Middle School Electives

At Holy Name of Jesus School, middle school students have the exciting opportunity to explore their passions through a dynamic range of elective classes. From hands-on gardening and innovative 3D printing to creative outlets like theater, costume design, and songwriting, there's something for every interest. Students can sharpen their public speaking skills, engage in strategic thinking with chess, or dive into the rich worlds of literature, history, and French culture. The Socratic seminar encourages thoughtful discussion, while music and theater spark creativity. With such a diverse offering, these electives foster creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning beyond the classroom

Below are examples of the types of classes offered through middle school electives. Some of our most popular classes may be repeated, but we also introduce new classes each year to spark new interests.

Backbeat: This class is for students who are serious about learning rhythms, drum rudiments, and executing drum fills. Students will use drum sticks, our classroom drum set, as well as hand percussion instruments. If you are curious about becoming a drummer, this is the class for you.

3D Printing: In a 3D printing class, students embark on a fascinating journey into the realm of technology and creativity, learning how to turn digital designs into tangible objects. This innovative process begins with computer-aided design (CAD) software, where students create their models, honing their skills in design and engineering principles. Through hands-on projects, they explore various applications of 3D printing, from creating prototypes for inventions to designing custom tools and artistic pieces. As students engage in problem-solving and critical thinking, they also discover the impact of 3D printing on industries such as manufacturing and architecture. This class not only equips them with technical skills but also encourages creativity and collaboration.

Costume Design: Using the spring musical as our template, students will design their own costumes for a mock production. Learning about the techniques and skills needed for costume design, students will focus on research, time periods and clothing styles as they come up with their designs for each character. 

Socratic Seminar: Each week, we will examine an assigned topic; briefly research background knowledge/evidence; choose a stance on that given topic that the student can explain and defend with evidence in the discussion; and actively participate in the Socratic Seminar discussion with your peers. Unlike a debate where the ultimate goal is to win an argument, the Socratic Seminar involves having meaningful discussions/dialogue where the ultimate goal is for everyone to see different perspectives. The main expectation of this elective is for everyone to actively participate individually and with each other in a respectful manner. Hope to see you there!

Gardening: Spring is here, and it’s time to start gardening! In this course, students will learn how to plant flowers and vegetables from seeds. They will explore how to choose the best seeds, prepare the soil, and provide the right amount of water and sunlight for healthy growth. Students will also discover how to care for seedlings as they sprout and learn helpful tips to keep plants strong and thriving. By the end of the course, they’ll know how to grow beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables, all while having fun and connecting with nature!

Bon Appétit!: In "Bon appétit les élèves!", students will experience hands-on cooking of select French dishes while learning how French cuisine became the pinnacle of gastronomy from a historical and cultural point of view. For practical reasons, this class which will involve cutting, cooking, baking, and tasting, will be limited to 8 students with preference given to students who took Vive la France! and Encore la France!