Students receive advanced-level linguistic and text analysis skills, providing them with an in-depth understanding of the English language. This prepares Carden students to more easily approach the higher-level texts they will be encountering in high school. This includes dictation skills presented in an integrated history approach.
Students new to the Carden language arts program are provided with the methodology and controls used for an in-depth understanding of the pronunciation, spelling and origins of words, along with the grammar tools utilized for high-level comprehension of text.

Composition techniques: A systematic learning of the organization and elements of composition and report writing.
Composition: The application of writing techniques to integrated works of literature, social studies and history with the goal of producing thoughtful, organized and well-written essays and reports.
Research and Reporting: There is an emphasis on the fundamentals of data gathering and the analysis of written material as the basis of cohesive and meaningful report writing. Along with this, there is the application of composition techniques specific to report writing.

Students apply writing and composition techniques to produce original works that express each one’s uniqueness and exercise the imagination.

Classic literature and poetry: A formal approach is applied in the study of major works, which facilitates a high level of understanding and appreciation of the plot, story elements and themes. Included are: Modern Literature: An exploration of modern fiction includes discussion and seminar formats that lead students to discover meaning and relevancy of important works of our time.

Within the language arts-history integrated element of English 8, students are presented with an overview of United States history and its heritage from the Civil War to the present. The exploration of the social, political and cultural values underlying the development of the country is an important component of this study.
Students explore topics within the curriculum through various books and written materials and research projects. Discussion and seminar formats, coupled with written and orally presented reports, are adopted methods aimed at developing and refining critical thinking and information-analysis skills.
Geography

Algebra 1 has an emphasis on writing, solving, and graphing linear and quadratic equations. Mathematical reasoning is interwoven throughout.
The class work includes:

Introduction to Algebra		Systems of Equations
Integers and Rational Numbers		Inequalities and Absolute Value
Equations		Rational Expressions and Equations
Inequalities		Radical Expressions and Equations
Exponents and Polynomials		Relations and Functions
Polynomials and Factoring		Quadratic Equations
Graphs and Linear Equations

Geometry

Through the study of physical science, the students learn:

A continuation of American music history from 1800’s to 1960’s. The course of study includes music appreciation and performance.

A wide range of art media and techniques will be explored, with an emphasis on self-portraiture. The students will study a variety of artists and utilize their works for inspiration in the students’ own pieces. They will study and utilize two-point perspective, create a square for the Eighth Grade quilt, and complete a reproduction of an artists’ work.

A student with no prior knowledge of French will begin in a French class that includes vocabulary building, grammar, sentence structure and basic conversation. For continuing students and those with knowledge of basic French, this class includes composition, French culture, literature and conversation.

Latin is a required course for all students.

Sportsmanship and Health: The development of good-sportsmanship and a positive attitude towards healthy physical exercise continue to be an underlying principle of Carden Physical Education. Numerous fun and skill-building games and activities are included throughout the year, as well as participation in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge.
Organized Sports: Students participate in different team sports, providing them with exposure to competition, responsibility and commitment. These sports are volleyball, flag football, basketball, and softball.

Basic Keyboarding: Students learn and build fluency in the touch-typing method.
Research and Informational Technology: Students learn to utilize both informational software programs and the Internet to search, gather, analyze, edit and download material relevant to study.