In middle school, the Open Window arts and movement offerings shift from “grade-level specific” classes to “content offerings” where students gain broad experience in arts and movement while having some choice of their classes. In addition to these content offerings, students have grade-level physical education classes.
In order to ensure that our students have a well-rounded experience, middle school arts classes are divided into three divisions: Music, Visual Arts, and Movement & Dramatic Arts. Fifth and sixth grade students are required to take two music, two visual, and two movement/drama selections during these two years. Seventh and eighth grade students are required to take one of each class type over their last two years, which allows them take more courses within their passions. Each class is eleven weeks long, which provides time to go into depth for each subject, especially for those classes that meet for double periods.
Classes vary by year, but examples include:
- Music (Acoustic Band, Garage Band, Music Theory, Pops Choir)
- Visual Arts (Conductive Creations, Pencil Drawing, Photography, Sculpting, Soft Circuit Sewing, Watercolor)
- Movement and Dramatic Arts (Acting & Improv, Fighting with Shakespeare, Fitness for Life, Musical Theater & Dance, Playwriting & Directing, West African Dance Influences)