Arendell Parrot Academy

Arendell Parrott Academy's middle school facilitates the transition from the elementary experience to the more rigorous high school program, from the child to the young adult learner. The middle grades encourage self-discipline and organization, which will result in greater academic success.  Normally students enroll in five academic classes with an activity class as the sixth daily period.  The academic year is divided into four marking periods with a progress report sent home to parents in the middle of each grading period.

ACADEMICS.  The challenging middle school curriculum requires that students enter with above average skills and strengths in all academic areas.  The middle school science program emphasizes concept and skill development by using an inquiry based curriculum.  Sixth and seventh graders use the innovative "Science Plus" program while eighth graders enroll in a high school level, laboratory-oriented course, physical science.  In language arts students are involved in a literature-based reading program, intense grammar instruction, and vocabulary development, with emphasis being given to writing.  Because of the importance and number of skills involved, middle school students have two periods for language arts each day.  Sixth and seventh grade social studies motivates students to learn about their world.  It is the culmination of a sequence that begins in the earlier grades where the focus is community, state, and nation.  Students now look beyond their national boundaries and become more aware of their place in the global community.  Sixth grade world history teaches an appreciation of the past and its effect on present and future situations.  Seventh grade world geography emphasizes the influences of location on cultural development and economy.  Students learn the importance of global awareness as well as global interdependence.  Finally, North Carolina history is taught to eighth graders, once again beginning a sequence of studies that will extend into the high school curriculum.  Skills such as outlining and notetaking are stressed.  Students also refine skills in answering discussion type questions as they prepare for courses in high school.

Sixth grade math provides the student the opportunity to begin forming opinions about the structure and theory of mathematics.   A continued emphasis is placed on computational skills dealing with rational numbers.  The concepts of ratios, proportions, and percent afford the opportunity to introduce equation-solving techniques.  Extensive time is also devoted to definitions and applications of geometric concepts.  Pre-Algebra, the text used for seventh grade mathematics, teaches students important algebra basics.  The students solve complex one-step, two-step, and double-sided equations.  Emphasis is placed on positive and negative integers, decimals, and fractions.  A variety of problem solving topics are discussed and basic algebraic structures are used to solve them.   Each eighth grade student is required to take Algebra I.  Selected students may be invited to accelerate their math program at the end of sixth grade.  This program allows mathematically talented middle school students to take Algebra I and geometry in the 7th and 8th grades.

Middle school guidance curriculum includes a study skills program that addresses topics on attention, listening, note taking, text book reading, and test taking. Computer instruction is presented weekly for all middle school students.  An activity period during the school day allows middle schoolers to pursue interests as varied as physical education, choral music, theatre, dance, string ensemble, art, and French or Spanish culture and conversation.

Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as National Geography Bee, Math Counts, ECU Math Contest, Duke TIP, Science Olympiad, and the National Mythology Exam.  There are also opportunities to participate in various local, state and national writing contests.  Thus, students have ample opportunities to pursue interests and to be recognized for academic excellence.  Middle School Council, Jr. Beta Club, Jr. Tri-M Honor Society and other activities provide students the opportunity to develop leadership skills.

STUDENT LIFE at APA helps middle schoolers grow in other ways.  To help negotiate the changes of adolescence, middle school guidance programs include topics such as relationship issues, conflict management, and drug and alcohol use. Eighth graders take a course called Postponing Sexual Involvement (PSI).  Self-government is practiced through a Middle School Council comprised of representatives from each homeroom.  This council not only promotes community service projects, but also acts as a sounding board for student concerns.   Extended field trips to Washington, D.C. and Camp Cheerio in the mountains give students an opportunity to develop independence, appreciate physical challenges, and form close bonds with classmates.  Physical development is important and the Academy offers daily physical education for sixth graders and after school interscholastic sports for seventh and eighth graders: volleyball, football, soccer, tennis, basketball, golf, softball, lacrosse, baseball, cheerleading, field hockey, and swimming.

The school day runs from 8:15 to 2:35, with club meetings taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays when homeroom is extended for thirty minutes, reducing the need for students to remain on campus after regular school hours.