HOME| CONTACT| WORK AT CIRCLE

 

ccs-website-header-upperschool-fundamentals-logo-01

7th & 8th Grades 

This two-day program is designed to train middle school students for the rigors of a High School college preparatory program. Through teacher directed in-class and online guidance, students receive planned weekly assignments and grades with an integrated Christian worldview. Parents engage and interact at home with their student through assignments and online learning with teacher supplied lessons and grades. We feature core academic and elective courses that follow typical grade-level scope and sequence. 

 

Tour Our Campus

 

Download Info Sheet

 

Review Course Guide

 

Are You Looking For A Program That Has A…

  • University-Hybrid Model
  • Accelerated Schedule of 30 weeks
  • Honors, Dual-Enrollment, L.I.V.E and Elective course offerings
  • Blended Learning through e-Learning campus
  • Focus on Critical Thinking, Personal Responsibility, Academic Growth and Teamwork
  • Two Campuses in Central Florida

Program Details

Is Fundamentals right for you?

  • Does your student love to create and explore?
  • Does your student enjoy classroom structure and collaborative work?
  • Do you want to actively participate in your child’s education?
  • Do you want to lead hands-on, discussion-based learning at home?

Which subjects are covered?

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • History
  • Arts
  • Culinary
  • STEM

How many students are typical enrolled in a course?

Individual class sizes vary considerably. The average class size is 16. Except for certain situations, the maximum class size is 20.

How do parents participate?

Because of the unique nature of courses at Circle, the parent’s role is vital for student success. Parents, student, and teachers form a cord of three strands in order to achieve the highest level of academic and personal training possible. Parents are expected to daily engage with their student’s coursework by assisting with assignments as needed and monitoring their academic progress on the eLearning Campus. Parents should always model a positive attitude toward the classroom teacher, coursework, and education.

What is the teacher's role in Circle courses?

Teachers provide full lesson planning, assignments, and grading while parents actively direct the assignment-driven, at-home learning in the University-Hybrid-Model. Using a variety of instructional methods in the classroom and through at-home assignments and projects, teachers engage students in the curricula. Teachers also provide feedback and accountability through grading and assessment to ensure learning gains are achieved. In addition to academic growth, teachers at Circle seek to transform lives to the glory of God.

Is a computer necessary to access the eLearning Campus (eLC)?

Circle’s eLearning Campus plays a significant role in our instructional model. It is essential for communication and connection between teachers, parents, and students. Teachers blend classroom learning with at-home learning by using their class pages to enhance the weekly lessons on the eLearning site. Students may encounter discussion forums, digital field trips, links to resources, images and documents, as well as personal teaching videos that add to the rich learning experience of our high school classes through the technology of the eLearning Campus. Computer and internet access is required to be successful in our learning environment.

Are middle school courses designed to prepare my student for High School?

The coursework in Fundamentals is expected to prepare your student for the workload they experience as they enter the high-school classroom. Critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills are emphasized as well as study skills, note-taking, and organization. Fundamentals’ courses follow a model similar to Circle’s high school classes.

How do I know if my student is ready for Pre-Algebra (7th) or Algebra 1 Honors (8th)?

In order to provide the highest level for student success, a placement test needs to be administered to ensure correct evaluation and provide time for any needed remediation. Foundational skills for Pre-Algebra (7th) and Algebra 1 (8th) are assessed at registration. (This is a placement test, not an end-of-course exam. Since this is an assessment of acquired knowledge, your student should not need to prepare for this test.)

Students who score at or above 80% on the placement test are prepared for the class and enrollment will be confirmed. Students with scores below 80% on the placement test need to complete remediation over the summer and retake the placement test by July 1, 2019, to have enrollment confirmed. Circle offers Summer Math Success for Class Placement to assist student development for Pre-Algebra and Algebra I Honors success. This is a skill-focused, 6-week, on-site class taught by Circle math teachers and is designed specifically to remediate critical skills. To remain in the class, students must demonstrate a score of at or above 80% on the required placement test by July 1, 2019.

What are CCS L.I.V.E. courses?

Circle Christian School offers several live, interactive, virtual education (L.I.V.E.) opportunities. These course are scheduled for times when the student is not on campus. They are designed to be completed from home. Teachers design courses for virtual engagement and high levels of student interaction. These are not ‘static’ online classes. Webcams are required. CCS L.I.V.E. courses meet the same stringent requirements for academic gains and transcript credibility. Labs are conducted virtually through demonstration and by assignment.

Fundamental Courses

We offer courses at multiple campus locations and curriculum for home-education. Students have the opportunity to enroll in Honors, AP, and Dual-Enrollment classes.

Program Details

  • Miss Sarah Bryant
    Writing and Literature 7, 8

    English Department

    Miss Sarah Bryant holds a B.A. In English from Rollins College and is a Circle Christian School graduate. She has a passion for imparting a love of writing and literature to middle school students. She has subbed with Circle Christian School since 2015 and began co-teaching this class with Mrs. Cannon in the 2nd semester of 2015-16.

  • Mr. Dana Mosely
    Pre Algebra, Algebra I

    Mr. Dana Mosely holds a B.S./M.A. in Math Education from Louisiana State University. Mr. Mosely has broad and deep experience in teaching math from middle school through college. As a sought after developer of math video curriculum he has published math instructional videos for several major textbook companies and co-owns the Chalkdust Company which produces a variety of instructional resources. Known by a generation of students as “Mr. Chalkdust”, he brings a life long love of math together with a compelling belief that every student should be confident in math and prepared for the challenges of our STEM focused world. He has been teaching with Circle Christian School since 2015.

  • Mrs. Pamela N. Knopf
    Life Science 7/8, Physical Science 8

    Mrs. Pamela N. Knopf holds a Christian Education Degree from Logos Christian College with a minor in Biblical Studies. With a background as a medical and surgical assistant, Mrs. Knopf appreciates the complexities and intricacies of biological life and enjoys seeing her students grasp an appreciation for God’s creation. As a Certified Temperament Counselor, Mrs. Knopf seeks to pull out the specific gifts of each of her students. She was also the principal of a private school in Jacksonville for ten years. As a master teacher, she has been teaching in many different capacities in a classroom setting since 1994. She moved to Central Florida and began teaching Science at Circle in January of 2011

  • Mrs. Michelle Stewart
    World History 7, American History 8

    Mrs. Michelle Stewart holds a B.S. in Secondary Education, Social Studies from the University of Oklahoma. In addition to homeschooling her own children for 18 years, Mrs. Stewart’s teaching experience includes HOUSE and Foundations Art classes, as well as Fundamentals and High School history classes for the last several years. She is dedicated to teaching a Biblical worldview. Seeing students grow in the grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ has been her greatest joy. Mrs. Stewart has been teaching in various capacities with Circle Christian School since 2005.

  • Mr. Kenny Buskirk
    Intro to Culinary

    Mr. Kenny Buskirk holds a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. He has been a chef at Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel, Victoria & Albert’s, and the Empress Lilly. He also worked at The Marriott Hotel in Boca Raton, Fl. as a Director of Catering Operations. He currently works as a personal chef and caterer. His experience, skill, and passion for culinary arts blended with his love for students, for God’s Word, and for Jesus Christ create a winning combination for all. Mr. Buskirk has been teaching with Circle Christian School since 2015.

  • Mrs. Pamela N. Knopf
    Paper-Crafting

    Mrs. Pamela N. Knopf holds a Christian Education Degree from Logos Christian College with a minor in Biblical Studies. With an artistic eye, Mrs. Knopf appreciates the complexities and intricacies of God’s creation and enjoys seeing her students grasp an appreciation for art and faith. As a Certified Temperament Counselor, Mrs. Knopf seeks to pull out the specific gifts of each of her students. She was also the principal of a private school in Jacksonville for ten years. She began to explore the craft industry over 25 years ago as a hobby which quickly transitioned into more of a profession, selling in craft shows, and teaching at local craft stores. As a master teacher, she has been teaching in many different capacities in a classroom setting since 1994. She moved to Central Florida and began teaching science at Circle in January of 2011.

  • Mr. Thomas Cole
    STEM Quest

    Mr. Thomas Cole is a 2014 graduate of Circle Christian School and is currently attending Lake Sumter State College pursuing a degree in education and/or zoology. Mr. Cole believes that the most significant purpose of education is to prepare and instruct young people how to be successful in life and give them the tools to succeed. With a heart and passion for mentoring the next generation in leadership, faith, and life, Mr. Cole incorporates these intrinsic goals into all aspects of study. Teaching from a scientific inquiry methodology, Mr. Cole seeks to inspire young students to enjoy thinking and solving problems. Mr. Cole has been teaching with Circle Christian School since 2015.