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MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC PLANNING GUIDE

academics

The Middle School Academic Planning Guide is designed to help students and families navigate the journey through Grades 6–8 at STEM School Highlands Ranch. This guide outlines course offerings, academic expectations, and pathways that prepare students for success in high school and beyond.

You will find detailed information about core subjects and electives that support each student’s growth and curiosity. The guide also highlights key milestones, academic supports, and resources to help families make informed decisions about their student’s educational pathway.

At STEM, we believe planning is part of discovery — this guide is your roadmap to explore, design, and build a personalized learning experience that reflects each student’s strengths and goals.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Middle School Course Requirements by Grade
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GRADE 6

All 6th graders will be required to take Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Engineering 6 and Computer Science 6.
10 core credits

Students will need to select a total of 6 elective credits.

* Students need a total of 10 core credits plus 6 elective credits = 16 total credits.

** Students must pick 3 alternate elective credits when completing course registration.

GRADE 7

All 7th graders will be required to take Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Engineering 7 and Computer Science 7.
10 core credits

Students will need to select a total of 6 elective credits.

* Students need a total of 10 core credits plus 6 elective credits = 16 total credits.

** Students must pick 3 alternate elective credits when completing course registration.

GRADE 8

All 8th graders will be required to take Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Engineering 8 and Computer Science 8.
10 core credits

Students will need to select a total of 6 elective credits.

* Students need a total of 10 core credits plus 6 elective credits = 16 total credits.

** Students must pick 3 alternate elective credits when completing course registration.

grade 6
year long electives
(2 credits each)
  • Beginning Band
  • Intermediate Band- must audition
  • Concert Band - must audition
  • Orchestra - must audition
  • Spanish 1A
  • French 1A
grade 7
year long electives
(2 credits each)
  • Beginning Band
  • Intermediate Band- must audition
  • Concert Band - must audition
  • Orchestra - must audition
  • Spanish 1B
  • French 1B
  • MS TSA
  • MS Speech and Debate
grade 8
year long electives
(2 credits each)
  • Beginning Band
  • Intermediate Band- must audition
  • Orchestra - must audition
  • Concert Band - must audition
  • Spanish I or Spanish II (must have completed Spanish 1B or a placement test)
  • French I or French II (must have completed French 1B or a placement test)
  • MS TSA
  • MS Speech and Debate
grade 6
SEMESTER LONG ELECTIVES
(1 credit each)
  • 6 PE
  • Health 1
  • Art 6
  • Theater 1
  • Choir
  • Music Fundamentals
  • Intro to Robotics
grade 7
Semester long Electives
(1 credit each)
  • MS PE
  • Health 2
  • Art 7
  • Theater II
  • Theater Tech
  • Choir
  • Music Fundamentals or Music Production
  • Intro to Robotics
  • MS Best Robotics- must complete Intro to Robotics
  • MS Digital Media
grade 8
Semester long Electives
(1 credit each)
  • Sports and Games
  • Health 2
  • Art 8
  • MS Advanced Art
  • Theater tech
  • MS Theater Performance
  • Choir
  • Music Fundamentals or Music Production
  • Intro to Robotics
  • MS Best Robotics- must complete Intro to Robotics
  • MS Digital Media
  • Scientific Methods
  • Math Exploration and Problem Solving
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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CONTACT YOUR MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR

STUDENT Last nameS A-L

Alisha Freeman

alisha.freeman@stemk12.org

STUDENT Last nameS M-Z

Lisa Clay

lisa.clay@stemk12.org