ACADEMICS

Abilene Christian Middle School is designed to be a bridge connecting elementary students entering the 6th grade and 8th graders moving to 9th grade. Six graders will have one main teacher to help guide them through that first year of middle school, while changing classrooms and teachers for a select few classes. This experience allows the students to prepare for their seventh grade year when they will have a different teacher for every subject. Overall, the curriculum prepares students to enter high school with a focus on college readiness. Eighth graders who are academically prepared may take Algebra I for a high school credit, and all eighth grade students will earn a science high school credit. By earning these two credits, those students who wish to graduate with the highest degree plan will be able to earn the necessary five credits in math and science to achieve the level of distinguished graduate.


TESTING

All ACS students take the Stanford and OLSAT tests through the 7th grade. This test is administered yearly during the spring semester. These tests do not determine if a student progresses to the next grade, but rather they are used to evaluate areas of strength and weakness in each student and in the ACS curriculum in order to better serve each individual student and to improve the school's offerings.
Eighth grade students will take the EXPLORE exam during the spring semester. The EXPLORE is geared toward preparing students for the PLAN and ACT college entrance program.

CURRICULUM SCHEDULE FOR 2009-2010

GRADE 7:	Requirements: Bible English Math 7 Science 7 P.E. Computer Literacy Texas History	Electives: Band Art Choir Theatre Math Enrichment
GRADE 8	Requirements: Bible English Algebra I or Pre-Algebra Physical Science Computer Literacy U.S. History P.E.	Electives: Band Art Choir Theatre Math Enrichment