Grades 7–9 Center for Integrated Studies (CIS)

News

January 31, 2012

Academic Awards 3rd Six Weeks 2011/2012 Academic Year
December 06, 2011

2011-2012 Academic Awards for the Second Six Week Marking Period
November 04, 2011

Going Green Smells Funny
More News

Events

February 09, 2012

4th Six Weeks Interim
February 10, 2012

Closed Weekend (All cadets must remain on campus)
February 17, 2012

Open Weekend (Weekend passes are granted)
More Events

Academic Focus for Grades 7-9

Motivated, enthusiastic students interested in learning are the focus for Hargrave’s Center for Integrated Studies (CIS). By incorporating the learning styles and academic needs of seventh, eighth and ninth grades, the program takes full advantage of a boys boarding school environment and allows students to increase their learning skills, grow in their areas of interest, while equipping them with the fundamentals necessary to succeed in high school.

Academic Program

The CIS classroom experience is a combination of single- and team-teaching in the academic fundamentals of Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. This maximizes the student’s classroom experience by providing access to instructors with the greatest expertise in their field of study. The core subjects are presented in a thematic approach, which not only taps into student interests, but allows students to see the value of learning about each subject. Additional elective subjects in the areas of art, music, foreign language and character development are also a part of the student’s schedule.

In Hargrave's boys boarding school environment, the classroom experience includes working with fellow students in team work projects and hands-on applications. The entire process is further enhanced with the incorporation of technology via the Technology Lab, which not only teaches students critical computer skills, but also provides students the opportunity to work independently and at their own pace.

Success in the classroom is dependent upon the student’s ability to have strong study and time management skills, and resources readily available to assist them in their academic efforts. Structure plays a major role in this process at Hargrave. Procedures are in place to guarantee that students clearly understand the expectations and responsibilities associated with their academic career. Plus the daily schedule is designed to provide them necessary study time and faculty assistance when required.

The classroom student-to-teacher ratio in the CIS is 11:1, which maximizes instructor contact, individual attention and participation level each student experiences in a boys boarding school environment.

Success begins with all new incoming students completing the “How to Study Course.” Study Hall is held five evenings a week from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., providing students adequate time to complete their homework. When students face challenges in their studies, they have access to Hargrave’s Learning Center. This facility provides individual instruction to students and allows them to overcome the challenges they are facing before returning to the classroom.

This all boys boarding school enables students in the Center for the Integrated Studies the opportunity to participate in the optional five-day boarding program. This allows the freedom of open weekends for all but four weekends throughout the school year. Students in the CIS have the option of leaving campus or staying to participate in weekend activities.

Educational Philosophy

The CIS provides 7th, 8th and 9th grade young men with a structured learning environment and a curriculum that is focused on mastering basic skills and providing learning experiences that foster the development of higher levels of critical thinking, reasoning, and expression. Learning centers around differentiated programs based on how boys in the 21st Century learn. The curriculum encompasses integrated studies within Language Arts, Social Studies, and the Sciences tied together through theme-based instruction and that incorporating collaborative processes, the integration of technology, and hands-on experiential learning.

Academic development is balanced with opportunities that promote physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual maturation. After the completion of this three-year program, each individual will have mastered academic principles and will have been provided with specific tools to set him on a course of success through the remainder of his academic career and into the rest of his life.