Academic Competition
Thomas Sumter Academy competes annually in various academic competitions at the local, regional and state levels.  A few examples are as follows:

• Spelling Bee Competition for students in 6th-8th Grades
• Geography Bee Competition for students in 6th – 8th Grades
• Lieutenant Governor’s Writing Contest for students in 8th Grade
• USC Sumter Poetry Contest for students in 6th-8th Grades
• Middle School Math Competition at SCISA
• Science Fair Competition required for 6th – 8th Grades in school wide competitions as well as state
• Literary Meet includes participation in Oral Interpretation, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Essay Competitions
• Middle School Drama team participate in a one-act play competition

Curriculum

A. English

Sixth Grade English
This course combines all the basic elements of the English language including grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and literature comprehension. The skills required for each one of these are interwoven and naturally flow from one area of language arts to another.  Students will master basic grammar skills as well as applying them to their writing styles. To appreciate the beauty of the written word, students will be exposed to many genres and authors' styles, and develop the basic steps of the writing process.  In this course, students will do expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive writing as well as a book report each quarter.  The advanced track 6th Grade English class proceeds at a faster pace than the college preparatory class and covers grammar and vocabulary at a deeper level. 

Seventh Grade English
This course continues to build on the basic elements of the English language including grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and literature comprehension. The skills required for each one of these are interwoven and naturally flow from one area of language arts to another. Students will master more advanced grammar skills and continue the process of applying them to their writing styles. To appreciate the beauty of the written word, students will be exposed to many genres and authors' styles, developing a more sophisticated approach to the writing process themselves.  In this course, students will do expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive writing as well as a book report each quarter.  The advanced track 7th Grade English class proceeds at a faster pace than the college preparatory class and covers grammar and vocabulary at a deeper level.  The students in the advanced track will be prepared to tackle the High School English I class in their 8th Grade year.

Seventh Grade Latin Vocabulary
This course is a one-semester class to enrich students' vocabulary skills through the study of Latin roots. Students will learn Latin roots and their influence on our language, understand the correct usage of words in context, and develop a fascination and appreciation for words. Learning Latin is the basis for all other written language; it is the key that unlocks the understanding of all vocabulary.

Eighth Grade English
This course continues to build on the basic elements of the English language including grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and literature comprehension. The skills required for each one of these are interwoven and naturally flow from one area of language arts to another. Students will master more advanced grammar skills and continue the process of applying them to their writing styles. To appreciate the beauty of the written word, students will be exposed to many genres and authors' styles, developing a more sophisticated approach to the writing process themselves.  In this course, students will do expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive writing as well as a book report each quarter.

Eighth Grade Honors (Survey of English)
In English I, students continue to develop skills through structured study and independent reading of literary and informational texts. A variety of informational texts as well as four major types of literary texts—fiction, literary nonfiction, poetry, and drama—are read and viewed both inside and outside of class. Through literary texts, students study the author's craft by making inferences, determining point of view, and analyzing theme and figurative language. By reading a variety of informational texts, students analyze an author's development and support of a thesis, create a variety of responses to texts, and examine the ways that bias is revealed in texts. In addition, students continue to develop and use in reading, writing, and oral communication, and a knowledge of vocabulary that includes roots, affixes, euphemisms, and idioms.

Students are expected to be more sophisticated in their use of language than they were in the lower grades. They now are expected to produce coherent and well-organized writing that includes a thesis and supporting evidence. In implementing the writing process, students compose various types of texts including informational (expository/persuasive/argumentative) pieces and narratives. They proofread and edit for the correct use of the conventions of written Standard American English, and they improve the content and development, the organization, and the quality of voice in their writing through the use of revision strategies. The ability to develop an idea thoughtfully is a skill that students will use in college and in the workplace.

In carrying out the research process, students in English I identify a topic, collect information from primary and secondary sources, and present their findings and conclusions in oral, written, and visual formats. In today's technological world, with the amount of information expanding at an unparalleled rate, students must be adept at accessing information in order to become critical, independent learners, thinkers, and writers. They must be able to determine what particular type of information they need for a specific topic, and they must know how to locate that information efficiently. Students must also be able to evaluate the validity of their sources. In addition, after incorporating their own ideas with the information they have chosen from those sources, they must be able to clearly distinguish that information from their own ideas by providing accurate and complete documentation of the sources they have used

Honors requirements: English I students will read four separate full length works in addition to the program requirements and demonstrate their understanding through research and analytical papers. The Honors student is also expected to approach the class material with a level that is commiserate with their abilities as Honor students.

B. Mathematics

Course 1
Sixth grade offers a general Mathematics course that continues the development of the elementary Mathematics program.  Applications, problem solving, and critical thinking are integrated throughout the program.  Basic computation with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents are emphasized.  Other main topics are measurement, perimeter, area, and volume.  Emphasis is also placed on data analysis including interpreting and constructing graphs and utilizing central tendencies, Geometry, ratio and proportion, and solving simple equations.

Course 2
The 7th Grade math course is a general course that continues the development of the Middle School mathematics program. Emphasis is placed on the following topics: number skills and theory, rational numbers and properties, measurement, problem solving using various approaches, Geometry, area of regular and irregular figures, patterns used in Mathematics, statistical graphs, variables, and one-step and two-step equations.

Pre-Algebra
This course provides the foundation for the Algebra course. Topics covered include setting up and solving multi-step equations and inequalities; graphing on a coordinated plane; integer and rational computations; exponents and scientific notation; area, perimeter, volume and surface area; probability, linear equations, ratios, rates, proportions and percents; geometry patterns and plane figures. Emphasis is placed on using these skills to solve problems and reason mathematically.

Algebra I
The course emphasizes algebraic structure, moving from the concrete to the abstract. The course of study is made up of the mechanics of the operations of Algebra and the related problem solving through the quadratic formula and right triangle Trigonometry. Continuing advancement of skills is stressed.
Honors requirements: Students enrolled in the Honors section of this course take it while still in Middle School.

C. Social Studies

World History – 6th Grade
This class will introduce students to Early Civilizations and the Ancient World.  We will journey through the Rise of Rome and Christianity, to the Middle Ages and The Renaissance.  We will study The Age of Revolution and The World Wars, and our journey will end with a look at Today's World.

South Carolina History – 7th Grade
This course begins with an overview of what our state has to offer today and a detailed study of the state's geography. South Carolina history includes the study of the first people of South Carolina, the American Indians, and their cultures. Students study the history of our state and its people from European exploration to present day through lectures, reading, discussions, essays, map skills, projects, and current events.

United States History – 8th Grade
This course is a complete study of the United States beginning with the Paleo-Indian period through current events. Great attention is given to the people, places, and events that created our nation. The students walk through the history of the United States by means of interdisciplinary activities involving the Arts, Geography, Literature, Science and Technology, Math and Economics. In every unit, a connection is made between World History and American History. A variety of learning tools such as interpreting maps, charts, graphs, and political cartoons along with problem-solving and decision-making in simulations are used to enhance the lectures.

D. Science

Earth Science – 6th Grade
Earth Science connects the study of the Earth's composition, structure, processes, and history; its atmosphere, fresh water, and oceans; and its environment in space. The course emphasizes historical contributions in the development of scientific thought about the Earth and space. Students practice interpretation of maps, charts, tables, and profiles; the use of technology to collect, analyze, and report data; and science skills in systematic investigation. Problem-solving and decision-making are also an integral part of the course, especially as they relate to the costs and benefits of utilizing the Earth's resources. Major topics of study include plate tectonics, the rock cycle, Earth history, the oceans, the atmosphere, weather and climate, and the solar system and universe.

Life Science – 7th Grade
Life Science is the study of anything and everything that is alive!  In this course, students will study all the forms of life including viruses, bacteria, fungus, plants and animals. Students will also study the parts that make up all living organisms as well as the relationships organisms have with each other.

General Science – 8th Grade
This course is designed to enable the student to obtain the necessary skills in compiling evidence of a basic model of matter, offering a rudimentary knowledge of Physical Science and providing insight into the means by which this scientific knowledge is acquired.  By performing a series of related experiments, the identification of characteristic properties of substances is explored.  Various methods of separating solids, liquids and gases are investigated.  Students organize and present data, and groups of students compare and analyze collective results.

Physical Science – 8th Grade
This course is based on a sequential study of the facts, concepts, formulas, and principles related to the study of matter and energy.  Correlated laboratory activities will emphasize mathematical and problem solving skills.  This course is designed for students planning to attend a four-year college.  Students are expected to work independently and review material daily to allow for in depth study within class.  This course is a High School course and is designated as an Honors class for the 8th Grade student.

Health – 6th Grade
Teen Health is designed for young teens to help introduce students to a basic health program.  This course helps students make positive choices for themselves and others.  This course also touches on the challenges and peer pressure that might take place in young teen lives.

E. Foreign Language

Middle School French and Spanish
These semester courses are targeted at 8th Grade and are designed to give students an introductory exposure to the language and cultures of France and Spain.  Students will learn the rudiments of each language and explore the differences and similarities between them.  This will enable them to determine the path their language study will take them through their High School career.

F. Fine Arts

Middle School Dance
Students in this course continue to develop in various dance styles and techniques, including ballet, jazz dance, modern dance, tap, and creative movement.

Middle School Chorus
Students in this course develop vocal performing skills and techniques in an organized group instruction format.  A comprehensive musical understanding is stressed through part-singing, vocal exercises and proper vocal techniques applied to a rehearsed and performed repertoire.

Middle School Art
Students build upon their Art experiences, exploring the areas of drawing, two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design and painting.  Each area of study incorporates specific concepts, goals, objectives, and structured activities that direct student learning through creating, questioning, analyzing, and interpreting art.  Developmental experiences with the elements and principles of design, drawing, and painting through technical, formal, and representational exploration and the study of several artists, cultures, and historical periods enhance studio experiences.

Middle School Drama
Students in Middle School Drama will have an opportunity to express themselves through many creative outlets. They will perform as often as possible, including weekly devotions for the combined Middle School, Lower and Upper School Chapels, and SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) one-act competitions. Along with performances, students will learn to appreciate theatre on all levels and hone their thespian skills.

 G.  Religion

Bible--6th Grade
Students explore the Bible through discussion and memorization of scripture.

H.  Physical Education

The Physical Education program focuses on the physical development of each student.  Developmentally-appropriate activities provide experiences conducive to the development of one's physical capabilities and realization of individual potential.  A healthy body and positive attitude toward physical activity as a way of spending leisure time are stressed.

 I.  Computers

Middle School Computer Applications