Elective Course Descriptions
6th-8th Grade Elective Course Descriptions 2025-26
Acting
In this class, students develop their performance skills through games, improvisation, and scripted scenes. The curriculum focuses on building confidence, vocal expression, body movement, and character development. Students collaborate in small groups to rehearse and perform scenes, learning the fundamentals of stagecraft and storytelling. Throughout the course, they gain experience both onstage and behind the scenes, culminating in a final showcase for peers.
Art Foundations (**YEAR REQUIRED)
Art Foundations will explore multiple art mediums (materials) while exploring important art fundamentals. We will explore the Elements of Art (line, shape, form, color, value, space, and texture) through painting, drawing, pastels, and more. This is the perfect class to explore a wide range of art materials and content.&
Asian Crafts
In this fun and engaging class, students will create colorful pipe cleaner flowers, plants and animals, and delicate origami animals and flowers. This class is perfect for students who love to be creative and love some hands-on activities. The class will update all the videos in Google Classroom so students can be at their own pace, no prior experience is necessary—just bring your imagination!
Band (**YEAR)
This course is designed for beginning & intermediate band students. Students with no band experience should start in this course. Instruments offered are: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba.
Ceramics-Visual Arts
Ceramics explores the creation of hand-built clay forms. Students will learn the hand-building techniques of clay (pinch, coil, and slab), as well as understand the process of creating ceramics. Students will create their own 3D ceramic forms to take home.
Child Development
Child Development focuses on many aspects of child development. Students will come out of this course with a better understanding of the effort it takes to care for a child and understanding of what a child needs at different ages. Course Completion Certifications are attainable in Babysitting, First Aid and CPR.&
Chinese Calligraphy
Discover the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy in this introductory class. You'll learn the basics of brush handling, stroke order, and Chinese characters used in Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese art. Perfect for beginners, this course will help you develop patience, focus, and an appreciation for this timeless art form. Chinese language experience is helpful, but not required!
Chinese Ink Painting
In this course, students will learn how to paint using traditional Chinese brushes and ink. Through simple nature subjects like fish, birds, flowers, bamboo, orchids, plum blossoms, and landscapes, while learning the philosophy and aesthetics behind this timeless art form. Students explore basic strokes and discover the beauty of Chinese art. A great introduction to cultural appreciation through hands-on learning.
Chinese Music and Dance
In this course, Chinese music serves as the background, use props such as fans, waist drums, and handkerchiefs to learn simple dance moves. Students will be trained in their appearance, manners, sitting posture, standing posture, walking posture, dancing posture and body positions, rhythms, to develop grace, confidence, and an appreciation for Chinese dance culture. This class will emphasize precision, coordination, and cultural understanding. Kung Fu and Tai Chi moves will also be incorporated into the dance.
Chinese Paper Cutting
Discover the ancient art of Chinese paper cutting in this hands-on course to inspire young imaginations. Explore the fun and creativity of Chinese paper cutting, learn simple folding and cutting techniques to make beautiful designs while discovering the stories behind traditional symbols. This class introduces the history, cultural significance, and basic techniques of this traditional folk art, and creates symbolic designs such as flowers, animals, and festive patterns.
Choir
This class is perfect for students who love to sing and want to improve their vocal skills. You'll learn the basics of vocal technique, music reading, and harmony while exploring a variety of musical styles. Join us to build confidence, connect with others, and experience the joy of group singing. Students have the option of taking this course for one trimester or for those truly passionate about singing, as a year long elective with different songs in each trimester.
Coding with Scratch: Animation
Coding with Scratch: Animation students will learn to bring their ideas to life through creative coding. Starting with the basics of the Scratch interface, sprite creation, and motion control, progress to adding sound, custom costumes, and interactive elements that give their characters personality. As they advance, students will master complex techniques like layered scenes, synchronized movements, and custom backdrops, culminating in a polished, multi-scene animation that tells a complete story, ready to share with friends and family.
Coding with Scratch: Game Design
Coding with Scratch: Game Design introduces students to the world of programming through interactive, hands-on projects. In the first four weeks, students explore the Scratch interface, create and edit sprites, and build simple animations and stories. We will focus on foundational coding concepts like loops, conditionals, and variables, empowering students to design their first interactive games and cover advanced techniques such as broadcasting, cloning, and complex sprite interactions, culminating in the creation of a multi-level game that challenges creativity and problem-solving skills.
Drawing
This course will provide a foundation in drawing using a variety of techniques and media (such as pen-and-ink, pencil, chalk, and so on) in both black and white and color, emphasizing observation and interpretation of the visual environment, life drawing, and imaginative drawing.
Flexibility
This course focuses on the fitness component of flexibility. Students establish their fitness level, set goals, and design their own flexibility training program. They study muscular anatomy and learn specific exercises to stretch each muscle or muscle group. Students focus on proper posture and technique while training. This course explores aspects of static, isometric, and dynamic stretching, as well as touches on aspects of yoga and Pilates.
Health
In the Health class, students will learn basic life skills on how to keep themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. They will learn what true health is versus social perception and expectation. The class will focus on an overall understanding about their bodies and long term personal care.
Intro to Web Design
Learn basic HTML and CSS to design different websites. Project based class that lets students explore, learn and use HTML and CSS language to code website designs.
Japanese Martial Arts and Culture (*YEAR)
Students train in traditional Japanese Martial Arts techniques with an emphasis on Cultural aspects and historical context. Students learn how to navigate and adhere to how Martial Arts are trained in a Ko-Ryu Dojo in Japan.
Library Aids
As a middle school library aid, you'll assist the librarian in managing library operations, including checking in and shelving materials, barcoding new curriculum, setting up library displays and bulletin boards, assisting with minor book repairs, helping with Book Fair and learning library science skills.
Mock Trial
Mock trial introduces students to the basics of the legal system through simulated court cases. Students take on roles such as attorneys, witnesses, and jurors, developing skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork. The class encourages active participation and helps students understand how trials work in a fun and educational setting.
Musical - Footloose [Not a selectable option]
Musical - Percy Jackson [Not a selectable option]
Orchestra (**YEAR REQUIRED)
This course is designed for beginning and intermediate string instrument students. Students with no orchestra experience are welcome in this course. Instruments offered are: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass.
Painting
Students will be learning how to use and care for acrylic paint and materials. Students will learn color theory and create paintings using acrylic techniques and traditional art content. Students will partake in "studio days" where they will follow guided instructions to complete a canvas painting.
Psychology of Color
Learn about how color influences the consumer world. Students will understand how art plays a vital role in the marketing and design aspect of any company. Students will be working towards a complete design portfolio for a marketable product. Students can pick between a clothing line, food truck/restaurant, or a sport/play product.
READ [Not a selectable option]
This class is designed to help students strengthen their reading skills and boost their confidence. Through personalized instruction, students will work on comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking, gaining the tools they need to succeed in all their subjects. This class is limited to students with active READ plans.
Robotics
In this class, students explore the fundamentals of engineering and programming through hands-on building and coding of robotic systems. Using platforms like LEGO® robotics and block programming they learn key STEM concepts such as sensors, motors, and algorithmic logic. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, computer code fundamentals and collaboration through team-based challenges and real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, students will have designed, built, and programmed multiple robots to complete interactive tasks and compete in mini competitions.
Speech and Debate
In this class, students build essential communication skills through structured speaking activities, argumentation, and critical thinking exercises. The curriculum covers various speech formats, including persuasive, informative, and impromptu speaking, as well as debate styles such as Lincoln-Douglas and team debates. Students learn to research topics, construct logical arguments, and present with clarity and confidence. By the end of the course, they will have participated in mock debates and speech presentations, developing poise and persuasive power for academic and real-world settings.
STEAM
In the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) elective course, students will develop habits of creative and collaborative problem solving. This class will focus on the real-world application of classroom learning, hands-on interactive experiences and making connections through disciplines. Through the problem solving process, students will embark on a series of STEAM challenges and experiments that will keep them engaged and excited. Students will have the opportunity to delve into 3D modeling, engineering (balloon race cars, egg drop challenge), and more.
Strength and Conditioning
In Strength and Conditioning students, we will explore the five key components of fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Throughout this elective, students will engage in various lessons and activities to understand the importance of physical fitness, develop essential fitness skills, and apply their knowledge.
Team Sports
Recreational Team Sports is a course created for students who are interested in team sports, but focused around having fun and giving the students an opportunity to learn a sport that may interest them.
Tech Theater
In this class, students explore the behind-the-scenes magic of stage productions, learning about set design, lighting, sound, costumes, hair, makeup, special effects and props. The curriculum combines hands-on projects with foundational knowledge in theater techniques, tools, equipment and design principles. Students collaborate with the after school drama productions creating items that will be featured during a real live performance, gaining real-world experience in backstage roles. By the end of the course, they will have developed practical skills and a deeper appreciation for the teamwork that brings a show to life and know what it means to think like a designer.
Video Production
The Video Production class will produce the weekly WCA Video Announcements. Students will gain skills in broadcasting, interviewing, recording and filming, lighting, photography, editing, and copywriting. Students will learn how to use a green screen and how to create custom backgrounds and images while producing a creative, innovative weekly broadcast video.
Watercolor
Students will explore the art medium of watercolor. This class will examine how to successfully use and create images with watercolor paints. Techniques of watercolor include, but are not limited to: washes, blending, hard and soft transitions, tinting, shading and much more.
World Affairs Challenge (**T2 & T3 REQUIRED)
In this class, students participate in the United States and World Affairs Challenge, an international competition focused on solving real-world problems aligned with United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum emphasizes research, critical thinking, and teamwork as students identify a global issue and design an innovative, actionable solution. Through project-based learning, they develop skills in collaboration, presentation, and global citizenship while implementing a small-scale version of their idea. The course culminates in a formal presentation and competition where students showcase their solution to peers, educators, and students across the country.
Zentangle
Zentangle is a style of art that uses doodling to create intricate, highly detailed, artwork. This class combines Fine Art with doodling. Students will learn how to push pattern and value to the next level with Zentangling.
**all elective classes require a minimum enrollment to run each trimester.