7th Grade Electives

Art Foundations 1 (semester)
In Art 1 you will learn about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design all while making really fun art projects with a variety of art materials. We will explore the creative process with these projects: Continuous line drawing, Texture Animal, Illuminated Letter, 1 Point Perspective, and many more!

Art Foundations 2 (semester) Recommended Prerequisite: Art Foundations 1
Art Foundations 2 is a continuation of Art Foundations 1. This class explores many art styles and materials. You can take this class without any prerequisites. You will work with a variety of art materials as you explore the creative process and create projects such as Zen Tangle, Illuminated Manuscript, Mexican Folk Art, Mandala, and many more!

Band – Brass (full year)
This is a beginning band class offered for students who wish to learn to play the cornet, trumpet, French horn, baritone horn, euphonium, trombone, or tuba. Practice outside of class time and performances are part of this course. An instrument is required. If available, an instrument may be rented at the school for a nominal fee.

Band – Woodwinds (full year)
This is a beginning band class offered for students who wish to learn to play the flute, oboe, clarinet or saxophone. Practice outside of class time and performances are part of this course. An instrument is required. If available, an instrument may be rented at the school for a nominal fee.

Bell Choir (semester)
This course is designed to teach the coordination and performance of the English handbells. Knowledge of music (i.e., note values and note names) is preferred, but not required.

Concert Band (full year) Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
This is an intermediate level band course that encourages increased technical and expressive musical proficiency through performance and study of music. Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirement and constitute a portion of the grade. Practice outside of class time with an instrument is required. If available, an Instrument may be rented at the school for a nominal fee.

Creative Coding (semester)
This course is primarily an introductory programming course. Units are grounded in an array of standards from the strands of computational thinking, collaboration, computing practice and programming, computer and communication devices, and community, global and ethical impacts.

Dance 1 (semester)
In this class, students will learn skills in dance technique, performance, and choreography. Students will explore the elements of dance through body, energy, space, and time to improve their technique and create meaningful dances. No previous dance experience necessary!

Digital Literacy (semester)
This course is an introduction to computer literacy. Students will have opportunities to use technology and develop skills that encourage creativity, critical thinking, productivity, and collaboration in the classroom and day-to-day life. Skills will be demonstrated by creating a project for a different content area.

Intro to Spanish (semester)
A fun introduction to the Spanish language.

Intro to Stage Crew (semester)
An introduction to Stage Crew including lights, sound, set construction, costumes, and publicity. This class is project based and will help students prepare to be a member of Stage Crew.

Mixed Choir (semester)
This class is open to all students. Emphasis will be placed on quality vocal production, individual singing, and music reading skills.

Music Production (semester)
Learn and compose music with technology. Garage Band and other apps may be used.

Music Theory/Piano (semester)
Learn piano and music theory basics.

Orchestra 1 (full year)
This course is designed to assist individuals interested in playing a violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Students work in group situations suitable to their ability. Emphasis is on growth in technical proficiency, orchestral literature, and performance.

Theater, Beginning (semester)
This is an introductory course in theatre with an emphasis on performance and playwriting. No previous experience is necessary. The course will include, but not be limited to, improvisation, monologues, characterization, movement, playwriting, and work with voice projection and diction. Other skills learned and developed include critical thinking, rehearsal skills, plot structure, reading, writing, and cooperative group work.

Women’s Choir (full year or semester)
This music course is open to all students with a vocal range of soprano or alto. Two, three, and four-part music is performed at various concerts. Primary consideration is given to part-singing, good vocal production, and rudiments of music.

Yoga (semester)
Students will learn yoga poses, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. We will discuss the benefits of and techniques to applying these skills in our everyday lives.

8th Grade Electives

Teacher/Office Aide (semester) Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA and Application
Teacher aides experience the opportunity to practice reliable citizenship and social skills as they interact with peers, school staff and the general public. Office aides assist in office tasks such as delivering messages to students and teachers, processing and/or organizing printed materials, and greeting visitors to the office. *Student will receive a pass or fail grade.

Art Foundations 2 (semester) Prerequisite: Art Foundations 1
Art Foundations 2 is a continuation of Art Foundations 1, which you may have taken in 7th grade. This class explores many art styles and materials. You can take this class without any prerequisites. You will work with a variety of art materials as you explore the creative process and create projects such as Zen Tangle, Illuminated Manuscript, Mexican Folk Art, Mandala, and many more!

Band, Brass (full year)
This is a beginning band class offered for students who wish to learn to play the cornet, trumpet, French horn, baritone horn, euphonium, trombone, or tuba. Practice outside of class time and performances are part of this course. An instrument is required. If available, an instrument may be rented at the school for a nominal fee.

Band – Woodwinds (full year)
This is a beginning band class offered for students who wish to learn to play the flute, oboe, clarinet or saxophone. Practice outside of class time and performances are part of this course. An instrument is required. If available, an instrument may be rented at the school for a nominal fee.

Bell Choir (semester)
This course is designed to teach the coordination and performance of the English handbells. Knowledge of music (i.e., note values and note names) is preferred, but not required.

Business & Marketing (semester)
Students will be exposed to the fundamental concepts of business and marketing. Skills include basic business concepts, organizational communication, human resources management, entrepreneurship, accounting, finance, and leadership.

Ceramics 1 (semester)
In Ceramics you will learn how to build unique projects out of clay. You will also learn about the process of firing and glazing. Projects include: Pinch pot, coil pot, slab box, and many more!

Ceramics 2 (semester) Prerequisite: Ceramics 1
In Ceramics 2 you will continue learn how to build unique projects out of clay. You will also continue to learn about the process of firing and glazing. You will explore the creative process with projects such as advanced slab techniques, projects that combine pinch, coil, and slab, as well as wheel thrown pottery.

Concert Band (full year) Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
This is an intermediate level band course that encourages increased technical and expressive musical proficiency through performance and study of music. Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirement and constitute a portion of the grade. Practice outside of class time with an instrument is required. If available, an instrument may be rented at the school for a nominal fee.

Concert Choir (full year) Recommended Prerequisite: Audition/Instructor approval
This is an advanced vocal music group that is designed for students to sing advanced choral literature and build more techniques in singing. Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirements and constitute a portion of the grade.

Creative Coding (semester)
This course is primarily an introductory programming course. Units are grounded in an array of standards from the strands of computational thinking, collaboration, computing practice and programming, computer and communication devices, and community, global and ethical impacts.

Creative Reading (Honors) (semester)
Love to read? Be in a class with other readers! We will explore authors, the latest books, be part of a student advisory committee for the library, share what characters rock your world, and explore why Young Adult and Middle Grade literature is more popular than ever!

Creative Writing (semester)
This course is designed as an introduction to imaginative writing of personal experiences, character sketches, short fiction, and poetry. It provides students with the opportunity to prepare manuscripts for publication, awards, and scholarships.

Dance 1 (semester)
In this class, students will learn skills in dance technique, performance, and choreography. Students will explore the elements of dance through body, energy, space, and time to improve their technique and create meaningful dances. No previous dance experience necessary!

Dance 2 (semester) Prerequisite: Dance 1 or Instructor approval
In this class, students will learn skills in dance technique, performance, and choreography. Students will explore the elements of dance through body, energy, space, and time to improve their technique and create meaningful dances.

Dance Company/Advanced Dance (full year) Prerequisite: Audition
This is a performing group where members refine skills in all forms of dance and choreography. School and community performances are given throughout the year. Some performances outside of the regular school day are required and constitute a portion of the course grade.

Digital Graphics 1 (semester)
A fun and challenging class where students learn essential skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Projects include zombies, yearbook covers, face swaps, mutants, turkeys, Batman, posters for school, and more!

Digital Literacy (semester)
This course is an introduction to computer literacy. Students will have opportunities to use technology and develop skills that encourage creativity, critical thinking, productivity, and collaboration in the classroom and day-to-day life. Skills will be demonstrated by creating a project for a different content area.

Drawing 1 (semester)
In Drawing 1 you will learn about the mechanics of the drawing process and how to create beautiful compositions. You will experiment with new techniques while learning about artists, art history, and a variety of art styles such as realism, abstract, parody, and many more.

Drawing 2 (semester) Recommended Prerequisite: Drawing 1
In Drawing 2 you will continue to learn about the drawing process while working on more complex projects that allow for more creativity and individuality. Drawing 1 is a prerequisite. You will experiment with new techniques while learning about artists, art history, and a variety of art styles such as portrait drawing, copper embossing, illustration, and many more.

FACS Exploration (semester)
This Family and Consumer Science Course (FACS) introduces students to the many different areas of study in this content area. FACS classes develop essential life skills. This course will cover the following areas: Foods and Nutrition, Sewing Construction, Interior Design, Consumerism, Personal Responsibility and job-related skills.

Intermediate Team Sports
This is an introduction to a variety of sports and fitness skills. Students do not need prior experience, but should be willing to participate and practice sports skills and fitness. Cooperation and sportsmanship are essential, as students work and play together.

Intro to Stage Crew (semester)
An introduction to Stage Crew including lights, sound, set construction, costumes, and publicity. This class is project based and will help students prepare to be a member of Stage Crew.

LIA Prep (year)

Mixed Choir (semester)
This class is open to all students. Emphasis will be placed on quality vocal production, individual singing, and music reading skills. Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirement and will constitute a portion of the grade.

Music Production (semester)
Learn and compose music with technology. Garage Band and other apps may be used.

Music Theory/Piano (semester)
Learn piano and music theory basics!

Orchestra 1 (full year)
This course is designed to assist individuals interested in playing a violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Students work in group situations suitable to their ability. Emphasis is on growth in technical proficiency, orchestral literature, and performance.

Orchestra 2 (full year) Prerequisite: Orchestra 1 or Instructor approval
This is an intermediate-level orchestra class focusing on intermediate-level literature for orchestra. Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirements and will constitute a portion of the grade. Practice outside of class time with instruments is required. If available, viola, cello, or a string bass may be rented from the school.

Painting (semester)
In Painting, you will learn about color theory, painting techniques, different types of paint (watercolor, tempera, acrylic), and how to create beautiful paintings. You will experiment with new techniques while learning about artists, art history, and a variety of art styles such as abstract, impressionism, Aboriginal, and many more.

Peer Tutor (semester) Prerequisite: Application/Instructor approval
This course is designed for students who wish to assist other students in mastering course content. Students who apply for this course are pre-screened according to their academic proficiency and attitudes toward the tutoring process. Additionally, students selected to participate in this course are expected to develop and demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills, along with basic teaching strategies. This class may benefit those students who are interested in careers such as teaching, humanities, social services, and communications.

Photography (semester)
In this class we will use digital photography to explore many different techniques, themes, and editing styles as well as how the Elements of Art and Principles of Design work in the photographic medium. Our class projects focus on various themes and concepts such as portrait photography, and the four corners method for composing photographs.

Python 1 (semester) Prerequisite: Creative Coding
Students will create games, animations, and other interactive programs. Students will master basic coding concepts common to all programming languages and be introduced to libraries, procedural graphics, and complex input. Students will develop coding-related skills such as decomposition, debugging, and analyzing code written by others. Python is a dominant coding language for major companies like Netflix, Amazon, Spotify, and Instagram. And fun fact, the Python language was named after the British comedy group Monty Python.

Python 2, Advanced Coding (semester) Prerequisite: Python 1
This course builds on the basic concepts learned in Python 1: libraries, procedural graphics, complex input, decomposition, debugging, and analyzing code. Students will continue developing their skillset by creating graphical, sprite-based games using custom images. Expanding and mastering the use of Python opens up both personal coding platforms and career possibilities. Big companies like Disney Animation, NASA, Uber, and Reddit use Python. Python coding skills are in high demand in industries like electronics, tech, media, and artificial intelligence, with developers averaging a salary over $100,000.

Spanish 1 (full year)
This course is designed to teach elementary skills in listening, speaking, reading, and spelling. The curriculum covered in this course will give students the skills to communicate in culturally-appropriate ways in the target language. Students will develop an appreciation for the culture of the countries where the language is spoken.

Sports Sewing (semester)
This course covers basic sewing skills while completing a variety of projects. This course emphasizes the construction of sports and outdoor clothing. Students start with easy projects like boxer shorts and progress to ski wear, sweats, camo shirts, pants, zippered bags, and polar fleece jackets. Subjects such as clothing care, maintenance and textile information are covered. Projects are individually selected.

Stage Craft/Tech (semester 1, School Play) Required Prerequisite: Application with Instructor Approval
This course provides an overview and experience of the technical phases of theatre including lighting, sound, and management. Throughout this course the class will design, create, and run all technical elements for the fall straight play.

Stage Craft/Tech (semester 2, School Musical) Required Prerequisite: Application with Instructor Approval
This course provides an overview and experience of the technical phases of theatre including lighting, sound, and management. Throughout this course the class will design, create, and run all technical elements for the spring musical.

Symphonic Band (full year) Recommended Prerequisite: Audition/Interview
This is an advanced course which performs varied, advanced-level music. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals and performances outside of class are part of the course requirement and constitute a portion of the grade. Practice outside of class time with an instrument is required. If available, an oboe, bass clarinet, bassoon, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, French horn, baritone horn, euphonium, or tuba may be rented at the school for a nominal fee.

STEM (8th grade) (semester)
Project based class where we Build, Make and DO! Woodshop, Robots, Bridges, Lathe, Air Skimmers, Magnetic Levitation Vehicles, etc.

Theater, Beginning (semester)
This is an introductory course in theatre with an emphasis on performance and playwriting. No previous experience is necessary. The course will include, but not be limited to, improvisation, monologues, characterization, movement, playwriting, and work with voice projection and diction. Other skills learned and developed include critical thinking, rehearsal skills, plot structure, reading, writing, and cooperative group work.

Theater, Intermediate (semester) Prerequisite: Beginning Theater
This is an intermediate course in theatre with an emphasis on performance and playwriting. The course will include, but not be limited to, playwriting, characterization, monologues, scenes from plays, movement, voice projection and diction, and improvisation. Other skills learned and developed include critical thinking, rehearsal skills, plot structure, reading writing, and cooperative group work.

Theater Production/Performance* (semester 1, School Play) Required: Application with Instructor Approval
This course provides direct experience acting within a production. During the class time rehearsals for the fall straight play will be held. Students who sign up for this course will be expected to perform in the play.

Theater Production/Performance* (semester 2, School Musical) Required: Application with Instructor Approval
This course provides direct experience acting within a production. During the class time rehearsals for the spring musical will be held. Students who sign up for this course will be expected to perform in the musical.

Women’s Choir (semester or full year option)
This music course is open to all students with a vocal range of soprano or alto. Two, three, and four-part music is performed at various concerts. Primary consideration is given to part-singing, good vocal production, and rudiments of music.

Yoga 1 (semester)
Students will learn yoga poses, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. We will discuss the benefits of and techniques to applying these skills in our everyday lives.

Yoga 2 (semester) Prerequisite: Yoga 1 or Instructor approval
If you loved Beginning Yoga, sign up for Yoga 2! We will review the basic asanas, then go deeper into our yoga practice.

9th Grade Electives

Coming soon…