Middle School Curriculum

The middle school curriculum serves as a transition between elementary school and high school. Students continue the rigorous Core Knowledge-based curriculum in Language Arts and Social Studies. Students also continue to build on the solid math foundation created in elementary school through the Singapore Math curriculum.

For Science, middle school students transition to lab-based science classes in Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. In addition to their core classes (Science, Math, Social Studies, and Language Arts), Prospect Ridge Academy Middle School Students also have the opportunity to participate in one to two electives per semester.

Prospect Ridge Academy Middle School also offers a number of choice electives, all focused on its college preparatory mission and its goal of creating academic, social, and ethical leaders. Examples include French, Spanish, technology, choir, band, orchestra, yearbook, journalism, PE, and others.

Engineering at PRA Middle School

Core Courses

Language Arts

6th Grade Language Arts is based on the Core Knowledge Sequence and is aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA) grade 6. Throughout the year, students will learn how to effectively communicate digitally, read and analyze different types of texts, write, speak, listen and use proper grammar while exploring various topics that examine the human experience. Throughout the year, students will produce several works of formal and informal writing including a quest narrative, literary analysis essay, persuasive business letter, and daily journal entries. In the 6th grade, we will focus on building a firm foundation for students to think critically and creatively.

7th grade Language Arts follows the Core Knowledge sequence. Students will read the 1897 French play Cyrano de Bergerac, along with a series of classic short stories, two novellas, and The Autobiography of Anne Frank. We will also read classic Western poetry for a poetry unit. For writing, we will focus primarily on nonfiction essays that describe, narrate, persuade, and compare/contrast. We will also write research essays, with a focus on defining a thesis, gathering relevant evidence, integrating quotations, and properly acknowledging sources. Students will have frequent opportunities to express themselves orally and exhibit attentive listening skills, both in formal presentations and various types of discussions. We will work on grammar, spelling, and vocabulary skills throughout the year.

8th Grade Language Arts follows the Core Knowledge Sequence for the 8th Grade. Over the year students will study a collection of contemporary short stories, poetry,,speeches, and autobiographies. Students will read The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and The Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. Along with this literature, students will learn grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and Greek and Latin roots. The types of writing covered in this course are: narrative, expository, persuasive, and compare and contrast. This course prepares students for Englishes classes at the High School level.

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Kate Clem

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My educational and professional background is diverse and includes biochemistry, economics, social work, and writing. What it boils down to is the fact that I love to learn! That love of learning has guided my entire life and I believe that every student can find that love too. It is my greatest goal for students to find a love of learning, to find something they are interested in. 

I was born and raised in Texas but have lived in Florida, Hawai'i, and Colorado. I live with my partner, Austin, and our animals- a cat named Pharaoh and a dog named Ranger. We love to camp, hike, fish, and rock climb. I can often be found with a book in my hand or listening to a podcast. I am beyond excited for the 2024-2025 school year! Let's make it a great one together.

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Claricy Hall

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Hi, I am Claricy Hall. This will be my 13th year teaching 7th Grade Language Arts at PRA and my 26th year teaching middle school.  I received my BA from Colorado State University (Go Rams!) and my MAEd from the  University of Northern Colorado. I have twin boys who will be freshmen at PRA this year. I live with them and my husband, Cori, two Jack Russell Terriers, two horses and some goats and chickens on our "farm" outside of Brighton. When I am not teaching, I love traveling. My favorite place on earth is Aruba. I enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling and spending time in the ocean. 

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Kelly Anderson

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My name is Kelly Anderson and I am the 8th grade Language Arts teacher. I am a third generation teacher, and have been teaching at PRA since 2015. I took a two year sabbatical to Seattle, and have been back in Colorado teaching at PRA since 2022. In my dozen or so years of teaching, I have found more and more joy in building relationships with middle schoolers and in improving my instructional practice. I feel so grateful to get to learn and grow alongside students at such an important time in their lives. I have two daughters and a son,  6th and 9th graders at PRA and an 12th grader at Monarch High School. In my time outside of teaching (and driving kids all over the city for their activities), I enjoy traveling, reading, cooking, and recently, painting with acrylics and watercolors!

Math

Foundations of Middle School Math builds essential skills as students transition from elementary-level math into secondary math courses. Topics include prime numbers, factorization, integers, fraction and decimal operations, ratios, percentages, one-step equations, 4 quadrant coordinate plane, area and perimeter of polygons, surface area, the volume of solids, statistics, and measures of central tendency and variability. Students will develop an understanding of these topics through developing theories and building habits of mind.

Middle School Pre-Algebra A is the first course in the two-part Pre-Algebra math sequence at Prospect Ridge Academy. Topics include rational number operations, algebraic expressions, multi-step equations and inequalities, proportions, angle properties, circumference and area of circles, volume and surface area of solids, statistics, and probability. Students will develop an understanding of these topics through developing theories and building habits of mind.

Middle School Pre-Algebra B is the second course in the two-part Pre-Algebra math sequence at Prospect Ridge Academy. Topics include exponents, multi-step equations, linear equations and functions, systems of equations, Pythagorean Theorem, congruence and similarity, geometric transformations, statistics, and probability. Students will develop an understanding of these topics through developing theories and building habits of mind.

Middle School Pre-Algebra AB is the accelerated course for Pre-Algebra math sequence at Prospect Ridge Academy.

Middle School Math Pathways

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Saovaluk Sima-Aree

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My name is Saovaluk Sima-aree.  I am from Thailand.  My background is in Engineering.  I graduated from Kasetsart University in Thailand with a Bachelor Degree of Water Resources Engineering in 1989.  I later graduated with a Master Degree of Science in Civil Engineering from California State University, Los Angeles in 1995.  I came to Colorado for my Ph.D. at Colorado State University in 1994.  I was a Ph.D. candidate in Hydrological Science Engineering between 1996-2005.  I was a substitute teacher in Jefferson County School District between 2006-2019. I have taught Secondary Math in Colorado for the last 4 years.  This is my third year at Prospect Ridge Academy Charter School.

 Why Teaching?

  • I want to pass my knowledge onto others and help students cultivate a true passion for learning.

  • I believe that education is an enriching career to give back to community.

  • I can help students develop skills and characteristics to become productive and contributing members of society.

  • I am an inquisitive person.  I love learning and being in the learning environment.  I have passion for curiosity, wanting to know more, and wanting to learn and understand.

My Philosophy

  • I believe that everyone in the classroom are the learners, and thinkers.

  • I believe in Growth Mindsets. "The smartness increases with hard work."

  • I believe that mistakes are proof that you are trying.

 I am looking forward to work with you and see you thrive in math.  We are going to have a great year together.

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Jacob Robeson

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Vicki Lish

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Social Studies

6th Grade Social Studies follow the Core Knowledge Scope & Sequence for exploration of topics and themes in History, Geography, Economics, and Civics that help students understand chronological history and how to draw cause-and-effect relationships among world events.  Students will practice research skills, analyze primary and secondary sources, and develop their argumentative writing and speaking skills through persuasive writing and participating in class debates and discussions.

7th Grade Social Studies follows the Core Knowledge sequence for 7th grade. This course will cover the historical and geographic topics. Students will use primary and secondary sources of history and geography to learn how to problem solve and incorporate history and geography into their every day lives by learning about the geography of the United States, World War I, the Russian Revolution, the Roaring 1920’s to the New Deal, and World War II.

8th grade Social Studies uses the Core Knowledge curriculum and is designed with an integrated approach to the social sciences. The study of world and American history, both physical and human geography, political science, economics and world cultures is blended as we look at our global society, as it exists post-World War II.

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Pam Wilde

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I have my BA in History and MA in Teaching Elementary Education (K-6). I am a mother of 3 and a Colorado Native - calling Wheat Ridge my hometown! I am excited to be teaching Social Studies, sticking to academic learning, and challenging my students to think outside the box and view history from multiple perspectives! 

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Erin Puccio

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My name is Erin Puccio and this is my 13th year teaching Social Studies at PRA and my 18th year teaching!  I was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado and have lived in this state my entire life.  I attended UNC (Greeley) and hold a BA in history and a MAEd in Secondary Education.  Currently, I live in Lakewood with my husband, Mike, who teaches PE, my son Jackson who is a PRA 2nd grader, and my two naughty dogs, Frank and Sophia.  My favorite place in the world is Kauai's North Shore and I hope to live there someday, but for now I will continue to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer! 

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Noah Hayden

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I'm Noah Hayden, and I teach 8th grade Social Studies. This will be my fifth year teaching at PRA, and I'm excited to continue this journey with this great community. I love teaching history and sharing its stories to learn from, but even more so enjoy teaching itself and getting to help students find their potential and grow in all they strive to do. Along with teaching at PRA, I am also an assistant coach for middle school cross country and track, as well as the teacher sponsor for middle school Student Council. Outside of teaching, I am often outdoors as much as I can be long-boarding, playing ultimate frisbee, or simply taking in Colorados wonderful scenery.

Science

6th Grade Earth Science is an inquiry based course in which students will use the scientific method to learn about the earth's history, geology, plate tectonics, constructive and deconstructive forces that affect Earth’s surface, the atmosphere, weather patterns, the climate, the water cycle, the sun, the planets, and galaxies.

7th Grade Life Science is an inquiry-based course in which we will study issues related to living organisms, their life processes, and their relationships with each other and the environment. Concepts studied will include biomolecules, cell processes, genetics, classification of organisms, change over time (evolution), biodiversity, and ecology.

8th Grade Physical Science course is an inquiry-based course that builds the foundation for high school science by introducing the fundamental laws and theories that govern the natural world. During the first semester, students will use the scientific method to explore concepts in chemistry, including the structure and properties of matter, energy transfer, and interactions of matter. Second semester, the focus will shift to physics, including units on forces and motion, work and simple machines, properties of waves and the electromagnetic spectrum.

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Amanda Mitzel

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Dr. Marcus Cohen

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My name is Dr. Cohen and I teach 7th grade Life Science. I am also a coach for our Science Olympiad teams. Before teaching at PRA I completed my B.A. and Ph.D. in Biology at CU Boulder...Go Buffs!!! My Ph.D. research was focused a fish called the Cuckoo Catfish, so you may notice the fish theme in my room and might even hear some kids calling me Dr. Fish. In graduate school I spent a lot of time traveling around Colorado teaching science lessons, and found that I love teaching middle school science!!! 

When I'm not at PRA, I am usually spending time with my family.  My wife Alisha and I have a daughter named Malia, a son named Miles, and a Jack Russell Terrier named Roxy. In my free time I also enjoy playing hockey, fishing, and snowboarding. 

I am excited for the new school year and know it will be a wonderful and memorable year. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.  Thanks! 

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Lisa Naujock

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Hello PRA Families, I am beginning my 5th year teaching at PRA. My first year at PRA was teaching executive functioning to middle school students before I got back into the classroom as the 8th grade science teacher. This is my 10th year teaching middle school science as I taught integrated science to 7th and 8th graders in Florida. 

I have three boys at PRA, my oldest child is a 11th grader, my middle child is in 8th grade, and my last child is in 4th grade. I have a Bachelor's degree in Watershed Science from CSU and a Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering from UCF. 

As a teacher, I am passionate about getting students excited about science in the world around us. I love helping students find their learning style so they can be successful in high school and beyond. I am looking forward to another great year. Go Miners! 

Outside of teaching, I enjoy hiking, camping, running, and enjoying time with my family.

8th Grade Science Page

Elective Courses

Art

Music

Theater

Engineering

General Electives

World Language

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Pam Wilde

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Business & Economics

I have my BA in History and MA in Teaching Elementary Education (K-6). I am a mother of 3 and a Colorado Native - calling Wheat Ridge my hometown! I am excited to be teaching Social Studies, sticking to academic learning, and challenging my students to think outside the box and view history from multiple perspectives! 

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Leonard Rinchuiso

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Spanish

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Olivia Toth

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Art/Yearbook

Mrs. Toth is originally from Toledo, Ohio and attended Bowling Green State University, achieving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Education. She has always enjoyed creating and making art since she was a little girl, and being an art teacher is her dream job! She has been an art teacher for seven years and looks forward to many, many more. Her favorite media to teach are ceramics, sculpture, and printmaking, and all of these and more will be explored by the students in her class. Mrs. Toth's main goal as an art teacher is to provide students with a warm, colorful, and fun environment where they can express themselves, practice exciting studio techniques, and learn to appreciate and love the creative process.

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Krista Hwang

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Choir/Theater

I am Krista Hwang, and I teach Theater and Choir here at PRA.  I teach the middle school theater class, direct the middle school musical, co-direct the high school musical, and direct the Middle School and High School Choirs.  I also direct an elementary school choir for grades 3-5.  I have been teaching since 2000, and have taught at PRA since 2013.  I have two sons who attend PRA.   When I'm not at school, I enjoy singing, reading, and Irish Dancing.  My family and I enjoy getting into the mountains in every season, camping, hiking, skiing, and relaxing

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Patrick Schneeberger

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Health/PE

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Mary Vogelsberg

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Band/Orchestra

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Anne Marie Dencklau

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PE/Health

This is my 9th year teaching at Prospect Ridge Academy and 19th year teaching over all. This year I am teaching Middle School Health classes and Middle School Physical Education classes.

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Andrew Schuster

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Engineering

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Karen Stansifer

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French