Distinctly MUS

Sixth grade is a tremendous opportunity for exposure to different forms of artistic expression. Students participate in visual arts, drama, speech, and music over the course of the year to explore creative outlets that best suit them moving forward in their MUS careers. 

Sixth-grade technology training provides new outlets for presenting material, and students’ enhanced skills in collecting data and research are beneficial in other subject areas.

Sixth-grade history is a semester-long course focused primarily on understanding the history of the City of Memphis. Students learn how to view history through multiple perspectives as they learn about our fascinating and important local history.

Field trips, projects, and collaboration with other subjects play a vital role in this course.

Students develop skills in note taking, maps, and geography; projects (both individual and group) to reinforce learning; and reading comprehension of both primary documents and secondary historical narratives.

Writing and research skills include learning about both online and library resources.

The foundation of fundamental grammar concepts is a key element in the academic career of an MUS student. In the sixth grade, emphasis is placed on parts of speech (preliminary form and function), sentence and paragraph structure, sentence types, clause and phrase recognition, and essay writing in various forms.

The direct instruction of grammar, usage, and mechanics is paired with the skills and practice necessary for written expression in multiple contexts.

Sixth graders are challenged to write with increased complexity in theme, vocabulary, analysis, and technique. This pairing of grammar and writing is an important process that helps students read and write effectively and with authenticity and confidence.

There is a close correlation between the sixth-grade Language Arts and Reading courses.

Sixth-grade math equips students with the skills and conceptual understanding necessary to master arithmetic, the foundation on which all other mathematics is built.

Students actively engage with numbers by focusing on proportional reasoning, statistics, data analysis, probability, and problem solving while developing algebraic thinking.

Student-produced computation is emphasized, and calculator usage is firmly restricted.

Sixth-grade students entering MUS who have already attained a mastery of arithmetic are given the opportunity to join our accelerated mathematics program at the Pre-Algebra level. To qualify, entering students must sit for placement tests and show exceptional ability at their course level on these tests. 

Students read different texts and genres while identifying relevant themes using supporting evidence. This includes deeper analyses of characters and points of view.

Vocabulary with emphasis on context, the identification and application of figurative language, and comprehension strategies are significant areas of focus.

Class discussions and presentations provide the boys with opportunities for active engagement, collaboration, and creativity.

There is specific emphasis on the reading of nonfiction texts to prepare students to read, write, and research across all subjects.

This semester-long introductory course provides exposure to earth, life, and physical science through hands-on experiences that promote critical thinking and problem solving.

The experiential approach prepares students for success in their coursework at MUS by developing key foundational skills such as the scientific method, data analysis, lab procedure, and the engineering design cycle.

7 Period Rotations:

• Math
• Language Arts
• Reading
• Science and History
• PE
• Arts and Technology
• Study Hall, Skills, and Flex time