8^th Grade Courses

Farmwell Station Middle School

Course Selections

Students must select:

6 Required Courses 2 Elective Courses

Required Courses

• Math
• Pre-Algebra
• Algebra 1 (worth 1 high school credit)
• Geometry (worth 1 high school credit)
• Algebra 2/Trig (worth 1 high school credit)

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• English

• Physical Science

• Civics

• Health and Physical Education

• Resource

• Spectrum (if applicable)

Honors or Academic Recommendations

• Based on performance, effort, participation, work ethic and reading level.
• Core classes (Math, Science, History, English)

• exhibits excitement/enthusiasm about the subject
• likes to be challenged
• demonstrates self-motivation

• goes beyond expectations
• completes assignments on time
• has an advanced vocabulary and/or knowledge base in the areas of interest

Parental Considerations For Academic Placement of Your Child

Electives

Level 1��

World Languages

World Language Elective Classes:� (each worth 1 high school credit)

Level 2 (Prerequisite: Level 1)

• French 1
• German 1
• Latin 1
• Spanish 1

• French 2
• German 2(B.R.)
• Latin 2(B.R.)
• Spanish 2

World Languages

Who Should Take a

World Language in 8^th Grade?

Students should:

• Have a B average or better in Language Arts and above average scores in their other academic courses
• Be highly motivated to learn and have highly developed study skills
• Expect additional study time outside of school hours
• Level 1 will contain a blend of 7^th and 8^th grade students
• Level 2 will contain only 8^th grade students
• No option of dropping courses mid-year if grades fall below average

Communication Studies and �Exploratory Dramatics (Drama)

* Students currently taking Communication Studies CANNOT take the same course two years in a row

This course introduces key principles and aspects of human communication to improve the appropriateness and effectiveness of our messages, with personal, one-on-one communication as well as developing public speaking skills.  The course also has units on storytelling as the foundation of all human communication. Students will explore the fundamentals of communication such as nonverbal/ body language, listening, and interviewing.  Modern technical subjects such as podcasting, video, and responsible use of social media. 

Acting basics, stage geography, stage make-up (old age, scars, characters), theatre technology, one act plays, and directing.

Technology of Robotic Design �(worth 1 high school credit)

• Engage in the study of computers and microprocessors and their applications to manufacturing, transportation, and communications systems.
• Topics include computer equipment and operating systems, robotics, programming, control systems and social/cultural impact of these technologies.

Teacher Cadet

• This exploratory course fosters student interest, understanding, and appreciation of the teaching profession and allows students an introduction to careers in education. Students are taught to develop self-awareness, collaborate and communicate with peers, build positive learning environments, and discover learning differences of others. The curriculum is designed to help students set attainable goals in the Education and Training Career Cluster.

Required Courses

Important Dates for �Rising 8th Graders and Their Families

• Mid-January 2024 to Early February 2024 (approx.) – Students will pick 8th grade electives in FACS and create the Academic Career Plan (ACP).

• Thursday, February 8th – ParentVue & StudentVue portal is opened to view teacher recommendations.

• January 8th-February 29th- Portal Open to make elective changes

• Friday, March 1st – ParentVue & StudentVue will be locked for families to make changes on their own. Any changes after that day MUST be communicated to Mr. LaRue

• March 30th-First Deadline

• Course requests will be mailed home after Spring Break.

• Friday, April 12th – ABSOLUTE deadline for any changes.

Academies of Loudoun

• Academy of Science (AOS) and Academy of Engineering and Technology (AET)
• Application Requirements:
• Successful completion of Algebra 1 by the end of 8th grade
• Review of academic record
• CCTDI and CCTST-N results
• STEM Thinking Skills Assessment
• Writing assessment

https://www.lcps.org/acl

Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology

• Specialized high school for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
• Application Requirements
• Successful completion of Algebra 1 by the end of 8th grade
• Must take honors science in 8^th grade & one additional honors class
• TJHSST entrance test
• 7th grade final marks and 8th grade 1st quarter marks
• Essay and Student Information Statement

TJHSST Website - www.tjhsst.fcps.edu

LCPS currently has two International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools, Loudoun Valley High School and Heritage High School, which offer the IB Diploma Program (DP). The LCPS Pre-IB program started in the 2023-2024 school year. For further information about IB and its programs, visit http://www.ibo.org.

LCPS Pre-IB Program

The Health and Medical Sciences (HAMSci) Academy is designed to expand learning opportunities for students in health science literacy through a curriculum centered on deeper learning that develops critical skills and competencies geared toward the healthcare field. This specialized curriculum paired with industry credentials and work-based learning experiences prepares students for in-demand highly skilled healthcare workforce careers. �https://www.lcps.org/Page/251899

HAMSci Academy

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Loudoun County High School (LCHS) is proud to be the home of a Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) unit.  Established in 2009, the unit will begin its 15th year of operation this fall.  As the first and only JROTC unit in the history of Loudoun County, the LCHS NJROTC Unit is open to high school students across the county.  The program includes students from all high schools in the district for SY 2023-24. 

Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC)

Farmwell Station Middle School �8^th Grade Course Selections

Questions/Comments?