7th and 8th graders have their own unique program that focuses on the transition to high school.
All students take a program that includes math, language arts, science, social studies, and advising. Other courses may be added to tailor their program to the student.
The following courses are available for junior high students:
Advising
In this individual course, students connect with their consulting teacher about their educational program. They discuss their classes and workload, and the teacher assesses student skills and progress, determines readiness for next steps, and helps the student reflect upon their experience. This course may include a focus on learning styles, study skills, goal setting, or social skills.
Art: Anime
This class teaches how to draw different Anime characters and genres with an emphasis on developing the student’s own style.
Art: Drawing
This class teaches techniques and elements of art and design. Creativity will be encouraged through a broad range of projects. Work will be exhibited on a regular basis.
Art: Fabric and Paint
This class teaches multiple methods of working on fabric including batik (hot wax), tie dying, the use of different resists, and vegetable dyes. Work will be exhibited on a regular basis.
Drama
- This course teaches communication, collaboration, and creativity through improvisation, scene study, play writing, and theater design. There will be performance opportunities throughout the year.
Introduction to Electronics
This course introduces students to electronic components. It teaches how to use a breadboard to create circuits and personal projects. Students will familiarize themselves with the tools of the trade and learn basic soldering skills. Students will familiarize themselves with the Arduino micro-computer and its scripting language.
Fashion Design
This class is a drawing course for students interested in learning the fundamentals of fashion design including line, form, space, pattern, color, and light.
Game Design
This class focuses on critical thinking and creative design through gameplay media. Students will create tabletop and analog games to explore the game development process. They will collaborate to test and critically examine their designs and learn to give feedback to their peers.
Language Arts
Students read a variety of novels and short stories and learn to perform literary analysis. They also focus on spelling and vocabulary, and write several thematic essays with a focus on improving writing and communication skills.
Math
In this individual course the teacher assesses the student’s math level and teaches the appropriate coursework. High-school credit may be earned for completion of Algebra I or above.
Photoshop
This course teaches the use of design principles in creating a variety of projects using Photoshop.
Introduction to Programming & Logic
This course teaches basic programming concepts, including variables, operators, control flow, iteration, and Boolean logic. Students will be introduced to programming languages such as Javascript, C#, Python, and Ruby.
Science
This course will focus on the study of basic life, physical, and/or earth science topics. The focus will include hands-on experiments and data collection and analysis.
The World Around Us
This field experience class provides opportunities for students to explore the world around them. Field trips may include learning about outdoor safety, hiking in the woods, reading maps, and learning about other countries and cultures.
Washington State History
This field experience class takes weekly visits to sites in the community to study the Pacific Northwest firsthand. Topics include: events that led to the establishment of Washington, state government, early explorers, landforms, climate, vegetation, and topography.
Introduction to World Languages
This class introduces students to the five world languages we teach at Chrysalis (ASL, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese). It emphasizes the concepts and skills necessary for successfully learning a language.
World Languages
American Sign Language (ASL)
Spanish
French
German
Japanese
Students may earn high-school credit for world language if the course is completed at a high-school level.
Yoga
This class teaches the principles of yoga, including breathing, relaxation, stretching, and mindfulness.
Note: Other courses are available upon request.
Field experience classes are courses where the students and teachers take advantage of our local resources by leaving campus to visit, tour, and actively participate in their learning throughout our community.
High-school credit may be earned by 7th and 8th grade students who complete high-school level course in mathematics or a world language.