NLISD's curriculum in the four core disciplines--Science, Social Studies, Language Arts and Mathematics--is guided by the C-Scope lesson developer, TAKS-tested instructional areas, and topics outlined in Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) which is provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). In-school and after-school remediation or tutoring may be provided for those students needing extra help in these core subject areas.  Both regular and advanced level courses in the four core subject areas are available at all grade levels at Stone. 

Regular and Advanced Language Arts classes are offered at every grade level at Stone.  Students will learn grammar skills, read an assortment of literature, and compose writing assignments in a variety of formats.  Students visit the Library regularly through their Language Arts classes in order to have access to reading and reference materials.  Reading remediation classes are also offered for students needing extra help in that area, and general Language Arts tutoring is available as well.

Regular and Advanced level Math courses are offered in grades 6, 7, and 8. Algebra I is offered in 8th grade for students meeting course prerequisites.  In addition, the Success Math Lab provides year-long reinforcement of TAKS skills learned in regular Math class by utilizing small-group activities, computer-based lessons, and other proven learning techniques. Additional Math tutoring may be offered as needed during the school year.

Advanced and regular science courses are available at all three grade levels at Stone.  Physical Science is emphasized in 6th grade, Biology or Life Science is studied in 7th grade, and Geology or Earth Science is taught in 8th grade.  Teachers provide many opportunities for hands-on experimentation and presentations. 

Middle School students study World History & Geography in grade 6, Texas History & Geography in grade 7, and United States History & Civics in grade 8.  As with the other three core subject areas, both Advanced and regular classes are offered on each grade level.  People & Places, a social studies elective for 6th graders, was added in 2008.

Students at Stone have ample opportunities to learn and use computer equipment and technology each year.  Several classrooms on campus have extra computers set aside for student use only.  Seventh-graders are required to take a Computer Keyboarding class, and eighth-graders may choose Computer Applications as an elective.  In addition, any teacher may sign up to take classes to the Computer Lab periodically during the school year for special projects and assignments.

Exercising the body as well as the mind is important for everyone.  Students spend class time learning about the body's various systems as well as habits for healthy living. In P.E. classes, students get a break from the routine of book work by playing games, learning sports rules, and enjoying fun activities.

An introduction to basic Spanish is offered as an elective in grade 8. This course is recommended for students planning to take a foreign language class in high school.

As the name implies, Career Investigations allows students to study about jobs they might be interested in pursuing when they get older. A semester elective course for 8th-graders, C.I. features guest speakers from the community, an assortment of career-related videos, and sometimes even a local field trip or two. Student office aides and library assistants are also chosen from applications submitted by CI students each semester.

New to Stone this year, Personal Finance is a semester course for 8th graders interested in learning about checking and savings accounts, applying for loans, budgeting household expenses, maintaining control of credit cards, investing in the stock market, and other general financial topics.

Previously only offered to high school students, Speech is a new elective course this school year for 8th grade students interested in improving their public speaking abilities and working on a variety of presentation skills.

Click here for more information on our Fine Arts Department.