ABOUT
Contra Costa Christian Middle School helps students understand who they are in Christ and how God has gifted them to impact the world. Contra Costa Christian Middle School is a three-year accredited program for grades 6, 7, and 8 helping students make the transition between Elementary School and High School academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Our Middle School program includes a rigorous academic program with multiple elective choices to develop students' skills and allow them to explore their interests.
We also offer students a full range of sports programs and the opportunity to participate in many social events throughout the year. Extracurricular activities include the opportunity to participate in Student Council, the Chapel Worship team, a Fine Arts Festival, Science Fair, and the Spelling and Geography Bees. Overall, our program is uniquely tailored to develop the gifts and talents of young adolescents as they mature into young adults and leaders.
CURRICULUM
Language Arts
The language arts program includes grammar, fluency, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and literature components. The majority of the reading is novel based, but students also explore other mediums such as short story, memoir, and poetry. Teachers use lessons across the genres to develop students’ skills in identifying theme, symbolism, characterization, and other literary techniques. In addition to regular practice with grammar (both mechanics and usage), vocabulary, and spelling, students focus on their own writing processes through various reports, research projects, short stories, poems, and essays.
Math
CCCS uses the curriculum published by College Preparatory Math (CPM) for its middle school math courses. This group and problem-based structure provides opportunities for students to review and solidify basic arithmetic skills, as well as to develop algebraic and geometric strategies and tools for problem solving and practical application.
All sixth-grade students take Core Connections 1, which lays the foundation for future work in algebra and geometry. In seventh & eighth grades, students are placed at the appropriate level based on their ability. Student placement is determined through an assessment test, grades in previous math courses, and teacher recommendation. Students graduating from our middle school program will be well prepared to enter high school Algebra I or Geometry.
Science
Studying creation allows students to see how the world was made and how it works. The study of science helps Christians learn about three important things:
Social Studies
History involves human perspective and as such is subjective. The recording of events does not make history. History always involves a perspective on the events. As Christians we attempt to understand and evaluate historical events in the light of God’s Word. Students will build their skills in examining history from multiple perspectives. Ultimately, students will critically evaluate the past in order to make sense of the present.
Sixth-grade social studies introduces students to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome. Through the archaeological insights into these civilizations, students examine how history builds on itself and the factors that cause nations to rise and fall. Seventh-grade social studies is the study of world history. Students will explore the ancient cultures and civilizations of Rome, Islam, Africa, China, Japan, and Medieval Europe. They will examine the effects of expansion, cultural diffusion, technology, economics, exploration, and religion on these cultures and civilizations, as well as their influence on modern day regions. Eighth-grade social studies is the study of American history. The course will introduce students to the people and events that established the American government, the concepts of political freedom, the principles of democracy, the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, the Constitution, and the three branches of government.
Bible
The Bible curriculum provides students a survey of the Christian scriptures. Over the course of their middle school years, students cover the breadth of God’s written word: from the creation account in Genesis 1; to the kingdom of Israel with its leaders and prophets in the Old Testament; to the message in the Gospel concerning Jesus’s birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension; to the early Christian Church. Much time is spent learning Biblical principles through the study of numerous books of the Bible and applying them to daily life.
ADDITIONAL COURSES (REQUIRED AND ELECTIVE)
Art: Students explore different mediums and participate in a variety of art experiences.
Band: The music program develops students’ instrumental abilities and an overall appreciation for music. Students participate in various performance opportunities and develop their abilities both individually and collectively.
Computers: The computer class focuses on building a foundation of digital literacy skills. Not just working with digital tools accessible to them, students focus on digital citizenship and how technology changes the world around them.
Digital Art: Students are introduced to another medium to express their creativity and develop their design skills. Students learn general design techniques and use digital art software that allows the creation and manipulation of digital images.
Drama: The middle school drama class offers students the opportunity learn many different components of the theatrical production process and act in their own production.
Experimental Design: Students design and execute individually paced, hands-on scientific experiments. For each of their studies, students research their desired question and collect data from their controlled experiment. Each study includes a written lab report and oral presentation of their findings.
Physical Education: Students take P.E. throughout the year, learning about and developing skills to play a variety of sports, such as softball, basketball, flag football, volleyball, hockey, and soccer. Students also work toward improving their overall physical fitness.
Robotics: Using LEGO Mindstorm programs, students learn robotics concepts through building and programming robots that accomplish specific tasks.
Science and Engineering: Students use scientific principles to design, build, test, and improve engineering projects.
Spanish Students develop a basic understanding of Spanish through speaking, reading, and writing in the language. Students are prepared to fulfill the foreign language graduation requirement when they enter high school.
Study Skills: Students receive balanced homework support and address topics such as self-confidence, setting goals, motivation, time management, organization, assessments, and finding one's learning strengths. Some students may be required to take this course to support their academic progress.
Yearbook: This course concentrates on publishing the CCCS yearbook (particularly the MS portion) and learning communication, graphic, and journalistic skills.
Contra Costa Christian Middle School helps students understand who they are in Christ and how God has gifted them to impact the world. Contra Costa Christian Middle School is a three-year accredited program for grades 6, 7, and 8 helping students make the transition between Elementary School and High School academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Our Middle School program includes a rigorous academic program with multiple elective choices to develop students' skills and allow them to explore their interests.
We also offer students a full range of sports programs and the opportunity to participate in many social events throughout the year. Extracurricular activities include the opportunity to participate in Student Council, the Chapel Worship team, a Fine Arts Festival, Science Fair, and the Spelling and Geography Bees. Overall, our program is uniquely tailored to develop the gifts and talents of young adolescents as they mature into young adults and leaders.
CURRICULUM
Language Arts
The language arts program includes grammar, fluency, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and literature components. The majority of the reading is novel based, but students also explore other mediums such as short story, memoir, and poetry. Teachers use lessons across the genres to develop students’ skills in identifying theme, symbolism, characterization, and other literary techniques. In addition to regular practice with grammar (both mechanics and usage), vocabulary, and spelling, students focus on their own writing processes through various reports, research projects, short stories, poems, and essays.
Math
CCCS uses the curriculum published by College Preparatory Math (CPM) for its middle school math courses. This group and problem-based structure provides opportunities for students to review and solidify basic arithmetic skills, as well as to develop algebraic and geometric strategies and tools for problem solving and practical application.
All sixth-grade students take Core Connections 1, which lays the foundation for future work in algebra and geometry. In seventh & eighth grades, students are placed at the appropriate level based on their ability. Student placement is determined through an assessment test, grades in previous math courses, and teacher recommendation. Students graduating from our middle school program will be well prepared to enter high school Algebra I or Geometry.
Science
Studying creation allows students to see how the world was made and how it works. The study of science helps Christians learn about three important things:
- God - Creation tells us about God and His involvement in the world.
- Ourselves - We are part of creation, set aside to be God's stewards of it.
- The World - Learning about living creatures and the materials God has given us helps us know how to steward His creation wisely.
Social Studies
History involves human perspective and as such is subjective. The recording of events does not make history. History always involves a perspective on the events. As Christians we attempt to understand and evaluate historical events in the light of God’s Word. Students will build their skills in examining history from multiple perspectives. Ultimately, students will critically evaluate the past in order to make sense of the present.
Sixth-grade social studies introduces students to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome. Through the archaeological insights into these civilizations, students examine how history builds on itself and the factors that cause nations to rise and fall. Seventh-grade social studies is the study of world history. Students will explore the ancient cultures and civilizations of Rome, Islam, Africa, China, Japan, and Medieval Europe. They will examine the effects of expansion, cultural diffusion, technology, economics, exploration, and religion on these cultures and civilizations, as well as their influence on modern day regions. Eighth-grade social studies is the study of American history. The course will introduce students to the people and events that established the American government, the concepts of political freedom, the principles of democracy, the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, the Constitution, and the three branches of government.
Bible
The Bible curriculum provides students a survey of the Christian scriptures. Over the course of their middle school years, students cover the breadth of God’s written word: from the creation account in Genesis 1; to the kingdom of Israel with its leaders and prophets in the Old Testament; to the message in the Gospel concerning Jesus’s birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension; to the early Christian Church. Much time is spent learning Biblical principles through the study of numerous books of the Bible and applying them to daily life.
ADDITIONAL COURSES (REQUIRED AND ELECTIVE)
Art: Students explore different mediums and participate in a variety of art experiences.
Band: The music program develops students’ instrumental abilities and an overall appreciation for music. Students participate in various performance opportunities and develop their abilities both individually and collectively.
Computers: The computer class focuses on building a foundation of digital literacy skills. Not just working with digital tools accessible to them, students focus on digital citizenship and how technology changes the world around them.
Digital Art: Students are introduced to another medium to express their creativity and develop their design skills. Students learn general design techniques and use digital art software that allows the creation and manipulation of digital images.
Drama: The middle school drama class offers students the opportunity learn many different components of the theatrical production process and act in their own production.
Experimental Design: Students design and execute individually paced, hands-on scientific experiments. For each of their studies, students research their desired question and collect data from their controlled experiment. Each study includes a written lab report and oral presentation of their findings.
Physical Education: Students take P.E. throughout the year, learning about and developing skills to play a variety of sports, such as softball, basketball, flag football, volleyball, hockey, and soccer. Students also work toward improving their overall physical fitness.
Robotics: Using LEGO Mindstorm programs, students learn robotics concepts through building and programming robots that accomplish specific tasks.
Science and Engineering: Students use scientific principles to design, build, test, and improve engineering projects.
Spanish Students develop a basic understanding of Spanish through speaking, reading, and writing in the language. Students are prepared to fulfill the foreign language graduation requirement when they enter high school.
Study Skills: Students receive balanced homework support and address topics such as self-confidence, setting goals, motivation, time management, organization, assessments, and finding one's learning strengths. Some students may be required to take this course to support their academic progress.
Yearbook: This course concentrates on publishing the CCCS yearbook (particularly the MS portion) and learning communication, graphic, and journalistic skills.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Leadership Council
Chapel Praise Team
Members are responsible for planning and participating in the weekly Middle School chapel. They work with the responsible teachers to engage students in worship. Students must apply for the praise team and will have an audition before being selected to serve.
Retreats
All seventh and eighth grade students participate in a 5 day trip to Hume Lake for the MS Retreat during the fall semester. Sixth grade students participate in a 5 day trip for science camp during the spring semester. CCCS also hosts various MS events during the year such as dances, ice skating, rafting, and spirit weeks. Some of these events are during the school day while others occur in the evenings or on weekends.
Leadership Council
- Student Representatives (Elected Position): These students are elected to represent their class on the Leadership Council. Student responsibilities include such responsibilities as helping classmates when needed, representing their class at each council meeting, giving input and planning for activities and special events.
- Student Senate (Appointed Position): One student per grade will be selected to serve based on interest, responsibility, and talents. Duties include organizing, keeping the calendar, giving direction, taking care of all sales and money throughout the year, and deciding on improvements.
Chapel Praise Team
Members are responsible for planning and participating in the weekly Middle School chapel. They work with the responsible teachers to engage students in worship. Students must apply for the praise team and will have an audition before being selected to serve.
Retreats
All seventh and eighth grade students participate in a 5 day trip to Hume Lake for the MS Retreat during the fall semester. Sixth grade students participate in a 5 day trip for science camp during the spring semester. CCCS also hosts various MS events during the year such as dances, ice skating, rafting, and spirit weeks. Some of these events are during the school day while others occur in the evenings or on weekends.