rhythmic/dance movement, lead-up games enhancing basic sport skills, offensive and defensive game strategies, game rules/etiquette, problem solving, fair play and sportsmanship.

Because of the nature of health education, discussion may include sensitive topics. By contacting the school principal, parents may request in writing that their child be excluded from certain health topics owing to personal/religious beliefs.

Healthful Living | Grade 7

In seventh grade, students will appraise their own health status, apply communication and stress management skills to prevent serious health risks, employ a variety of prevention technique, understand the dietary guidelines, learn about the benefits of abstinence until marriage and the risks of premarital sexual intercourse, comprehend negative media messages and demonstrate refuls skills related to peer pressure.

• Students will understand the risks associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs. In addition, students will learn how to encourage others not to engage in risky behaviors.
• Students will establish personal fitness goals and participate in social dance, small-sided games and demonstrate advanced movement/skill sequences.
• Students will display appreciation toward the varying skill levels of teammates while enjoying the many benefits of physical activity.

Because of the nature of health education, discussion may include sensitive topics. By contacting the school principal, parents may request in writing that their child be excluded from certain health topics owing to personal/religious beliefs.

Healthful Living | Grade 8

In eighth grade, students will identify how media and peer pressure influence health behaviors, identify positive ways to manage stress, explain how to gain, reduce or maintain weight in a healthy manner, demonstrate skills and strategies for remaining abstinent from sexual intercourse and demonstrate good communication skills for healthy relationships.

• Students will demonstrate basic CPR skills.
• Students will understand the special risks associated with alcohol and other drugs, understand the negative impact (emotional, social and physical) of using harmful and illegal drugs and assist others to seek help for risky behaviors.
• Students will explain the principles of cardiovascular and strength conditioning, develop a personal fitness program, establish personal fitness goals and monitor their progress, participate in regular physical activity both in school and during non-school hours, display advanced sport movements through the engagement in dual, team and lifetime sports.
• Students will work cooperatively to follow rules and exhibit safe practices while achieving individual and group fitness-related goals through fair play and sportsmanship.

Because of the nature of health education, discussion may include sensitive topics. By contacting the school principal, parents may request in writing that their child be excluded from certain health topics owing to personal/religious beliefs.

Academic Electives

Spanish Immersion

Spanish Heritage | Grades 6,7,8

(Rocky Mount  Middle & Southern Nash Middle only)

This year -long elective course is for Spanish Immersion students and heritage Spanish-speaking students (identified by administration and ML teachers) that ensures continued growth in Spanish language proficiency while cultivating global competencies in students. This middle school course’s curriculum is comprehensive, interdisciplinary and project-based.

Beginning Spanish | Grades 6,7,8

(Rocky Mount  Middle & Southern Nash Middle only)

This semester-long elective course is an introduction to Spanish with a focus on the four key areas of foreign language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Studies will consist of new vocabulary themes and grammar concepts, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)

MATH 180® | Grades 6, 7 and 8

MATH 180® is a mathematics program designed to address the needs of struggling students in Grades 6 and up, and their teachers, equally - building students’ confidence with mathematics and accelerating their progress to algebra. MATH 180 teachers partner with sophisticated technology to help them do what they do best: reach students.

• Students benefit from this partnership by receiving consistent instruction that is fully optimized and allows them to master skills and advance at an accelerated pace.
• MATH 180 is a comprehensive system of curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development designed to equip older struggling students with the knowledge, reasoning and READ 180® | Grades 6, 7 and 8

READ 180® | Grades 6, 7 and 8

READ 180® is a reading program designed for struggling readers who are reading two or more years below grade level. It provides blended learning instruction, (i.e., combining digital media with traditional classroom instruction), student assessment and teacher professional development.

• READ 180 is delivered in 45 to 90 minute sessions that include whole group instruction, three small group rotations and whole class wrap-up.
• Small group rotations include individualized instruction using an adaptive computer application, small group instruction with a teacher and independent reading.
• READ 180 is designed for students in elementary through high school. (Institute of Education Sciences)

Reading Skills and Strategies | Grades 6, 7 and 8

This course is designed for students who need additional instruction and support in comprehension building, vocabulary building and reading skills.

• Direct strategy instruction will occur with extended opportunities for guided reading practice with both fiction and nonfiction text.
• Students will have the opportunity to self-select texts and set individual reading goals.
• Instructional strategies will include teacher read-alouds, paired reading, guided reading, literature circles and building of independent reading time.

Yearbook | Grades 6, 7 and 8

This course allows students to examine journalistic writing and publishing. Students learn the fundamentals of yearbook design from theme development to marketing and distribution.

• Communication skills are developed through the use of oral language, written language and other media/technology to complete activities including: interviewing, organizing information, writing various journalistic pieces such as feature stories, sports stories, student and faculty profiles, etc.
• Additionally, students refine their revision, editing and proofreading skills and learn the basics of page layout and design.
• Collaborative work efforts, the use of technology as a publishing tool and development of responsibility are emphasized.

Creative Writing | Grades 6, 7 and 8

Using the Paideia teaching method and mentor texts, students will write fiction and non-fiction pieces which investigate society’s ideals and values. Through their writing, students will seek ways to make a positive impact on the local and global community.

● With technology students will create a flow of output that will advance their own digital footprints in a constructive way, as well as that of Southern Nash Middle School.

Healthy Living Enrichment | Grades 6, 7 and 8

This course offers physically active students the opportunity to explore activities outside the realm of traditional sports.

● Activities covered in this course include: ultimate Frisbee, golf, bowling, badminton, shuffleboard and floor hockey. Students will learn the rules, guidelines and scoring of each game. Advanced strategies associated with each of the sports will also be taught during the course.

Arts Education

Visual Art | Grades 6, 7 and 8

This class is available to students who desire an exposure to art. Skills will be developed in areas such as drawing, painting, designing, printmaking, sculpture and crafts.

● Students will be encouraged to broaden their perception and appreciation of art and to formulate opinions and judgments based upon their experiences. Throughout the course, associations will be made between the students, their environments, and man and his dependence on art.

General Music | Grades 6, 7 and 8

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of music and integrates the domains of music literacy, performance, music history, and creative expression.  This course encourages students to connect music to other disciplines, personal experiences, and community events, preparing them to be well-rounded,reflective learners.

Band (year-long course) | Grades 6, 7 and 8

This class develops skills in tone production, breath support and music reading. Students are introduced to performance skills and techniques.

• They are encouraged to perform as individuals and as members of an ensemble.
• Students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Elective offerings vary by school. The availability of electives depends on student interest and appropriate facility and staffing.

The mission of Career and Technical Education (CTE) is to equip and prepare students with skills to invest in their future. CTE fulfills an increasingly significant role in school efforts to graduate all students Career and College Ready.

CTE provides students:

• academic subject matter taught with relevance to the real world;
• employability skills, from job-related skills to workplace ethics; and
• career clusters/pathways that link secondary and postsecondary education for additional training and degrees, especially related to workplace training, skills and career advancement.

GRADE 6 CTE Courses

AGRICULTURE

Exploring Animal and Plant Science | Grade 6 (Southern Nash Middle only)

This middle school course introduces students to the industry of agriculture. Topics of instruction include the fundamentals of the animal science industry and the plant science industry.

• Students are exposed to FFA competitive events, community service and leadership activities.
• English language arts, mathematics and science are reinforced.

EXPLORING CAREERS AND EMPLOYMENT LABS Exploring Careers and Employment | Grade 6

This middle school course will provide students an intro to exploring careers and skills needed for employment success utilizing hands-on labs. The course also focuses on understanding the world of work and the career planning process.

• Students in this course will explore many career choices available. This course will assist students in understanding basic concepts of careers.
• Students will learn about careers from a variety of areas including food and hospitality, health, business, technology, trades, manufacturing, informational technology, law and public safety, STEM and transportation.
• Students will also learn basic skills needed in careers.

GRADE 7 CTE Courses

AGRICULTURE

Exploring Environmental & Natural Resources | Grade 7 (Southern Nash Middle only) This middle school course introduces students to the industry of agriculture.

• Topics of instruction include animal science, agriculture science and technology, plant science, agricultural issues, natural resources, food science, stewardship, consumer agriculture and careers in agriculture science.
• Students are exposed to FFA competitive events, community service and leadership activities.
• English language arts, mathematics and science are reinforced.

EXPLORING CAREERS AND EMPLOYMENT LABS Exploring Careers and Employment | Grade 7

This middle school course will allow students to explore careers and skills needed for employment success utilizing hands-on labs. The course also focuses on understanding the world of work and the career planning process.

• Students in this course will continue to explore many career choices available. This course will assist students in understanding basic concepts of careers not explored during 6th grade.
• Students will learn about careers from a variety of areas including food and hospitality, health, business, technology, trades, manufacturing, informational technology, law and public safety, STEM and transportation.

GRADE 8 CTE Courses

AGRICULTURE

Exploring Food and Agricultural Products | Grade 8 (Southern Nash Middle only)

This middle school course introduces students to the industry of agriculture.

• Topics of instruction include animal science, agriculture science and technology, plant science, agricultural issues, natural resources, food science, stewardship, consumer agriculture and careers in agriculture science.
• Students are exposed to FFA competitive events, community service and leadership activities.
• English language arts, mathematics and science are reinforced.

EXPLORING CAREERS AND EMPLOYMENT LABS

Exploring Careers and Employment | Grade 8

This middle school course is designed to provide project-based instruction in self-awareness, understanding the world of work and the career planning process utilizing hands-on labs and analysis of high school pathways that lead to career choices.

• Students will explore the world of work, employment success and job search techniques.
• Students will continue to learn about various careers that are available including food and hospitality, health, business, technology, trades, manufacturing, informational technology, law and public safety, STEM and transportation.

Getting Ready for High School

Planning for High School

High school students take rigorous courses that build the foundation for success in college, the military or the workforce. The Future-Ready Core Course of Study was established by the NC State Board of Education as the minimum units required for graduation, but Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) high schools have additional course requirements.

• You can view NCPS high school graduation requirements and the high school curriculum guide at 2025-2026 High School Course Selection Guide.

In the spring of your eighth grade year, you will be guided by your eighth grade teachers and school counselors in selecting courses for ninth grade.

• This process includes choosing your ninth grade courses and projecting your tenth, eleventh and twelfth-grade courses.
• When you are in ninth, tenth and eleventh grades, your high school teachers and school counselors will continue to assist you as you choose courses for the next school year and plan for your future.

Exploring Careers

Exploring your career interests will help you with high school planning. Interests are only part of who you are, so check out sites to explore your own characteristics and identify other qualities that connect with careers that you may choose.

College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC)

Consider taking a career interest inventory to help you focus on what you might want to consider for a career. Knowing more about your interests and skills will help you plan for your high school experience.

●        Take a free interest inventory at www.CFNC.org. You will need to create an account that can later be used when applying to colleges and universities.