Rapid City Christian School’s Mission Statement:
Our mission is to equip children of Christian families with a sound liberal arts education framed within a Biblical understanding of God and His creation and to help nurture them in an active commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Middle School Curriculum
Classes meet five days/week for the whole year, unless otherwise indicated.
Biblical Studies
Answers in Genesis Bible curriculum brings the Bible to life and addresses the real-life issues that confront Christians today. Teachers and students alike will get a thorough understanding of the teachings and relevance of Scripture. All ages are equipped to defend their faith, becoming conformed to the image of Christ, as they learn to apply God’s Word in their everyday lives.
Bible 6 – Creation to Conquest (Year 1 using Answers in Genesis) – Genesis through Joshua
This course presents the Gospel, beginning in Genesis, to all generations; to train believers to know, obey, and defend God’s Word; and to encourage believers to become conformed to the image of Christ. 6th graders will study the Bible from creation through the conquest of Canaan. Students will begin with the days of creation, the purpose for mankind, man’s sinful nature, and the Noahic flood and resulting ice age. They will also study the Abrahamic Covenant as they follow God’s chosen people to the Promised Land. The 6th grade year wraps up with the entrance and conquest of Canaan. Students will experience God’s Word on a personal level through daily Bible reading, weekly Scripture memorization, and in-class discussions and activities. Students will also take notes in Chapel each week. This Bible course is designed to instill in each student a biblical worldview, a desire to learn and grow in the Christian faith, and a firm foundation of the inerrant truths of God’s Word.
*Scripture reading requirement: Genesis through Joshua; Job
Bible 7 – Judges to Jesus (Year 2 using Answers in Genesis) – Joshua through the ministry of Jesus
This course is a continuance of the 6th grade curriculum and picks up in Judges after the entry of the Israelites into Canaan. The course material covers Judges through Jesus. Units of study include: a look at the major leaders God used to further His plan for His people, the struggles of the sin cycle in Israel as the country searched for godly leadership and kings, the prophets and their warnings of judgment and promise of the coming Messiah, the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, and finally an overview of the Gospels and the incarnation and life of Jesus. Over the course of the year, students will also spend time enjoying excerpts from Psalms and Proverbs as they fit into the individual units of study. Students will experience God’s Word on a personal level through daily Bible reading, weekly Scripture memorization, and in-class discussions and activities. Students will also take notes in Chapel each week. This Bible course is designed to instill in each student a biblical worldview, a desire to learn and grow in the Christian faith, and a deeper understanding of the incredible need for a Savior in a sinful world.
*Scripture reading requirement: Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Lamentations, Daniel, Jonah, Micah, Matthew, Mark
Bible 8 – Christ to Consummation (Year 3 using Answers in Genesis) –
Welcome to 8th Grade Bible! 8th graders will complete the third and final year of the Answers in Genesis curriculum, which covers Christ’s earthly ministry, His training of the disciples, Paul’s missionary journeys, and the responsibility we have as Christians as we await the return of our Savior. This course brings the gospel to life and encourages students to be “all in” for Christ. Students will experience God’s Word on a personal level through daily Bible reading, weekly Scripture memorization, unit quizzes and tests, and several projects per semester. Students will also memorize the order of the 66 books of the Bible, their divisions, and all of the authors. As their final project, students will create an overview of the entire Bible using verses to “retell the story.” This Bible course is designed to instill in each student a biblical worldview, a desire to learn and grow in the Christian faith, and a firm foundation of the inerrant truths of God’s Word.
Scripture Reading Requirement: Luke, John, Acts, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1&2 Timothy, Hebrews, James, select passages from Revelation
English Language Arts
English 6 is the introductory year of a three-year middle school curriculum designed to give students the foundation in English grammar, usage, mechanics, and vocabulary necessary for success in high school. The class has four elements woven into the course: grammar, writing, vocabulary, and literature. Using Teaching Writing: Structure and Style by the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), Fix It! Grammar by IEW, Wordly Wise 3000 published by Educators Publishing Service, and As Full as the World by BJU Press along with other resources, this course presents an overview of the fundamentals of standard English. Woven into this course is a Christian world view that affects both the “why” and the “how” of the study of English.
English 7 is the second year of a three-year middle school curriculum designed to give students the foundation in English grammar, usage, mechanics, and vocabulary necessary for success in high school. Using Teaching Writing: Structure and Style by the Institute for Excellence in Writing, Fix It! Grammar by IEW, Wordly Wise 3000 published by Educators Publishing Service, and Explorations in Literature by BJU Press along with supporting worksheets and other materials, this course presents an overview of the fundamentals of standard English. Woven into this course is a Christian world view that affects both the “why” and the “how” of the study of English.
English 8 is the third year of a three-year middle school curriculum designed to give students the foundation in reading and responding to literature; writing essays, narratives, and persuasion; applying proper English grammar, usage, mechanics; and building vocabulary necessary for success in high school. Curriculum resources for this course include the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, Wordly Wise 3000 published by Educators Publishing Service, Fix It! Grammar, and Excursions in Literature by BJU Press along with other supporting and supplemental materials, this course reviews and reinforces the fundamentals of standard English. Repeated in this course is a Christian world view and how it relates to the study of English.
Mathematics
Math I covers math concepts such as the order of operations; geometry and measurement; integers; divisibility concepts; ratios; statistics and probability; prime and composite numbers; patterns and sequences; and powers and roots. Students will specifically learn about making a multiplication table, adding/subtracting fractions with a common denominator, multiplying by multiples of 10 and 100, perimeter, simple probability, decimal parts of a meter, reciprocals, volume, square roots, graphing points on a coordinate plane, and more. Principles from the Bible are integrated throughout the book, emphasizing that math is an important tool for making wise use of God’s creation. To be successful in this class and math classes that follow, students need to have a quick memory recall of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts.
Math II covers such skills as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, including all of these with whole numbers as well as with fractions and decimals; plane figure geometry; perimeter and area; expressions and equations; volume; proportions; ratios; and percent. A series of Christian Worldview Shaping exercises are included that contain real-life problems and are designed to show that math is a powerful tool for exercising dominion in the earth. To be successful in this math class and math classes that follow, students need to have a quick memory recall of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.
Math III covers such math concepts as: whole numbers, decimals, integers, properties of addition and multiplication, algebraic expressions, fractions, equations and inequalities, ratios and proportions, percent, an introduction to geometry, area and volume, and an introduction to probability and statistics. The applications of math to real life are presented and problem-solving skills are emphasized. Throughout the text, a biblical worldview is emphasized when interpreting data and making related decisions. To be successful in this class and math classes that follow, students need to have a quick memory recall of the basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.
Pre-Algebra is a very complete pre-algebra course. Students will be well prepared for Algebra I. Specific topics include operations with integers, order of operations, simplifying algebraic expressions, evaluating algebraic expressions, solving algebraic equations, solving algebraic inequalities, arithmetic sequences, geometric sequences, proportions, scientific notation, percent application problems, graphing on the coordinate plane, graphing linear functions, linear function application problems, probability, statistics, permutations, combinations, radicals, perimeter, area, and volume.
Social Studies
Ancient History (grade 6) engages students to think like Christian historians with the awareness that the field of historians is an open pathway. The course covers ancient civilizations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas in addition to building skills in reading and interpreting maps and charts. Students will focus on the theme of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and they will learn to recognize it in ancient civilizations.
World Studies (grade 7) provides a chronological narrative of world history that reveals the hand of God at work in the nations. The class begins where Ancient History (6th grade) left off and continues through history until World War I. Topics covered include: the Middle Ages, renaissance and reformation, transformations and political turmoil in Europe, industrial and social revolutions, reforms in western culture, colonialism and imperialism, and World War I.
US History (grade 8) contains several units of study in early US History with an emphasis on understanding the setting geographically, politically, economically and spiritually for the founding of the United States. Topics covered include: the Age of Exploration and the discovery of the New World, the Colonial Era including European establishment of the colonies and eventual British control, the growing divide between the colonies and England, the American Revolution and the establishment of the new American government, the Era of Good Feeling and Jacksonian America, Westward Expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny, and the growing tension in between the northern and southern states.
Science
Science 6 is designed to help students develop knowledge of God by understanding that He is the Creator and sustainer of the universe. Christian growth will be encouraged by the orderly approach to problem solving. Topics covered during this class include, but are not limited to: Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Weathering and Erosion, Natural Resources, Cells and Classification, Animal Classification, Plant Classification, Atoms and Molecules, Electricity and Magnetism, Motion and Machines, Stars, Solar System, Plant and Animal Reproduction, Heredity and Genetics, Nervous System, and Immune System.
Life Science (Grade 7) is designed for students to learn about life as God created it on this planet called Earth. Topics covered during this class include but are not limited to: study of life science, classifying living things, life and cells, cell structure, cell division, genetics, biblical creationism, biological evolution, plant kingdom, animal kingdom, invertebrates, vertebrates, animal behavior, animal reproduction, ecosystems, organism relationships, natural resources, support and movement, internal balance, energy, and control.
Earth Science (Grade 8) is a course designed to give students a fundamental background and understanding of Earth and the universe we live in. Topics that are covered include: basics of matter, geology, oceans and seas, atmosphere, and space science. This systematic study is done in part with the Bob Jones text Earth Science. Concepts learned in lectures are reinforced through in-class activities, projects, and labs. Major emphasis will be given to evaluation the theories presented for the origin of the universe. Students will learn how to present the evidence for a designer Creator.
Fine Arts
Middle School Art encourages the students to experiment with the artistic process. Students will learn by consistently challenging themselves to more difficult designs though a series of projects and exercises focused on the Elements of Art – value, texture, color, line, shape and space, that will build their confidence and abilities. Students will create projects in various mediums in both 3-dimensional and traditional forms.
6th Grade Brass/Woodwinds – The 6th grade band will be made up from beginning brass and woodwind musicians who play either the trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone/tuba, flute, clarinet, and/or alto saxophone These students will meet during the school day for class. Students will learn proper brass instrument technique, music literacy, and music theory skills while working towards achieving high musical artistry. Members of this year-long ensemble will perform in class, at school concerts, at festivals and should be prepared to spend time outside of the school day practicing for these performances. All music courses reflect and teach the belief that we are creative creatures of a Creator God.
Middle School Percussion – The percussion band is made up of beginning and intermediate percussion student musicians who will meet during the school day for class. Students wishing to participate in this ensemble must have at least 2 years of piano and/or private percussion lessons. Students will learn proper percussion technique on snare and mallet instruments and music reading and theory skills. Students will work towards achieving high music artistry through practice and performance. Students in this ensemble will be split up for concerts to provide the percussion parts for the middle school concert band. Percussion band members will have the chance to perform at additional small performances throughout the year. Opportunities are available for students to audition for the South Dakota Middle School All-State Concert Band and the BHSU Northern Hills Honor Band. All music courses reflect and teach the belief that we are creative creatures of a Creator God.
Middle School Band (7th & 8th Grades) This is the middle school advanced band for combined wind instruments which is composed of students who have attained a high degree of proficiency on their continued instrument. Members of this yearlong ensemble meet during school and will perform in class, at school and district concerts, at festivals and should be prepared to spend time outside of the school day practicing for these performances. Students will continue to work towards achieving high musical artistry through practice and performance. Opportunities are available for students to audition for the South Dakota Middle School All-State Concert Band and the BHSU Northern Hills Honor Band. All music courses reflect and teach the belief that we are creative creatures of a Creator God.
Middle School Strings (6th – 8th Grades) Students will learn to use their string instrument in a way that builds confidence and technique. In addition to learning proper techniques, students will also learn music literacy, sight-reading skills, and performance skills. This ensemble is the starting point for middle school students and builds skills for returning musicians as well. Students learn concert etiquette as they will participate in the December and Spring Concerts, and the Black Hills Middle School Music Contest. Opportunities are available for students to audition for the South Dakota Middle School All State Orchestra. All music courses teach that when we sing or play our music for God’s glory, we are offering our gifts and talents as a dedication and offering to Him.
Serenaders (6th – 8th Grade Choir) Students will learn to use their vocal instrument in a way that builds confidence and promotes freedom of the voice. In addition to learning proper vocal production and technique, students will also learn music literacy, sight-singing skills, performance skills, and solfege. This choir is the starting point for middle school students and builds skills for returning musicians, as well. Students learn concert etiquette as they will participate in the December and Spring Concerts, and the Black Hills Middle School Music Contest. Opportunities are available for students to audition for the South Dakota Junior Honor Choir. All music courses teach that when we sing or play our music for God’s glory, we are offering our gifts and talents as a dedication and offering to Him.
Physical Education
Physical Education 6, 7, 8 reviews a variety of different sports and activities along with learning the skills and knowledge necessary to both participate in those activities but also to be an informed spectator of these sports. The goal is to give students a variety of different skills and knowledge that they can use later to maintain a physically active lifestyle outside of the school setting. 
Computer Skills and Applications
Computer Applications (grade 6) – Students will develop keyboarding and computer skills through multiple units of study including the basics of computer care, using Rapid City Christian School’s FACTS and LMS systems, digital citizenship and safety, and an introduction to Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint).
Computer Application (grade 7) is designed to reinforce and improve typing and computer skills learned in grade 6. Students will continue their learning of using Microsoft Office applications, internet safety, technology terminology, hardware, while applying this information via skills integration projects.
Computer Applications (grade 8) is designed to emphasize the use of computers and technology throughout their high school, college, and future careers. Students will learn fundamental concepts of computer hardware and software and become familiar with a variety of computer applications, including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and multimedia presentations. Students will also investigate Internet-based applications, working with email and learning how to safely browse the web.
Enrichment
Academic Skills (6th Grade) is an enrichment class for the sixth graders. It focuses on a variety of skills needed to be a successful student. This class will promote good study habits by looking at such topics as: organization, notetaking, study techniques, test taking strategies, listening skills, and reading comprehension. This class will encourage the student to become a more efficient life-long learner.
National History Day (7th Grade) is an enrichment class for seventh graders. Each seventh-grade student creates either an individual of a team project and competes in Rapid City Christian School’s National History Day. Top projects have the opportunity to advance to the NHD regional, state, and national competitions. This class spends a semester walking students through each step of the research process. Students are taught how to find and record their sources, create an annotated bibliography, write a process paper, and create a project. The project can be an exhibit, a documentary, a performance, a website, or an historical paper.
Geography (7th Grade) – In this engaging and interactive course, students will explore the diverse geography of the United States and South Dakota, developing essential map skills and a deeper understanding of the nation’s physical and cultural landscapes. This course will help students build spatial awareness and an appreciation for the geographic factors that influence history, culture, and daily life. By the end of the course, students will be able to confidently navigate and interpret maps while understanding the important role geography plays in shaping our world.
Personal Finance (8th Grade)- In this dynamic and practical course, students will gain essential knowledge and skills to confidently manage their finances according to biblical principles. Based on the acclaimed Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum by Dave Ramsey, this class offers a comprehensive introduction to budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and giving. Students will explore real-world financial concepts through engaging lessons, interactive activities, and thoughtful discussions on stewardship and God’s design for money. They will learn how to create budgets, set financial goals, and make wise decisions about borrowing and spending—all within a framework that emphasizes personal responsibility and generosity.
This course equips students with a strong financial foundation, preparing them for future financial independence and fostering a mindset that honors God through wise financial choices.