ELA-810Required
English Language Arts 8
Eighth graders read challenging texts closely and write with growing independence and purpose.
Grade 8 · Year
Grade 8
Leadership and Capstone
Eighth graders take on complex texts and ideas, lead in clubs and seminar, and complete a capstone that they present to a exhibition audience.
What students learn
- Read complex texts and craft rhetoric and research-based arguments.
- Study linear relationships and functions — or take Algebra I.
- Investigate physical science: forces, energy, waves, chemistry, engineering.
- Trace United States history with Missouri connections.
- Lead through electives, ensembles, robotics, and a STEM capstone.
Required courses
MAT-810Required
Mathematics 8
Eighth graders connect algebra and geometry as they get ready for high-school mathematics.
Grade 8 · Year
SCI-810Required
Physical Science 8
Eighth graders explore matter, energy, forces, and motion through experiments and engineering challenges.
Grade 8 · Year
SS-810Required
United States History and Missouri Connections
Eighth graders study United States history with ties to the Missouri lake region.
Grade 8 · Year
HPE-811Required
Physical Education and Personal Fitness 8
A capstone movement class that helps eighth graders design fitness routines they can carry into high school.
Grade 8 · Semester
HPE-812Required
Health and Decision-Making 8
A practical course that helps eighth graders make confident, healthy choices as they prepare for high school.
Grade 8 · Semester
ADV-810Required
Harbor Seminar 8
A capstone advisory that helps eighth graders lead with confidence and prepare for high school.
Grade 8 · Year
Elective & optional courses
ELA-815Elective
Debate and Public Speaking
A semester course that helps students speak up, think on their feet, and listen with respect.
Grade 8 · Semester
MAT-815Elective
Algebra I
A high-school-level algebra course for eighth graders ready to dive deeper into mathematics.
Grade 8 · Year
SCI-815Elective
Environmental Field Studies
A hands-on semester course where students study the environment through observation and fieldwork.
Grade 8 · Semester
BUS-810Elective
Personal Finance and Entrepreneurship
A semester course where students learn money basics and dream up their own business ideas.
Grade 8 · Semester
WLG-810Elective
Spanish I
A full-year first course in Spanish where students begin to speak, read, and write the language.
Grade 8 · Year
ART-810Elective
Art Studio
An eighth-grade studio where artists work on bigger projects and begin to develop a personal style.
Grade 8 · Semester
MUS-810Elective
Advanced Band
The top band ensemble, where experienced players take on challenging music and polish their performance skills.
Grade 8 · Year
MUS-811Elective
Choir 8
The top middle-school choir, where singers polish harmony, blend, and expressive performance.
Grade 8 · Year
MUS-812Elective
Strings 8
The top string orchestra, where players take on advanced repertoire and refine their technique.
Grade 8 · Year
THE-810Elective
Theatre Production
A hands-on semester where students rehearse and stage a class production from script to opening night.
Grade 8 · Semester
MED-810Elective
Yearbook and Publication Design
A year-long workshop where students design, photograph, and produce the school yearbook as a team.
Grade 8 · Year
TEC-810Elective
Robotics and Automation
An exciting elective where students build and program robots to complete real challenges.
Grade 8 · Semester
TEC-811Elective
Web and Media Design
A creative elective where students design web pages and digital media that communicate their ideas.
Grade 8 · Semester
STEM-810Elective
STEM Capstone
A culminating project course where eighth graders tackle a meaningful challenge using everything they have learned.
Grade 8 · Semester
SUP-801Elective
Reading Workshop 8
A practical class that helps eighth graders read confidently and prepare for high-school texts.
Grade 8 · Year
SUP-810Elective
Mathematics Workshop 8
A practical class that helps eighth graders strengthen math skills and prepare for high school.
Grade 8 · Year
SUP-620Elective
English Language Development
A welcoming class that helps multilingual students grow their English while celebrating the languages they already speak.
Grades 6–8 · Year
SUP-630Elective
Academic Strategies
A practical class that helps students build study habits, organization, and self-advocacy skills.
Grades 6–8 · Year
SUP-640Elective
Gifted Seminar
An enrichment seminar where curious students take on deep, creative challenges and lead their own learning.
Grades 6–8 · Year
SUP-650Elective
Adapted Physical Education
A supportive movement class where every student can build fitness and have fun at their own pace.
Grades 6–8 · Semester
SUP-660Elective
Learning Lab
A flexible support class that gives students focused time and guidance to succeed in their other courses.
Grades 6–8 · Year
A typical day
| Time | Block |
|---|---|
| 7:45–8:05 | Arrival and breakfast |
| 8:10–8:35 | Harbor Seminar advisory |
| 8:40–9:30 | Period 1 |
| 9:35–10:25 | Period 2 |
| 10:30–11:20 | Period 3 |
| 11:25–12:45 | Period 4 and staggered lunch |
| 12:50–1:40 | Period 5 |
| 1:45–2:35 | Period 6 |
| 2:40–3:30 | Period 7 |
| 3:30 | Dismissal |
Signature project: Harbor Capstone
Students complete a research-and-design project, publish a portfolio, and present to a exhibition audience.
Support & extension
Harbor Seminar 8 centers on leadership and the transition to high school, with continued workshop support as needed.
Grade-level FAQ
Does Algebra I count for high-school credit?
Algebra I is offered as an advanced middle-school pathway that prepares students for high school mathematics. Whether it counts toward high school credit is determined by the high school upon enrollment.
What is the Harbor Capstone?
It is a culminating project where eighth graders research, design, and present their learning before moving on.