Middle School Elective courses

At Denver Christian Middle School, we are always seeking to offer more opportunities for our students to grow and learn, think technically and strategically, develop real-world skills, problem solve, feel confident leading worship, and provide them with more opportunities to demonstrate their creativity.

The following classes, in addition to our core classes and specials, will help to develop the whole child, which, as you know, is super important to us. God has created each of us to be individual image bearers of Christ, and having these unique classes will provide an outlet for each one of our students to tap into that uniqueness.

How it works:

• Give me 6 DIFFERENT choices. (Do not click the same class twice)

• Do not select the same elective for more than one of your choices.

• I'll do my best to accommodate your requests, but there are no promises

• If you have already taken the class this year, do not select it again.  Thanks.

• 8th graders will be prioritized over 7th graders.... 7th prioritized over 6th

• Winter 2026 - FOURTH Quarter Electives 

• These courses are pass / fail classes and do not impact GPA

• Click here to make your selections

How AI Works (Mr. Fuller)

In this self-paced class, you’ll use Code.org's How AI Works lessons to explore how Artificial Intelligence works. Through short videos, interactive activities, and simulations, you'll learn about machine learning, computer vision, chatbots, and more. You set your own pace as you discover the cool technology behind AI and the big questions about how it impacts our world.   

Smart Money: Personal Finance for Life (Mr. Harris)

Get ready to build real-life skills that will help you win with money! In this elective, you’ll learn how to create a budget, understand your paycheck, avoid debt traps, and even start investing. Through fun games, team challenges, and real-world simulations, you’ll explore how to make smart decisions about spending, saving, giving, and earning. We’ll talk about the power of compound interest, what a credit score really means, and how to use money in a way that honors your goals and values. Whether you’re dreaming of your first job or just want to manage your allowance better, this class will help you feel confident and prepared. Because money matters—and you can be great with it!

Musical Theatre (Ms. Taullie)

Led by Bethany Taullie and Isabelle Blanken, this Musical Theatre elective teaches students musical theatre audition preparation skills, as well as immersing them into every aspect of theatrical performance, such as singing, dancing, and acting. This class will conclude with a showcase for students to perform musical theatre scenes, solos, duets, and ensemble numbers from a wide variety of shows. 

This showcase will take place on May 16th at 6:30 pm, with required after school tech rehearsals/run throughs on May 14-16. If you are not available on those dates, please do not sign up for this course. Max Students: 25 students.

Tech/Performance Week Schedule: 

Thursday, May 14- 2:25-5:30 (after school rehearsal) 

Friday, May 15- 1:57-5:30 (after school tech rehearsal) 

Saturday, May 16- 12:00-7:30 (rehearsal + performance @ 6:30- dinner provided)

Bookworm (Mrs. Shedd)

We will talk about, check out, and read books in this elective. If you want to read more and get new book suggestions, this is the place for you!

Embroidery (Ms. Kaemingk)

Interested in embroidery, but unsure how to get started? Look no further! In this elective, we will learn how to embroider (stitch fun designs on fabric). We will start by learning how to do certain stitches together, then move on to more personal projects that you design. Join us as we grow together through the wonderful and fun art of embroidery!

Sculpture Art (Mrs. Loving)

This elective offers students a chance to dive into the world of sculpture, encouraging them to express themselves creatively, evaluate art critically, and develop a deeper appreciation for the Visual Arts. The course explores how everyday objects can be transformed into art. Students will undertake at least two sculptural projects, each utilizing different artistic mediums. Additionally, they will study various renowned artists and their unique styles across different historical periods.

This course is designed to expand students' understanding of art and sculpture, making it an interactive and educational experience through hands-on projects and art history lessons.

Piano Lab (Mrs. Lind)

This class is designed for piano players of all skill levels who are eager to develop their musical abilities. Here, students will learn foundational music theory and how to read sheet music while developing proper techniques. There will be opportunities to play with other musicians and play as a soloist. Our time together is fairly self-paced, with the opportunity to demonstrate progress through an end-of-quarter recital. The heart behind this class is for students to explore and develop their musical skills as a means of praising God and utilizing the talents He has given them. 

Jazz Band (Mrs. Delnero)

The middle school jazz band is open to any 6th, 7th or 8th grade sax, trumpet, trombone, bass, guitar, piano and drum set players. The jazz band will be learning how to play in the proper styles of swing, rock, funk and Latin. Improvisation will also be explored with the opportunity to solo. The middle school jazz band will perform at the high school jazz band’s concert on May 14th.

Artistic Hand Lettering (Mrs. Dear)

In this course, we will explore how to turn simple words and phrases into art by exploring various styles of handwriting fonts.  We will experiment with pressure changes on a marker to create thick and thin line strokes, learn how to connect letters together, blend colors, and incorporate flourishes to create frameable art.  Having an understanding of cursive writing is not required, but is helpful.  Brush pens, markers, and paper will be provided as a class set.  Should you choose to practice at home, links will be provided for suggested pens to purchase.

Chess (Mr. Zietse)

Welcome to the Middle School Chess Club! This course is designed to introduce students to the fascinating world of chess and help them develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you're a future grandmaster or just looking to have some fun, this club is the perfect place to learn, play, and make new friends who share your passion for chess.

Throughout the course, students will learn the fundamentals of chess, including the rules, basic strategies, and tactics. They will also have the opportunity to practice their skills through friendly matches within the club. Students will be provided guidance and support, helping them improve their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Students may sign up for chess only once per year.

us at the Middle School Chess Club and embark on an exciting 

Cultures and Customs (Mrs. Bohannon)

Travel the world without ever leaving the classroom! In this exploratory elective, students will take a deep dive into the rich diversity of cultures from around the globe. Through the study of geography, language, music, history, and social traditions, students will develop a well-rounded understanding of what makes each culture unique. Each country's exploration culminates in the best way possible: tasting traditional foods in a hands-on culinary arts experience.

Seeing God in the Movies (Mrs. Lindenmeyer)

In this elective, students will explore the intersection of faith and film by examining popular secular movies through a Christian lens. We will watch selected PG films or summary videos and discuss their narratives, characters, and themes, identifying how they resonate with Christian values and teachings. Students will learn to analyze films beyond entertainment, discovering deeper meanings and messages that reflect moral and spiritual truths. 

Teacher’s Assistant (Ms. McCormick)

Could you see yourself potentially wanting to teach one day? Would you enjoy getting a behind the scenes look at what it’s like to be a teacher? Does helping out in elementary classrooms sound like fun to you? This elective is your chance to serve DC’s elementary school teachers, mentor and invest in younger students, and explore whether you could see yourself going into education someday!

Puzzle Masters (Mrs. Naylor)

Solve mind-bending puzzles that will make your brain do backflips! 

• Master word games, picture puzzles, logic challenges, and more!

• Work with friends to tackle team puzzles 

• CREATE YOUR OWN ORIGINAL PUZZLE that will stump your classmates!

Strength and Conditioning (Mr. Jones and Mr. Miller)

In this course, students will learn the basics when it comes to strength training and cardiovascular training. This course will introduce our students to the Denver Christian weight room as they learn proper lifting techniques in a middle school designed workout program. The students will learn why it is important to take care of our bodies and how we glorify God in doing so.