Seventh Grade

📘 Dougherty Academy – Seventh Grade Syllabus

Core Academics

Reading & Writing:
Advanced literature studies, critical essays, persuasive and analytical writing, research projects, and creative short stories.
Math:
Pre-algebra and algebra concepts, equations, graphing, geometry, and real-world application problems.
Science:
Life science, cells and genetics, ecosystems, human anatomy, and lab-based projects.
Social Studies:
Medieval history, Renaissance, world geography, and global cultures.

Language & Character Development

Spanish:
Grammar mastery, sentence construction, reading comprehension, and conversational fluency.
ASL (American Sign Language):
Dialogues, expressive storytelling, receptive comprehension, and interpretation skills.
Religion:
Scripture studies, apologetics, Christian virtue, and moral reasoning.
Character Education:
Leadership, integrity, time management, humility, and empathy.

Arts & Music

Art:
Drawing from observation, painting, design theory, and introduction to digital art.
Music:
Sight reading, ensemble coordination, and performance preparation.
Ballet:
Choreography, flexibility, performance artistry, and stage awareness.
Music Theory:
Key signatures, scales, harmony, and introduction to composition.
Piano / Violin / Viola:
Intermediate sight reading, duets, and recital performance.

Physical & Practical Life Skills

Physical Education:
Strength building, teamwork, sports strategy, and endurance.
Golf:
Swing refinement, course management, and tournament etiquette.
Gardening / Homesteading:
Sustainable gardening, composting, and care for the environment.
Cooking:
Nutrition, baking, cultural cuisine, and food science.
Technology:
Word processing, research, slide presentations, coding, and digital citizenship.

Check below for a printable

🗓 Dougherty Academy – Seventh Grade 36-Week School Plan

Quarter 1 (Weeks 1–9): Building Foundations

Reading & Writing: Literary analysis, creative writing, and grammar mastery.
Math: Pre-algebra review, equations, ratios, and real-world problem-solving.
Science: Cells, ecosystems, and lab safety.
Social Studies: Medieval Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and early world geography.
Art: Sketching, shading, and cultural art forms.
Music & Ballet: Rhythm, posture, and ensemble coordination.
Music Theory / Piano / Violin / Viola: Scales, note values, and harmony basics.
Spanish & ASL: Vocabulary review, greetings, and everyday dialogue.
Religion & Character Ed: Responsibility, faith in action, and gratitude.
P.E. & Golf: Flexibility, strength, and form development.
Gardening / Homesteading: Composting, soil care, and sustainability.
Cooking: Kitchen safety, meal prep, and nutrition.
Technology: Digital tools, research, and organization.

Quarter 2 (Weeks 10–18): Expanding Knowledge

Reading & Writing: Persuasive writing, literary essays, and novel studies.
Math: Algebraic reasoning, graphing, and geometry concepts.
Science: Human body systems and genetics projects.
Social Studies: The Renaissance, global trade, and exploration.
Art: Painting and historical art appreciation.
Music & Ballet: Performance technique and musical timing.
Music Theory: Intervals, scales, and composition.
Spanish & ASL: Conversational practice and expressive signing.
Religion: Scripture reflection and virtues in daily life.
Character Ed: Empathy, teamwork, and perseverance.
P.E. & Golf: Endurance and group games.
Gardening / Homesteading: Seasonal crops and garden planning.
Cooking: Baking, measurements, and meal planning.
Technology: Presentation design and introduction to coding.

Quarter 3 (Weeks 19–27): Creativity & Connection

Reading & Writing: Research papers, debates, and poetry.
Math: Algebraic equations, geometry, and data analysis.
Science: Physics and chemistry fundamentals with experiments.
Social Studies: Reformation, Enlightenment, and early global connections.
Art: 3D design, mixed media, and perspective drawing.
Music & Ballet: Ensemble coordination and choreography.
Music Theory / Piano / Violin / Viola: Harmony, rhythm dictation, and performance prep.
Spanish & ASL: Storytelling, expressive dialogue, and cultural projects.
Religion & Character Ed: Service projects and moral reflection.
P.E. & Golf: Skill drills and teamwork exercises.
Gardening / Homesteading: Growth tracking and harvesting.
Cooking: Cultural cuisine and meal execution.
Technology: Multimedia projects and research writing.

Quarter 4 (Weeks 28–36): Mastery & Leadership

Reading & Writing: Speeches, essays, and literary portfolios.
Math: Algebra review, geometry applications, and final assessments.
Science: Environmental science and STEM projects.
Social Studies: Modern world foundations and civics.
Art & Music: Final portfolio and end-of-year performance.
Ballet & Music Theory: Final choreography and sight-reading.
Piano / Violin / Viola: Final recital and ensemble showcase.
Spanish & ASL: Conversation fluency and performance skits.
Religion & Character Ed: Leadership, service reflection, and faith application.
P.E. & Golf: Team tournaments and sportsmanship celebration.
Gardening / Homesteading: Sustainable living projects.
Cooking: End-of-year celebration meal.
Technology: Final digital portfolio and presentation.

End-of-Year Reflection

By Week 36, seventh graders show readiness for upper-level learning — confident, compassionate, and capable of leading with purpose. The Dougherty Academy approach ensures students grow in intellect, creativity, and moral strength.

printable below

🗂️ Dougherty Academy Seventh Grade Portfolio

Reflecting Leadership, Knowledge, and Faith in Action

The seventh-grade portfolio at Dougherty Academy represents a student’s growth into intellectual maturity and moral leadership. It captures the essence of academic rigor, artistic creativity, and faith-driven purpose — a snapshot of readiness for high school and beyond.

📚 Academic Mastery

Students showcase advanced critical thinking and academic discipline. Include:

Reading & Writing: Literary essays, research papers, book analyses, and creative compositions.
Math: Algebra problem sets, geometry projects, and application problems.
Science: Experiment reports, STEM reflections, and environmental projects.
Social Studies: Research papers, maps, and historical timelines.

🎨 The Arts & Expression

Art and music encourage depth of thought and emotional awareness. Include:

Art: Realistic and abstract drawings, painting, digital design, and art reflections.
Music Theory: Composition worksheets, rhythm dictation, and harmony exercises.
Piano / Violin / Viola: Performance logs, practice charts, and recital certificates.
Ballet: Performance photos, choreography reflections, and goal-setting sheets.

🌿 Practical & Life Skills

Seventh graders apply what they’ve learned in meaningful, practical ways. Include:

Gardening / Homesteading: Sustainability reports, photos of seasonal growth, or eco-reflection journals.
Cooking: Recipes, cultural food projects, and nutrition studies.
Technology: Research presentations, multimedia projects, or coding examples.
Religion & Character Education: Personal reflections, service projects, and faith essays.

💬 Languages & Communication

Students refine their ability to communicate in multiple languages. Include:

Spanish: Dialogues, cultural essays, vocabulary work, and translation samples.
ASL: Storytelling reflections, dialogue practice sheets, or expressive signing examples.

🏅 Physical & Character Growth

P.E. & Golf: Fitness tracking, teamwork reflections, and sportsmanship photos.
Character Education: Journals on leadership, kindness, perseverance, and personal faith growth.

💖 End-of-Year Reflection

Conclude the portfolio with:

“What Leadership Means to Me” essay.
“How I Grew in Faith and Wisdom” reflection page.
Certificates, photos, and final teacher comments.

🌟 A Year of Growth and Grace

The seventh-grade portfolio marks the bridge between middle school foundations and high school readiness. It honors every student’s growth — academically, creatively, and spiritually — while reflecting the Dougherty Academy’s mission: to form learners who lead with purpose, integrity, and heart.

📄 Download the printable Seventh Grade Portfolio Checklist below:

Dougherty Academy Seventh Grade Portfolio Checklist Download

Dougherty_Academy_Seventh_Grade_36_Week_Plan Download

Dougherty Academy Seventh Grade Syllabus Download