Elective Offerings

The 6, 7, and 8 following the class names indicate which grade levels may request the course.

All students are placed in one elective class, though during the course request process, all students will submit (3) elective choices, ranked in order of preference.  Applying for an elective does not guarantee placement in the class. 

Students must submit the required application or additional information, if applicable, for EACH elective selected in order to be considered for that class, including their #2 and #3 choices. 

Art (6, 7, 8): Art is a full year class open to all students who are passionate about art, but may not have knowledge of the elements of art or principles of design. Students will work towards planning and creating independent projects. Students will have the opportunity to submit work into art shows throughout the year. Contact Mrs. Morrison at erin.morrison@sanjuan.edu with any questions. 

Art – Advanced (7, 8): Advanced Art is a full year class for students with prior experience in art. Students must be knowledgeable of the elements of art, principles of design, be able to work on projects independently, and participate in art shows throughout the year. Students must submit three copies of current art works and a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Contact Mrs. Morrison at erin.morrison@sanjuan.edu with any questions. 

AVID - Advancement Via Individual Determination (6, 7, 8): This elective course is an academic support program designed to prepare students for college, focusing on building critical thinking, writing, and organizational skills through strategies like WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading), tutorials, and motivational activities.

Band - Beginning Woodwinds/Strings (6, 7, 8): This is a full year course designed for all serious students wanting to learn how to play a Woodwind or String Instrument, this is an extra-curricular performing arts class and required performances are a part of the student’s grade. Woodwind/String Instruments to choose from: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bass. No prior experience required. Contact Mr. Fedorov at igor.fedorov@sanjuan.edu with any questions.

Band - Beginning Brass/Percussion (6, 7, 8): This is a full year course designed for all serious students wanting to learn how to play a Brass or Percussion Instrument, this is an extra-curricular performing arts class and required performances are a part of the student’s grade. Brass/Percussion Instruments to choose from: Trumpet, French Horn, Baritone, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion (mallets, bells, drums). No prior experience required. Contact Mr. Fedorov at igor.fedorov@sanjuan.edu with any questions.

Band - Intermediate (6, 7, 8): Intended for students who have at least one year of experience playing their instrument but don’t have the required skills for Advanced Band, this is a performing arts class and required performances are a part of the student’s grade. You will have the opportunity to participate in fun field festivals, rallies, and events throughout the year as we continue to inspire through music. Contact Mr. Fedorov at igor.fedorov@sanjuan.edu with any questions. Intermediate Band Application.

Band - Advanced (6, 7, 8): Structured for students who have previous band experience, this is a performing arts class and required performances are a part of the student’s grade. You will have the opportunity to participate in fun field trips, rallies, and events throughout the year as we continue to inspire through music. In order for students to be accepted into this class, they should have knowledge of a few basic scales (Concert Bb, Concert Eb, Concert F, Concert Ab, Chromatic Scale) for woodwind, string, mallet and brass players. Students will need to provide an Elementary School Music/Band teacher recommendation OR go through a virtual or in person audition.  Contact Mr. Fedorov at igor.fedorov@sanjuan.edu with any questions. Advanced Band Application.

Choir (6, 7, 8): Choir is for all students interested in singing.  It is a performing arts class and required performances are a part of the student’s grade. Students will be able to participate in fun field trips to elementary schools, CMEA Honor Choir, San Juan Sings Festival, Golden Empire Choral Festival, Music in the Parks Festival, and performances throughout the year as we continue to inspire through music. Contact Mrs. Carey at wcarey@sanjuan.edu with any questions. 

Choir - Advanced (7, 8): Advanced Choir is a performing arts class and required performances are a part of the student’s grade. Students will be able to participate in fun field trips to elementary schools, CMEA Honor Choir, San Juan Sings Festival, Golden Empire Choral Festival, Music in the Parks Festival, and performances throughout the year as we continue to inspire through music. In order for students to be accepted into this class, they should have knowledge of basic musicianship and pitch matching, including the beginnings of reading music. Students will need to provide an Elementary School Music/Choir teacher recommendation OR go through a virtual audition. Contact Mrs. Carey at wcarey@sanjuan.edu with any questions.

Computer Science (6, 7, 8): This class is an introductory computer science course, emphasizing problem-solving, creation, and collaboration, while introducing students to the many ways computer science impacts their lives. Taking this class allows you to advance to Computer Science Principles at Bella Vista.  Contact Mr. Knight at erik.knight@sanjuan.edu with any questions.

Drama (6, 7, 8): Students learn the basics of theatre arts by exploring a character through such activities as pantomime, improvisation and effective speaking using articulation, projection and breathing. Students also explore elements of technical theatre by exploring the use of such elements as costumes, props and scenery. Students practice writing for the theatre and explore various theatre roles and functions. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Drama Application.

Engineering Gateway CTE (6, 7, 8): Engineering Gateway CTE is a program that feeds into Bella Vista’s Engineering Pathway program. In this class you will discover the design and modeling process, learn about programming by blending hardware design & software development, while exploring mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Contact Mr. Knight at erik.knight@sanjuan.edu with any questions.

Keyboarding Music (6, 7, 8): In this fun and interactive music class, students will learn essential piano skills, music theory, and ukulele basics, while also exploring online music composition tools. They will develop their musicianship through hands-on practice, working with both the piano and ukulele, and will have the chance to compose original music. Throughout the course, students will perform at recitals for their parents, showcasing their growth in both composition and performance. This class offers a supportive environment for students to build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Questions? Contact Mr. Fedorov at igor.fedorov@sanjuan.edu

Media - Beginning (6, 7, 8): Beginning Media is an introductory class in which students will learn public speaking skills, videography, digital audio/video editing and production techniques as well as cooperative skills as a member of a production team working together to produce creative and compelling multimedia pieces. This class is open to any students who want to learn about the video production process. Contact Mr. Knight at erik.knight@sanjuan.edu with any questions.

Media Advanced (6, 7, 8): Media is an advanced technology class to produce our daily student news broadcast. Students will learn public speaking skills, videography, digital audio/video editing and production techniques as well as cooperative skills as a member of a production team working together to produce creative and compelling multimedia pieces. The class promotes the practices and values that make Andrew Carnegie Middle School a community of safety, respect, and responsibility. Incoming 6th graders may only apply if you were part of a media program at your previous school. Contact Mr. Knight at erik.knight@sanjuan.edu with any questions. Media Advanced Application.

STEAM (6, 7, 8): STEAM is a full year course designed for motivated and innovative students interested in pursuing science & engineering careers. It provides a hands-on, project-based learning experience fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Projects may include roller coaster design, toothpick bridge building, and LEGO Engineering with gears. Contact Mrs. Higgins at amanda.higgins@sanjuan.edu

Student Leadership (6, 7, 8): Student Leadership is responsible for activities on campus. Responsibilities include planning and running rallies, dances, lunch activities and other extracurricular activities on campus. This class is for students who feel they want to contribute to the overall experience of every Scot on campus. Responsible students who are willing to work extra time and extra hard, but are ready to have extra fun are welcome to apply. If you feel you are up to the task, contact Dr. Borton at curtis.borton@sanjuan.edu with any questions. Student Leadership Application.

Yearbook (7, 8): Students will receive an introduction to all parts of journalism, including writing, photography, and design through the creation of our Highlander yearbook. Students have the chance to capture and preserve all events and memories that happen throughout the year. Contact Ms. Goudy at jill.goudy@sanjuan.edu with any questions. Yearbook Application.