Upper School (5th - 8th grades)
For the 2009-2010 school year, 5th through 7th grade will be combined as a three grade grouping. These students continue their journey to becoming life-long mathematical thinkers through rigorous, authentic problem solving using Everyday Mathematics and the higher level Transition Mathematics and Algebra programs. Upper school students delve deeper into novel studies by reading books from a variety of genres and discussing writing styles, character development, and literary themes. Step Up to Writing helps guide students in the creative writing and editing process and introduces them to research papers, scientific writing, and journalism. Fifth through 7th graders study US and world history, geography and land use, and explore the physical and natural sciences through hands-on projects. This allows them to answer questions they may have about their world, collaborate with classmates, problem solve, and perform various types of field work to gather, analyze and present data.
Upper school students take a week-long field trip each school year that compliments one or more of their in-depth projects. This academic trip allows students to further investigate themes explored in the classroom by being immersed in the cultural and natural environments studied. Interpersonal skills and leadership are also emphasized through a series team building activities and group situations.
TVCS will be adding eighth grade for the 2010-2011 school year, which will be combined with 7th grade. Fifth and 6th grade will continue as a separate combined grade class.