📘 Dougherty Academy – Eighth Grade Syllabus
Core Academics
- Reading & Writing:
Classic and modern literature studies, persuasive and analytical essays, research reports, and narrative writing. - Math:
Algebra I, geometry, graphing, real-world problem-solving, and preparation for Algebra II. - Science:
Chemistry, physics, and biology overview with lab experiments and STEM integration. - Social Studies:
U.S. history, government, civics, and world geography connections.
Language & Character Development
- Spanish:
Grammar review, writing short essays, conversational fluency, and cultural studies. - ASL (American Sign Language):
Advanced signing, expressive and receptive communication, and interpretation skills. - Religion:
Biblical studies, theology foundations, apologetics, and application to daily life. - Character Education:
Leadership, service, humility, self-discipline, and community involvement.
Arts & Music
- Art:
Realism, portrait drawing, creative expression, and digital art introduction. - Music:
Ensemble development, rhythm mastery, and public performance. - Ballet:
Advanced combinations, artistry, and choreography creation. - Music Theory:
Chord progressions, harmonization, and intermediate composition. - Piano / Violin / Viola:
Ensemble playing, solo recitals, and technical skill refinement.
Physical & Practical Life Skills
- Physical Education:
Endurance, coordination, fitness planning, and team building. - Golf:
Course etiquette, precision, and strategic play. - Gardening / Homesteading:
Sustainable agriculture, ecosystem study, and hands-on stewardship. - Cooking:
Intermediate culinary techniques, nutrition awareness, and meal planning. - Technology:
Word processing, digital media, presentations, and responsible online use.
🗓 Dougherty Academy – Eighth Grade 36-Week School Plan
Quarter 1 (Weeks 1–9): Academic Focus & Leadership
- Reading & Writing: Literary analysis, essay structure, grammar review, and creative narratives.
- Math: Algebra I concepts, equations, and real-world problem-solving.
- Science: Introduction to chemistry and lab safety.
- Social Studies: U.S. history — early America through the Constitution.
- Art: Portrait sketching and creative composition.
- Music & Ballet: Rhythm and movement coordination, ensemble awareness.
- Music Theory / Piano / Violin / Viola: Scales, chords, and practice logs.
- Spanish & ASL: Vocabulary review and daily conversational fluency.
- Religion & Character Ed: Leadership, gratitude, and moral decision-making.
- P.E. & Golf: Coordination, strength training, and swing form.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Compost care and planting basics.
- Cooking: Nutrition and basic culinary skills.
- Technology: Organization, typing proficiency, and digital safety.
Quarter 2 (Weeks 10–18): Exploration & Critical Thinking
- Reading & Writing: Persuasive and analytical essays, research writing.
- Math: Algebra I mastery and geometry introduction.
- Science: Physics — motion, energy, and forces.
- Social Studies: Westward expansion and Civil War studies.
- Art: Painting and design theory.
- Music & Ballet: Recital preparation and ensemble synchronization.
- Music Theory: Rhythm and notation mastery.
- Spanish & ASL: Cultural exploration and communication practice.
- Religion: Old and New Testament reflections.
- Character Ed: Empathy and teamwork.
- P.E. & Golf: Endurance training and teamwork activities.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Crop tracking and sustainability.
- Cooking: Baking techniques and meal planning.
- Technology: Presentation design and digital research.
Quarter 3 (Weeks 19–27): Innovation & Application
- Reading & Writing: Research projects, public speaking, and poetry.
- Math: Algebra II readiness and geometry problem-solving.
- Science: Biology — ecosystems and human body systems.
- Social Studies: Reconstruction, industrialization, and modern U.S. foundations.
- Art: Mixed media and sculpture.
- Music & Ballet: Ensemble performance and creative choreography.
- Music Theory / Piano / Violin / Viola: Harmony, sight-reading, and performance prep.
- Spanish & ASL: Expressive conversation and cultural storytelling.
- Religion & Character Ed: Faith in action through service and reflection.
- P.E. & Golf: Team challenges and strategy games.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Harvest projects and eco-reflection.
- Cooking: Cultural cuisine exploration.
- Technology: Multimedia projects and portfolio design.
Quarter 4 (Weeks 28–36): Mastery & Transition
- Reading & Writing: Literary essays, final research projects, and reflective writing.
- Math: Algebra review and applied problem-solving.
- Science: Integrated STEM project.
- Social Studies: Civics, U.S. government, and modern global studies.
- Art & Music: Portfolio presentation and end-of-year performance.
- Ballet & Music Theory: Recital preparation and music composition.
- Piano / Violin / Viola: Final recitals and performance reflection.
- Spanish & ASL: Conversational fluency and expressive storytelling.
- Religion & Character Ed: Graduation reflection and personal faith statement.
- P.E. & Golf: Sportsmanship celebration and final assessment.
- Gardening / Homesteading: Sustainability reflection and environmental project.
- Cooking: Final meal presentation and family-style event.
- Technology: Digital portfolio and end-of-year presentation.
End-of-Year Reflection
By Week 36, eighth graders emerge as articulate, capable, and faith-grounded learners — prepared for high school with the confidence, curiosity, and compassion nurtured by Dougherty Academy.
printable below
🗂️ Dougherty Academy Eighth Grade Portfolio
A Capstone of Excellence, Faith, and Readiness
The Eighth Grade Portfolio at Dougherty Academy is a celebration of mastery, leadership, and reflection. It captures the academic achievement, artistic expression, and moral maturity that define a student’s readiness to transition into high school.
📚 Academic Mastery
Students demonstrate strong analytical and creative abilities. Include:
- Reading & Writing: Literary essays, research projects, poetry, and creative writing samples.
- Math: Algebra I tests, geometry projects, and real-world problem applications.
- Science: Lab reports, STEM projects, and environmental or biological studies.
- Social Studies: U.S. history research, timelines, maps, and civic reflections.
🎨 The Arts & Expression
Art and performance work showcase personal growth and creativity. Add:
- Art: Portraits, digital art, and mixed-media projects.
- Music Theory: Composition worksheets, harmonic studies, and performance notes.
- Piano / Violin / Viola: Practice logs, recital programs, and ensemble certificates.
- Ballet: Technique reflections, choreography journals, and performance photos.
🌿 Practical & Life Skills
Eighth graders demonstrate independence and responsibility in real-life tasks. Include:
- Gardening / Homesteading: Sustainability reflections, growth photos, and harvest documentation.
- Cooking: Recipes, nutritional projects, and family meal reflections.
- Technology: Digital presentations, research reports, or coding projects.
- Religion & Character Education: Faith essays, service projects, and leadership reflections.
💬 Languages & Communication
Communication mastery across languages:
- Spanish: Cultural essays, short stories, and conversational scripts.
- ASL: Dialogue recordings, expressive storytelling, and visual communication projects.
🏅 Physical & Character Growth
- P.E. & Golf: Fitness records, teamwork reflections, and sportsmanship goals.
- Character Education: Journals of faith, perseverance, and leadership lessons learned.
💖 End-of-Year Reflection
Conclude with:
- “My Journey to High School” essay.
- “Faith and Purpose: What I’ve Learned” reflection.
- Awards, certificates, and photos of memorable moments.
🌟 A Year of Leadership and Legacy
This Eighth Grade Portfolio honors a student’s full journey through Dougherty Academy — combining intellect, artistry, and character. It marks the close of middle school and the opening of a new chapter filled with purpose, confidence, and grace.
📄 Download the printable Eighth Grade Portfolio Checklist below:
Dougherty Academy 