Curriculum
Fifth-grade ELA lays the foundation for success in middle school language arts. Students will expand their vocabulary and develop strategies for decoding unfamiliar words in context. We aim for our students to read with accuracy and fluency, which supports strong comprehension and meaningful discussions. Throughout the year, students will engage in novel studies that incorporate Socratic Seminars, helping them think critically, cite evidence, and respectfully discuss ideas with their peers. They will also receive explicit grammar instruction to strengthen their writing skills and apply those conventions across various genres. Using the full writing process—pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing—students will learn to produce clear, coherent narrative, informational, and persuasive pieces that are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Sixth-grade ELA builds upon the foundational skills developed in fifth grade. Students will learn to cite textual evidence to support their interpretations and inferences, strengthening their critical reading skills. We will deepen reading comprehension by exploring themes and central ideas, analyzing literary elements, and examining how these elements contribute to a text’s meaning. Throughout the year, students will engage in novel studies, culminating in student-chosen projects that showcase their understanding in creative and meaningful ways. In writing, students will craft five-paragraph persuasive essays that feature clear central arguments and topic sentences rooted in textual evidence. They will also write narrative essays that develop real or imagined experiences using effective storytelling techniques, vivid descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences. Additionally, students will receive explicit grammar instruction to support clarity and correctness in both their writing and speaking.
Grade 7 English Language Arts at Pioneer Academy is a dynamic course designed for students ready to deepen their appreciation of literature, strengthen analytical thinking, and enhance written and verbal communication skills. Using McGraw-Hill’s StudySync PLUS curriculum, students engage with a diverse range of texts and genres, encouraging critical thought about the world and human experience. Through reading, discussion, and writing, students explore complex themes and perspectives.
The year includes three in-depth novel studies. Students journey through The Hobbit, examining themes of adventure and growth; analyze the allegorical and political layers of Animal Farm; and close the year with The Outsiders, a student favorite that explores identity and belonging. These core texts are supplemented by shorter fiction and nonfiction readings from StudySync, which expose students to a diverse range of voices and styles.
Writing instruction focuses on narrative and argumentative pieces. Students learn to craft compelling stories and persuasive essays using evidence, structure, and voice. Emphasis is placed on clarity and coherence, helping students express ideas effectively across genres.
Grammar instruction is integrated throughout the course via focused mini-lessons and assessments. These reinforce sentence structure, usage, and style, promoting accuracy and fluency in both writing and speech.
Students also strengthen their vocabulary, practice close reading strategies, and participate in collaborative discussions and projects. They are expected to think critically, communicate clearly, and respond thoughtfully to literature. By the end of the year, students are well-prepared for high school ELA and equipped with the literacy skills necessary for academic success and meaningful engagement with the world around them.
Grade 8 English Language Arts at Pioneer Academy is designed for motivated students ready to engage deeply with literature, refine analytical thinking, and elevate their communication skills. Using McGraw-Hill’s StudySync PLUS as our core curriculum, students explore a diverse selection of texts and participate in meaningful discussions that encourage critical inquiry and global awareness. The course features three in-depth novel and play studies: Lord of the Flies by William Golding, where students examine human nature and societal structures; The Diary of Anne Frank (a play), which offers powerful insights into history, identity, and resilience; and The Giver by Lois Lowry, a thought-provoking look into a dystopian society and the cost of conformity. These anchor texts are supported by a range of shorter readings that expose students to varied genres, cultures, and authorial voices.
In writing, students complete multiple intensive units that focus on argumentative, narrative, and analytical forms. Through structured lessons and individualized feedback, students learn to craft persuasive essays and compelling stories with clarity, coherence, and sophistication. Grammar instruction is integrated throughout the year with targeted mini-lessons and assessments that reinforce sentence structure, usage, and writing mechanics to support precision in both written and spoken language.
Vocabulary development, close reading strategies, and collaborative activities are key components of the course, enabling students to expand their comprehension and apply critical thinking across texts. Regular discussions and peer interactions help build confidence in public speaking and active listening. By the end of the year, students will have developed the literary insight, expressive fluency, and academic discipline needed to excel in high school ELA and beyond.