Office Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
7:00am - 3:30pm
(209) 368-7627 (ROAR)
Junior High
Lodi Christian School's Junior High program is rooted in our mission of creating a Christ-centered environment where our young people can grow, explore, and academically challenge themselves. We take a holistic approach and focus on the whole student, ensuring that our young people are not only academically prepared for high school and beyond, but that they're thriving and growing into the best version of themselves. We've had countless students over the years graduate with top honors from high school and go on to prominent and distinguished colleges or build successful and productive careers. It comes down to our dedicated and experienced teachers and staff, who get to know our students on an individual level, creating a nurturing environment where students from preschool to 8th grade are able to learn and challenge themselves.
-Principal Clayton
Academic Readiness:
Ensure students have a strong foundation in core subjects such as math, science, language arts, and social studies. Focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and study skills to equip them for the academic rigor of high school coursework.
Spiritual Development:
Foster students' spiritual growth through Bible study, prayer, chapel services, and service projects. Encourage them to apply Christian values in their daily lives and decision-making.
Social & Emotional Support:
Provide guidance and support to help students navigate the social and emotional challenges of adolescence. Offer counseling services, peer support groups, and mentorship programs to address individual needs and promote positive relationships.
College & Career Preparation:
Introduce students to the college and career planning process, including exploration of academic and extracurricular interests, goal-setting, and understanding of high school graduation requirements. Offer guidance on selecting appropriate high school courses and extracurricular activities to align with their future aspirations.
To prepare our junior high students for high school we implement several strategies:
Character Development: Emphasize character virtues such as integrity, compassion, responsibility, and resilience through character education programs, leadership opportunities, and community service initiatives.
Communication & Collaboration:
Cultivate students' communication and collaboration skills through group projects, presentations, and teamwork activities. Encourage respectful dialogue, active listening, and empathy in interpersonal interactions.
Parental Involvement:
Engage parents as partners in their child's education by providing regular communication, parent workshops, and opportunities for involvement in school activities and events.
Educational Technology:
Technology is a tool that can be used to enhance learning and prepare our students for future success. We offer a one-to-one ratio of in-class Chromebooks, ensuring that each student has access to their own device. Our Science Lab is equipped with digital microscopes (IPO Visualizers), providing students with a cutting-edge experience for dissections and other lessons.
ALL ABOUT 6TH GRADE:
MATH
Introduction to Algebra and Geometry
The 6th grade math course is a comprehensive math curriculum that emphasizes strong foundational skills in algebra and geometry. Students will embark on an advanced introduction to these subjects, with a focus on key concepts such as whole numbers, decimal number theory, and fractions. Our curriculum is designed to challenge students and prepare them for success in more advanced courses, with the 6th grade math class being considered a 7th grade level course. Our experienced and dedicated math teacher works closely with each student to ensure they have a strong understanding of these fundamental math concepts, setting them up for academic success in the years ahead.
ENGLISH
We believe in empowering our students to become effective communicators through the study of English and literature. Our curriculum emphasizes the importance of reference skills. Students will have the opportunity to create their own newspaper editorials, learning how to properly use and cite primary sources. We also prioritize traditional grammar skills, ensuring that students have a strong foundation in the basics of language. Additionally, we provide step-by-step instruction on the writing process for various genres, including personal narratives, historical fiction, newspaper editorials, and even limericks. Our experienced and passionate teachers help students to develop their writing skills and to discover their own unique voice. Through our English and literature curriculum, our students gain valuable skills that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional careers.
HISTORY
The history department provides students with a comprehensive and engaging curriculum that takes them on a chronological journey around the world, exploring the flow of empires, cultures, Christianity, and world religions. Students will embark on a survey of ancient civilizations in Africa, Europe, and the Americas, with a focus on the theme of creation, fall, redemption, and their relation to these ancient societies. Our curriculum is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of the complex historical forces that have shaped our world, while also highlighting the critical role that faith and spirituality have played throughout history. Our teachers bring history to life, helping students to engage with the material in a meaningful way and to make connections between the past and the present. Through our history curriculum, students gain valuable insights into the human experience and develop the critical thinking skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world.
SCIENCE
Students will be introduced to a broad overview of essential scientific concepts, all viewed through the lens of a distinctively Christian worldview. Our curriculum covers a range of topics, including cells, organisms, matter, energy, astronomy, heredity, the nervous system, and the human body's functions. In addition to traditional classroom learning, our students engage in many hands-on and collaborative learning opportunities, such as the popular "Salmon in the Classroom" project. Through these projects, students gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts by applying them in real-world scenarios. Our teachers are passionate about science and work with students to foster a love of discovery and exploration. By emphasizing the importance of scientific inquiry and critical thinking, our curriculum prepares students to become effective problem-solvers and leaders in their future careers.
BIBLE
Our Bible curriculum focuses on the Biblical Worldview, which challenges students to examine their beliefs and thought processes in the context of the scripture. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, and emphasizes the importance of living out Biblical values in all areas of life. Through in-depth study, critical thinking, and engaging discussions, our students develop a deeper understanding of their faith and learn to apply Biblical principles to real-world situations. We believe that this course is an essential part of our students' education and plays a vital role in their spiritual growth and development.
FIELD TRIPS
● Mission Springs Science Camp
● California Academy of Sciences
● Black Chasm Cavern
● Fish Hatchery
● Community Building - Lodi Lake Kayaking
Trip & BBQ
●Opportunities to serve our local community
● Live Theater Performance
● Junior High Ditch Day
● Art
● Drama
● Physical Education
●Sports Programs-Co-Ed Flag Football, Girls Volleyball, Boys/Girls Basketball
● STEM Challenges
● Chapel
●Student Government - students have the opportunity to run for class representatives and facilitate activities for junior high
● Life Science Labs
● Spanish
● Computers
● Before and after school academic support and tutoring
● Junior High ‘Hang Out’ nights
ENHANCEMENTS
ALL ABOUT 7TH GRADE:
MATH
Pre - Algebra
This is a Pre-Algebra course that prepares students to progress from foundational to more advanced mathematical skills. Our curriculum emphasizes algebraic expressions and linear equations, providing students with the tools they need to succeed in higher-level math courses. Throughout the course, students will review operations on integers, fractions, and radicals, building a strong foundation for their future studies. Our teachers work to provide individualized instruction and support to ensure that each student reaches their full potential. This course is considered an 8th-grade level course, challenging students to stretch themselves and reach new heights of academic achievement. Through our Pre-Algebra course, students will develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies that will serve them well in all areas of their academic and professional lives.
ENGLISH
The English and literature curriculum for this class encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of their fellow man by examining texts from different cultures,
genres, and time periods. Through text-focused close reading techniques, students will learn to analyze and interpret literature in a way that emphasizes comprehension and critical thinking. Our before, during, and after reading approach encourages students to engage with the text at every stage of the reading process, deepening their understanding of the work and its themes. Our curriculum emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating diverse cultures, and students will read works from a variety of perspectives, learning to see the world through the eyes of others. Our
experienced teachers work closely with each student to help them develop their reading and writing skills, providing individualized instruction and support as needed. Through our English and literature curriculum, students will develop a love of reading and a lifelong appreciation for the power of language and storytelling.
HISTORY
World Studies is a course that provides students with the tools to analyze and evaluate critical world events from a biblical worldview. Our curriculum emphasizes the importance of understanding and interpreting history through the lens of our faith, and students will explore key events and developments in world history, from ancient times to the present day. In addition to traditional classroom learning, our curriculum
incorporates a range of activities to help students build 21st-century skills, including web-based learning, case studies, and research projects. Students will analyze maps, timelines, and current events, developing critical thinking and analytical skills that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional careers. Through our World Studies course, students will practice applying a biblical worldview to real-world problems, proposing solutions that reflect the values and teachings of our faith. Our teachers are passionate about history and work with each student to foster a love of learning and a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history.
SCIENCE
The 7th grade science curriculum focuses on life science, with an emphasis on the structures and functions of living creatures, including plants, animals, and human beings. Our curriculum offers a comparative study of the evolutionary worldview and the creationist worldview, allowing students to explore these perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of their own faith. Students will engage in an in-depth study of the cell, animal classification, and the anatomy of the human body, exploring the intricate details of God's creation. Our science lab provides hands-on learning opportunities, including dissections, to help students gain a deeper understanding of life systems. In addition, students will also explore the body system, delving into the complexities of
how the human body works. Our experienced teachers are passionate about science and work closely with each student to foster a love of learning and discovery. Through our life science curriculum, students gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of God's creation and develop the critical thinking skills needed to understand and appreciate the complexity of life systems.
BIBLE
Students will delve into the chronology of the Old Testament, from the account of Creation to the return of the Jews to Jerusalem following their captivity in 586 BCE. Through their study of the Old Testament, students will gain a deeper understanding of God's plan for humanity and the history of His chosen people. Our curriculum emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible in its historical and cultural context, helping students to appreciate the rich and complex history of the Old Testament. Teachers work with each student to help themunderstand and apply the lessons of the Old Testament to their own lives, encouraging them to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God. Through our Bible curriculum, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the Word of God and the role it plays in shaping their lives and the world around them.
FIELD TRIPS
● Marine Science Institute or Alcatraz Island (alternating)
● Catalina Island Marine Biology Camp
● Community Building - Lodi Lake Kayaking Trip & BBQ
● Opportunities to serve our local community
● Live Theater Performance
● Junior High Ditch Day
ENHANCEMENTS
● Art
● Drama
● Physical Education
●Sports Programs-Co-Ed Flag Football, Girls Volleyball, Boys/Girls Basketball
● STEM Challenges
● Chapel
●Student Government - students have the opportunity to run for class representatives and facilitate activities for junior high
● Life Science Labs
● Spanish
● Computers
● Before and after school academic support and tutoring
● Junior High ‘Hang Out’ nights
ALL ABOUT 8TH GRADE:
MATH
Algebra 1
The main purpose of Algebra 1 is to develop students' fluency with linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. The critical areas of instruction involve deepening and extending students' understanding of linear and exponential relationships by comparing and contrasting those relationships and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. In addition, students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using exponential and quadratic functions.
ENGLISH
English/Literature focuses on helping students develop and apply critical thinking skills as they analyze literature from a Christian worldview. Our curriculum includes works such as To Kill A Mockingbird and The Diary of Anne Frank, which provide students with opportunities to engage in deep discussions about important themes, such as justice, morality, and personal responsibility. Through close reading and analysis of these works, students develop their writing, reading, and comprehension skills. They learn to identify literary devices, understand the author's intent, and evaluate the effectiveness of different literary techniques. In addition to analyzing literature, students are also encouraged to apply their critical thinking skills to other types of written material, including persuasive essays, speeches, and historical documents. Finally, students learn to identify and analyze persuasive techniques, evaluate arguments, and identify biases and fallacies.
HISTORY
In American Republic (U.S. History), 8th grade students will survey major events that have shaped America, with a focus on cultural shifts and influences. This course will prepare students for a life-changing week in Washington D.C., where they will visit significant places and memorials related to the people who have helped establish and shape our great nation. Through this hands-on experience, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the history and values of the United States.
SCIENCE
The 8th grade science curriculum focuses on Physical Science, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of chemistry and physics. Students begin their study with a focus on general chemistry, including basic terminology, chemical formulas, the periodic table, and physics principles. In the physics unit, students will explore the principles of motion, energy, forces, and Newton's Laws. Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on experiments and activities to engage students in the learning process and help them develop their problem-solving skills. Through this course, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of God's creation, and learn how to apply scientific principles to better understand the world around them.
BIBLE
In the 8th grade Bible course, students will explore the life of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the church through the New Testament. They will deepen their understanding of the Gospels and their relationship with God. The course will also cover biblical principles and how they can be applied to students' daily lives.
FIELD TRIPS
● Class Trip to Washington DC
● Marine Science Institute or Alcatraz Island (alternating)
● iFly
● Community Building - Lodi Lake Kayaking Trip & BBQ
● Opportunities to serve our local community
● Live Theater Performance
● Junior High Ditch Day
ENHANCEMENTS
● Art
● Drama
● Physical Education
●Sports Programs-Co-Ed Flag Football, Girls Volleyball, Boys/Girls Basketball
● STEM Challenges
● Chapel
●Student Government - students have the opportunity to run for class representatives and facilitate activities for junior high
● Physical Science Labs
● Spanish
● Computers
● Before and after school academic support and tutoring
● Junior High ‘Hang Out’ nights