upper academy electives

Students in our Upper Academy (6th - 8th grade) spend 50 minutes everyday in an elective period.  Electives varying year to year dependent upon student interest and teacher subject knowledge.  Below are the electives for 2019-2020.

CODING

In today’s digital world, coding is a fundamental skill alongside math and reading, but too few kids have the opportunity to learn to program because it is rarely taught in school.  PAC gives our UA students a chance to dive into this career path.

FRENCH

This course offers an introductory study of the language, giving grounding in basic communication skills, vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar sufficient to become familiar at an elementary level, both in written and spoken French.

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Our visual arts program offers opportunities in art forms such as  drawing, painting, sculpture,  crafts, weaving, and architecture.  Our drama program includes learning skills such as improvisation, voice projection, stage directions, and so much more.  ​

BOOK CLUB

Students will read a chosen novel during the 8 week session.  Book Club engages in meaningful discussions while also carving out ideas and thoughts about the books and the world they inhabit.

TEAM SPORTS

Students will participate in several team sports activities.  Team members work together toward a shared goal.  Strategies and basic skills will be taught.

LEADERSHIP

7th and 8th grade students will work together to plan rallies, school activities, and philanthropic events centered around our core values.  Students will need teacher recommendation to join.

MATH INTERVENTION

Identified students will participate in small, focused group to work on targeted math skills and deficits that interfere with accessing grade level curriculum.  Participants will need parent permission to join this group.

"Through art and science in their broadest senses it is possible to make a permanent contribution towards the improvement and enrichment of human life and it is these pursuits that we students are engaged in".
-Frederick Sanger