ARTS ELECTIVES DANCE
ARTS ELECTIVES MUSIC
ARTS ELECTIVES THEATER
ARTS ELECTIVES VISUAL ART
ARTS REQUIRED COURSE
COMPUTER AND SCIENCE ELECTIVES
COURSE OFFERINGS AT A GLANCE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
MATH
SCIENCE
SOCIAL STUDIES
STUDY HALL
TEAM TIME
6
3
4
5
2
9
6
7
8
5
5
4
5

TH
th
th
Intermediate Strings
Advanced Middle School Orchestra
Intermediate Band
Advanced Middle School Band
Middle School Choir
Not offered
Not offered
Not offered
Art Around the World*
Illustrator*
Not offered
Not offered
Not offered
Drama* (Semester)
Not offered
Not offered
Aerobic Dance*
African/HipHop Fusion*
Intro to Ballet*
Intro to Jazz*
Classical Ballet
Not offered
Not offered
Not offered
Not offered
Not offered
Intermediate Strings
Advanced Middle School Orchestra
Intermediate Band
Advanced Middle School Band
Middle School Choir
Advanced Middle School Choir
Beginning Guitar*
Intermediate Guitar
Art Around the World*
Illustrator*
Intro to Media Art*
Studio Art*
Not offered
Drama* (Semester)
Advanced Drama (Year)
Improvisation*
Theater Ensemble*
Aerobic Dance *
African/HipHop Fusion*
Intro to Ballet*
Intro to Jazz*
Classical Ballet
Jazz (dance)
Modern/Contemporary
Engineering Models*
Computer Explorations*
Web Technology*
Intermediate Strings
Advanced Middle School Orchestra
Intermediate Band
Advanced Middle School Band
Middle School Choir
Advanced Middle School Choir
Beginning Guitar*
Intermediate Guitar
Art Around the World*
Illustrator*
Intro to Media Art*
Studio Art*
Art Fundamentals
Drama* (Semester)
Advanced Drama (Year)
Improvisation*
Theater Ensemble*
Aerobic Dance*
African/HipHop Fusion*
Intro to Ballet*
Intro to Jazz*
Classical Ballet
Jazz (dance)
Modern/Contemporary
Engineering Models*
Computer Explorations*
Web Technology*

Length: 1 Year
The sixth grade literacy curriculum emphasizes reading strategies and literature appreciation through shared literature studies including three core literature titles, independent reading opportunities, genre studies and poetry exploration. Throughout the year, the students study the elements of literature and enriched vocabulary. Sixth grade students also learn expository reading skills through the evaluation and summarizing of nonfiction texts. The sixth grade writing curriculum engages students in Writers' Workshop and individual journal writing. Through the writing process, students focus primarily on the Six Traits of Writing and receive regular feedback through conferencing with teachers and writing specialists.
Students also practice basic grammar and convention skills in the context of various writing units. Student writing experiences include developing personal narratives, fiction stories, expanded expository paragraphs, summary paragraphs, and multi-paragraph essays. Students are expected to use supporting and sensory details, as well as explore descriptive and figurative language in each writing piece.
Length: 1 Year
Seventh grade students read from a variety of genres: fiction, historical fiction, short stories and poetry. Through whole class study and discussion, small group sharing, and individual choices, seventh graders explore literature and seek its connection with interdisciplinary experiences to broaden their understanding of the world in which they live. Students respond to literature in oral presentations, projects, tests, reading responses, and written analyses. Writers’ workshop ensures that students continue to use a variety of pre-writing strategies, editing, grammar skills, and multi-draft approaches to produce a final draft.
Length: 1 Year
Eighth grade students read from a variety of genres. During the reading, students maintain active reading notes, engage in both informal and formal discussions, respond to various writing prompts, and study vocabulary. Following the reading of at least two core texts, students write a literary essay in which they use textual evidence, including quotations, to support a thesis. In addition to the core texts, eighth graders study several short stories, poems, and essays. Students also are expected to read a wide variety of self-selected books. As students build a portfolio of writing designed to help strengthen their skills, they work closely with teachers in individual conferences.
6 th – 8 th grades
Semester or Year
Reading strategies is a course designed for students who need to improve their reading habits and comprehension. Using observations, interviews, and diagnostic testing, the reading specialist will determine reading strengths and weaknesses. Through small group instruction and class discussion, students will learn the strategies and tools that effective readers use to understand and remember what they read. Students will apply these strategies as they read a variety of fiction and expository texts. Instruction will be given in the form of small group assistance through support in core classrooms, as well as providing individualized assistance out of academic classroom settings. Placement will be determined by standardized test scores, classroom grades and teacher referral.
Students are given a Math placement test prior to enrolling at GCAA. Depending on the results of this test and any other documentation from sending school, students will be placed in any of the following courses.
Length: 1 Year
Students will master the Math grade level standards in 6th grade with time spent learning new skills and relearning previously taught skills.
Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Course 1 or Department Approval
Help students master the grade level standards in 7th grade while giving students time to learn and relearn previously taught skills.
Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Course 2 or Department Approval
Help students master the grade level standards in 8th grade while giving students time to learn and relearn previously taught skills.
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Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: Department approval
Students will learn a foundation in algebra while also preparing students for future study of geometry, probability, and data analysis.
1 Math Credit
Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: Placement in Algebra I by the student’s previous mathematics teacher or Department Approval
Students enrolled in Algebra I will study the real number system and its properties, equations (linear and quadratic), inequalities, graphing, operations with polynomials, algebraic fractions and irrational numbers. Students will also apply this knowledge and skill to solve word problems.
Students will be required to take the EOC (Missouri End of Course Exam) for Algebra I and upon successful completion, will earn 1 High School Math credit.
1 Math Credit
Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: Full credit earned in Algebra I
Students will use inductive and deductive reasoning to develop an axiomatic system which describes the properties of two and three dimensional objects. A solid, working knowledge of Algebra I skills is necessary.
Length: 1 Year
Sixth grade students will concentrate on Earth Science, focusing on 5 units. In the ecology and populations unit, students will explore how organisms are interdependent with one another and with their environment. They will outline how matter cycles through an ecosystem and diagram the transferring of energy within food chains and food webs. In the Earth’s Resources-Water and Earth’s Changing Surface unit, Students will learn the properties of water, the water cycle, and the effects of humans on our water resources. The unit emphasizes the importance of water as an essential component of the Earth System. In Earth’s Changing Surface students will explore the features of the Earth’s surface and the processes that cause abrupt and slow changes in the surface such as volcanoes, erosion and weathering. This unit also includes the study of the effect of humans on the Earth’s surface. The Geologic Processes unit includes the study of plate tectonics and the rock cycle. The Weather &
Climate unit will develop an understanding of the relationships of factors that affect atmospheric conditions. Scientific inquiry is embedded in the units through opportunities to use experimental design skills to answer testable questions. Technology is used as a tool to support learning and to give evidence of learning.
Length: 1 Year
Seventh grade science students explore the essential question, "How does matter and energy flow in the biosphere?" In addition, the curriculum includes two interdisciplinary mini-units on the universe and on human sexuality and micro-organisms, specifically sexually transmitted infections.
Students develop proficiency with equipment by observing, measuring, and testing hypotheses. Students investigate, problem solve, interpret data, and formulate claims, and provide evidence for their ideas. Students are challenged to think critically and to communicate their knowledge and understanding through writing and discussion. Students will continue to refine their skills through reading, research, and applying mathematics to science
Length: 1 Year
Eighth grade science has five units of study. In the Matter and Energy unit students learn about the structure of matter and the characteristics of physical and chemical changes of matter. In the Living Organisms unit, students will study the structure of cells, unicellular organisms and the process of photosynthesis. In the Ecology and Populations unit, students will explore how organisms are interdependent with one another and with their environment. They will outline how matter cycles through an ecosystem and diagram the transferring of energy within food chains and food webs. In the Earth Science strand there are two units of study: Earth’s Resources-Water and Earth’s Changing Surface. Students will learn the properties of water, the water cycle, and the effects of humans on our water resources. The unit emphasizes the importance of water as an essential component of the Earth System. In Earth’s Changing Surface students will explore the features of the Earth’s surface and the processes that cause abrupt and slow changes in the surface such as volcanoes, erosion and weathering. This unit also includes the study of the effect of humans on the Earth’s surface. Scientific inquiry is embedded in the units through opportunities to use experimental design skills to answer testable questions. Technology is used as a tool to support learning and to give evidence of learning.
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Length: 1 Year
6th grade Social Studies focuses on the exploration and investigation of ancient civilizations. Using current events, simulation games, and historical research, reports and projects, and informational text, students will draw upon content to implement and practice reading, writing and thinking skills. In addition, skills in mapping and geography will be taught to enhance students’ global perspectives.
Length: 1 Year
As we study World Cultures & Geography in 7th grade, we will look maps and all of their lines. We will study physical landforms and regions of the world. These things shape the culture of the people who live there; which we will also learn about. We will memorize places. We will color and label maps. However, we will spend a significant chunk of time becoming familiar with the world around us. We will learn to see ourselves as part of the world—not the center of it.
Length: 1 Year
U.S. History is a required course that examines the forces and issues that shape and affect our lives. Students analyze history through political, economic, intellectual, social, religious, technological and economic developments and trends. Students consider the impact of individuals and groups on our society, with an emphasis on multicultural studies. This course begins with the Age of Exploration and ends with the Civil War.
Grade 6,7, required as part of 6 th and 7 th grade Core classes
Length: 1 year
As part of the Core time, all 6 th and 7 th grade students will have an opportunity to participate in specialized groups that may focus on core content support and extensions, ELL, test taking skills, town hall meetings, Maker Space lab and organizational skills.
Grade 8, required as part of 8 th grade Core classes
Length: 1 year
Eighth grade students are required to have Study Hall as one of their eight periods. Study Hall does have the flexibility for students to receive additional core content support, visit the Maker Space lab, etc. but it is primarily designed to introduce the concept of having time in the school day to be used productively on homework completion.
Grade 7, 8
Length: 1 Semester
Computer Explorations is an introductory class for students who are interested in learning more about computers and how to use different types of software. Students will begin by exploring the different parts of a computer and move on to creating digital music in Musiclab by Club Create, create movies using Windows Movie Maker, and learn computer programming basics using Scratch Animation.
7 th , 8 th grade
Length: 1 Semester
Engineering Models is a class for students who like to use their hands and minds to investigate, create and build. Students will learn to use drawings and models as a way to “see” projects before construction. Then they will face the challenge of building exactly what they have envisioned. The construction of the projects requires the safe handling and use of tools (both hand and power). Glue, tape, wire, paint and sandpaper may be used. Successful engineering students will make accurate measurements in English and metric systems, use applied mathematics and physics, possess excellent communication skills and cooperate with others. This course is offered to seventh and eighth grade students. A small materials fee may be required depending on the nature of our projects.
Grade 7, 8
Length: 1 Semester
Web Technology is for students who have a strong interest in computers and the Internet. Students will use various resources in order to build their knowledge base of internet literacy while learning techniques to improve their use of the internet and computer software programs, HTML coding, and website design. HTML code writing is taught as the foundation of all websites. Website design is taught using Google Sites and
CoffeeCup HTML editor in order to expose students to just a few of the ways in which a website is developed and designed. Students will also be introduced to animation using Adobe Flash.
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th
Grade 6,7
Length: 1 year (one quarter for each of the arts listed below)
Exploratory Arts provides sixth and new seventh graders an opportunity to ‘sample’ all that GCAA provides. Each quarter, students will rotate through four different exploratory units:
1.
Music Exploratory is a way for students to reinforce their knowledge about orchestral instruments and explore stringed instruments.
Exploratory music also reinforces basic musicianship and introduces various types of music from different time periods.
2.
Dance Exploratory is designed to introduce students to creative movement. This course will provide students the opportunity to explore the important dance elements of space, time, and energy while developing a basic dance vocabulary. Students will be challenged to think creatively and use their bodies in new ways to travel through space and create shapes. Students will also be exposed to an introduction of modern, jazz, and ballet.
3.
Theater Exploratory is a class designed to provide students with an introduction to the study of theater. In this course students will acquire basic theater terminology, ensemble building, pantomime, improvisation, practice vocal skills, movement skills and learn how to be a good audience member.
4.
Visual Art Exploratory will introduce students to the language of art and explore various techniques and media. Art skills will be developed through a variety of class assignments. Students will observe works of Art from chosen time periods and movements such as
Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, Pre-Columbian Americas and Africa.
Grade: 6,7,8
Length: 1 semester
This course is a comprehensive study of the components of aerobic fitness. Dance aerobics is an exercise that combines the rhythmic steps of aerobics with graceful dance movement. Students will be exposed to Zumba, Kickboxing, Step Aerobics, Pilates, and other low and high impact activities. Course includes both lecture and activity sessions. Students will be empowered to make wise choices, meet challenges, and develop positive behaviors in fitness, wellness, and movement activity.
Grade: 6,7,8
Length: 1 semester
This dance class blends hip-hop choreography with elements of jazz, African, Caribbean and Latin dance styles.
Grade: 6,7,8
Length: 1 semester
This course, designed for students with little or no previous study of classical ballet . Introduces students to rules, procedures, etiquette and vocabulary required for safe and effective participation in dance. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental basics of technique. Students are expected to achieve correct body placement and alignment. They will build muscle strength and flexibility as well as increase self-discipline and artistic expression.
Grade: 6,7,8
Length: 1 semester
This course, designed for students with little or no previous study of jazz dance, introduces students to rules, procedures, etiquette and vocabulary required for safe and effective participation in dance. Students will be involved in rigorous training of jazz dance technique including proper body alignment while developing strength, flexibility and style. Students will discover that dancing is a combination of conditioning and artistry.
Grade 6,7,8
Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: Intro to Ballet or Teacher recommendation
This year long class is for the serious dance student. Teaching staff will make recommendations on which level student will be placed depending on previous training, experience, and ability.
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 Classical Ballet A - Students selected for this course will expand on skills and knowledge gained in Classical Ballet Basics. Emphasis is placed on turnout, correct body alignment and control. Students will build technical skills with coordination of the torso, arms and head while building confidence at the barre, in the center and across the floor. In addition, proper distribution of body weight, mastery of the positions of the feet and arms, and moving across the floor with jumps and turns are developed.
 Classical Ballet B - Students selected for this course build on the skills and knowledge gained in Classical Ballet Basics and Classical Ballet
A. Emphasis is placed on increased technical strength and vocabulary. Exercises done at the barre develop greater speed, strength, flexibility and coordination of the legs, torso, arms and head. Stretches are given to develop increased flexibility in the hips and legs for higher extensions and better turn out. The basic ballet directions and Pirouettes in basic positions are mastered in the center. This course refines technical skills, musicality and artistry.
Grade 7,8
Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the Classical Ballet class and Teacher recommendation.

Jazz A - This year long class is for the serious dance student. Teaching staff will make recommendations on which level student will be placed depending on previous training, experience, and ability. Students will expand on skills and knowledge gained in Jazz Basics. This course explores basic jazz techniques, style, choreography and performance. Emphasis is on the development of coordination, flexibility, alignment and musicality. Students will work on jumps, leaps and turns.
 Jazz B - Students selected for this course will expand skills and knowledge gained in Jazz Basics and Jazz A. This course improves their experience and practice in the areas of flexibility, strength, body alignment and performance techniques. Emphasis will also be placed on students’ retention and execution of lengthy combinations and routines. A variety of jazz styles will be explored with more complex patterns and physically demanding moves.
Grade 7,8
Length: 1 Year
Prerequisite: Enrolled in the Classical Ballet class and Teacher recommendation.
This year long class is for the serious dance student. Teaching staff will make recommendations on which of the following levels students will be in depending on their previous training, experience, and ability.
 Modern A
Students selected for this course will build on skills and knowledge gained in Intro to Modern. Students refine previously learned movements and learn movements requiring greater skill. The class will be divided into 3 segments: floor-work, standing work in the center, and combinations that travel across the floor. Students will also design, improvise and perform more complex movement sequences.

Modern B
Students selected for this course build on the skills and knowledge gained in Intro to Modern and Modern A. Students practice greater levels of conditioning and technical skills with an emphasis on musicality and dynamics. Students work toward higher levels of precision, projection and accuracy of memorized movements. Students develop expression through original movement sequences using personal ideas, experiences, feelings, concepts and images. The course includes a study of 20th century American modern choreographers and their contributions.
Grade 6,7,8
Length: 1 Year
This course is designed for those students who are interested in playing a band instrument for the first time or who have taken a break from the instrument and need refresher class. Instrument choices are flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion. This class will focus on basic techniques, scales, and note reading. This ensemble will be working towards a concert during the school year. Students will be exposed to several music styles. Students that show progress have an opportunity to be placed in a higher level ensemble. Students must also commit to minimum one weekly 7:30 a.m. techniques lesson with instructor.
Grade 6,7,8
Length: 1 Year
Prerequisites: Auditioned Entry or Director Placement
Student placement in this band will be done by audition and placement of Music Staff. This is a course designed for students who are more advanced on their instrument. The ensemble is a performing group that presents concerts and participates at festivals and clinics and community service events. Students are required to attend all performances and extra rehearsals, to supply their own instrument, apparel for the band uniform, and to supply accessories to their instruments. Grade evaluation is based on written examinations, skill improvement on instruments, daily participation, and attendance at performances.
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Grade 6,7,8
Length: 1 Year
This course is designed for those students who are interested in playing a string instrument for the first time or who have taken a break from the instrument and need refresher class. Instrument choices are violin, viola, cello. String bass. You must provide your own instrument if you are beginning on String Bass. This class will focus on basic techniques, scales, bow holds and note reading. This ensemble will be working towards a concert during the school year. Students will be exposed to several music styles. . Students that show progress have an opportunity to be placed in a higher level ensemble. Students must also commit to minimum one weekly 7:30 a.m. techniques lesson with instructor.
Grade 6,7,8
Length: 1 Year
Prerequisites: Auditioned Entry or Director Placement
Student placement in this orchestra will be done by audition and placement of Music Staff. This is a course designed for students who are more advanced on their instrument. The ensemble is a performing group that presents concerts and participates at festivals and clinics and community service events. Students are required to attend all performances and extra rehearsals, to supply their own instrument, apparel for the orchestra uniform, and to supply accessories to their instruments. Grade evaluation is based on written examinations, skill improvement on instruments, daily participation, and attendance at performances.
Grade 6,7,8
Length: 1 Year
Middle School Choir is a non-auditioned choral ensemble for 6 th – 8 th graders at GCAA . The ensemble will focus on basic fundamentals of choral ensemble singing, vocal techniques, and general musicianship (including note/rhythm reading, basics in music theory and aural skills, and sight singing). Grade evaluation is based on written examinations, individual and group vocal assessment, daily participation, and attendance at performances.
Grade 6,7,8
Length: 1 Year
Prerequisites: Auditioned Entry or Director Placement
Middle School Concert Choir is the auditioned-entry choral ensemble for 6 th – 8 th graders at GCAA. Repertoire for this ensemble will include more advanced settings of classical, contemporary, concert, folk, popular, and selections from various genres and musical periods. This course will also focus on the development of general musicianship through music theory and aural skills training. Grade evaluation is based on written examinations, individual and group vocal assessment, daily participation, and attendance at performances. Given the variety of students potentially auditioning, this ensemble may consist of all treble, mixed, or all baritone students.
Grade 7,8
Length: 1 Semester
This course is for students who have never played the guitar before. This class will focus on basic techniques, scales, and note reading. This ensemble will be working towards a concert during the semester. Students will be exposed to several guitar music styles.
Grade ,7,8
Length: 1 Year
Prerequisites: Auditioned Entry or Director Placement
This class is for the intermediate or advanced guitar student. Placement is determined by audition and teacher recommendation
.
Grade 6,7,8
Length: 1 Semester
The semester Drama class is offered for students who are interested in an introduction to drama but may not have had much prior experience.
This class is appropriate for students who thrive in a class with a quick pace and large variety of activities. Topics include an introduction to the stage itself, basic stage voice, movement, and character creation. These skills will be developed through improvisation and scene work. Additional topics include auditioning, story theater, and theater production.
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Grade 7,8
Prerequisite: Drama Semester class or Director Placement
Length: 1 Year
Designed for 7 th and 8 th grade students who demonstrate a high level of interest and background in theater and are serious drama students. In this course students will explore monologues, scene study, original scene writing, improvisation, children’s theater, pantomime, working as an ensemble, script analysis and the process of developing believable characters on stage.
Grade 7,8
Length: 1 Semester
Students will learn the basics rules and structure of improvisational theater, and explore the ways improvisation is used to create theater through a wide variety of games, theater exercises and projects.
Grade 7,8
Length: 1 Semester
Prerequisite: Director Placement
Students chosen for this semester length class will be participating in a production, either a play already written, or one written by the class itself.
Grade 6, 7, 8
Length: 1 Semester
GCAA students represent numerous backgrounds and cultures. This class will provide opportunities to appreciate our diversity through making art and cultural crafts inspired by artifacts from around the world. Students will work with a variety of materials and learn how art forms have been influenced by geography, people, materials, and traditions. Grab your passport and come explore the vast world of Art!
Grade 6,7,8
Length: 1 Semester
Students will use watercolor, collage, ink, and other media to create their own illustrated stories from scratch. This class will also explore popular stories and tales by children and young adult authors.
Grade: 7, 8
Length: 1 Semester
Multimedia art integrates mutually connected media which altogether logically composes a multimedia installation, presentation, or performance
(but does not refer to a theatre play, movie or concert). Often combining any of the following: two or three-dimensional visual art, advanced technology, sound, video, animation and smell. A multimedia artwork can be site-specific, can move, occupy time, or change over time. The term multimedia art is not to be confused with the term mixed-media art.
Grade 7,8
Length: 1 Semester
Art Teacher Approval required
This course is for the serious art student who is interested in furthering their education in the Visual Arts. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of art language and explore various techniques and media through a variety of class assignments. Students will cultivate their understanding of Aesthetics and Art Criticism in the various Art movements.
Grade: 8, 9
Length: 1 Year
Teacher Approval required
1 High School Fine Art Credit
Students will further develop their understanding of art vocabulary through art criticism and the exploration of individual artists. Art production and techniques will be developed through a variety of class assignments. Students will observe works of Art from chosen time periods and movements. This course is a prerequisite for all other art courses.
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