Middle School experiences
Advisory
The AVS Middle School advisory program facilitates relationships and provides a structure that seeks to create "connectedness" within our community.
Connectedness is a characteristic of our school culture in which students develop meaningful relationships with adults and peers within the community, are engaged in and feel a sense of belonging within the school.
The goals of Advisory are to:
- Create a sense of community that values respect, responsibility, and empathy.
- Support student academic growth and readiness through a “whole child” lens.
- Support and strengthen the social-emotional competencies of our students.
- Develop the language and skills necessary for participating in a culturally diverse and inclusive community.
Electives
The elective courses at AVS offer students an opportunity to explore an array of interests in visual and performing arts, as well as media production and technological theory and application.
Sixth grade students are exposed to a trimester each of visual arts, drama and media arts, and music.
In seventh and eighth grade, students select from a diverse and enriching array of elective coursework that will challenge and excite them.
Courses Include:
- Theatre 360
- Digital Storytelling
- Broadcasting
- Forage, Compost and Textiles
- Community As Classroom
- Beginning & Performance Instrumental
- Vocal Ensemble
- Really Weird Music
- Programming
- Technoethics
Immersive STEAM Experience
Intersession is a two week-long immersive STEAM experience that offers middle school students the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the traditional classroom experience.
During this time, we put academic classes aside so that students and teachers can engage in in-depth inquiry projects that involve a design thinking approach and have a STEAM focus.
Intersession culminates with students presenting a multi-part project that highlights their innovative and creative solutions. Intersession is a natural fit in the AVS student-centered approach, and it encourages students to interact with their world, collaborate with peers, teachers, and community partners, and experience personal growth.
High School Counseling
Beginning in the spring of 7th grade, students and families work with the Dean of Students /Secondary School Counselor to begin the high school journey. High school counseling at AVS provides students and families with the resources, guidance, and individualized support to take on the high school admissions process.
In 8th grade, students take “Destinations”, a unique seminar class that provides the structure and support needed for the transition from middle to high school. Students from AVS apply to and attend a variety of private, boarding, faith-based, public, and charter schools throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
Some AVS graduates attend the following schools:
- Academy of Thought & Industry
- Balboa High School
- The Bay School
- Brentwood College School
- Choate Rosemary Hall
- College Preparatory School
- Drew School
- Gateway High School
- Head Royce
- International High School
- Jewish Community HS
- Lincoln High School
- Lowell High School
- Lick-Wilmerding
- Marin Academy
- Menlo School
- Phillips Exeter Academy
- Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep
- St Ignatius
- SOTA
- Stuart Hall
- Urban
- Tamalpais High School
- University High School
- Washington High School