The courses in grades seven and eight are intended to develop cognitive and study skills necessary for effective entry into the Upper School. By exposing students to a wide range of courses in the Middle School, Williams places an emphasis on the development of writing skills, analytic skills, and effective communication. In grade seven, students take English, American History, Math (Prealgebra), Life Science, Modern Language (French or Spanish), and Enrichment. In grade eight, students take English, Geography, Math (students are placed in the appropriate level by the department), Modern Language (French or Spanish), Physical Science, Latin I, and Enrichment. Whenever students are not scheduled in a class, they are in a supervised study hall. Band and Chorus are available as elective courses for students in grades seven and eight. Students in the eighth grade who participate in Band will postpone their study of Latin until the ninth grade. Students entering Williams in the eighth grade will take a language placement test to ensure they are placed into the appropriate level of Spanish or French.
