
6A-ELAR
The sixth-grade ELAR curriculum uses Savvas myPerspectives Texas, a comprehensive, research-based program designed to strengthen students’ reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language skills. Through relevant and diverse literary and informational texts, multimedia resources, academic discussions, collaborative projects, and performance-based assessments, students learn to analyze ideas, support their thinking with textual evidence, and communicate effectively. The program promotes student choice, independence, and ownership while supporting mastery of grade-level Texas ELAR standards.
The ELAR program develops students’ reading, writing, speaking, listening, language, and collaboration skills through literary, informational, and argumentative texts. Students analyze plot, characterization, conflict, theme, central ideas, author’s purpose, and different perspectives while supporting their interpretations with textual evidence. They produce narrative, informational, explanatory, argumentative, and research-based compositions through the full writing process, including planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Academic discussions, presentations, group activities, and multimedia projects strengthen communication and collaboration. Students also develop grade-level grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, vocabulary, and understanding of figurative language. Through independent and collaborative learning, students set goals, reflect on their progress, explore diverse voices and cultures, and build confidence as readers, writers, speakers, and critical thinkers.
6th Grade Accelerated Math Overview
At Horizon Leadership Academy, the 6th Grade Accelerated Math curriculum, aligned with TEKS and powered by Savvas enVision Mathematics, challenges students to build a deep understanding of mathematical concepts while developing problem-solving and reasoning skills. This accelerated program prepares students for 7th Grade Advanced Math and future success in Algebra I.
Students explore ratios, rates, and percentages, applying proportional reasoning to real-world problems. They strengthen their understanding of fractions, decimals, integers, and rational numbers, performing multi-step operations with accuracy and fluency. Algebraic thinking is developed through simplifying expressions and solving one-step equations and inequalities, while geometry units focus on area, volume, and surface area of two- and three-dimensional figures.
The curriculum also introduces statistical reasoning and probability, teaching students to collect, analyze, and interpret data using measures such as mean, median, and range. Through hands-on lessons, visual models, and interactive technology, students build confidence, critical thinking, and a strong foundation for advanced middle school math pathways.
6th Grade Science Overview
The 6th Grade Accelerated Science curriculum, aligned with TEKS and supported by FOSS Next Generation resources, introduces students to essential concepts in physical science, life science, Earth science, and environmental science. This comprehensive program emphasizes hands-on investigations, critical thinking, and real-world applications.
By the end of the year, students will have developed the ability to analyze energy transformations, understand the properties of matter, and differentiate between physical and chemical changes. They will explore Earth's systems by studying tectonic processes, weather, and natural resources, and they will investigate the role of energy in ecosystems, including photosynthesis and food webs.
Key skills include calculating density, investigating energy transfers such as conduction and radiation, and building models of Earth's structural layers. Students will also explore cellular structures, identify organism classifications, and understand the interactions within ecosystems. This accelerated curriculum prepares students for more advanced science coursework while fostering curiosity and scientific inquiry.
6th Grade Fine Arts Overview
The 6th Grade Fine Arts curriculum fosters creativity and foundational art skills through diverse techniques and mediums. Students explore intricate line designs, create precise cutouts of letters and numbers, and experiment with printmaking to craft positive shape prints. They delve into color theory by identifying tertiary colors, using color to create contrast and emphasis, and achieving shading with value to add depth. Projects include designing radial symmetry patterns, crafting tissue paper collages, adding texture to detailed clay works, and creating expressive portraits. These activities encourage self-expression and artistic growth while reinforcing key art principles.
6th Grade Social Studies Overview
The 6th Grade World Cultures curriculum, supported by McGraw Hill resources, takes students on a global exploration of the geography, history, government, economy, and culture of various regions. Each week, students will delve into a specific place or region, developing an understanding of how geography shapes the history, economy, and cultural identity of societies.
Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, students will analyze the impact of physical features such as mountains, rivers, and climate on the development of civilizations. By the end of the year, they will understand the interconnectedness of geography, history, and culture, fostering critical thinking and a global perspective as they explore the diversity of the world.
6th Grade Technology Curriculum
At Horizon Leadership Academy, the 6th Grade Technology curriculum, delivered through Learning.com and aligned with TEKS standards, develops students’ understanding of hardware, software, robotics, and digital citizenship. The program builds independence and responsibility in using technology safely and ethically.Students explore computer systems, learning the functions of input, output, and storage devices while managing documents and software applications efficiently. Through VEX IQ Robotics, they design, build, and program robots, applying STEM concepts and problem-solving skills in engaging, hands-on challenges.Ongoing lessons in digital citizenship emphasize online safety, privacy, and respect for intellectual property, while keyboarding practice continues to improve speed and accuracy. By year’s end, students use technology confidently to create, collaborate, and innovate.
6th Grade Music
During the first semester, students in Grades 6 develop skills in vocal performance, music theory, rhythm, instrumental performance, and music appreciation. They practice school and seasonal songs while improving singing technique, pitch accuracy, and ensemble performance. Students learn basic music notation, note reading, rhythm values, time signatures, and ear-training skills. Instrumental instruction includes foundational violin, cello, guitar, and two-handed piano techniques, with emphasis on proper posture, instrument care, and performance skills. Students also explore rhythm, percussion, and selected composers from the Baroque and Classical periods. Progress is evaluated through classroom participation, effort, teamwork, rehearsals, performances, and an end-of-semester review.
Accelerated Math program
At Horizon Leadership Academy, the 7th Grade Accelerated Math curriculum, aligned with TEKS and powered by Savvas enVision Mathematics, prepares students for advanced mathematical pathways through rigorous instruction and real-world problem solving. This fast-paced program blends conceptual understanding with procedural fluency, guiding students toward readiness for high school Algebra I and beyond.
Students deepen their understanding of rational and irrational numbers, proportional relationships, and operations with integers, fractions, and decimals. They apply percentages and ratios to solve multi-step, real-world problems and master exponents and scientific notation for expressing large and small quantities.
Throughout the course, students explore algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities, study linear relationships, and apply geometric reasoning to transformations, area, and volume. They also analyze data and probability using statistical measures.
By the end of the year, students demonstrate strong mathematical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving skills, building a solid foundation for Algebra I and future success in advanced STEM courses.
7th Grade–ELAR
The seventh-grade ELAR curriculum uses Savvas myPerspectives Texas, a comprehensive, research-based program designed to strengthen students’ reading, writing, speaking, listening, research, and language skills. Through relevant and diverse literary and informational texts, multimedia resources, academic discussions, collaborative projects, and performance-based assessments, students develop deeper analytical thinking and learn to communicate ideas effectively. The program promotes student choice, independence, and ownership while supporting mastery of the Grade 7 Texas ELAR standards.
Students read and analyze increasingly complex literary, informational, and argumentative texts while examining plot, characterization, conflict, setting, theme, point of view, central ideas, author’s purpose, perspective, word choice, literary techniques, claims, evidence, and reasoning. They develop narrative, informational, explanatory, argumentative, and research-based compositions; organize ideas logically; create clear thesis statements; integrate information from multiple sources; and strengthen writing through planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Students also participate respectfully in academic discussions, collaborate effectively, deliver organized presentations, apply grade-level language conventions, build academic vocabulary, interpret figurative language, set academic goals, reflect on their growth, and explore diverse voices, cultures, experiences, and perspectives through literature and multimedia activities.
7th Grade Science Overview
The 7th Grade Science curriculum, aligned with TEKS and utilizing the FOSS Next Generation program, focuses on a deeper understanding of chemical interactions, Earth history, and life science concepts related to populations and ecosystems. This integrated curriculum emphasizes scientific inquiry, hands-on investigations, and real-world applications.
By the end of the year, students will explore the properties and behaviors of matter, chemical reactions, and the energy transformations that drive these processes. They will study Earth's geologic history, including rock formations and fossil evidence, to understand the changes our planet has undergone over time. Additionally, students will analyze ecosystems, examining the roles of biotic and abiotic factors, food webs, and the impacts of human activity.
Key skills include modeling chemical reactions, interpreting geologic data, and investigating biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability. These skills prepare students for advanced science coursework while fostering analytical thinking and environmental awareness.
7th Grade Technology
At Horizon Leadership Academy, the 7th Grade Technology curriculum, delivered through Learning.com and aligned with TEKS standards, prepares students for more advanced digital and engineering challenges. The program strengthens keyboarding mastery, coding, and digital citizenship, fostering both confidence and responsibility in technology use.
Students continue to refine keyboarding skills with a focus on precision and speed, while exploring deeper aspects of online safety, privacy, and respectful communication. Through visual programming and VEX IQ Robotics, they apply computational thinking and engineering design to solve real-world problems, combining creativity with critical reasoning.
By the end of the year, students demonstrate strong digital fluency, collaboration, and ethical technology use, ready to take on complex digital tasks in upper grades.
Standards and Skills
-Master keyboarding techniques for accuracy and efficiency
-Understand privacy, security, and respectful online behavior
-Prevent and respond to cyberbullying as part of digital citizenship
-Apply coding skills through visual programming to develop computational thinking
7th Grade Fine Arts Overview
The 7th Grade Fine Arts curriculum encourages creativity and cultural appreciation through diverse art techniques. Students will explore radial balance using various tools and design patterns inspired by cultural influences, fostering a global perspective in their artwork. They will learn to combine line, value, shape, and texture to create emphasis and experiment with imaginative movement through expressive line work. Additionally, students will develop technical drawing skills by creating realistic architectural representations and expand their three-dimensional art abilities through hands-on fiber arts projects. These activities build both technical proficiency and artistic expression.
7th Grade Texas History Overview
The 7th Grade Texas History curriculum provides students with an in-depth exploration of the geography, culture, and rich history of Texas. Students will examine the state's diverse landscapes and how they influenced the lives of its native peoples and the development of early settlements. Through engaging lessons and activities, they will trace the transformation of Texas from an undiscovered territory to its eventual statehood in the United States.
By the end of the year, students will understand the impact of European exploration on Texas's indigenous populations, the cultural and political shifts that shaped the region, and the events that led to Texas becoming a part of the U.S. This curriculum builds historical awareness and critical thinking while fostering a deeper appreciation for Texas's unique legacy.
7th Grade Music
During the first semester, students in Grades 7 develop skills in vocal performance, music theory, rhythm, instrumental performance, and music appreciation. They practice school and seasonal songs while improving singing technique, pitch accuracy, and ensemble performance. Students learn basic music notation, note reading, rhythm values, time signatures, and ear-training skills. Instrumental instruction includes foundational violin, cello, guitar, and two-handed piano techniques, with emphasis on proper posture, instrument care, and performance skills. Students also explore rhythm, percussion, and selected composers from the Baroque and Classical periods. Progress is evaluated through classroom participation, effort, teamwork, rehearsals, performances, and an end-of-semester review.
8th Grade–ELAR
The eighth-grade ELAR curriculum uses Savvas myPerspectives Texas, a comprehensive, research-based program that prepares students for the reading, writing, research, and communication expectations of high school. Students analyze increasingly complex literary, informational, and argumentative texts by examining plot, characterization, conflict, theme, point of view, text structure, author’s purpose, tone, claims, and supporting evidence. They develop narrative, informational, explanatory, argumentative, and research-based compositions while learning to create clear thesis statements, organize ideas logically, integrate credible sources, address counterarguments, and revise their writing for clarity and effectiveness. Academic discussions, presentations, collaborative activities, and multimedia projects strengthen students’ speaking, listening, and communication skills. Students also develop grade-level grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, academic vocabulary, and understanding of figurative and rhetorical language. Through independent and collaborative learning, students set goals, explore diverse perspectives, and build the confidence, organization, critical-thinking, and communication skills required for high school success.
Algebra 1 Overview for 8th Graders (High School Credit)
At Horizon Leadership Academy, the 8th Grade Algebra I course, aligned with TEKS and powered by Savvas enVision Algebra I, provides students with a rigorous introduction to the foundational concepts of high school mathematics. The program emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem-solving through real-world applications that prepare students for advanced STEM coursework.
Students explore linear, quadratic, and exponential relationships, analyze and interpret data, and apply algebraic models to solve meaningful problems. They learn to graph and compare functions, simplify and factor polynomials, and solve equations and inequalities using multiple strategies. Topics also include exponents, radicals, systems of equations, and data analysis, helping students connect abstract concepts to everyday contexts.
By the end of the course, students will demonstrate mastery in manipulating algebraic expressions, understanding functions, and interpreting mathematical models. This high school credit course builds the essential skills and confidence needed for success in Geometry, Algebra II, and future STEM pathways.
Biology Honors (High School credit for 8th grade)
Horizon Leadership Academy’s Honors Biology course offers an in-depth exploration of fundamental biology concepts tailored for motivated students. This course emphasizes analytical and critical-thinking skills, scientific problem-solving, and a hands-on approach to biological study. Lessons integrate real-life applications to build "science esteem"-confidence in students' scientific inquiry abilities and understanding.
Program Structure and Approach:
Honors Biology follows a structured progression that begins with tangible, concrete examples and moves toward abstract understanding, enabling students to grasp complex biological processes and their relevance to everyday life.
Core Areas of Study:
• Biochemistry and Cellular Biology: Covers the chemistry of life, cellular structures, and metabolic processes.
• Genetics and Evolution: Focuses on genetic principles, DNA, inheritance, and evolutionary theory.
• Ecology and Organismal Biology: Examines ecosystems, biodiversity, and physiological systems, linking biology with environmental and health contexts.
Skills and Laboratory Work:
Through lab investigations and experiments, students apply the scientific method, conduct research, and analyze data, building a solid foundation for advanced biology. Honors Biology at Horizon Leadership Academy is designed to challenge students while fostering a deep, lasting appreciation for the life sciences.
8th Grade Technology
Horizon Leadership Academy’s 8th-grade technology curriculum, based on the Fundamentals of Computer Science textbook by Emergent Learning, provides TEKS-aligned instruction that equips students with advanced technology skills. This program focuses on computational thinking, problem-solving, and responsible digital practices, preparing students for future academic and professional success.
In 8th grade, students explore computer science fundamentals, including hardware and software concepts, basic programming, and data management. Engaging lessons and hands-on projects allow students to practice coding using high-level programming languages, explore algorithms, and develop debugging and troubleshooting skills. The curriculum also emphasizes digital citizenship, guiding students to navigate the digital world safely and ethically while protecting their privacy and respecting others.
This comprehensive program develops critical thinking and analytical skills, ensuring students are ready for more advanced computer science studies in high school and beyond.
Standards and Skills:
Understand hardware and software components and their functions
Develop foundational programming skills using high-level languages: Java, C++, Python
Explore algorithms and problem-solving strategies
Practice debugging and troubleshooting techniques
Demonstrate safe and ethical digital citizenship behaviors
8th Grade Fine Arts Overview
The 8th Grade Fine Arts curriculum continues to enhance students' artistic skills and creativity while incorporating cultural and imaginative elements. Students will create radial balance designs and craft patterns inspired by cultural influences, exploring the intersection of tradition and art. They will refine their ability to use line, value, shape, and texture to emphasize focal points and bring movement to their compositions. Realistic drawing skills will be honed through architectural representations, while fiber arts projects introduce the fundamentals of creating three-dimensional art. This curriculum prepares students for advanced artistic endeavors with a balance of technical and creative challenges.
8th Grade U.S. History Overview
The 8th Grade U.S. History curriculum takes students on a journey through the pivotal events and themes that shaped the United States. Students will explore the geography and history of the nation, beginning with the lives and cultures of Native Americans and progressing through Colonization, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and beyond. Through these topics, students will gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s foundations and its historical evolution.
By the end of the year, students will be able to recall and analyze key events and movements that led to the development of the United States as we know it today. This course fosters historical awareness, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation of the nation's diverse and complex past.
8th Grade Music
Middle school students refine their musical skills through ensemble performance, composition, and analysis. They study musical form, genres, and cultural influences, gaining a deeper understanding of how music connects to emotion and society. Opportunities include choral and instrumental showcases, rhythm ensembles, and digital music projects. By the end of 8th grade, students perform confidently, analyze music critically, and apply creative expression with discipline and artistry.
Our team of professional school counselors is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate counseling program that addresses the academic, career, and personal/social needs of all students from K 12.
Ms. Sema Serenli
College Counselor 6th thru 12th grade
(832) 543-8008 (Ext.2104)
As educators, we understand that the years of K 12 education can be a challenging time for students, and we are here to support and guide them through this important phase of their lives. Our counseling program is designed to promote academic success, personal growth, and responsible decision-making.

Academic Counseling: Our counselor works closely with students and their families to set academic goals and develop strategies for success. We provide support for organization and study skills, as well as assist with course selection and college/career planning.
College Counseling: Our counselor provides individualized and group support to guide students through every step of the college preparation and application process. We assist with identifying best-fit colleges, understanding admission requirements, completing applications, writing personal statements, and preparing for interviews. Our goal is to empower each student to make informed decisions and confidently navigate their path to higher education.
Career Counseling: Our counselor provides career counseling and exploration to help students understand their strengths, interests, and career options. We provide guidance on college and career readiness and help students to explore their options and plan for their future.
Our school counseling program is available to all students and we encourage students to take advantage of the support and resources we offer. If you have any questions about our program or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our counselors, please contact us at:
Phone: (832) 543-8008
Mail: sserenli@myhla.org
After attending several schools, we are thrilled with our experience at Horizon Leadership Academy. The school's commitment to safety, modern facilities, and a variety of extracurricular activities has truly stood out. With small class sizes and a nurturing environment, Horizon has provided the best educational experience for our children so far.
HLA Parent