Academics
Upper School (5th-8th Grades)

Upper School Curriculum

Upper school students focus on four core subject areas: language arts, math, science, and social studies. Students also study art, French, music, religion, and physical education. Once a week, upper school students have an advising period to meet with their assigned faculty member. Advent utlizes a 1:1 technology program in upper school. Each student in upper school is  required to bring their own personal Chromebooks to school daily.

List of 9 items.

  • LANGUAGE ARTS

    The language arts program is designed to help students become skilled in all areas of the English language, including grammar, writing, public speaking, and reading. The curriculum consists of grammar, composition (both formal and creative forms), and literature. Research papers at every grade level are an integral part of the language arts curriculum.

  • MATH

    The math curriculum focuses on general mathematics in the 5th and 6th grades. In 7th grade, students have the opportunity to study either pre-algebra or algebra I. Students in the 8th grade take either algebra I or geometry. Math course selection is designed to ensure that students are being appropriately challenged and supported during these key foundational math years.

  • SCIENCE

    Upper school science introduces and emphasizes the scientific method through individual and group exercises. Students focus on each of the following sciences over the course of four years: general science (5th), earth science (6th), life science (7th), and physical science (8th). Labs are a critical component of our science curriculum.

  • SOCIAL STUDIES

    The social studies curriculum is an exploration of the world and its peoples. Fifth grade begins with an overview of American History before beginning the study of the culture and geography of all the world regions in 6th grade. Seventh grade presents a timeline-oriented approach to the bigger picture of world history. Eighth grade students have the opportunity to examine and analyze their identity as Americans, beginning with the time period after the Civil War.

  • ART

    The upper school art program centers around the student's individual creativity and exposure to new methods, materials, and ideas. Art history is also incorporated into lessons through the year to encourage students to become familiar with the techniques of a variety of artists.

  • FRENCH

    Upper school French continues from lower school with the use of the TPRS (Total Physical Response Storytelling) method. With an emphasis on communication, students perform songs and skits, read stories, watch films, and write frequently to build a strong French vocabulary, learn grammar, and immerse themselves more fully in the French culture. Eighth grade students also have the opportunity to participate in the state French Convention.

  • MUSIC

    In upper school music, students are exposed to a variety of sounds, musicians, instruments, and music history. Continuing from the lower school music program, each student continues to learn and play various recorder pieces as well as participate in music theory exercises. All students paricipate in our annual Lessons & Carols services each December. More information about Lessons & Carols can be found here.

  • RELIGION

    Upper school religion explores living in today's world from a Christian perspective. The Hebrew scriptures, the Christian scriptures, and the Book of Common Prayer are used. Study is topical and involves what is happening in the lives of the students, the school, the community, and the larger communities of the nation and the world.

  • PHYSICAL EDUCATION

    Upper school students continue to take physical education classes. Activites (including those related to general coordination, cardio-vascular conditioning, and body awareness), games, and certain sports are taught with emphasis being given to skills, participation, and sportsmanship. Advent is also lucky to have a partnership with the Downtown YMCA which allows students to participate in activities and classes there as well.

Upper School Faculty

List of 11 members.

Founded in 1950 and located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, Advent Episcopal School is a coeducational, college-preparatory day school for students grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8th.