Courses Offered
All core subjects are taught through advanced-level courses (Advanced Math, Advanced Science, Advanced Language Arts, and Advanced Social Studies). 8th grade students have the opportunity to Biology Honors upon teacher recommendation and successful completion of prerequisite coursework.
All 6th grade students are required to take Design & Modeling, an introductory technology and engineering course that explores the design research process. In this course, students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they've learned throughout the course to design a therapeutic toy.
All students are required to take PE.
Students may be enrolled in a remedial math or reading course depending on their Magnet School Grade Level Test's math and/or reading scores; their iReady math, reading, and/or their academic performance. Should such a need arise, the remedial course will serve as the student's elective course.
Course Descriptions
African American History (only open to 8th graders) -
This is an elective course that examines the history and culture of Africa and the African-American experience in an interdisciplinary format, including an analysis of the unique historical, cultural, and social developments from the Middle Passage to the present day. The course will also address the literary and artistic contributions of African-Americans to American culture. Critical thinking, reading, writing, and oral presentation skills are emphasized.
App Creators (Prerequisite: Computer Science) -
Students computationally analyze and develop solutions to authentic problems (from the areas of health, environment, emergency preparedness, education, community service, and school culture) through mobile app development.
Automation & Robotics I (Prerequisite: Computer Science) -
Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX robotics platform to design and build robots.
Automation & Robotics II -
In part two of this robotics course sequence, students continue to trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX robotics platform to design and build robots.
Band (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced) - In this course, students will learn to play and perform on either brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. The primary focus is on the development of skills that are necessary for effective instrumental music performance. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE SCHEDULED FOR BAND WITHOUT BAND DIRECTOR APPROVAL. (PREREQUISITE: Placement in Intermediate and Advanced Band is determined by successful completion of previous band courses.)
Biology (only open to 8th graders) (1 High School Credit Possible) -
8th grade students may choose to take this course for high school credit.
Computer Science Endeavors -
This course is designed for students in Grade 6. Students will be introduced to computer science and will strengthen their coding skills. As a foundational computer science course, students will understand the basics of block coding, coding concepts, algorithms, the Internet of Things (IoT) and ethical computing.
Design and Modeling -
Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. Students design and test bridges, rocket cars, and gliders.
Flight and Space Science -
Students delve into the history of flight and space, discover the science behind aeronautics, and explore travelling and living in space. Students are challenged to design, build, and test an airfoil.
Graphic Arts I -
Students will learn about graphic design and the different career paths a person can take with a graphic design background. Students will explore graphic design principles and elements, color theory, basic text and image layouts, while learning how to using software such as Google Drawing and Canva.
Graphic Arts II -
Students combine art and technology by using design as a creative process in communication. Students will create visual images through layering, blending, and manipulation techniques using editing software such as Canva, Photoshop, and Adobe Spark.
Graphic Arts III -
Students will apply their knowledge of the elements and principles of design to strengthen their ability to visually communicate ideas, critically think, and to learn problem solving skills in the field of graphic art design. Students will work on project designing and production printing, such as t-shirts and greeting cards. Students will explore a range of design techniques using software programs such as Canva, Photoshop, Adobe Spark, and Illustrator.
Math Intervention -
Students will receive remediation, enrichment, and practice of the current objectives/standards being taught in their math class.
NJROTC (Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) (only open to 8th graders) (2 High School Credits: PE and Career Prep) -
NJROTC stands for Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. The mission is to promote teamwork and to install discipline into our cadets. NJROTC is a student-run organization with naval science instructors to guide the way. With annual competitions, we train weekly to compete in different events in different states. The three core values of our unit is Honor, Courage, and Commitment. We teach our cadets these values that will benefit them in the future. NJROTC is designed to teach our cadets leadership and how to use it. Joining NJROTC will not require you to join the military. Cadets who are in NJROTC also meet people that will be lifetime friends.
TV Production (Students wishing to take TV Production must also complete application in the link below to be chosen) - https://kami.app/ixbyQydew2kz
Students will participate in school news production. While working with modern video production equipment, you will learn about all the different roles and responsibilities of individuals that work together to make a news production functional. You will work with others to develop and broadcast the daily school news to your fellow students and school staff.
Video 1 -
Beginning video Production - Working with modern video production equipment, students produce educational videos and personal as well as promotional videos.
We Build It Better (Semester Course, Paired with Flight and Space Science) -
Dive into an all-inclusive education initiative for middle school students- the "We Build It Better" program is a unique, hands-on learning experience that engages middle school students by turning any classroom into a fun workplace. We Build It Better provides students with opportunities to meet real STEM professionals and learn about their careers. Students will learn how to safely care, maintain, and use industry grade tools while working with their classmates on a team to learn how to think, design, and build like an inventor. Students will learn about and work with tools and fasteners, electrical and fiber optics, circuits, sensors, and coding. Students will recognize the difference of inventions and innovations.
Yearbook -
If you are interested in joining the yearbook staff next year, fill out the application on the link below. If chosen for the yearbook staff, then you will have yearbook as one of your electives next year. As a part of the yearbook staff, you get to help with Picture Day, take photos, interview people, and write content to build the yearbook. - https://forms.gle/Ry2TGWp8EeCYWw818
SPECIAL NOTE: If a student chooses a course for which the required prerequisite has not been taken, the student's choice may be substituted by the required prerequisite course. For example, if a student chooses Graphic Design 2, but the student has not yet taken Graphic Design 1, the student may be enrolled in the Graphic Design 1 course instead of Graphic Design 2.
Please note that an elective request does not guarantee enrollment in the course. While full effort will be given to honor the student's first elective request, final course enrollment and scheduling will depend on total student enrollment as well as available classes and teaching units. No elective request is guaranteed.