Middle School Program
Minaret Academy’s middle school curriculum consists of 7 core subjects: English/Literature, Math, Science, Social Studies/History, Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, and Qur’anic Studies.
The school curriculum follows the State of California's frameworks, National Educational Standards and uses state-adopted textbooks.
Curriculum
English
Complex anchor texts that challenge students to be critical and analytical thinkers - Students develop skills in inferencing, comparing and contrasting, focusing on main idea, summarizing, and drawing conclusions of text - Writing curriculum focuses on reflection and textual citation - Smart lesson plans that let teachers target the needs of all students - Assessments and digital tools that help track classroom progress
Math
The use of the accelerated program, Big Ideas Math series, allows students to complete the Common Core Standards for grades 6th, 7th, and 8th in just two years
Science
A variety of exciting hands-on approach lab practicals that use all senses to engage students in learning concepts of science - Examples of Middle School Labs: Crystal Formation and Earth Models (6th grade), DNA Extraction and Heart Dissection (7th grade), and Conservation of Mass and Exploring pH Levels (8th grade)
Social Studies/History
Middle Schoolers become student-historians exploring the ancient world, the medieval world, and United States history through the lens of PERSIA (Political, Economic, Religious, Social, Intellectual, and Artistic) - Students are engaged in historical analysis through the major strands of middle school history: (A) Historical Reflection; (B) Critical Thinking; (C) Historical Inquiry; (D) Contemporary Analysis; and (E) Identity Development.
AIQ
Arabic: Curriculum based on World Readiness Standards, designed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
Islamic Studies: Real World applications of Islamic principles such as the ‘Sadaqa/Charity Project’
- Focus on important events on the Islamic calendar such as Ramadan and Hajj
- Students participate in debates and presentations to increase their knowledge and confidence.
- Each student has his/her own Book of Duaa and Book of Hadith - Students attend Friday prayer and middle schoolers learn to prepare and present their own Friday Khutbah, attend Friday story time, and play a fun and interactive Jeopardy Game
Quran: Focus on proper usage of Tajweed Rules, Quran reading and memorizing, and understanding the meaning of the verses of the Quran
- Each student will be provided with their own Quran Booklet with meanings of Quranic Vocabularies
- The goal for each of our students is to finish reciting the entire Quran by Middle School
Middle School Code of Conduct
Student Expectations
Students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct. More importantly, students are expected to maintain their Islamic Identity by displaying the morals and ethics of their faith on a daily basis and at all times. Every student must read the following information thoroughly and follow the guidelines listed. Should any student have a question concerning any of the rules listed in the following pages, he/she should immediately contact the Homeroom Teacher for a complete explanation. “I did not know what that rule meant” is not an excuse for breaking any rule.
All students must:
● Exhibit exemplary Islamic conduct and behavior.
● Arrive on time and attend school daily (morning arrival time 7:45 am – 7:55am).
● Dress in clean school uniform.
● Use computers and the internet for official school activities only (Minaret Technology Agreement Form – must be completed and turned in to your homeroom teacher by the end of the second week in September).
● Only bring items to school required for instructional and/or school sponsored extracurricular activities.
● Be honest in all dealings with other students and school personnel.
● Show respect toward others.
● Conduct oneself in a responsible manner.
● Comply with reasonable requests from teachers and school administration. Allow school officials to conduct a reasonable search of backpacks and lockers.
● Cooperate with staff members in the investigation of disciplinary matters.
● Use acceptable language in the spoken and written word.
● Participate appropriately in class such that instruction will not be disrupted.
● Treat school property with respect .
● Refrain from hitting, kicking, spitting, shoving, fighting, assaulting, or threatening anyone.
● Refrain from bullying and/or harassing anyone.
● Lockers are a privilege – they must be kept organized and clean at all times.
● All field trips are a privilege and are earned with consistent academic performance and strong Islamic behavior and conduct
● Follow the all rules, guidelines, and policies during field trips
See Complete code of conduct on pages 42-46 of our Parent Handbook.