Eighth
grade
Finding out that the “end” is really the start of new beginnings—hanging on while preparing to part ways.
Disbelief sets in early for eighth graders that high school is around the corner. Their school friends will take a different place in their lives, all too soon. Choices must be made and challenges faced directly about enrollment in strong and advanced programs at the high school level. Regular feedback from Laurelcrest alumnae, as well as research, show that girls who have attended single gender schools, especially in middle school, do not hesitate to reaise their hands in class or accept leadership roles. They are used to being heard and to being high achievers. Laurelcrest hosts speakers from several schools, takes students to high school recruitment fairs, and brings parents and students together to understand how to make the right match of student and school. Standardized testing is done early so scores are ready in January and February; applications are prepared; letters of recommendation are carefully crafted to reflect the unique talents of each girl. In this context, coursework continues steadily with the study of American history based on the ideas and ideals of the eighteenth century. Students begin to prepare scientific experiments and projects early in September with guidance from the science teacher to add to their portfolios for high school admission. The science curriculum continues to be rigorous and covers physical, biological, and environmental topics. They engage in data gathering, for example, for the LA River Project. They prepare to be informed citizens of an increasingly larger community. Issues on the world stage are discussed and researched in history, English, and Literature. They are reading classic literature and exploring exemplary authors of many genres. A reading of A Tale of Two Cities may complement the history class, while poetry and books by Maya Angelou propel them into thinking about their own society as well as their own feelings and experiences. Math continues to be structured for advanced placement through algebra and, for some, geometry. The comprehensive arts program complements all phases of the curriculum. They are speaking, reading, and writing at an intermediate level in Spanish. There are papers to write and gym classes to attend. All too soon, they are planning for graduation and waiting for those precious letters that announce where they will attend high school. They are competent, motivated, just a little scared, and very proud, along with parents and teachers, of the successful educational journey they have completed.