Course Catalog
7th and 8th Grade Programs
Course | 7th Grade | 8th Grade |
---|---|---|
English | English 7 G | English 8 G |
History | World History G | US History G |
Math | Math 7 or Math 7 Accelerated | Math 8 or Algebra I |
Physical Education | Physical Ed 7 | Physical Ed 8 |
Science | Science 7 G | Science 8 G |
CompuTECH Elective | Intro to Computer Science | Elective Wheel (Computer Science, Engineering, and Bio-Medicine) |
Elective | Choice Elective 1 | Choice Elective 1 |
Elective | Choice Elective 2 | Choice Elective 2 |
How to Rank Electives
How To Rank Electives – WATCH HERE
Remember to rank the elective choices you MOST WANT at the top. Then, rank down by order of your personal preference. You may receive ANY of the classes you rank, but order shows which you would like most.
(Remember to review elective options below)
Career Technical Education
Exploring Engineering and Design
Use the Engineering process to design, evaluate, construct, and refine ideas and solutions to problems. This is a project-based class with rotating projects used to explore concepts in Engineering. Example topics include 2D design, 3D design, 3D printing, and other related topics. Projects will be selected based upon available equipment in the assigned CTE Lab.
Robotics/Exploring Information Technology
Robots! 3D Printing! Digital Embroidery! Lasers! Students will learn how to program and build metal robots, and how code is used to bring digital creations into the “real world”. Potential projects include Battle Bots, Robo Soccer, Sumo Bots and many more.
Tournament of Technology
Showcase your skills through participation in STEM competitions and events. Students will learn through preparing for the Fresno Unified Tournament of Technology. This is a project-based class that focuses on Design, Coding, and Robotics. Projects are based on the most current TOT events and are subject to change.
Exploring Graphic Design
This course introduces middle school students to the exciting world of graphic design. Through hands-on projects, students will explore essential design principles, digital art tools, and creative techniques used by professional designers. They will develop skills in visual communication, branding, and digital media creation.
Exploring Arts & Media
A hands-on learning class that teaches the basics of all backstage design work. Students will learn how to go from script to stage as they design and build costumes, makeup, props, sets, lighting, and sound
Visual and Performing Arts Department Courses
Art
In art, you will try out every art media your teacher can think of: papercraft, fiber arts, digital arts, clay and so much more. You will be pushed to try out new skills constantly with an emphasis on responding to your own art as well as your classmates through critiques and presentations.
Art - Advanced (8th grade only)
The Advanced art class will work to engage you in the more social and community aspects of being a working artist. In this class, you will work in a studio style classroom towards creating bodies of work for presentation in other classes on campus, and even venues around Fresno. This class will push you to get your artwork outside of the classroom and into the community.
Band – Beginning
Learn to play flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone or percussion. You don’t need any previous experience to be in this ensemble.
Band – Intermediate
**Final placement will be determined by experience and classroom capacity**
You must have at least 1 year playing a wind instrument or percussion is required to be in this ensemble. This group performs at concerts and festivals and is part of the marching band in the Fall semester.
Band – Advanced
**Final placement will be determined by experience and classroom capacity**
Students must have at least 2 years of experience playing a wind instrument or percussion, or placement by audition is required for this ensemble. This group performs at concerts, festivals, Edison football games, and is part of the marching band in the Fall semester.
Orchestra – Beginning
Want to learn how to play the violin, viola, or cello? This class is for you! We will start with the basics—how to hold your instrument, play simple songs, and learn to read music. No experience is needed, just a great attitude and a willingness to learn!
Orchestra – Intermediate
If you’ve been playing the violin, viola, cello, or bass for at least one year, this is the next step! We will learn more advanced music, improve our technique, and perform at concerts and festivals. Placement depends on experience and the space available.
Orchestra – Advanced
This group is for experienced players who have been in a string orchestra for at least two years. You must audition to join. We will perform challenging music, play at concerts and festivals, and have special opportunities to share our music with the community. Placement depends on experience and space available.
Chorus
The choir is open to all students, regardless of singing experience. The choir sings all types of music, from traditional choral selections to contemporary music. They perform at concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Musical Theatre
Students will learn about the history of musical theatre and learn musical and movement techniques to develop their musical theatre skills. They will learn numbers from known musicals and have the opportunity to apply their skills in performance.
Drama
An active, performance-based class which teaches actors the basics of being on stage including vocabulary, pantomime, stage combat and characterization. Students that enroll for a second year can continue their acting training or learn how to run productions and rehearsals as a director.
Languages Other Than English - High School Credit/A-G Courses
Hmong Heritage Speakers 1 (8th grade only)
This course is designed for students who already know how to speak Hmong. Students will develop their reading and writing in Hmong, advance their vocabulary, and increase their awareness of Hmong culture. Passing the course meets Two years of UC/CSU A-G requirements and earns high school credit.
Spanish I
This course is designed for students who do not know Spanish. We will learn the basics of speaking, reading, and writing. Passing this course meets ONE year of UC/CSU A-G requirements and earns High School credit.
Spanish II (8th grade only)
This course is taken after Spanish 1 and will continue to build on their skills from Spanish 1. Passing this course meets ONE year of UC/CSU A-G requirements and earns High School credit.
Spanish Native Speaker Bridge (7th grade only)
This course is designed for incoming 7th graders who already speak Spanish, including those from Dual Immersion programs. It focuses on enhancing reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. This course DOES NOT earn high school credit or meet A-G college requirements.
Spanish Native Speaker 1 (8th grade only)
This course is for students who already know how to speak Spanish. This includes students from a Dual Immersion School. Students will develop their reading and writing skills along with their vocabulary. Passing this course meets TWO years of UC/CSU A-G requirements and earns High School credit. This course is only available to 8th graders.
Leadership and More
Ethnic Studies*
Ethnic studies is a class that focuses on the unique contributions to humanity that each ethnic group’s ancestors have made. We will engage in academic conversations, hear guest speakers, and learn about the cultural influences and contributions of different cultures in America.
Leadership
Students in this year-long elective will work closely in teams to build school spirit, plan lunchtime activities, rallies, represent our school as hosts and hostesses for school events, create posters and communication for activities throughout the school year. APPLY HERE!
Men’s Alliance*
Men’s alliance is designed to support students with their personal growth and developing the academic skills that lead to success in the classroom. Students will hear from motivational guest speakers, participate in mentoring, and engage in leadership and volunteer opportunities.
Women’s Alliance*
Women’s alliance is designed to support students with their personal growth and developing the academic skills that lead to success in the classroom. Students will hear from motivational guest speakers, participate in mentoring, and engage in leadership and volunteer opportunities.
*Class offerings are tentative based on final staffing.