All middle school English classes integrate and synthesize skills from writing, grammar, vocabulary, and literature to encourage a student’s ability to communicate on universal themes found in the human experience.

All skills are presented sequentially according to student development and integrated accordingly to encourage effective communication. Within the study of literature, students focus on universal themes found in short stories, poetry, non-fiction, memoirs, and various visual media. Also within the study of literature, students analyze for a variety of literary devices, author’s purpose, tone, mood, and appeals. Present in both literature and grammar class is an emphasis on writing in various modes and in various lengths to create effective writers at any level.

Sixth Grade World History lays the foundation for studying the beginnings of human civilizations through ancient Rome. The introductory course trains students to think historically and form historical conclusions. The primary purpose of this course is to develop a deep love of history and experience God’s interaction within the human narrative.

Seventh Grade World History builds on the sixth grade curriculum by studying from the fall of the Roman World up to the world wars. This survey course trains students to think historically and form historical conclusions. The primary purpose of this course is to develop a deep love of history and experience God’s interaction within the human narrative.

Eighth Grade United States History studies the colonial period through the Reconstruction of the South after the Civil War. Students work toward mastering skills needed after middle school, such as reading and responding to primary source documents. In addition, our annual eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C., highlights many topics we cover including the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Mount Vernon, the White House, and the United States Capitol.

Math curriculum in middle school emphasizes rigor, analytical thinking, the number system and functions preparing students for future coursework they will take in upper school. The sixth grade curriculum includes the review of basic operations, decimals, variables, fractions, ratios, proportions, data, graphs, tools of geometry, integers, probability, equations, and inequalities. The concepts provide the essential mathematics foundation for algebra. All students can receive additional help by attending weekly office hours or Lion Time. 

Middle school students can be placed into accelerated math courses. The level is determined by multiple assessments. CPA offers three levels of math for each grade-level. Sixth graders can take Math 6, Advanced Math 6, or Pre-Algebra Honors. Seventh graders can take Math 7, Pre-Algebra Honors, or Algebra 1 Honors. Eighth graders can take Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 Honors, or Geometry Honors. Students are held to a high standard across all accelerated courses and placement can change based on student performance. 

Bible classes work together vertically, with courses in the grade above and below, to create an entire study of the Bible. The primary emphasis in middle school is to help develop and cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Bible Curriculum is a vital part of the culture at CPA. The Bible faculty encourages students in their walks of faith, serving as mentors fostering critical thinking skills as students discover who God has called them to be. 

Earth Science 6
In Earth Science 6, students explore fundamental scientific concepts with hands-on learning while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course covers lab safety and the scientific method and then embarks on the study of flight and space, the four forces of flight, and Newton’s Laws of Motion. The journey continues with an exploration of the Space Race, highlighting the history, key figures, and groundbreaking advancements that led to modern space exploration. This course also covers earthquakes examining their causes, effects, and the science behind seismic activity. Through experiments, interactive projects, and real-world applications, students gain a deeper understanding of Earth’s dynamic forces and the principles of motion that shape our world and beyond.

Life Science 7
In Life Science 7, students explore the glory of God by studying the intricacies of His creation. They begin with the living cell and progress to the human body systems. Students develop scientific skills by examining processes such as mitosis, meiosis, and genetics. They also learn how flowers reproduce, study insects, and dissect frogs. Hands-on labs reinforce the scientific method as students design experiments, analyze data, and support conclusions with evidence. A creative video project challenges them to design and present an original insect. In the second semester, focus shifts to the human body. Students explore the muscular, integumentary, digestive, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. As “medical detectives,” they solve real-world problems such as an E. coli outbreak, a murder mystery using blood typing, and brain injuries through a sheep brain dissection. Hands-on learning builds essential lab skills and prepares students for upper-level science while teaching practical, real-world problem-solving.

Physical Science 8
This rigorous, foundational course bridges middle school general science with the more specialized disciplines of upper school physics and chemistry. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students engage in structured investigations of core scientific principles, developing analytical thinking, experimental inquiry, and mathematical reasoning. By the end of the course, students will have a solid grounding in the basics of physics and chemistry, preparing them for success in upper school science. A wide variety of engaging labs allow students to explore both chemistry and physics in action. Highlights include the Space Jam Lab, Metric Olympics, Hot Wheels Lab, Roller Coaster Lab, Barbie Bungee, Methane vs. Ethane, Dry Ice Lab, Ice Cream Lab, Alpha Particles Lab, Van de Graaff Generator, Carbon Sugar Snake, and Hydrogen Bomb Lab.

Spanish A 
Spanish A is an introductory course designed to begin acquiring a world language and to gain knowledge of Spanish-speaking cultures in a fun and dynamic setting. Within this interactive language class, students will be introduced to the Super 7 verbs (most frequently used verbs) and thematic vocabulary in a communicative context that will aid students in feeling confident to interact with others in real-world settings. Through a variety of activities such as stories, songs and games, students will develop a novice-level proficiency in the areas of listening, reading, and speaking. Cultural themes are embedded in the curriculum to develop an understanding and appreciation for Hispanic cultures. Students will participate in class storytelling, engage in short, simple discussions and read stories in Spanish. 

Spanish B 
In Spanish B, students begin to acquire proficiency in Spanish. Spanish content is presented in authentic and meaningful communicative context using high-frequency vocabulary and structures that are continually reinforced and learner-centered. Cultural themes such as the giant Guatemalan kites, the Chilean moai statues on Easter Island, the beaches of El Salvador and the legend of the Coqui frog from Puerto Rico are embedded in the curriculum to develop an understanding and appreciation for Hispanic cultures. Lessons are focused on communicative, target language activities that build connections within the classroom. Students will acquire language through listening, reading and speaking activities such as stories, songs, games, and reading a short novel in Spanish. 

Spanish 1 Honors (Upper School Credit) 
The Spanish 1 Honors class, taught at an upper school level, is a course designed to help students acquire Spanish through stories and in the context of the diversity of Hispanic cultures. Students will learn new words and phrases and then use them to create communicative opportunities, such as conversation, reading, and listening. Students will read a short novel in Spanish and focus on the foundational linguistic skills and structures that build toward a growing proficiency level. From the rhythmic Colombian cumbia, through Spanish bullfights, delicious Hispanic foods, spooky legends, and the impressive Panama Canal, Spanish I is a fascinating and dynamic journey of communication and adventure.

Middle School Fitness prepares students for athletics and active living by mastering foundational movement. Through weight training, dynamic stretching, circuit work, and core conditioning, students build lifelong strength, flexibility, and physical confidence.

The middle school athletic program competes in the Harpeth Valley Athletic Conference (HVAC). 

Some teams require tryouts, while some are no cut.

Middle School Teams

• Cheerleading
• Cross Country
• Mountain Biking
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Football
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Swimming
• Lacrosse
• Shotgun
• Softball
• Track
• Golf
• Baseball

Middle school athletics combines the fundamentals of technique, team culture, winning, and losing in a fun and nurturing environment. Coaches work with players to cultivate competitive instincts and qualities of sportsmanship and servant leadership. 

The Middle School Athletic Program is led by Middle School Athletic Director, Steve Lenger with the support of the CPA Athletics staff. Over 70 middle school coaches work to prime young athletes for meaningful individual growth through CPA's InSide Out Coaching Initiative led by Athletic Director, Ingle Martin. 

Middle school athletes are instructed on safety techniques and best practices in all team activities and competitions. In addition, middle school coaches are certified in ImPact Concussion Training, led by CPA's Sports Medicine Team.