Middle School Electives
Acting Technique
Students will be given scenes from Theater, Film, and TV to prepare as they would for an audition. We will work on script analysis, identifying playable objectives and intentions, and provide tools necessary to create memorable roles/auditions. Scene work will also be covered with assigned scene partners.
Art- Super Junior Illustrator Foundations
This special SUPER Illustrators Foundations of Art course is designed specifically for beginner, budding artists. This course is designed to provide enrolled students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to comprehend, compose, and create works of art while exploring fields within the illustrated arts. Students will learn the foundational elements to art-making through fields of illustration such as comics books, fashion illustration, children’s book illustration, architecture, political cartooning, and more. After this course, students will be able to identify the different forms of illustrative art and implement illustrative art techniques into their works of art.
Art- Super Future Illustrators
This course builds upon previous skills and information learned in the foundations course and is an in-depth art visuals/creation course to prepare students to master specific painting skills required for concept art and visual development careers.
City and Nature Exploration
We will be visiting different areas of LA to hike, exercise, and learn about its history and landmarks. Our class of mixed ages will hike areas like Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park, as well as visit notable places of architecture, history, and significance such as the Hollyhock House.
Computer Science Discoveries
This introductory computer science course empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem-solving, and fun!
Conversation Corner
Conversation corner is a learning lab alternative for no credit. It is an opportunity for students to have a scheduled social break where they engage in conversation with their peers. Conversations range from light to deep topics depending on the students involved and what happens to be foremost on their minds.
Cosmetology & Styling
In this course students will explore the basics of skin, nail and hair care, hygiene, safety, styling outfits that are complementary and building confidence.
Culinary Science
This class aims to introduce the students to the foundations of cooking, baking, and the science behind food’s physical and chemical changes. All recipes used to demonstrate these changes will be mostly plant-based and executed in class with the student’s participation. As students progress, recipes will offer a greater degree of difficulty. The students will learn the basics of sous vide cooking and molecular gastronomy and become acquainted with more tools and techniques available to the modern cook.
Diva Dive: Women’s Studies
Dive deep into the power of women by analyzing past and current events, archetypes, and gender roles through literature, tv/film, and media. This course will focus on the motivations behind the attitudes and actions of women and how these factors manifest in the real world.
Intro to Cake Decorating
This course focuses on learning the basics of cake/cupcake decorating. Students will learn different techniques that can be used to create some beautiful desserts.
Music- Music Discovery
Do you love music? This class gives you the opportunity to experience music by playing (Drums, Bass, Guitar, Piano, and more). Students will learn the basics of playing instruments. Students will be encouraged to try all the instruments to better understand how they function and work in the music we love.
Music- Jam Session
This is a course designed for the students who have already played in the beginning band this year or already know how to play an instrument. Auditions will be held.
Music- Intro to Bass
A class designed for students that will cover all the beginning fundamentals of bass such as technique, entry-level basslines, and picking styles. Students will also learn entry-level music theory in order to understand what they are playing, and how to communicate with other musicians.
Music- Intro to Drumset
A class designed for students that will cover all the beginning fundamentals of the drumset such as technique, entry-level patterns, and rudiments.
Music- Intro to Guitar
A class designed for students that will cover all the beginning fundamentals of guitar such as basic chords, entry-level scales, strumming, and simple melodies. Students will also learn entry-level music theory in order to understand what they are playing, and how to communicate with other musicians.
Music- Intro to Keys
A class designed for students that will cover all the beginning fundamentals of the piano such as technique, entry-level major scales, and chords. Students will also learn entry-level music theory in order to understand what they are playing, and how to communicate with other musicians.
Music- Intro to Music Production
Can you speak musician?! Learn to communicate in the musical language. Students will learn rhythm, harmony, composition, notation, and how to transcribe melodies and chord progressions in a variety of music genres.
Music- Percussion
This course will allow students to get wild, have fun, make beats, and feel free.
Passion Projects
A supplemental elective to the mandatory, yearly passion project requirement for students who need a more hands-on approach.
Science- Marine Biology
This course will be an introduction to and overview of the main topics in the marine biology field. It will have some in class lab work and fieldwork at the beach.
Study Skills
This course focuses on executive functioning, test prep, note taking and organization.
Maker’s Space
In this course, students will learn how to safely and effectively use the multitude of tools -both physical and technological - that are available to them through the FIO (Figure It Out) Maker’s Lab facility at TREE Academy. They will use these tools to create actual physical objects of their own design. In doing so, they will join the vibrant worldwide Maker’s community movement.