Middle School Experiences
Electives
At AVS, elective courses provide students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of interests across visual and performing arts, media production, and technological theory and application. In sixth grade, students experience a trimester each of visual arts, drama and media arts, and music, giving them a well-rounded foundation. In seventh and eighth grade, students can choose from a diverse and exciting array of electives designed to challenge and inspire.
Examples of Courses Offered in the Past:
- 6th Grade Art Appreciation: In this course, students explore art history and movements while experimenting with various materials and techniques. They learn to keep an open mind, build responsible and respectful critical thinking, and develop self-reflection skills in a collaborative and creative classroom environment.
- 7th Grade Ceramics: Students are introduced to the fundamentals of ceramics, from hand-building to clay recycling, firing, and glazing. Inspired by both contemporary and historical artists, this course connects to content from other classes at AVS. Students will gain an appreciation for the unique and delicate properties of clay while creating authentic pieces of art.
- 7th Grade Scale It Up: This course blends history, mechanics, and physics as students study medieval siege weapons. They begin by building small-scale models and then use math to "scale up" their creations, adjusting materials and designs as necessary to recreate the ancient machinery.
- 8th Grade Studio Arts: This yearlong project-based course offers a deep dive into various techniques and materials, such as glass fusing, ceramics, printmaking, and different drawing methods. During T3, students will submit proposals for independent projects, allowing them to explore their personal artistic interests under the guidance of their teacher.
- 8th Grade Interdisciplinary, Exploring the Cave: This course works in conjunction with Mr. E-L’s ETC course, where students deepen their understanding of history through hands-on experimentation and exploration of materials and techniques that may have been "lost" to time. Concepts from ancient times are applied to contemporary art, blending historical exploration with modern practice.
- Data Analysis (8th Grade Math Elective) Data Analysis is designed to introduce students to the exciting opportunities available at the intersection of data analysis, computing, mathematics, and the humanities through interdisciplinary projects and rigorous discussion. Data is everywhere, and this course will help prepare students to live in a world of data. DA focuses on practical applications of data collection, interpretation, and communication, to give students concrete and applicable skills. Instead of using small, tailored, curated data sets as in a traditional statistics curriculum, this curriculum engages students with a wider world of information that falls into the "Big Data" paradigm and is derived from students' lived experiences. In contrast to the traditional formula-based approach, statistical principles are taught by inference built from using automated randomization and simulations. Students will practice visualizing and communicating their findings from the data in verbal, visual, and multimedia formats. By the end of this course, students should find themselves with a transformed understanding of the many ways data and bias shape how one processes the world.
One of the joys of joining a new school community is noticing its distinct character. Each school has its own traditions, signature programs, and unique way of preparing students for the future. Alta Vista School’s middle school program stands apart - partly because it frames the journey of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders through three signature courses: Bridges, Edges, and Destinations, as well as a daily Advising program and community engagement that anchors students in connection and care.
Sixth Grade: Bridges
The move from elementary to middle school is no small leap, and Bridges is thoughtfully designed to support this transition. Sixth graders dive into the habits and mindsets that lay the foundation for success: executive functioning, organization, digital citizenship, and self-advocacy. Our learning specialist, Lauren Kaerstedt, leads all three sections of this course, rooting sixth graders in strong, lasting habits.
It’s common to see students light up when they discover that a new system for tracking homework actually works. One student recently shared, “I am learning to use my planner. Did you know it has stickers?” Bridges blends the practical with the relational, giving students the scaffolding they need to become independent, purposeful learners while also nurturing the friendships and support systems that will carry them forward.
Community Engagement
AVS Middle School students recognize that they are part of the culturally diverse community of San Francisco's Mission District. This connection to the community is reinforced daily as students walk to Mission Park for lunch and attend PE classes at Coronado Park.
Throughout the year, our students channel their energy and enthusiasm into various service projects across the city. Whether volunteering at the SF-Marin Food Bank, serving meals at GLIDE, running a clothing drive for Dolores Street Community Services, or participating in neighborhood trash clean-ups, our middle schoolers wholeheartedly embody AVS’s mission of educating students to be catalysts for positive change in the world.
Seventh Grade: Edges
Seventh graders are invited to step into Edges—a course that leans into the complex and often uncomfortable conversations around equity and justice. Through an inquiry-driven, problem-based approach, students wrestle with concepts such as privilege, bias, discrimination, and rights.
In a recent discussion, one group of students filled the board with questions like: “How do you know if a law is fair?” and “Who gets to decide what justice looks like?” This spirit of curiosity and debate sparks authentic projects that connect directly to real challenges in their communities. Edges is a powerful invitation for students to discover their voices, passions, and commitments to justice.
Advising: A Daily Anchor
Alongside these courses, AVS students begin each day in Advising. This time provides students with strong community ties to both caring adults and a consistent cohort of peers. A short morning meeting sets the tone for the day, while a longer Friday block allows for deeper connection and reflection.
The Advising curriculum gives each day a special focus. Mindful Monday helps students ground themselves for the week ahead. Thankful Tuesday builds gratitude and appreciation. Wacky Wednesday offers lighthearted fun that strengthens relationships. Thoughtful Thursday encourages reflection and perspective-taking. Together, these routines anchor students and frame each day with intention.
Eighth Grade: Destinations
In eighth grade, all students enroll in Destinations, a class that meets 2-3 times per week and offers structure and support for the transition to high school. Each trimester is tailored to address the evolving needs of eighth graders, allowing them to focus on both academic and non-academic preparation. In the first trimester, students concentrate on high school application deliverables, receive guidance on essays and interviews, and set personal goals. In the second and third trimesters, the focus shifts to independent study periods also give them time and space to practice responsibility, time management, and communication with teachers. These skills are essential for success in high school and beyond. It is not unusual to see eighth graders gathered in quiet conversation, reviewing essays with a teacher or organizing their binders together, practicing the independence they will soon need.
High School Counseling
Starting in the spring of seventh grade, students and families begin working with the High School Admissions Counseling team to navigate the high school admissions process. AVS provides students and families with the resources, guidance, and individualized support needed to help families understand and manage the various steps involved. Parents and students participate in regular 1:1 meetings with the counseling team to discuss progress and address individual needs.
AVS students apply to a diverse range of private, boarding, faith-based, public, and charter schools across the Bay Area and beyond. Since 2020, AVS graduates have been accepted to the following schools. See Where Our Graduates Go from Here
