Seventh grade is a year of deep exploration of the theme of coming of age. Decision making, taking a stand, change, and society, are all explored in an array of literature genres. Continuing their work on providing textual evidence, students look at literary terms, such as symbolism and metaphor, and consider how these devices are employed to tell a story. In addition to traditional essays, students are provided alternative ways to showcase their understanding of their reading, including visual displays, cover redesigns, and creative writing. 

The overall theme in Humanities during this school year is world beliefs. This manifests itself in an array of studies, looking at the core tenets of different religions and philosophies, and the intersectionality of identity, morality, and ethics. Units vary in time and region and in the past have including topics such as the relationship between history, faith, community, and social change, misconceptions and stereotypes, and understanding ideas about the universe and the afterlife. Students share their understanding by enhancing their research skills, engaging in many analytical projects and papers, and engaging in an independent self-study for their final exhibition projects.

With inquiry at its core, the science curriculum aims to guide students to collaboratively and independently investigate issues through observation, research and experimentation. As students investigate real examples of science applications they discover the dependencies and tensions between ethics, culture, economics and environment. 

In seventh grade, students begin the formal Algebra I course, with special emphasis on linear functions. As students learn about linear functions, they learn to represent the linear functions in multiple ways: as verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs. They also learn to model real‐world situations using linear function in order to solve problems arising from the situations.

Seventh grade course two has been organized to provide students with the tools to think independently, to solve problems, and to question whether an answer is reasonable. The work that students complete varies from computational work to application of those concepts to solve problems. 

Students will reinforce basic computation skills and become familiar with the following: the properties of mathematics; the language of algebra; solving one step, two step and multi-step equations; adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing rational numbers and integers; solving inequalities; graphing equations and inequalities; ratios; proportions; percents; powers and roots and beginning function work.

We believe that students experience academic and social success by developing skills that promote their social and emotional well-being. Our middle school Classroom Advisory Program is focused on character education and social emotional learning. We believe it is critically important for students to engage in specifically designed lessons focusing on topics such as ethical choices and dilemmas, maintaining convictions in the face of peer pressure and adversity, appreciating individuality, managing anxiety and stress, making wise and informed choices regarding friendship conflicts, celebrating differences, and other similar topics. Students engage in group-oriented activities to foster the development of these skills. Seventh grade topics include:

• Self-image and self-improvement
• Making decisions
• Coping with anxiety and anger
• Stress management
• Social skills and interpersonal relationships
• Effective communication
• Assertiveness 
• Resolving conflict 

Beginning in fifth grade, Electives are offered once per week to middle school students in mixed group settings. This is a chance for students to have choice and voice through personal selection and an opportunity to work with peers from other middle school classes. Offerings change from year to year and have included ​​Photography, Creative Writing, Fiber Arts, Tinkering and Makerspace, The Art of Public Speaking, Healthy Habits and Nutrition, Service Learning, Theatre, Coding, and Ethics Bowl.

Seventh graders can expect daily homework that is purposeful and helps students manage their time and workload responsibly. Students also gain practice of managing longer term assignments with mini deadlines and milestones along the way. 

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways - class discussions, homework assignments, comprehension questions, essays, end of unit tests, quizzes, and research projects. Stevens uses authentic observation, testing and ongoing assessment to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each student.

In the spring of seventh grade, students take a practice Independent Schools Entrance Exam (ISEE) administered by the Educational Records Bureau in preparation for the exam in 8th grade. 

In addition to exploring relevant curriculum connections through local day trips to museums, including the American Folk Art Museum, Hindu Temple in Bridgewater, and Brooklyn Museum, students participate in a fall overnight trip to The Ashokan Center, an outdoor education camp for three days and two nights focused on enhancing teamwork, leadership and self-confidence. In the spring, students attend an overnight trip for two days and one night in Philadelphia.