8th Grade Course Selection

Art Foundations 1/2 provides an overview of visual arts while studying a broad variety of art tools and materials. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking, art related technology skills, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics.

Ceramics 1/2 Ceramics develops basic skills in the creation of 3-D forms and pottery from clay. Techniques in hand building, wheel throwing, basic glazing, and firing are taught. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking and art-related technology skills. Some art criticism, art history, and aesthetics may be included.

Drawing focuses on black and white or monochromatic rendering from life, pictures, masterworks, and imagination. This course is designed to develop higher-level thinking and art-related technology skills with an emphasis on studio production. Some experiences in art criticism, art history, and aesthetics may be included.

Painting This course includes wet and dry color media with processes such as transparent and opaque painting focusing on the operations of color. Techniques with color media and preparation of grounds and supports will be covered. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking skills and art-related technology skills. Some art criticism, art history, and aesthetics may be included.

Beginning Theatre   This is an introductory course in theatre with an emphasis on performance. No previous experience is necessary. The course will include improvisation, monologues, characterization, stage combat, scenes from plays, physicality and vocal work, scriptwriting, and culminates in a one-act play for performance with an audience.

Intermediate Theatre This is an intermediate course in theatre with an emphasis on performance. The course will include monologues, stage combat, improvisation, scenes from plays, scriptwriting, pantomime, an overview of the history of theatre, puppetry, radio, T.V., and film. Students will showcase their work in multiple formal performances, including a play for a formal audience. * Prerequisite: Beginning Theatre or Instructor approval

Stage Tech  This course provides an overview and experience of the technical phases of theatre including stage lighting, sound, props, set design and building techniques, and stage management.  Students will learn to run the lighting and sound equipment for shows and other events, help with creating sets, props, and plots for lighting and sound.  Students will also learn all aspects of stage management including maintaining a prompt book and calling a show. *Applications for this class will be accepted at a later date.

Dance 1 This course offers basic dance techniques, fitness fundamentals, movement qualities, and rhythm with an emphasis on creativity, sequencing, and problem solving.  There will be performances outside of class time that are part of the course requirements, and they will constitute a portion of the grade.

Dance 2   A course designed to develop dance techniques, flexibility, and coordination, with an emphasis on creativity and artistic composition. There will be performances outside of class time that are part of the course requirements, and they will constitute a portion of the grade.

*Prerequisite: Dance 1 or Instructor approval

Advanced Dance   A course designed to enhance and develop all aspects of dance technique and composition, emphasizing creativity and artistic choreographic skills. There will be performances outside of class time that are part of the course requirements, and they will constitute a portion of the grade. *Auditions for this class will be held at a later date.

Social/Ballroom Dance This course offers instruction and practice in the basic social dance steps, rhythms, and techniques. The following dances may be included; foxtrot, cha-cha, waltz, swing, mambo, western swing, and western line dance.

Yoga 1 This class focuses on structural alignment, increase of strength and flexibility.  It will deepen student’s awareness of breath and the role it has in generating energy and stamina in one’s mind and body.  The course will also incorporate techniques for stress relief, and enhance one’s physical performance by teaching students how to connect breath, organ systems, physiology and anatomy all together.

Orchestra 1 This class is for students who would like to learn to play a violin, viola, cello, or string bass. No experience necessary. Practice outside of class time and performances are part of this course. Instruments are required. If available, a viola, a cello, or a string bass may be rented from the school for a nominal fee.

Orchestra 2 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 instrument is required. If available, a viola, a cello, or a string bass may be rented from the school for a nominal fee. *Prerequisite: Instructor approval

Orchestra 3 This is an orchestra class focusing on advanced-level literature for orchestra. Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirement and will constitute a portion of the grade. Practice outside of class time with instrument is required.

* Prerequisite: Instructor approval (Audition and/or interview possible)

Guitar 1/Guitar 2  This course provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through learning to play a guitar. Emphasis will be placed on: playing position, tone production, fundamental technique, simultaneous playing and singing, reading music, and composing songs/lyrics. Knowledge and skills will include experiences in singing, playing, listening, and connecting to cultures. An instrument is required for class time, as well as for practicing outside of class. 

Band 1 Woodwinds This is a beginning band class offered for students who wish to learn to play the flute or clarinet. Practice outside of class time and performances are part of this course. An instrument is required.

Band 1 Brass 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, a French horn, baritone horn, euphonium, or tuba may be rented at the school for a nominal fee.

Band 2 Concert 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 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. * Prerequisite: Audition/Interview

Band 3 Symphonic 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. * Prerequisite: Audition/Interview

Choir 2 Chamber  This course covers three and four-part music and a review of singing fundamentals. Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirements and constitute a portion of the grade. Approval of instructor may be required.

World Language Exploration  This course is designed to provide students with a rotating introduction to languages offered at their school. Focusing on listening and speaking skills, students will develop world language study strategies and acquire a variety of vocabulary sets. The course will expand student knowledge of other languages and cultures. It will also aid them in making more informed decisions about their future language study.

Chinese 1 This course is designed to introduce students to basic Chinese grammar and a set of vocabulary generally recognized as useful in everyday communication.  Using integrated pedagogical and authentic materials, the course adopts a multi-faceted approach to help students gain training in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in standard Mandarin Chinese.  The goal is the ability to communicate in everyday situations. Aspects of Chinese culture are also introduced.

French 1 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. By the end of this course, student skill level should be at novice-midlevel according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) standards. Students will develop an appreciation for the culture of the countries where the language is spoken.

Spanish 1 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. By the end of this course, student skill level should be at novice-midlevel according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) standards. Students will develop an appreciation for the culture of the countries where the language is spoken.

Journalism  This course is designed to introduce students to multimedia journalism skills including interviewing, video production, writing feature articles, event promotion, creating content for the school website, and the development of school-wide video announcements. Students will be responsible for all aspects of creation and production. Depending on demand, we may require an application at a later date.

Advanced Reading Designed for students with a passion for reading and a curiosity about the human experience as expressed through storytelling, this course invites learners to explore a wide array of literary genres, from the classics to contemporary works. Students will embark on a literary journey that crosses continents and spans centuries, offering a window into the minds and societies of their time. Students will engage with novels, short stories, poetry, and plays, participating in discussions, completing assignments, and creating projects that reflect their understanding and interpretations.

Creative Coding is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create projects and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun.  You will build websites using HTML, create your own original apps and games for computers and mobile devices, and gain a lot of useful technical skills.

Exploring Technology is a project-based class where students will explore Engineering and at least 3 major areas of technology (communication, info tech, construction, manufacturing, agriculture/biotech, transportation, and energy & power).  In this course, students will utilize creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and gain many other useful job skills.  Possible projects may include graphic design, designing and building structures, use of shop equipment, rocketry, and magnetic levitation.

Python 1  This course introduces the Python programming language and is suitable for students who are new to coding. Python is widely used because of its versatility and flexibility. 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.

FACS Exploration This Family and Consumer Science course provides students with essential life skills. The course allows students to develop skills in two or more of the following areas: food and nutrition, childcare and safety, interior design and care of a home, clothing construction and style, consumerism, family relationships, personal responsibility, and job-related skills.

Weight Training 1 This course is designed as an introduction to proper weightlifting techniques, and includes the development of individual programs that develop body tone, muscle strength, and physical conditioning.

Stage Crew Design This course provides an overview and experience of the technical phases of theatre including lighting, sound, and management.

Stage Crew This is a performing arts elective course focusing on musical theatre productions.