The Trivium Logic and Dialect Stage
Grades 6-8: Developing Critical Thinking Skills
As children grow, they begin to analyze and think more deeply. At this stage, we encourage logical reasoning, debate, and meaningful discussions.
Formal Logic & Debate
Children learn to spot weak arguments, build strong reasoning skills, and engage in structured debates to develop confidence in expressing their ideas.Great Books Approach
Instead of relying on standard textbooks, students read and analyze great works from history, literature, and philosophy, such as Shakespeare and the Founding Documents.Discussion-Based Learning
Instead of lectures, we use Socratic Seminars where students ask questions, discuss ideas, and lead conversations to sharpen their critical thinking skills.Math with Logical Thinking
We emphasize understanding math concepts deeply through problem-solving, geometry, and algebra.
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Middle school students continue with themed Readers alongside a growing list of full novels, plays, and choice reading in both fiction and nonfiction.
| Title | Category | Author |
|---|---|---|
| 6th Grade | ||
| Short Stories | Reader | Various authors |
| The Heritage of Ancient Greece and Rome (I) | Reader | JCA Curriculum Unit |
| The Blessings of Liberty (I) | Reader | JCA Curriculum Unit |
| Poetry | Reader (Poetry) | Various authors |
| The Iliad, the Odyssey, and Other Greek Stories | Reader | Homer (attrib.); Traditional |
| The Tragedy of Julius Caesar (abridged) | Literature | William Shakespeare |
| Choice Reading — Fiction | Literature | Student’s choice |
| Choice Reading — Nonfiction | Literature | Student’s choice |
| 7th Grade | ||
| Short Stories | Reader | Various authors |
| The Genius of the Harlem Renaissance, Vol. 1 (I) | Reader | Various authors |
| Poetry | Reader (Poetry) | Various authors |
| Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (abridged) | Literature | Robert Louis Stevenson |
| The Time Machine | Literature | H. G. Wells |
| The Tempest (abridged) | Literature | William Shakespeare |
| Choice Reading — Fiction | Literature | Student’s choice |
| Choice Reading — Nonfiction | Literature | Student’s choice |
| 8th Grade | ||
| Short Stories | Reader | Various authors |
| The Genius of the Harlem Renaissance, Vol. 2 (I) | Reader | Various authors |
| Poetry | Reader (Poetry) | Various authors |
| Frankenstein | Literature | Mary Shelley |
| Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave | Literature (memoir) | Frederick Douglass |
| The Importance of Being Earnest | Literature | Oscar Wilde |
| Choice Reading — Fiction | Literature | Student’s choice |
| Choice Reading — Nonfiction | Literature | Student’s choice |
6-8 Student Day Summary
- Student Instructional Time (excluding breaks and lunch)
- 5 hours 25 minutes (325 minutes)
- Total Student Day (including breaks and lunch)
- 7 hours (420 minutes)
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