Academics & the Arts

Oakwood Middle School follows a modified block schedule in order to support students in their transition from elementary school. Humanities, Science, Arts and PE classes all benefit from these longer periods in which students and teachers have time to build academic skills, explore content with depth, and work collaboratively. Time is also built into the middle school schedule for students to study or meet with teachers. For detailed course descriptions, please review the 2020-21 Curriculum Guide.

Academic Requirements

Grades Seven and Eight:

Humanities (2 years)
Mathematics (2 years)
Science (2 years)
World Language – Spanish, French, Mandarin (2 years)
Arts (2 years) in: Visual Arts, Performing
Arts, Theatre Arts, Music, Dance, STEAM
Athletics, Physical Education, and Wellness (2 years)
CalArts (2 years)
Immersion (2 years)

Community Engagement: In middle school, community engagement is focused on grade-level experiences and developing connections and community among the students in each grade. In seventh and eighth grade, students participate in grade-level projects sponsored by the school that will introduce them to Oakwood’s approach to community engagement programs and projects. Students are oriented to the program during the seventh-grade retreat and during advisory. In eighth grade, all students also take a Community Engagement and Leadership course to develop their community engagement and service trajectory for high school

7th Grade Seminar

In this course, students develop their ability to understand, communicate, and effectively interact with people. Guided by Oakwood’s Statement of Philosophy—which intends an Oakwood education to cultivate depth of character, help students gain self-knowledge and foster a sense of community—this class focuses on guiding students toward a deeper awareness of how they view the world and how that view is developed over the years. The class also explores the concept of difference in order to gain knowledge of various perspectives and foster positive attitudes toward difference. In addition to building awareness, knowledge, and understanding, students will learn and practice communication skills that will help students clearly express their ideas and interact with others in ways that build positive connections.

The following Essential Questions will guide our study:

What makes us who we are?
How does our identity shape the way others see us and the way we see others?
What are the benefits and challenges of living in a diverse society?
How can we build and maintain an inclusive community?