Academics Courses

Middle School

Why the Academy for Middle School?

The educational program at The Academy emphasizes science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) skills in every subject. Even ELA. By viewing academics through the lens of aerospace, we create challenging projects, hands-on activities, and collaborative learning experiences to engage student interest and maximize learning potential.

Explore below to see what your child will be learning this year.

View Course Handbook

English (ELA)

Our Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) program develops critical literacy skills to equip students to become confident communicators for high school and beyond. We use STEAM-Integrated Literacy, a writing process that is taught using the “creating process” of STEAM — plan, build, test, revise. Students connect storytelling with scientific thinking, using writing to reflect on aerospace themes, civic issues, and real-world problem solving. They also use Project-Based Learning and Future-Ready Preparation.

6th grade English or 6th grade English Honors

Students refine their reading, writing, speaking, and research skills. They explore novels, poetry, nonfiction, biographies, and plays. Students also learn literary analysis and structured writing in various genres, including personal narratives, argumentative pieces, and research projects. Core writing skills are developed through essay writing, narrative development, and response to literature. In Honors English, students explore these topics in greater depth.

The Academy Difference: we incorporate STEM through novel tie-ins like designing a paper airplane to complement Hatchet. Students participate in cross-curricular projects such as writing Egyptian newspapers, creating Ancient China haikus, debating Spartan versus Athenian life, and composing Greek myths to support both creativity and historical literacy.

7th grade English or 7th grade English honors

Students build on core literacy foundations, focusing on deeper analysis of fiction and nonfiction texts, development of argumentative and analytical writing and enhanced verbal communication. In 7th grade English honors, students explore greater depth in reading and writing, engaging with complex text and tackle accelerated assignments with critical thinking.

The Academy Difference: we integrate content from STEM classes into writing and presentations. Cross-curricular projects like fictional society design are enhanced by deeper research expectations, peer collaboration, and public speaking components.

8th grade English or 8th grade English honors

Students prepare for high school by engaging with complex literature and developing advanced writing skills, exploring analytical essays, screenwriting, and research writing, as well as the interpretation of literature through various media. Honors English offers students a high-level course where they examine literary themes through writing, film, and artistic media and participate in debates and oral presentations and explore rigorous literacy analysis and interdisciplinary projects.

The Academy Difference: we reflect on STEM news and media, such as astronaut José Hernández’s journey, and integrate these insights into class discussions and writing. Projects include pitching a modern film adaptation of a novel, complete with casting, poster design, and persuasive presentations to the class.

Social Sciences

In middle school, our social science courses help students become historians, global thinkers, and informed citizens. Each course combines rich historical content with analytical skill development, all supported by hands-on, inquiry-driven learning. Students bring history to life through hands-on STEAM projects, whether they’re engineering a boulder mover to understand pyramid construction, simulating Roman aqueducts, or tracing the impact of inventions through America’s Industrial age. 

History 6

Students study ancient civilizations, journeying through the ancient world from Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. They also explore Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome. Each unit dives into the geography, culture, governance, and innovations of these civilizations. Students examine the beliefs of the Egyptians, the philosophies of Confucius, the myths and governments of Greece, and the rise and legacy of the Roman Empire.

The Academy Difference: students will utilize technological resources to research, present, and analyze historical figures, documents, and writing.

World History 7 or History 7 Honors

In 7th-grade history, students explore global history through the medieval and early modern periods, focusing on empires, religions, trade routes, and revolutions. Students investigate patterns of cultural exchange and historical impact through thematic case studies, exploring topics from the rise of Christianity and Islamic civilizations to the Age of Exploration. In the honors track, students take on deeper historical analysis, writing, and research tasks to prepare for high school AP courses.

The Academy Difference: our students will utilize technological resources to research, present, and analyze historical figures, documents, and writing.

U.S. History 8 or U.S. History 8 Honors

Eighth-grade students explore America’s story from early colonization through World War I, with a specific focus on the foundations of government, social movements, economic shifts, and technological change. The honors course incorporates South Carolina history and adds greater rigor in writing and historical thinking. Students use primary sources, evaluate multiple perspectives, and explore how America’s past connects to the present.

The Academy Difference: our students utilize technological resources to research, present, and analyze historical figures, documents, and writing.

Mathematics

Mathematics at The Academy is more than numbers; students will think critically, solve problems creatively, and connect mathematical concepts to real-world challenges. With a progression from foundational skills to advanced concepts, students build confidence and mastery in algebra, geometry, and data analysis. We then incorporate relevant, real-world, hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and learn the importance of math in all aspects of the world today.

Math 6

Students explore essential math concepts including ratios, percentages, arithmetic operations, geometry, expressions and equations, and statistics. They learn to represent functions using numbers, equations, tables, and graphs while communicating their thinking clearly through both written and verbal explanations.

The Academy Difference: students experience math in action through integrated STEM projects like designing a candy box to specific dimensions, applying skills in volume, surface area, and multiplication of fractions. Project-Based Learning fosters collaboration, communication, and leadership as students complete multiple hands-on projects connecting math to real life and technology.

Math 7 or Math 7 Honors

In 7th grade math, students deepen their understanding of proportional relationships, rational number operations, expressions, linear equations, and geometry. Students also apply their learning to real-world problems involving surface area, volume, and data interpretation. In Honors Math, accelerated students dive into both 7th and 8th grade standards in a compact, rigorous format with foundational algebraic thinking in addition to the topics covered in Math 7.

The Academy Difference: we apply concepts through engaging, real-world projects like creating scaled models and analyzing geometric constructions. Projects promote cross-curricular connections and 21st-century skills, including presentation, collaboration, and digital literacy. In honors Math 7, students tackle more advanced real-world applications and data modeling challenges. They explore geometric similarity, surface area, and distance using collaborative projects that develop problem-solving and analytical thinking at a higher level.

Math 8 or Algebra 1

Students engage in deeper exploration of algebra and geometry, including writing and solving equations, modeling data, functions, and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. The course builds a strong foundation for high school-level math. The honors course blends 8th-grade and Algebra 1 standards, developing high school-level algebraic fluency.

The Academy Difference: we use math as a tool for innovation, exploring real-world systems through hands-on modeling, simulations, and group problem-solving. Projects reinforce both academic rigor and applied creativity, preparing students for advanced STEM pathways.

Sciences

TPAA's middle school science program equips students with the tools, habits, and confidence to investigate the world and shape what comes next. Students engage in Integrated Science, exploring core scientific disciplines through inquiry, modeling, and hands-on learning including Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Engineering/Technology. The Academy’s science curriculum is grounded in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), emphasizing crosscutting concepts and science and engineering practices that foster critical thinking and real-world problem-solving.

Science 6

Students explore the four major scientific domains: Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Engineering/Technology, while building foundational skills in modeling, experimentation, and scientific explanation. Course topics include cells and body systems, heredity, environmental factors in organism growth, Earth’s systems and climate, energy transfer, and engineering design.
 
The Academy Difference: we begin applying scientific thinking to the world around them, investigating real-world phenomena through labs, projects, and model-based reasoning. Students also develop test models, construct explanations from evidence, and tackle engineering design challenges.

Science 7 or Science 7 Honors

Science 7 builds on the foundational skills from 6th grade diving deeper into ecosystems, the rock cycle, chemical reactions, and natural disasters, developing models and explanations for matter interactions, and Earth processes.

The Academy Difference: in honors science, students build on core science concepts with accelerated NGSS Science and Engineering Practices, using modeling, analysis, and evidence-based reasoning.

Science 8 or science 8 honors

Students study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics both as individual disciplines and in connection with one another.  From cell biology to ecosystems, from motion to energy and chemical reactions, students explore how science explains the natural world. In honors science, students explore complex physical, life, and earth science concepts at an accelerated pace.

The Academy Difference: we leverage mathematical modeling and data analysis to explore scientific questions with depth and precision. They also tackle interdisciplinary challenges and design experiments that reflect real-world scientific practices.

Frequently Asked Questions 

If you have additional questions, please contact our high school staff at middleschool@tpaa.edu.

Yes. We offer honors and Pre Advance Placement tracks in core subjects for students ready for additional challenges. To learn more about the courses check out the course handbook on the Student Documents Page.

In addition to core subjects, TPAA middle school students take part in STEAM electives like Gateway to Technology (GTT), and aerospace design. Programs like AVID and student leadership are also offered to support enrichment and future readiness.

Visit our PLTW or Programs & Electives Page to learn more.

Yes. All TPAA middle school students take a STEM elective every year as part of our commitment to building strong foundations in design, engineering, and technology. To learn more about how we encourage middle school students to design, create and explore visit our Middle School STEAM page.

To graduate from The Palmdale Aerospace Academy, students must complete all required coursework in alignment with California’s A–G college entrance requirements, and TPAA-specific requirements, including STEAM electives as well as pass all state and federally mandated assessments. 

To learn more about graduation planning, meet with your counselor or check out the Course Handbook in the Student Documents Page to explore a breakdown of A-G requirements.

TPAA offers academic intervention and support services to help students stay on future-forward. If you have concerns, reach out to our middle school counselors or your student’s teacher to explore available support. For more information on academic counseling at The Academy visit our Middle School Counseling Page.