Experience Our Academic Program

Grade 7

Welcome to Grade 7

Grade 7 is a year of significant academic and personal growth. At Country School, our seventh-grade curriculum is designed to deepen students’ knowledge and foster independent learning. Through a mix of challenging coursework, hands-on projects, and collaborative learning, students enhance their skills in language arts, math, science, history, and the arts. Our experienced teachers provide a supportive and stimulating environment where students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and pursue their passions. We also focus on social-emotional development, helping students build resilience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills. 

Grade 7 Highlights

List of 3 items.

  • Long Island SoundWaters Experience

    This immersive experience offers students an in-depth exploration of marine ecosystems, fostering a hands-on understanding of environmental science. Partnering with SoundWaters, the unit culminates in a research outing to Long Island Sound. This experiential learning opportunity enhances scientific knowledge and also inspires environmental stewardship, encouraging students to think critically about the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.

  • Boston Overnight Trip

    This enriching journey offers students a unique opportunity to explore the historical landmarks and cultural heritage of Boston, deepening their understanding of American history. During the trip, students visit key historical sites such as the Freedom Trail, Paul Revere’s House, and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. These visits bring the stories of the past to life, allowing students to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

  • Student Government

    Seventh grade marks the first opportunity for students to get involved in the school’s Student Government. This experience allows students to step into leadership roles by campaigning to become class representatives, fostering essential skills in governance, public speaking, and teamwork. Participating in Student Government not only empowers students to make a positive impact on the school but also builds confidence, enhances communication skills, and nurtures a sense of responsibility and civic engagement.

7th Grade Sample Schedule

List of 14 items.

  • 8:15 a.m.

    Advisory

  • 8:25 a.m.

    English

  • 9:20 a.m.

    Math

  • 10:15 a.m.

    Recess

  • 10:35 a.m.

    Community Time/Clubs/Study Hall/Life Skills

  • 10:55 a.m.

    World Language

  • 11:15 a.m.

    Arts

  • 12:00 p.m.

    Lunch & Recess

  • 12:40 p.m.

    Science

  • 1:40 p.m.

    History

  • 2:25 p.m.

    Advisory

  • 2:45 p.m.

    Sports

  • 4:00 p.m.

    Dismissal

  • 4–5:30 p.m.

    After School Programming Available
    Learn More

Our Grade 7 Curriculum

English

Seventh grade English develops students’ abilities to critically analyze literature through seminar-based discussion and to construct and defend an effective thesis. Literature includes American classics as well as more contemporary novels. In addition to building on their vocabulary and grammar knowledge, seventh graders focus on the craft of four types of essay: expository, persuasive, analytical and argumentative. Through peer review and individual teacher conferences, students produce multiple drafts and experiment with stylistic elements in order to hone their craft. Emphasis is put on supporting their arguments with multiple forms of evidence from the text.

United States History

In the seventh grade, students investigate United States history up to the late 19th century.. The curriculum includes topics and eras from colonization to the Revolutionary War to Industrialization and finally the Civil War and Reconstruction. The course provides students their comprehensive exposure to American history, while equipping them with opportunities to develop the core academic skills: note-taking, public speaking, debating, geographic literacy, use of primary sources, collaboration and test preparation. Development of research-driven writing skills, as well as exposure to current events, are also embedded throughout the year.

Mathematics

The Upper School mathematics program offers an integrated approach that helps students build a strong foundation while developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of math. Daily problem solving encourages students to observe, pose conjectures, test ideas, revise solutions, and clearly communicate their thinking — both verbally and in writing. This process builds creativity, perseverance, and confidence as students tackle increasingly complex challenges. At every grade level, they engage in high-level problem solving, make connections, form generalizations, and apply strategies to reinforce earlier concepts. Real-world applications help students see the relevance of their work, while technology supports analysis and exploration. Courses range from Math 7 to Algebra 2.

List of 4 items.

  • Math 7

    This course first reviews and reinforces previously learned computations skills including operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages. It then moves into challenging students to integrate these arithmetic concepts with geometry and algebra fundamentals. Following Math 7 most students move into Foundational Algebra in Grade 8.

  • Pre-Algebra

    This course focuses on developing students’ understanding of foundational algebraic concepts. Students also begin to integrate arithmetic skills in a study of basic geometry. They study plane and solid geometry, ratios, proportion, probability, similarity, data analysis and statistics. Algebra topics include operations with signed numbers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, linear equations and inequalities, and graphing. Following Pre-Algebra, most students move into Algebra 1 in Grade 8.

  • Accelerated Pre-Algebra

    The accelerated course challenges students to go deeply into foundational algebraic concepts and apply arithmetic knowledge to a variety of basic and intermediate geometric concepts. Topics include rational numbers, decimals, percentages, number theory, set theory, probability, plane and solid geometry, ratios, proportions and statistics. Algebra topics include the properties of real numbers, solving linear equations and inequalities with one and two variables, and graphing linear equations. Technology plays an important role as students utilize calculators and computers to aid in the problem-solving process. Following Accelerated Pre-Algebra, most students move into Accelerated Algebra 1 in Grade 8.

  • Algebra I

    This course is a comprehensive first-year algebra course that includes the study of linear, exponential and quadratic functions. Students learn to represent a family of functions in multiple ways: as verbal descriptions, equations, tables and graphs. Topics include the properties of the real numbers and their application, linear equations and inequalities with one and two variables, systems of equations and inequalities, properties of exponents, the fundamental operations with polynomial and rational expressions, factoring, radicals and quadratic equations. Graphing linear, exponential and quadratic functions is done by and pencil as well as the computer. Technology plays a significant role in the process of problem solving as students utilize calculators and computers to analyze problems. Following Algebra 1, most students move into Honors Geometry in Grade 8.

Science

The seventh grade science program is project-based and highly cooperative. The first trimester is devoted to life sciences. Students begin with a forest ecosystem study and then move on to classification, viruses and bacteria, plants, and endangered species. In the second trimester, students learn about natural resources, energy and environmental issues. These studies culminate in a series of environmental debates. The last term of the year brings together the life and Earth sciences in a unit devoted to Long Island Sound; its biodiversity and sustainability are explored through discussions of current research and through place-based experiential learning.

World Languages

Beginning in seventh grade, students choose to study Spanish, French, or Latin and continue with their chosen language throughout the Upper School.

List of 3 items.

  • Spanish 7

    Students build active proficiency in speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Through thematic vocabulary and foundational grammar — including present, preterite, and reflexive verbs — students learn to describe people, express daily routines, talk about hobbies, and navigate everyday situations. Classwork incorporates group activities, media, and listening exercises to strengthen comprehension and cultural awareness.

  • Latin 7

    Students are introduced to Latin through readings about daily life in Ancient Pompeii. As they build vocabulary and reading fluency, they explore Latin grammar and syntax, paying special attention to how meaning is conveyed through inflection. The course connects ancient Roman culture to modern life and enhances understanding of language structure.

  • French 7

    This introductory course builds basic skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students use structured sentences to express preferences and describe daily life, school, and family. Through activities, media, and cultural exploration, students gain foundational vocabulary and an appreciation of the French-speaking world.

The Arts

The seventh grade arts program is structured by trimester. All students take one trimester each of studio art and music, then choose an elective for the third trimester — options include woodshop, maker lab, drama, or dance. These courses build on skills from earlier grades while introducing new creative opportunities that will continue in eighth and ninth grade. Students may also join a musical ensemble (band or chorus) and participate in a fully staged theatrical production, with opportunities to explore performance, stagecraft, and design.

Upper School Art Electives

3D Animation
3D Printing
Architecture
Boat Building
Cartooning
Ceramics
Choral Ensemble
Collage
Digital Photography
Dramatic Arts
Drawing
Garage Band
Graphic Novels
Guitar & Ukulele
Jewelry 
Mixed Media
 Muraling
Painting
Printmaking
Scratch Programming
Short Film
Theatre Tech
Woodworking

Athletics

New Canaan Country School has long believed that athletics are an integral part of the educational experience of our students. The lifelong enjoyment of physical activity and a healthy attitude toward athletic competition are the primary goals of our physical education and sports program.
Our extensive indoor and outdoor facilities — including two full gymnasiums, expansive gross-motor room, cardiovascular fitness room, outdoor hockey rink, out-door swimming pool, wooded trails, ropes course and plentiful fields — suit our program well. We also have a full-time school nurse and an athletic trainer on campus to tend to our athletes in event of injury.
In the Upper School, students are placed on ability-based teams and every student has a chance to participate at a level that complements their skill level. Our teams compete in the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) and often against non-FAA opponents as well. Upon graduation from the Country School, our athletes move on to their next schools prepared and confident for the next level of competition.

Upper School Athletic Offerings

FALL

Cross-Country (Coed)
Field Hockey (Girls)
Independent Sports Option (Coed)
Soccer (Boys)
Soccer (Girls)
Flag Football (Coed)
Volleyball (Girls)

WINTER

Basketball (Boys)
Basketball (Girls)
Fitness (Coed)
Ice Hockey (Boys)
Ice Hockey (Girls)
Independent Sports Option (Coed)
Squash (Boys)
Squash (Girls)

SPRING

Baseball (Boys)
Cross-Country (Coed)
Independent Sports Option (Coed)
Lacrosse (Boys)
Lacrosse (Girls)
Softball (Girls)

Empowering the Students of Today for the Opportunities of Tomorrow.

New Canaan Country School

635 Frogtown Road, New Canaan, CT 06840
Phone: (203) 972-0771

Links & Resources

Accreditations

New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.