Middle School Program of Studies

Language Arts 6 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, every day

Language Arts (grade 6) courses build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. These courses may emphasize the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. Specific content depends upon state standards for grade 6.

Language Arts 7 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, every day

Language Arts (grade 7) courses build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Beyond emphasizing different uses for language, these courses may also include using language (particularly written text) to construct meaning and connections. Specific content depends upon state standards for grade 7.

Language Arts 8 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Language Arts (grade 8) courses build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Typically, these courses use various genres of literature to improve reading skills, and they link writing exercises for different purposes to those reading selections. Specific content depends upon state standards for grade 8.

 

Math 6 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, every day

Grade 6 mathematics courses typically emphasize skills in numerical operations (including basic operations and their proper order); measurement; patterns; simple functions; geometry; and concepts of data analysis, including statistics and probability. Specific content depends upon state standards for grade 6.

Math 6 – Compacted Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, every day

Math 6 Compacted combines 6th, 7th, and 8th grade mathematics into a comprehensive curriculum. Math 6 compacted is designed to present a logical development as an introductory course to Algebra that emphasizes basic concepts and skills and fundamental operations. Students will develop proficiency in numerical operations, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, including statistics and probability. Math 6, Math 7 and Math 8 standards are covered in order to prepare students to take Algebra I in 7th grade. The course aligns with state standards, providing a rigorous progression through middle school math concepts.

Math 7 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, every day

Grade 7 mathematics courses typically emphasize proficiency in skills involving numbers and operations; measurement; patterns; functions; algebraic formulas; geometry; and concepts of data analysis, including statistics and probability. Specific content depends upon state standards for grade 7.

Math 8 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Grade 8 mathematics courses typically emphasize proficiency in skills involving numbers and operations, measurement, patterns, simple functions, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability. Specific content depends upon state standards for grade 8.

Algebra 1 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days or every day

​Algebra 1 includes the study of properties and operations of the real number system; evaluating rational algebraic expressions; solving and graphing first-degree equations and inequalities; translating word problems into equations; operations with and factoring of polynomials; and solving simple quadratic equations.

Geometry Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Geometry courses, emphasizing an abstract, formal approach to the study of geometry, typically include topics such as properties of plane and solid figures; deductive methods of reasoning and use of logic; geometry as an axiomatic system including the study of postulates, theorems, and formal proofs; concepts of congruence, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, and proportion; and rules of angle measurement in triangles.

 

Science 6 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Grade 6 science courses typically include subject matter from several strands of science, including earth/space sciences, physical sciences, and life or environmental sciences, and may organize material around thematic units. Specific content depends upon state standards for grade 6.

Science 7 – Life Science Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Life Science courses cover the basic principles of life and life processes. These topics may include cells, species, ecosystems, reproduction, genetics, or other topics consistent with state academic standards for life science.

Science 8 – Physical Science Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Physical Science courses involve study of the structures and states of matter. Typically (but not always) offered as introductory survey courses, they may include such topics as forms of energy, wave phenomenon, electromagnetism, and physical and chemical interactions.

HSS U.S. History I – Grade 6 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Early U.S. History courses examine the history of the United States from the colonial period to the Civil War or Reconstruction era (some courses end after this period). Some courses include North American history before European settlement, while others may begin at the formation of the new nation. These courses typically include a historical overview of political, military, scientific, and social developments.

HSS U.S. History II – Grade 7 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Modern U.S. History courses examine the history of the United States from the Civil War or Reconstruction era (some courses begin at a later period) through the present time. These courses typically include a historical review of political, military, scientific, and social developments.

HSS Civics & Economics Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Civics courses examine the general structure and functions of U.S. systems of government, the roles and responsibilities of citizens to participate in the political process, and the relationship of the individual to the law and legal system. These courses do not typically delve to the same degree of detail into constitutional principles or the role of political parties and interest groups as do comprehensive courses in U.S. Government.

Humanities Ⓗ Ⓛ
Length of Course: Semester or full year, alternating days

Humanities courses examine and evoke student responses to human creative efforts and the world in particular historical periods and cultures. Course content includes exploration, analysis, synthesis, and various responses to cultural traditions, including viewing, listening, speaking, reading, writing, performing and creating. The courses may also examine relationships among painting, sculpture, architecture and music.

ESOL Beginner Ⓑ Ⓙ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days or every day

Assessment needed. Students who take Beginner ESOL start a journey of adding a new language and culture to their international experiences. The course fosters a love for reading by using a reader's’ workshop model that allows students to explore new texts in English. Students practice English across the domains of writing, speaking, listening, and reading in lessons that explore open-ended questions and model real-world environments to follow the interests of students. They use English to solve problems as well as to investigate personal interests and academic themes. Students learn social vocabulary quickly and build understanding of key academic vocabulary that spans across disciplines. The course explores students’ cultures and how these connect to their new community. Students use their strengths in these cultures and their native languages to learn English. The ESOL teacher coordinates with content course teachers to tailor instruction to meet the needs of students. 

ESOL Intermediate Ⓑ Ⓙ
Length of Course: Full year, every day

Assessment needed. Students who take Intermediate ESOL use academic English vocabulary in open-ended projects that require public speaking and writing for real audiences. Students continue their exploration of reading and supplement this with a writers workshop model that focuses on learning the process of revision to express ideas in public forums. Students continue to use their own cultures and languages as strengths for gaining new insights and expressing themselves in English. They explore options for connecting with school and community extracurricular resources and activities. Finally, the ESOL teacher coordinates with content teachers to tailor instruction to the needs of students.

ESOL Advanced Ⓑ Ⓛ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Assessment needed. Advanced ESOL supports advanced English Learners taking rigorous academic courses. Students who take Advanced ESOL learn academic vocabulary that may be applied across a range of courses . They explore their linguistic and cultural heritage and connect these to the civic and economic life of their community in individual and collaborative projects. The Advanced ESOL course emphasizes applying academic vocabulary in advanced academic writing, research, and projects with real-world audiences. Students use these skills to excel on class assignments and give presentations using formal oral English. The ESOL teacher coordinates with content course teachers to tailor instruction to meet the needs of students.

Broadcast Journalism      Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ
Length of Course: Semester or Full year, alternating days

Speech Communications/Drama courses enable students to express themselves through dramatic play and storytelling. Course content typically includes the use of movement, language, character, plot, and spectacle to portray imaginary or real experiences. As appropriate, students may focus on acting techniques and traditions, other aspects of drama (staging, lighting, costuming), or both. Specific course content conforms to any existing state standards for grade 8.

Creative Writing     Ⓗ Ⓙ
Length of Course: Semester or full year, alternating days

Creative Writing courses offer students the opportunity to develop and improve their technique and individual style in poetry, short story, drama, essays, and other forms of prose. The emphasis of the courses is on writing; however, students may study exemplary representations and authors to obtain a fuller appreciation of the form and craft. Although most creative writing classes cover several expressive forms, others concentrate exclusively on one particular form (such as poetry or playwriting).

Debate    Ⓗ Ⓛ
Length of Course: Semester or Full year, alternating days 

Forensic Speech—Debate courses offer students the opportunity to learn how to use oral skills in formal and informal situations. In these courses, students are able to develop such skills as logic and reasoning, research and analysis, organization of thought and supporting materials, argumentative style and skill, and effective presentation of one’s voice and body. Often linked to an extracurricular program, these courses introduce students to the methods, aims, and styles used in various kinds of debates (formal debate or Lincoln-Douglas). Participation in competition is encouraged, but not always required.

Drama 6     Ⓙ 
Length of Course: Quarter

Introduction to Theater courses provide an overview of the art, conventions, and history of the theater arts. Although the courses sometimes include experiential exercises, they emphasize learning about theater processes rather than theatrical production and performance. Course topics include one or more of the following: basic techniques in acting, major developments in dramatic literature, major playwrights, the evolution of theater as a cultural tradition, and critical appreciation of the art and craft of the theater profession.

Drama 7     Ⓙ Ⓛ
Length of Course: Semester or full year, alternating days

Introduction to Theater courses provide an overview of the art, conventions, and history of the theater arts. Although the courses sometimes include experiential exercises, they emphasize learning about theater processes rather than theatrical production and performance. Course topics include one or more of the following: basic techniques in acting, major developments in dramatic literature, major playwrights, the evolution of theater as a cultural tradition, and critical appreciation of the art and craft of the theater profession.

Drama 8     Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Semester or full year, alternating days

Introduction to Theater courses provide an overview of the art, conventions, and history of the theater arts. Although the courses sometimes include experiential exercises, they emphasize learning about theater processes rather than theatrical production and performance. Course topics include one or more of the following: basic techniques in acting, major developments in dramatic literature, major playwrights, the evolution of theater as a cultural tradition, and critical appreciation of the art and craft of the theater profession.

Band 6     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Band courses help students develop techniques for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and their ability to perform a variety of concert band literature styles. These courses may emphasize rehearsal and performance experiences in a range of styles and also include experiences in creating and responding to music.

Band 7     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Band courses help students develop techniques for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and their ability to perform a variety of concert band literature styles. These courses may emphasize rehearsal and performance experiences in a range of styles and also include experiences in creating and responding to music.

Band 8     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Band courses help students develop techniques for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and their ability to perform a variety of concert band literature styles. These courses may emphasize rehearsal and performance experiences in a range of styles and also include experiences in creating and responding to music.

Orchestra 6     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Orchestra courses help develop students’ technique for playing strings along with woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. These courses may emphasize collaboration through rehearsal and performance experiences in creating and responding to music.

Orchestra 7     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Orchestra courses help develop students’ technique for playing strings along with woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. These courses may emphasize collaboration through rehearsal and performance experiences in creating and responding to music.

Orchestra 8     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Orchestra courses help develop students’ technique for playing strings along with woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. These courses may emphasize collaboration through rehearsal and performance experiences in creating and responding to music.

Guitar     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Semester or full year, alternating days

Guitar courses provide students an introduction to, and refine the fundamentals of music and guitar literature and techniques.

Chorus 6     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Chorus courses develop students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they perform a variety of styles of repertoire. These courses are designed to develop students’ vocal techniques and their ability to sing parts and include experiences in creating and responding to music.

Chorus 7     Ⓗ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Chorus courses develop students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they perform a variety of styles of repertoire. These courses are designed to develop students’ vocal techniques and their ability to sing parts and include experiences in creating and responding to music.

Chorus 8     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Chorus courses develop students’ vocal skills within the context of a large choral ensemble in which they perform a variety of styles of repertoire. These courses are designed to develop students’ vocal techniques and their ability to sing parts and include experiences in creating and responding to music.

Music 6     Ⓑ
Length of Course: Quarter

Music History/Appreciation courses survey different musical styles and periods with the intent of increasing students’ understanding of music and its importance in relation to the human experience. Music History/Appreciation courses may focus on how various styles of music apply musical elements to create an expressive or aesthetic impact.

Mixed Media Art     Ⓦ
Length of Course: Semester

Visual Arts—Comprehensive courses enable students to explore one or several art forms (e.g., drawing, painting, two- and three-dimensional design, and sculpture) and to create individual works of art. Initial courses emphasize observations, interpretation of the visual environment, visual communication, imagination, and symbolism. Courses cover the language, materials, media, and processes of a particular art form and the design elements used. Advanced courses encourage students to refine their skills while also developing their own artistic styles following and breaking from traditional conventions. Courses may also include the study of major artists, art movements, and styles.

Photography     Ⓑ Ⓗ
Length of Course: Semester

Photography courses provide students with an understanding of photographic media, techniques, and processes. These courses focus on development of photographic compositions through manipulation of the fundamental processes of artistic expression. Students may learn to make meaningful visual statements with an emphasis on personal creative expression to communicate ideas, feelings, or values. Photography courses may also include the history of photography, historic movements, image manipulation, critical analysis, and some creative special effects. Students engage in critiques of their photographic images, the works of other students, and those by professional photographers for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work.

Art 6     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Quarter

Art (grade 6) courses provide to students activities that foster creative expression, communication through artistic endeavor, and appreciation of culture and heritage. Activities may include those that enable students to refine their technique, increase their artistic vocabulary, express themselves and their world view, make connections to other content areas, develop their own aesthetic, and strengthen their critical abilities. Although typically involving the visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, and the like), these courses may also include other forms of art (for example, dance, music, and theater). Specific course content conforms to any existing state standards for grade 6.

Art 7     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Semester or full year, alternating days

Art (grade 7) courses provide to students activities that foster creative expression, communication through artistic endeavor, and appreciation of culture and heritage. Activities may include those that enable students to refine their technique, increase their artistic vocabulary, express themselves and their world view, make connections to other content areas, develop their own aesthetic, and strengthen their critical abilities. Although typically involving the visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, and the like), these courses may also include other forms of art (for example, dance, music, and theater). Specific course content conforms to any existing state standards for grade 7.

Art 8     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Semester or full year, alternating days

Art (grade 8) courses provide to students activities that foster creative expression, communication through artistic endeavor, and appreciation of culture and heritage. Activities may include those that enable students to refine their technique, increase their artistic vocabulary, express themselves and their world view, make connections to other content areas, develop their own aesthetic, and strengthen their critical abilities. Although typically involving the visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, and the like), these courses may also include other forms of art (for example, dance, music, and theater). Specific course content conforms to any existing state standards for grade 8.

Sculpture 7 or 3D Art     Ⓙ
Length of Course: Semester

Visual Arts—Sculpture courses promote creative expression through three-dimensional works. These courses explore representational and abstract sculpture through subtractive (carving), additive (modeling), and assemblage techniques in one or more media. Visual Arts—Sculpture courses typically include the production of representational and abstract sculptures while incorporating elements of art and principles of design, along with a study of historical and contemporary sculpture and sculptors from a worldwide perspective. These courses also provide instruction in the process of responding to art through analysis, critique, and interpretation for the purpose of reflecting on and refining work

Yearbook     Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Semester or full year, alternating days

Publication Production courses provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce the school newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine, or other printed publication. Students may gain experience in several components (writing, editing, layout, production, and so on) or may focus on a single aspect while producing the publication.

Physical Education/Health Education 6 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Physical and Health Education (grade 6) courses provide students with knowledge, experience, and an opportunity to develop skills in a variety of sports or activities (for example, team sports, individual/dual sports, recreational sports, and fitness/conditioning activities) integrated with instruction in personal health (for example, nutrition, mental health and stress management, drug/alcohol abuse prevention, injury and disease prevention, and first aid) and consumer health issues. Specific content depends upon state standards for grade 6.

Physical Education/Health Education 7 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Physical and Health Education (grade 7) courses provide students with knowledge, experience, and an opportunity to develop skills in a variety of sports or activities (for example, team sports, individual/dual sports, recreational sports, and fitness/conditioning activities) integrated with instruction in personal health (for example, nutrition, mental health and stress management, drug/alcohol abuse prevention, injury and disease prevention, and first aid) and consumer health issues. Specific content depends upon state standards for grade 7.

Physical Education/Health Education 8 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Physical and Health Education (grade 8) courses provide students with knowledge, experience, and an opportunity to develop skills in a variety of sports or activities (for example, team sports, individual/dual sports, recreational sports, and fitness/conditioning activities) integrated with instruction in personal health (for example, nutrition, mental health and stress management, drug/alcohol abuse prevention, injury and disease prevention, and first aid) and consumer health issues. Specific content depends upon state standards for grade 8.

 

CTE Coding, Cyber, and IT Exploration Ⓑ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Quarter, Semester or Full year, alternating days

Students are introduced to the world of business using the computer as a problem-solving tool. Students engage in using computational thinking as a problem solving tool, use programming concepts and methods while creating digital artifacts, and retain their interest in computing as a relevant and exciting field. Learning opportunities are presented in ways that are active, connected, and relevant to them, and promote the perception of themselves as proactive and empowered problem solvers, creators, and innovators capable of changing the world. Collaborative learning experiences at this level prepare students to work in teams and to build supportive partnerships.

CTE Media, Arts, and Design Exploration Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Semester or Full year, alternating days

Students will utilize digital tools in the fields of programming and coding, game design, creative design, photography, animation and film and they will enhance their knowledge of media software and how to manipulate and design digital media.

CTE Business & Entrepreneurship Exploration Ⓦ

Length of Course: Semester

This course introduces students to the exciting world of creating, owning, and launching their own business. Students will learn concepts and techniques for planning an innovative business and marketing their ideas and creations. Students design, establish, and operate a small group or class business, producing a service or product that meets an identified school or community need. Emphasis is placed on the introduction and application of business terminology, basic entrepreneurship concepts, and fundamental business principles.

CTE Career Investigations 6 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ

Length of Course: Quarter

Students will investigate a variety of career clusters, analyze their personal assets, select career fields or occupations for further study, and create a plan based on their academic and career interests. They will also explore Albemarle County specialty centers and academies.

CTE Leadership Exploration 2 Ⓗ
Length of Course: Semester

This course prepares students for leadership opportunities in school, family, the community, and the work environment. The course offers students the opportunity to develop lifelong learning and leadership skills to be responsible self advocates, effective communicators and collaborators, responsible citizens, creative thinkers and problem solvers. Students investigate areas of individual growth, goal setting, socio-emotional learning, human development, interpersonal relationships, nutritional health and wellness, and physically active lifestyles.

CTE Leadership Exploration 3 Ⓗ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Prepares students to be leaders in their schools, families, communities and careers through project-based learning. The course offers students the opportunity to practice the lifelong learning and leadership skills necessary to be responsible self advocates, effective communicators and collaborators, responsible citizens, creative thinkers and problem solvers. Students explore concepts of human development, interpersonal relationships, community and resource management, nutrition and wellness, decision making and leadership.

CTE STEM Design & Construction Exploration Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ

Length of Course: Quarter or Semester or Full year, alternating days

Students will learn how to modify and control the world around them through exploring, designing, analyzing and evaluating the systems of design, programming and electronics. Students will learn programming and electronics through the use of microcontrollers. Students will use computer-aided design software and advanced manufacturing technologies (3D printing, die cutting, CNC machining, etc.) to create physical objects. The three systems of computer programming, electronics and design will be combined to create mechanical-electrical devices that are computer controlled. Students will also explore technology-oriented careers.

CTE STEM Manufacturing Exploration Ⓑ Ⓙ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Quarter or Semester or Full year, alternating days

Students will apply the design thinking process to examine and explore their learning around topics of personal interest to examine real-world problems. Students study technological resources through problem-solving processes and various hands-on activities. They relate the impact of technology on society, environment, and culture to future consequences and decisions. They will examine and use processes and mental models, teamwork and communication to design and create projects hinged on their personal development of life-long learner competencies as identified by Albemarle County Public Schools.

CTE STEM Engineering Exploration Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Quarter or Semester or Full year, alternating days

Students will explore the engineering design process and real-world problem solving through the use of technologies including computer-aided design software, electronics, 3D-printing and CNC machining to discover their related applications. Students make models of significant inventions that have advanced society. After studying these developments, they explore contemporary technological problems facing them, their community, or the world and apply systematic procedures to invent new products or innovations as solutions.

 

AVID 6 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ
Length of Course: Quarter or Full year, alternating days

AVID is a nationally recognized program for students who have the capability to achieve in rigorous, college preparatory courses but may currently be underachieving. The AVID elective is a year long elective that provides students with academic support and motivational activities. Students must apply for AVID and meet national and local requirements for participation.

AVID 7 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Semester or full year, alternating days

AVID is a nationally recognized program for students who have the capability to achieve in rigorous, college preparatory courses but may currently be underachieving. The AVID elective is a year long elective that provides students with academic support and motivational activities. Students must apply for AVID and meet national and local requirements for participation.

AVID 8 Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

AVID is a nationally recognized program for students who have the capability to achieve in rigorous, college preparatory courses but may currently be underachieving. The AVID elective is a year long elective that provides students with academic support and motivational activities. Students must apply for AVID and meet national and local requirements for participation.

AVID Survey Ⓦ
Length of Course: Quarter

AVID Survey is a course for students who are interested in learning more about the AVID elective before applying for admission to the elective class. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of WICOR strategies used in AVID, like tutorials, philosophical chairs, organizational skills, Socratic Seminars and much more. Students will learn about college through research, guest speakers, and a visit to a local campus. This course aims to prepare students to take on the challenge of advanced/honors courses in the following school year while also building interpersonal skills.

Core + Math Ⓑ Ⓙ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Semester or Full year, alternating days

Tutorial courses provide students with the assistance they need to successfully complete their coursework. Students will receive help in Math. 

Core + Reading Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Tutorial courses provide students with the assistance they need to successfully complete their coursework. Students will receive help in Reading. 

Study Hall Ⓦ
Length of Course: Semester or full year, alternating days

Study Hall courses provide students with the opportunity and time to complete classroom assignments or school projects. Students typically work on their own, without the help of a tutor; however, they are supervised and usually remain in the classroom.

Independent Study Ⓗ Ⓙ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Independent Study courses, typically organized as a mentorship with a teacher or outside professional, enable students to conduct investigations related to their field(s) of interest.

 

6th Grade World Language Exploratory Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Quarter

Designed to introduce students to two or more languages in a single course of study, Exploration of World Languages courses provide students with general information about the spoken and written languages and introduce the relationships among the products, practices, and perspectives of the associated cultures.

7th Grade Spanish Exploratory Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ
Length of Course: Semester or full year, alternating days

Designed to introduce students to Spanish language and culture, Spanish Exploratory begins to prepare 7th grade students to the introductory skills needed to beginning learning how to authentically communicate in Spanish by interpreting (reading, listening, viewing), exchanging (speaking and listening; reading and writing), and presenting (speaking, writing) information on a variety of topics. Spanish Exploratory introduces the relationships among the products, practices, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking cultures.

Spanish 1 – High School Spanish Ⓑ Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓛ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Spanish 1 8th grade students will learn to listen, speak, read, and write in the language through a study of cultures that use the language as part of their heritage. Students will learn basic vocabulary and essential grammar to communicate in simple sentences and navigate real-world experiences. Students will practice basic literacy and gain insight into the way of life of cultures associated with the language.

7th Grade French Exploratory Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Semester

Designed to introduce students to French language and culture, French Exploratory begins to prepare 7th grade students to the introductory skills needed to beginning learning how to authentically communicate in French by interpreting (reading, listening, viewing), exchanging (speaking and listening; reading and writing), and presenting (speaking, writing) information on a variety of topics. French Exploratory introduces the relationships among the products, practices, and perspectives of French-speaking cultures.

French 1 – High School French Ⓗ Ⓙ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

French 1 8th grade students will learn to listen, speak, read, and write in the language through a study of cultures that use the language as part of their heritage. Students will learn basic vocabulary and essential grammar to communicate in simple sentences and navigate real-world experiences. Students will practice basic literacy and gain insight into the way of life of cultures associated with the language.

Spanish Immersion I Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Spanish Immersion continues the work of middle school students previously enrolled in dual language immersion programming or Spanish language instruction in elementary school. Students in this course continue to develop biliteracy and build oracy through instruction of grade-level standards in Spanish. 

Spanish Immersion II Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

Spanish Immersion continues the work of middle school students previously enrolled in dual language immersion programming or Spanish language instruction in elementary school. Students in this course continue to develop biliteracy and build oracy through instruction of grade-level standards in Spanish. 

Spanish for Fluent Speakers I – High School Spanish Ⓑ Ⓦ
Length of Course: Full year, alternating days

This course will support our growing number of 8th grade Spanish speaking students who have achieved fluency (either through the dual language program or as heritage or native speakers) and want to continue their study of Spanish. The focus of this class will be on practical applications of Spanish within the Albemarle County community, including partnerships for work-based learning and information around interpretation and translation credentialing, as well as building academic vocabulary in Spanish for students, including specific terminology related to future career and college pathways.