Junior High Curriculum Overview

In junior high, CLA students build on the strong foundation of our lower grades and take the next bold step toward high school readiness. Our well-rounded curriculum challenges, equips, and inspires. Rather than being confined to one set of standards, we thoughtfully draw from multiple benchmarks to create purposeful learning goals for each grade. Above all, every subject is taught through the lens of God’s Word, shaping a Christ-centered understanding of the world.

Elementary and junior high students sit in chapel beneath purple banners with cross designs

Word of God

Faith remains at the heart of everything we do at CLA. Our junior high students dive deeper into scripture, the commandments, and the Christian creeds, while lifting their voices in praise and committing God’s Word to memory.

Junior high students work at colorful desks in a bright classroom lined with bookshelves

Mathematics

Students in 5-8th grades will cover all areas of general mathematics, strengthening their skills in advanced number sense, operations, algebraic thinking, measurement, data analysis, and geometry, developing logical reasoning and confident problem-solving.

Two junior high students sit at their desks, one raising her hand, with shelves of books behind them

Science

Through hands-on labs and engaging projects, CLA junior high students explore life, earth, and physical science while learning to ask questions and applying the scientific and engineering design processes to real-world challenges.

Two boys sit on the floor reading a book together between low classroom bookshelves

Language Arts

Literature comes alive as students at CLA sharpen their writing, grammar, spelling, morphology, and vocabulary. Each according to their ability, they grow into thoughtful readers, skilled writers, and articulate communicators.

Two junior high girls sit at desks smiling with an open folder, a map of the United States on the wall behind them

Social Studies

Our students in grades 5-8 learn about ancient and medieval civilizations and dive into American history, discovering how the past shapes the present.

Elementary students play with pool noodles and cones on an artificial turf field during PE

Physical Education

Energy and teamwork are the focus of physical education at CLA. Students build strength, coordination, and lifelong healthy habits through fitness, sports, and active play.

Students sing together during a choir performance, a girl in the front row mid-song

The Arts

Our students’ creativity flourishes through music and visual arts. Students learn to read music, study music theory, sing, and may even take piano lessons during the school day, while also exploring artistic techniques and art history.

CLA Students Rise and Shine!

We measure each student’s academic progress so that we can provide a personalized learning path for all. We use the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment to gain detailed data on each student’s learning path.

In grades K-8 at CLA:

  • 35 percent of students are above the 80th percentile
  • 50 percent are above the 60th percentile

These learning benchmarks are well above the local, state, and national averages.

Pie chart titled CLA K-8 Student National Standards for MAP Testing showing the share of students in each national percentile band

“Teachers are invested in their students and develop genuine relationships with them. I’ve seen that so clearly with my daughter. Because of the support and encouragement from her teacher, she’s not only excelling in math, but her language comprehension is already at a senior high school level. Even more important to us, we know she is encouraged and supported every day, and her faith continues to grow. Care and community in a Christian setting at California Lutheran Academy are cherished by our family.”

- Parent of a CLA Student

Come Visit Us!

The best way to see if California Lutheran Academy is a good fit for your family is to see our campus in action. During your time, you will visit our classrooms and facilities, meet our school leaders, and have all your questions answered. We are here to help as your family explores the best place for your student.