In the middle school years, the logic stage in classical education, students begin to connect all of the facts they have learned to discover relationships among them. They learn not only the key historical events under study but also learn to analyze the causes that led to such events. Students are taught formal logic to discover connections between a set of propositions and a conclusion. Logic trains the mind to approach every subject in a particular way – to look at patterns and sets of relationships in each subject area.

• English-Language Arts: In English, students learn to analyze language. It is expected that by the time the student finishes 8th grade, he/she will be prepared to use language with precision and eloquence. Studies are organized around the four subject areas of spelling, grammar, reading, and writing. Students’ begin writing longer compositions that are well reasoned essays and stories with coherent plots. Reading instruction is keyed to the historical period being studied and begins the extensive use original primary sources for information.

• History: In history, students concentrate on finding connections between world events. Instead of simply reading the story of a historical event, the students look at what happened before, during, and after the event that led to the pivotal turning points in history. The study of history becomes the backbone of a classical education. Reading, writing, art, music, and even science and math to some degree are organized around the outline provided by history. The focus of 6th grade is on ancient history to 500 AD, followed by medieval period (up to 1700) in the 7th grade while US History and Geography are covered in 8th grade with Modern World History (1850 to Present) in the 9 th grade.

• Mathematics: The middle years are a pivotal time for the development of mathematical skills. During these years the student solidify their grasp of mathematical operations and begin the journey into symbolic mathematics. All students are expected to master pre-Algebra in 7th grade, Algebra in 8th grade, and move into Algebra II by 9th grade.

• Science: In middle school science, the student begins to make connections – among the branches of science and between science and history. In the logic stage, student begins to identify scientific discoveries and the birth and the death dates of scientists while making connections between historical events and major scientific discoveries. Students use the logic of the scientific method to test new knowledge through experimentation. Major strands of focus include Earth Science in 6th grade, Life Science in 7th grade, Physical Science in 8th grade, and Biology in 9th grade.

During the rhetoric stage, grades 9-12, students learn to express themselves with fluency, grace, elegance, and persuasiveness. The students express themselves by continuously writing, speaking, and presenting on what they are learning.