Eighth grade is a year of growing independence and deeper thinking. Students learn to apply their faith in practical ways, tackle more complex math and science concepts, and understand modern history with greater clarity. Their writing and communication skills strengthen as they read richer literature and express their ideas with more confidence. This is also a season of exploring personal interests — music, art, sports, clubs, or creative projects — helping them discover who they are becoming as they prepare for high school.
Bible: Faithfulness Series Bundle
This Bible study invites students to deepen their faith by exploring key themes across Scripture. Through the Gospel of Luke, they encounter Jesus’ life and teachings, learning to reflect His love, grace, and compassion. Proverbs equips them to seek wisdom and make godly choices in daily life. The book of Daniel inspires courage and trust in God through challenging circumstances. In 1 & 2 Samuel, students examine the hearts of Hannah, Samuel, Saul, and David to understand what it means to pursue God wholeheartedly. Finally, the book of James offers practical guidance for living out their faith with integrity and purpose.
Math
Math: The Art of Problem Solving
For 8th graders, the best fit from the Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) curriculum is typically Introduction to Algebra, with optional supplements like Intro to Geometry or Intro to Counting & Probability depending on readiness and interest. These books are designed for grades 7–10 and offer deep conceptual challenges ideal for advanced middle school students. If you have never used AOPS then you can start with prealgebra if you’d like.
Science
Science: Zoology Easy Peasy
Easy Peasy’s 8th grade science course, Zoology, offers a full-year study of the animal kingdom through engaging readings, videos, and hands-on activities. It emphasizes classification, anatomy, behavior, and habitats across major animal groups.
Choose your own History: The World’s Story 3: The Modern Age Set OR Story of the World Volume 4
Both options cover modern history but differ in tone and structure: The World’s Story 3 offers a Christian worldview with vivid visuals and narration, while Story of the World Volume 4 presents a global storytelling approach from 1850 to 2000.
English Language Arts
ELA: Choose your best fit
WriteShop I = best for explicit skill-building, structure, and independence
IEW Ancient History–Based Writing = best for content-rich writing
Writing: Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons
This year‑long writing curriculum teaches students to write using IEW’s Structure & Style method while exploring stories, people, and cultures from ancient history.
OR
Writing: Writeshop
This year-long writing curriculum teaches middle schoolers how to plan, draft, and revise clear paragraphs and essays. It builds strong foundational skills—organization, word choice, and editing—through step‑by‑step lessons that gradually increase independence and confidence
AND
Reading: Student‑Chosen Books + Reading Journal
Reading remains student-led this year. We offer a wide buffet of high-quality literature and let them choose what speaks to them. The reading journal is a simple tool for reflection — jotting down thoughts, favorite quotes, or questions. It keeps reading personal and meaningful.
Eighth Grade Reading Suggestions (Ages 13-15)
(We invite parents to screen these recommended readings in advance to ensure they align with your beliefs, as some selections may include mature themes)
– The Entire List can be found here: Amazon
Sexual Education:
SexEd Reclaimed
The 11–13 year old curriculum from Sex Ed Reclaimed is a faith-based, shame free, age-appropriate program that equips tweens and early teens to understand sexuality, boundaries, and identity through a biblical lens. It includes 39 video lessons, guided discussions, and a printable workbook designed to foster respectful, open conversations at home.
OR
TeenAid
TeenAid is a secular, abstinence‑centered health education program designed to help preteens and teens understand their bodies, relationships, and sexual decision‑making in a factual, non‑religious way. The curriculum promotes abstinence as the safest and healthiest choice for adolescents, using a “risk‑avoidance” approach rather than fear‑based messaging. Lessons cover anatomy, puberty, reproduction, STIs, emotional consequences of early sexual activity, and the importance of boundaries and self‑respect. The tone is straightforward and educational, focusing on facts, personal responsibility, and long‑term well‑being. While it encourages waiting until marriage, it does so without religious language, making it a good fit for families who want a secular but values‑driven alternative to comprehensive sex‑ed programs. TeenAid is often used in schools, community programs, and homeschools seeking a clear, abstinence‑focused curriculum grounded in health science rather than theology.
Social Emotional
MindUP introduces mindfulness, brain science, and emotional regulation in a kid-friendly way. It’s a gentle tool for building self-awareness, empathy, and resilience all essential for fourth grade and beyond. It’s about $20 and you can use it for more than one year and for as many students as you like.
Self-Interests
8th graders have already begun developing personal interests, discovering new talents, and becoming more aware of the world around them. They’re ready to take on more responsibility, but they still need guidance, structure, and lots of encouragement. Encouraging them to be independent in their hobbies will help them figure out who they want to be and allow them some freedom to choose something that encourages self-discipline.
Art and music:
- Community Theatre
- Community Orchestra
- Community Choir
- Music Lessons (Voice, Guitar, Violin, Flue, Drums, etc.)
- Art Lectio
- Watercolor Painting
- Scrapbooking
Clubs or extracurriculars
- Martial Arts (Karate, Hapkido, Taekwondo, Kungfu, etc.)
- Sports (Basketball, Baseball, Swim, Dance, Horseback Riding, Rock Climbing, Parkour, etc.)
- Clubs (Lego, 4H, Comic Book, Cooking, Chess, Math, Speech, Art, Book, Stop Motion, etc.)
- Language (Spanish, ASL, French, German, Korean, Japanese etc.)
- Robotics/ Battle Bots Camp
- Summer Camps
- Cooking Classes
Independent projects
Fashion Design
Financial Literacy
Learning to Cook
STEM Activities
Science Projects
Book Reports
Weather Forecasting
Learn a Language: Spanish, ASL, French, etc.
Additional Enrichments: