Please feel free to read through the course catalog. The courses we offer specifically at RBMS are noted below. The course catalog has a lot of useful information and insight to the programs we offer in the district as well a more specific academic components.
CORE CLASSES: Math 6, Advanced Math 6/7, English Language Arts (ELA), Advanced ELA, Science, Social Studies
In addition to Core classes, students will need to choose a Physical Education class and rank their elective choices.
PATHWAY 2
Prerequisite(s): All students who either successfully complete the Math 5/6 course or qualify for the Math 6/7 course may enroll. Qualification information will be communicated to all 5th grade math students. The curriculum for the sixth grade Math 6/7 class combines the content from both the 6th and 7th grade TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). Success in these courses requires a high level of commitment and responsibility. The increased rigor of these courses provides challenge and deep understanding for students who have shown a need for enrichment and acceleration in the area of mathematics.
OPEN ENROLLMENT, NO PREREQUISITES
Leander ISD’s middle school Advanced English Language Arts program is designed to meet the needs of students who excel in language arts. The purpose of the program is to challenge students in the area of language arts and to prepare them for success in high school advanced courses. Students in Advanced English Language Arts receive instruction in the grade level curriculum that provides a greater depth and complexity, meeting these students’ need for academic challenge. Students are expected to have a higher commitment to the rigor of the enriched curriculum requirements.
Girls Life Fitness and Boys Life Fitness will focus on various games and sports. Sports taught are Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Badminton, Frisbee, Flag Football, Track, Mat ball, Kickball and many other games. Lockers are provided on request. The PE uniform is gray shirt and blue shorts, or blue shirt and gray shorts. A physical activity credit is not a requirement for 8th grade as long as the student has two years of PE in middle school.
The Pre-Athletics class is a Physical Education class which is designed to prepare 6th grade students for the 7th/8th grade Athletics Program. The purpose of the Pre-Athletics program is to provide students with an advanced curriculum directly linked to upcoming UIL sports in which they will be eligible to participate in as 7th graders. The Pre-Athletics PE course will prepare students for the expectations associated with all aspects of LISD athletics including UIL academic requirements, sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, accountability, and character development.
Students participating in Pre-Athletics must recognize that the workouts will build up to, and then be comparable to, the workouts we give to our 7th and 8th grade athletes. The mental and physical demands are greater than what they may experience in a regular PE class. Physically, the course will focus on athletic conditioning, strength, agility and sport specific skills.
Required to purchase uniform for work outs ($25 will be available for purchase during Cougar camp and 6th grade open house)
Will be asked to sign Pre-Athletic Contract
Will have grade checks once a week
Required to dress out every single day
This class is for you and no dance experience is necessary. The purpose of dance is to introduce you to different styles of dance. You will learn to move your body in different ways, gain strength, flexibility, and self confidence.
Purchase of a dance department uniform is required ($15)
Dance does qualify as a fine arts credit.
"O.C.P.E."
Students in 6th , 7th and 8th grades can apply for Off Campus PE (OCPE). See the OCPE section of the LISD course catalog for more information. Application deadline is the Friday after the last day of school. More information can be found at the OCPE information page on the Leander ISD website.
This semester-long (half a school year) course is filled with projects and activities that will boost your critical thinking habits, improve your collaborative participation, grow your creativity and develop your communication skills through writing, talking about, and MAKING art!
We will explore and examine many different kinds of art through fun learning experiences. We do not expect every student to be a master artist, but we do want you to always try your best and have an open creative mind.
YEAR LONG COURSE
Beginning Band is the perfect place to start your musical journey! You don’t need any prior experience—almost all of our students have never played an instrument before, and that’s exactly what we’re here to teach you. To join, simply put Band FIRST on your elective choice sheet. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll meet with an RBMS Band Director (February) who will help you choose the instrument that’s the best fit for you. Students can select from a wide variety of instruments, including woodwinds (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone), brass (trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba), and percussion (mallet keyboard, timpani, cymbals, snare drum, and more). In Beginning Band, you’ll learn how to read music, play your instrument, and perform with others as part of an exciting and supportive group. Come join the RBMS Band and discover the joy of making music together!
YEAR LONG COURSE
The 6th Grade Choirs course offers students a fun and welcoming introduction to singing and teamwork—no audition required! Students can choose between two choirs: the 6th Grade Cambiata Choir for boys or the 6th Grade Treble Choir for girls. In this class, students learn to read music, develop vocal skills, and perform at concerts and competitions throughout the year, including events outside the school day. While solos are available for those who wish to audition, no one is ever required to sing alone. The course includes a small choir fee and a T-shirt, with financial assistance available if needed. Choir members also enjoy fundraising opportunities and a special end-of-year trip. Best of all, students can take choir alongside other fine arts electives, making it a perfect choice for anyone who loves music and collaboration!
Step into the spotlight with 6th Grade Theatre Arts! This exciting semester course introduces students to the fundamentals of acting, improvisation, playwriting, and theatrical design. Through creative activities and teamwork, students will develop new characters, build scenes with friends, and write their own short plays. The class also explores costume, set, and lighting design, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at what brings a play to life. Along the way, students will build self-confidence and discover the joy of performing and collaborating with others. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or trying theatre for the first time, this class is your first step toward becoming a confident and creative artist!
The Leadership course helps students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Through team-building activities, students learn how to collaborate effectively, solve problems, and achieve common goals. They also build self-confidence by understanding how social experiences shape self-concept and by practicing professional communication. The class emphasizes public speaking, giving students opportunities to create and deliver engaging presentations on topics they are passionate about. In addition, students explore responsibility by examining how attitudes and actions influence outcomes, and by learning about personal financial responsibility. The course also introduces college and career readiness, allowing students to research different educational and vocational pathways. Finally, through community service, students discover the importance of giving back and leading with purpose—developing the qualities of strong, compassionate leaders.
SEMESTER COURSE
Exploring STEM is an engaging introduction to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics for 6th grade students. This highly collaborative, student-centered course provides an experiential learning environment where teamwork and effort are essential. Throughout the year, students participate in a variety of mini-units that highlight different areas of STEM, helping them discover new interests and pathways for further study in middle and high school. Each unit also explores professional opportunities and related courses, preparing students for future careers in STEM fields. The course is project-based, allowing students to gain knowledge and skills and then apply them to hands-on projects, making learning both meaningful and fun.
The QUEST (Quality Utilization and Enrichment of Student Talents) program provides a challenging and enriching learning experience for students through project-based learning and critical thinking activities in language arts, math, social studies, and science. This course encourages collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving while allowing students to explore topics in depth and make meaningful connections across subjects. Students typically qualify for QUEST by scoring in the top 5% on assessments measuring creativity, logic, and intelligence; however, those who demonstrate strong potential and interest may also apply for entry. QUEST is designed for motivated learners who thrive on curiosity, innovation, and academic exploration.
The Technology Applications course provides students with hands-on experience in two key areas—Information Management and Graphic Design. In Information Management, students explore technology systems, digital tools, and personal learning networks while developing essential readiness skills through creative and computational problem-solving. Using Google Apps for Education, students will gain practical experience in keyboarding, coding, slide presentations, spreadsheets, website structure, email, and file management. In the Graphic Design portion, students learn the elements of design and apply them to documents, photo and video editing, website creation, and even 3D design projects. Both areas emphasize digital citizenship and computational thinking, helping students build valuable technical and creative skills that prepare them for future academic and professional success.