Eighth grade students also work on the orgainzation of the expository essay and continue writing fiction, poetry, and personal narratives. The ninth grade course allows students to become familiar with the roots of Western and non-Western cultures. Frequent writing assignments emphasize the establishment of voice and the ways of achieving cohesive and precise prose. Grammar study becomes more sophisticated and individualized vocabulary study continues. A two-year study of American History begins in seventh grade.
Ninth graders study the ancient civilizations of the Middle East, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Current events and historical fiction are used throughout each year to enhance the curriculum. A three trimester course in grade 6 introduces formal language study at Bement. French, Latin and Spanish. Following this overview students select the language they wish to pursue in grades 7-9. Written evaluations, including achievement and effort grades, are sent home to boarding and day parents and shared with each student every three weeks.