Below is an approximate layout, a very rough guideline, of which subjects are taught in each grade level through 8th grade.
Please note that “required subjects” is a rather subjective term. Very few students will match exactly everything listed in their grade level, just as very few 6-year-olds wear size 6 in all items of clothing. It is not recommended, for example, that you use all “2nd grade” materials for all subjects for your 2nd grade student, unless he/she placed into that level for each individual subject using the diagnostics or assessment tests for each subject provided by that publisher/brand.
The suggested subjects for each grade level are general recommendations. Most students will go at a different pace than what is typical for any given subject, going a faster pace in some subjects and much slower in others. For example, if your 7th grader hasn’t learned cursive, which in prior decades was taught in 3rd grade and required for all writing in 4th grade and up, then you may want to look at some cursive workbooks. Another common situation is a student who has moved quickly and easily in math and is perhaps two grade levels ahead, but is “below” grade-level in composition. Use materials that match his/her ability and level in each subject area, and adjust the pace of each program accordingly.
The set of subjects for one student is sometimes referred to as a “complete curriculum.” When you custom-pick all of the subjects and programs for each subject area for your child, you have assembled a complete curriculum for him/her.
Pre-K
- beginning arithmetic
- handwriting and fine motor skills
- beginning phonics
- read-aloud time across a variety of subjects and literary genres
Kindergarten
- math
- handwriting
- phonics
- read-aloud time across subjects of literature, social studies, and science
1st grade
- math
- handwriting
- phonics
- spelling (optional)
- punctuation, capitalization
- read-aloud time across subjects of literature, social studies, and science
- independent reading across a variety of subjects, according to ability
2nd grade
- math
- handwriting
- phonics, as needed
- spelling
- grammar, punctuation, capitalization
- composition (optional)
- read-aloud time across subjects of literature, social studies, and science
- independent reading across a variety of subjects, according to ability
- social studies (optional)
- science (optional)
3rd grade
- math
- handwriting
- spelling
- grammar, punctuation, capitalization
- composition (optional)
- literature studies
- read-aloud time across subjects of literature, social studies, and science
- independent reading across subjects of literature, social studies, and science, according to ability
- social studies (optional)
- science (optional)
4th grade
- math
- handwriting (optional)
- spelling
- vocabulary
- grammar, punctuation, capitalization
- composition (optional)
- literature studies
- read-aloud time and independent reading across a variety of subjects
- social studies
- science
5th grade
- math
- handwriting (optional)
- spelling
- vocabulary
- grammar, punctuation, capitalization
- composition
- literature studies
- social studies
- science
- read-aloud time and independent reading across a variety of subjects
6th grade
- math
- spelling
- vocabulary
- grammar, punctuation, capitalization
- composition
- literature studies
- social studies
- science
- read-aloud time and independent reading across a variety of subjects
7th grade
- math
- spelling (optional)
- vocabulary
- grammar, punctuation, capitalization
- composition
- literature studies
- social studies
- science
- independent reading and read-aloud time across a variety of subjects
8th grade
- math
- vocabulary
- grammar, punctuation, capitalization
- composition
- literature studies
- social studies
- science
- independent reading and read-aloud time across a variety of subjects
Electives
Electives such as foreign languages and logic aren’t included here. Most students begin taking these types of electives in the middle grades.
Requirements
The 4 core subjects considered to be essential by most (again, note that “required subjects” is a subjective term) are:
- math
- reading/English/language arts
- social studies
- science
Standards and requirements will vary depending on whose point of view it is. In the state of Texas, the legal requirement for homeschooling designates math, language arts, and “good citizenship” (a.k.a. social studies); there is no legal requirement to teach science, but most schools and homeschoolers will include it. Visit thsc.org regularly to check on any changes in state law regarding homeschooling.
The requirements to enter your local public school will depend on the school and school district. Generally, anyone residing in the school district may attend the school within his/her zone. Depending on the school and the grade level, assessment tests may be required to determine the level of courses the student can take (e.g., regular math v. honors math, algebra 2 v. precalculus).
The requirements to enter a private school will be set by each one; at the school’s website, visit the admissions page to see the application process. Many require some type of assessment test, such as the ISEE, as part of the admissions requirements.
The requirements to enter public or private colleges or universities will also be set by each one and can be found on their websites; check the admissions section.