Eighth Grade

Eighth Grade at Wheeling Country Day School is a culminating experience that prepares students for high school and beyond. Thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds take on their most ambitious Deep Dives yet – complex, project-based learning that demands critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application. With opportunities to pursue unique electives such as Cooking, Broadcasting/Podcasting, and DIY Lab–Engineering, students refine their individual strengths while collaborating as innovators and problem-solvers. At WCDS, eighth graders don’t just complete middle school—they leave as confident, capable, and compassionate learners, ready to make their mark on the world.

About Eighth Grade

We unlock the power in our Eighth Graders to learn and enjoy learning at our Middle School Branch Campus at Wheeling Park.

In Eighth Grade, we continue to provide core foundations in math and language arts, while introducing them to project-based learning that challenges the students to apply all subjects (math, science, history, global studies and more) as they work together with each and on their own.

Teachers work with the students to find problems and work through a proven framework to solve the problem by using a variety of skills, such as (math, science, engineering, reading, and more) to find their own way to solving real-life problems.

Deep Dive - Hands-on Learning

The Deep Dive class provides a hands-on and immersive learning experience. Students participate in various projects, like building stationary bikes to generate power and constructing bike repair stations. They go on bike rides to explore the surrounding areas, applying their knowledge of bikes and mechanics. The class fosters teamwork, problem-solving skills, and safe usage of power tools, empowering students to take ownership of their projects and witness the tangible results of their hard work.

An Emphasis on Character Development

Character development instruction highlighting respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship complements the academic offerings. Each teacher weaves this special program into the class’s regular curriculum.

English - Literature Exploration

In the English class, students are engaged in a literature exploration journey. They read various literary works and actively participate in discussions using the ‘Say Something’ strategy. Through this approach, they share questions, predictions, comments, and connections, fostering critical thinking and deeper understanding. The students also practice writing from different perspectives, such as poems, journal entries, and microfiction stories, honing their creative and expressive writing abilities.

Technology & Culture

While being part of the Wheeling Country Day School community, children prepare for an increasingly global, technological society with language and culture classes as well as technology instruction. Students explore the rich cultural heritage represented by the school’s families. Special school-wide and classroom activities throughout the year expand this understanding of the relationship between self and community. At the same time, students receive computer instruction preparing them for the world’s technology and their participation in it.

Algebra

In the math class, the focus is on building a strong foundation in algebraic concepts. Students are learning to simplify expressions, combine like terms, and apply distributive and associative properties. They are currently exploring scientific notation and radicals, with plans to tackle equations and rational numbers later in the year. The classroom environment encourages a growth mindset, where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, and collaborative activities help build confidence in problem-solving skills.

Sports, Clubs, & After School Activities

Wheeling Country Day School extends its curriculum by offering students a variety of clubs that they may join. Middle School students have the ability to participate in select sports including swim team, cross country, golf, tennis, martial arts, and more.

Parent-Teacher Communication and Community Involvement

Throughout the year, the school emphasizes the importance of parent-teacher communication and community involvement. Regular updates and newsletters keep parents informed about student progress, upcoming events, and opportunities for involvement. The school encourages parents to participate in meetings and discussions, providing valuable feedback and fostering a strong partnership in supporting students’ educational journey. This collaborative approach strengthens the school community and ensures students thrive in a supportive learning environment.

Eighth Grade Teachers & Staff

Carrie Ochap

Middle School Coordinator

Eighth Grade Eighth Grade at Wheeling Country Day School is a culminating experience that prepares students for high school and beyond. Thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds take on their most ambitious Deep Dives yet – complex, project-based learning that demands critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application. With …