Electives
Exciting exploration, unique courses, and hands-on learning are hallmarks of the Middle School elective program.
Our Middle School students choose from an extensive selection of exciting and varied elective courses, representing the broad expertise of our faculty and the dynamic interests of the students themselves. Different electives are offered each year, including brand new options. Most electives run for one trimester, allowing students to explore a number of subject areas over the course of their three years in Middle School.
ACDS is committed to helping shape well-rounded learners with experience in a range of topics and interests. To support this goal, ACDS graduation requirements include Public Speaking, one Community Involvement elective, one Fine Arts or Drama course, and one Global & Cultural Awareness course.
Some of our Middle School electives, categorized by discipline, include:
STEM
- Animation & Gaming in Javascript
- Art, Games & More with Python
- Calling All Makers
- Design Thinking - Bring Your Ideas
- Inspiring Young Scientific Minds
- Math Support
- Nature
- Power Plants
- Robotics
- Robotics II
- Science Behind the Movies
Fine Arts/Drama
- 2-D Drawing and Painting
- 3-D Art and Sculpture
- Dance
- Digital Photography
- Drama
- Musical Drama
- Musical Theater History
- Rock and Roll History & Musicology
- The Art of Mexico and Central America
World Languages
- French A
- French A
- French B
- French C
- Spanish A
- Spanish B
- Spanish C
- Speed Spanish
- Mandarin
Community Involvement
- ACDS Library Science 101
- Community Service with an Environmental Twist
- Environmental Economics
- Issues and Choices
- Yearbook
Global/Cultural Awareness
- Art, Play, Dance Around the Latin America
- Assassination Exploration
- Big History
- Environmental Economics
- Eye on the Media
- “Her” Story
- Hip Hop and Culture
- Me, Myself, & I
- Queer History
- Rock and Roll History & Musicology
- The Art of Mexico and Central America
Communications/
English
- Advice Column
- Competition Speech and Debate
- Public Speaking
- The Art of the Short Story
- TED Talking
General Studies
- 6th Grade Study Skills
- Basketball
- Classic Film
- It’s All About Strategy
- Structured Study Hall
- Yearbook