Original creation–whether performing onstage in an ensemble or by creating in a studio space and being challenged with new visual arts media–involves expanding one’s thinking and taking risks outside one’s comfort zone. Teachers create appropriate avenues of challenge for students based on the arts discipline and/or by building on a student’s skills and previous knowledge.

Seattle Academy Middle School has a broad selection of arts course offerings, and below we have outlined Middle School arts courses by grade. All arts courses listed are one trimester except for Band, which is a yearlong course.

The 6th grade arts curriculum is an introduction to arts offerings at SAAS. Students will take courses in Dance, Visual Arts, and Vocal Music throughout the year. Students also have the opportunity to take Band as a yearlong class, and if a student chooses the yearlong Band class, they must then choose between taking the other arts courses for their grade (Dance, Visual Arts, and Vocal Music) or taking PE (instead of other arts classes). 

All 7th grade students select three single trimester courses from options in Dance, Visual Arts, Theater, and Music. Students are able to select from different courses in the Theater and Music categories. Students who take the yearlong Band class choose between taking the other 7th grade arts options or taking PE (instead of the other arts classes.)

All 8th grade students have the opportunity to take a trimester of Visual Arts, Music, and Theater. Students are able to select from different courses in the Music and Theater categories, and the Visual Arts class introduces digital mediums. Students who take the yearlong Band class choose between taking the other 8th grade arts options or taking PE (instead of the other arts classes.)

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE