All schools, full year

This class is aligned with Washington state standards, including College and Career Readiness standards. Reading, writing, speaking, listening, language and collaborative strategies are used purposefully to build knowledge and skills as students become independent readers, writers and thinkers and progressively build the skills necessary for academic success in middle school. The primary goals of the course are to foster independent learning, encourage in-depth exploration of the content and develop academic habits of mind.

Students will develop proficiency in composition, grammar, mechanics and usage in the writing process. Students will craft multiple pieces of narrative, argumentative and expository writing throughout the year. Comprehension, vocabulary, and research skills are developed with thematic units drawn from multiple texts, novels and visual media. Students analyze and evaluate texts for theme, author's craft, effectiveness and purpose, with an emphasis on practicing higher level thinking skills.

All schools, full year

In addition to our standard course, there is an Honors English option in middle school. Most students are appropriately challenged by our standard English courses and are prepared to enter career and college pathways in high school, including Honors and Advanced Placement. Middle school honors courses cover materials in greater depth and classroom activities require increasingly complex thinking and problem solving. Students are expected to demonstrate increasing independence, creativity, and responsibility when completing work in these courses.

There are two levels of mathematics for seventh graders. Students who completed sixth grade math are encouraged to request seventh grade math. Students who were successful in sixth grade advanced math are encouraged to request seventh grade advanced math. Students enrolled in sixth grade advanced math who would have benefited from more time to understand the math standards are encouraged to request seventh grade math.

All schools, full year

Instructional time will focus on four critical areas of the Common Core State Standards: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving surface area and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.

There are two levels of mathematics for seventh graders. Students who completed sixth grade math are encouraged to request seventh grade math. Students who were successful in sixth grade advanced math are encouraged to request seventh grade advanced math. Students enrolled in sixth grade advanced math who would have benefited from more time to understand the math standards are encouraged to request seventh grade math.

All schools, full year

Students considering advanced math should understand the course is taught at a faster pace since it covers the second half of the seventh grade math standards and all eighth grade math standards in one school year. Instructional time will focus on six critical areas of the Common Core State Standards: (1) working with expressions and linear equations; (2) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving surface area and volume; (3) drawing inferences about populations based on samples, (4) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation and solving linear equation and systems of linear equations; (5) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe qualitative relationships; and (6) analyzing two-and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

All schools, full year

This class will follow Next Generation Science Standards for: Systems, Inquiry, Application and Content. Seventh grade science examines four main content areas, all explored through scientific inquiry and engineering practices using multiple curriculum resources: (1) Matter and Its Interactions. This is a chemistry unit focusing on atoms, molecules, states of matter, properties of matter and changes in matter. (2) Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics. This is an ecology unit that focuses on the flow of energy and the cycling of matter. (3) Earth’s Resources. This unit focuses on the types and uses of Earth’s resources and the impact of obtaining those resources. (4) The Changing Earth. This is a geology unit focusing on how the Earth changes over time.

All schools, full year

Students will apply the major social studies skills of civics, economics, geography and history to the study of world civilizations (600-1450 CE). Students will develop skills in writing and communication through a challenging curriculum emphasizing higher level thinking and advanced writing skills.

This course includes Washington State History, a high school graduation requirement. This class covers a variety of topics relating to the state's history from early settlement and statehood to today, with emphasis on climate, geography, government, and the economy. An appreciation of diversity is also stressed with an emphasis on the unique cultural and ethnic groups that have helped to make the state what it is today.

Harbour Pointe MS & Voyager MS, full year; Explorer MS & Olympic View MS, 2 trimesters

Seventh grade Health & Fitness classes are designed to improve the student’s physical fitness level, brain function, motor skills, and social relationships. Students are given opportunities to develop competence in many different sports and activities, encouraging participation and enjoyment. Units focus on fitness, team and individual sports, leisure and recreational activities, dance and aerobic activities, strength training, and cooperative games. In total, this curriculum emphasizes fitness, movement, sport skills, and activities in a safe, creative environment. Students will take the basic health and fitness skills learned in the previous grade and further develop competencies that will allow them to challenge and improve their physical abilities, boost their self-esteem, and participate in activities with confidence. The health component is focused on the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs on the brain, as well as the state’s required materials for Comprehensive Sexual Health Education.

Only at Harbour Pointe MS, 1 trimester or full year

Partner P.E. provides a unique opportunity for students with and without disabilities to come together through ongoing educational and physical activities. This class supports the development of leadership skills for all students as well as the empowerment of all students to foster an inclusive class and school-wide environment. Students who register for this course have a passion for physical education, helping others, creating positive relationships with all students, service, coaching/teaching, and developing their own leadership capacity. Students wishing to participate in a Partner P.E. class for one trimester or yearlong may select their preference to do so.

Harbour Pointe MS, full year; All schools, 1 or 2 trimesters

This class introduces the basics of developing personal expression within project guidelines in a wide range of art experiences, including drawing, painting, design/composition, collage, and ceramics. Students use the design process to research, plan, create, revise, refine, reflect, and evaluate. Art history and art expressions worldwide are introduced as a medium of communication, understanding, and reflection. An art process journal or portfolio may also be required, including daily drawing journal entries and a record of each unit’s progression.

All schools, full year

Choir is open to all seventh graders. Choir students learn advanced vocal technique and advanced music theory and sight-singing skills. Students sing more challenging three-part and four-part choral music in a variety of styles, and guides students through vocal music exploration, understanding and performance. Home practice and participation in evening performances are expected. Throughout the year the Choir is called upon to perform for various occasions and events. These can include traveling to choral festivals, community performances, performances at various school functions and concerts.

All schools, full year

Students refine their skills on a wind or percussion instrument and participate in daytime and evening performances throughout the school year. Regular home practice is expected. Prior experience is very helpful, and members will be placed according to band experience.

Harbour Pointe MS, Olympic View MS & Voyager MS, full year

Jazz Band is open by audition to all seventh and eighth graders who are also enrolled in a prerequisite music elective (check with your school counselor). Students develop skills in traditional contemporary jazz performance and improvisation on their chosen instrument. We can also offer instruments to students who can't afford one; instrument and travel expense scholarships available as needed. Home practice and participation in evening performances are expected. Throughout the year the group is called upon to perform for various occasions and events. These can include traveling to festivals, community performances, performances at various school functions and concerts.

All schools, full year

Seventh graders with one or two years of experience on their instrument will be placed in Advanced Orchestra. Seventh graders that have not played an instrument before will be placed in Orchestra.

Orchestra students develop an understanding of music disciplines and an ability to play string instruments. Home practice and participation in evening performances are both expected. The orchestra has various performances throughout the year, at times including orchestra festivals, community performances, and performances at various school functions and concerts.

Harbour Pointe MS & Voyager MS, full year

Over the course of the year, students will build their knowledge and skills in all facets of performance, and dive into the basics of acting and drama. No previous experience in drama required. In trimester 1 students will learn content vocabulary, improv, acting techniques, monologues and more. In trimester 2 students continue to build on their skills by learning about staging, architecture, and costume design. In trimester 3 students will take all their new skills and performance knowledge and put on a production of a play or musical. Students will show off their newfound skills through solo and squad presentations, performances, moves, voice exercises, and scriptwriting. Students in drama may be expected to participate in various performances throughout the school year.

Only at Explorer MS, full year

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is an academic elective course that prepares students for college and career readiness and success. In this year-long course, students engage in learning tasks that incorporate strategies focused on Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR®) to support their academic growth.

Only at Harbour Pointe MS, full year

This course explores a wide range of technology including, but not limited to: Coding 2D games, Python, Microsoft Excel, AI, social media platforms, Pixar, 3D animations, and Blender. Students will explore technology ethics and STEM careers.

Explorer MS, Olympic View MS & Voyager MS, 1 or 2 trimesters

Students will learn the essentials of digital photography and editing skills using Photoshop. Students will learn how to effectively use professional digital cameras, gaining hands-on experience with various camera settings that enhance image quality. The course also covers essential editing techniques using popular software, allowing students to refine their photographs. Additionally, the course will explore the diverse world of photography through the works and stories of photographers from various backgrounds and cultures. This course is project-based, and students will maintain a printed photography portfolio throughout the class.

Explorer MS, 1 trimester; Olympic View MS, 2 trimesters

This introductory course covers personal finance, budgeting, nutrition, personal relationships, sewing and culinary arts. In sewing you will create projects and keep them. In culinary arts, you will plan and prepare meals and eat a variety of foods.

Explorer MS, Olympic View MS & Voyager MS, 1 or 2 trimesters

Students will explore STEM with hands-on experience in design and communication; energy, power, and transportation; construction; and manufacturing. Students will gain skills in problem-solving, project design (drafting and CAD, 3D printing), and basic machine operation and safety. Students will work individually and in groups. Project work will focus on community design and development. Experience may also include woodworking, drafting (digital with 3D printing), engineering, problem solving, and robotics.

Only at Harbour Pointe MS, full year

This full year course will allow students to experience robotics, photography, and video production. Students will explore the beginning principles of photography along with photo editing software. Topics include basic camera settings and operation, how to compose and take a quality photo of a variety of subjects, and various skills and techniques in photo editing software. This course is project-based, and students will maintain a photography portfolio throughout the class.

Students will explore the use and increasing impact of visual media in society today. All aspects of video production, including script writing, story boards, and video editing will be covered. Students will learn the basics of robot design and function. Students will build, program, and test robot solutions, based on real life robotic technology. They will solve a variety of challenges using Lego Mindstorms EV3 robots which provides hands-on experience with sensors, motors, and intelligent units.

Only at Explorer MS, 1 trimester

Students will be introduced to learning how to build robots to accomplish tasks. Students will learn how to make robots move through a sequence of steps by using laptops to create a code their robot can understand.