Eighth graders are exposed to a wide array of texts from essays, poetry, novels, memoirs, primary documents and more, students also continue to participate in literature circles and read alouds. Literature circle discussions may be whole class format or in small groups and include a study of classic and contemporary works of fiction and nonfiction. 

Students write with increasing sophistication in 8th grade. The depth and scope of the humanities program increases the need for focus on expository writing while creative writing is still emphasized through narratives, journals and poetry. Particular attention is paid to annotating and note-taking skills, essay structure, research skills, conventions of writing, organization and thesis development. Overarching exploration of self and society provides ample opportunities for students to develop their voice through writing. 

The goals of our humanities course are linked both to social studies and literacy skills as students learn to explore the world in which we live by making connections between history and the modern day. Students are encouraged to use a wide variety of sources and are taught key media literacy skills such as triangulating sources to become critical consumers of news. In eighth grade, students produce culminating papers and multimedia presentations that reach new levels of rigor as they grapple with increasingly complex topics, analyze and compare information, conduct interviews with people in the field, use sophisticated language, and create multimedia presentations. Student learning inspires them to action in the wider community and to make a difference in our world.

With inquiry at its core, the science curriculum aims to guide students to collaboratively and independently investigate issues through observation, research and experimentation. Stevens employs an integrated, spiraling approach to science education that builds on life, mechanical and environmental sciences throughout each year. The curriculum is aimed at developing student fluency with scientific skills and concepts through hands-on projects and experimentation. This develops facility with the scientific process, which is demonstrated through students’ individual science projects. As students investigate real examples of science applications they discover the dependencies and tensions between ethics, culture, economics and environment.  

In eighth grade, students continue to learn Algebra I with special emphasis on linear, quadratic and exponential functions. As students learn about each family of functions, they learn to represent them in multiple ways: as verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs. Eighth graders also learn to model real‐world situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations.

The focus of the course is building the foundation necessary for success in the study of algebra and preparing students for the rigorous and challenging geometry curriculum in high school. Students continue to work on solving multi-step rational equations and advanced geometry concepts such as similarity and congruence, transformations, and Pythagorean theorem. In addition, students continue to build their knowledge and skills with statistics and probability.

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. Eighth grade topics include:

• Goal-setting
• Problem solving
• Perseverance
• Stress management
• Resolving conflict
• Using social media responsibly
• Healthy and unhealthy relationships
• Consent
• Health and wellbeing

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.

In middle school, students experience more regular and frequent quizzes, tests, essays and projects. Weekly quizzes are used to assess baseline knowledge and ensure that students are maintaining an appropriate pace with the curriculum material. Unit exams are given to assess knowledge of content and basic analyzing skills. Essays, in conjunction with oral defenses, focus on in-depth curricular concepts that assess higher order thinking skills.  

Stevens uses authentic observation, testing and ongoing assessment to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each student.
Students take the Terra Nova standardized test in October and the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) in October and December. 

In addition to exploring relevant curriculum connections through local day trips to museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, students participate in an overnight trip to the Poconos Environmental Education Center (PEEC) for three days and two nights focused on enhancing teamwork, leadership and self-confidence.