What should my eighth grader study?

A lot of homeschooling families wonder just what 8th graders study at "regular" schools. Others just don't care or think it isn't a big deal to know what others are learning - if their child is learning and advancing. I have an opinion somewhere in the middle. I want to know what others are learning, but then I will set the pace for my child where I think they should be. Just knowing what others are studying, lets me have a faint idea if my kids are above or below their peers in school. I don't let this information rule me, I use it as I see fit.
As I plan my eighth graders course of study, I always try to make sure that my children are doing above and beyond what typical schoolers do. I mean, why shouldn't they? They have a lot more time on their hands and they have one on one access to their teacher.
The following is a typical listing of the minimum requirements for 8th grade study.
1)physical science
2)social studies including

Our American culture

U. S. political system

U. S. economic system

U. S. government

U. S. geography

3) Pre-algebra
4)Language Arts

• include drama
• literature
• grammar
• spelling

5)Health and Safety