Eighth Grade

Patron Saint: St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

8th Grade

Eighth Grade challenges students to be best prepared for high school through advanced courses and complex assignments. Students strengthen academic skills while exploring history, literature, science, and faith through a classical, content-rich curriculum. In addition, they celebrate their years at Saint Clare with an educational pilgrimage to Santa Fe at the end of the year.

Read and analyze classic and historical literature

Hone writing, grammar, and oral communication skills for clarity, style, and effectiveness

Solve multi-step problems through applied mathematical concepts

Study modern civilization and the effect on the modern world

Explore physical science through chemistry and physics

Strengthen vocabulary through Latin prefixes, suffixes, and roots

Study and write complex arguments through the use of ethos, pathos, and logos

Advance creative and physical skills through art, music, and physical education

Courses & Programs

Catechesis

Religion / Faith Formation

Grow in a deeper knowledge of who Jesus is and His call to follow Him
Study the history of the Catholic Church and her moral teachings
Explore Theology of the Body through Ruah Woods
Connect Scripture to moral reasoning and the dignity of the human person
Deepen understanding of the virtuous life and what it means to be a follower of Christ
Develop a disposition of service and readiness to help others

Building Reading, Writing, and Expression

English Language Arts

Read classic works of literature including The Giver by Lois Lowry, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Immerse themselves in classic literature that aligns with the content studied in history
Memorize poetry and recite it to develop confident oral expression
Develop advanced grammar and writing skills using Rod & Staff Grammar
Hold Socratic seminars to discuss themes and content of the class novels

Singapore Math

Mathematics

Study Singapore Math: Dimensions 8A & 8B / Pre-Algebra
Apply algebraic and proportional reasoning to solve complex, multi-step problems
Strengthen logical reasoning and problem-solving skills
Study linear functions and systems of equations
Solve linear equations and inequalities
Encourage independence, precision, and perseverance in mathematical thinking

Hands-On Science and Discovery

Science

Identify the physical properties of matter and chemical properties of substances
Discuss key Catholic scientists and the contributions that they have made
Formulate and create a written plan to conduct a scientific investigation using the scientific method
Use appropriate procedures and methods to conduct labs
Study the atomic structure and the periodic table of elements
Practice fluency in scientific reading
Prepare and evaluate chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases
Memorize Newton’s Three Laws of Motion

Understanding Western Civilization

Modern History

Articulate the emergence of the modern world
Trace European exploration and the emergence of global transport and global interactions
Understand the rise of the secular culture through assorted revolutions and figures
Discuss modern America and the role of faith in the world of today
Understand the Church in the Modern World
Study key historical events and figures that affected history

Lingua Latina

LATIN

Study Latin through the text Lingua Latina: Familia Romana
Build vocabulary and understanding through Latin prefixes, suffixes, and roots
Connects classical languages to English vocabulary and meaning
Develop grammatical knowledge including verb conjugations and case identification

Analyzing & Understanding Arguments

RHETORIC

Analyze multiple famous speeches and the quality of their structure and argument
Identify and use of ethos, pathos, and logos
Practice writing and delivering speeches in class
Hold Socratic seminars to develop discussion ability

World Languages

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE)

Demonstrate leadership and teamwork in competitive team sports
Reflect on the goodness and purpose of the human body as created by God
Execute basketball, volleyball, and soccer skills with strategic decision-making
Encourage and support teammates to foster a positive team environment

THE ARTS & ELECTIVES

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Partial text with the word 'ngapo' in dark blue on a white background. — Singapore Dimensions Math is a tested approach that teaches for math mastery and a deep number sense. Students learn how to manipulate numbers and the

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MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS

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Hours of Operation

Student supervision begins at 7:45 AM.
School is in session from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The office is open from 7:45 AM to 3:45 PM on school days.
Student pick-up is from 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM.
Afterschool programs available until 4:15 PM.
Gypsum, Eagle, Edwards, Avon & Vail bus transportation available.

Contact Information

You can contact the school during hours of operation by visiting the office, calling, or emailing.