Catalog of Electives 

2025 - 2026

- THE ARTS-INTEGRATED EXPERIENCE -

Numerous studies over the past decade have demonstrated the benefits of arts-infused education. Students who have access to the arts benefit from creative outlets, find greater success in mastering core subjects, have fewer disciplinary problems, and show significantly higher graduation rates. A 2011 study, “Reinvesting in Arts Education”, found that integrating the arts with other subjects also raises academic achievement levels. An Arts-based Education doesn’t just raise test scores, but also supports the learning process itself. Studies show that students participating in the Arts have been found to improve their IQ scores by several points. Other studies have reported similar scientific findings on the Arts’ impact on the brain, showing that sustained Arts Education is an essential part of adolescent social and intellectual development.

Using a unique balance between challenging Academic and Arts Curriculums, Ladera Vista Students experience an Arts-Infused Common Core Curriculum, through which you’ll connect to a rigorous academic curriculum while integrating the arts. These courses include a strong emphasis on 21st Century Learning and Preparedness, with our 1:1 iPad program providing round-the clock access to technology.

Ladera Vista Junior High School of the Arts – Electives

We offer so many wonderful electives for students to select from at Ladera Vista! Students may select to be a part of our “Triple Threat Program” (Dance, Choir, and Theatre), participate in our many Visual and Digital Arts Classes, be a part of our Instrumental Music Program, learn a foreign language, or try a little bit of everything. This is your time to Explore! Learn! Achieve! Listed below you will find detailed descriptions of our electives classes. 

Requirements and Prerequisites: Please note that some electives require a full year commitment while others require a semester commitment. The course descriptions indicate if there are prerequisites for each particular course. Some courses require students to complete an application. Please see the school website to find application links. 

Culinary Arts Electives

Culinary Arts I – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester) 
This hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of culinary arts, including kitchen safety, proper food handling, basic cooking techniques, and nutrition. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a safe and sanitary kitchen environment. Students will learn to prepare a variety of recipes while developing essential skills such as measuring, knife safety, and teamwork. The course emphasizes creativity, time management, and the science behind cooking. Students will also explore meal planning, healthy eating habits, and food presentation. Whether aspiring chefs or beginners, students will gain confidence in the kitchen while having fun with food!

Culinary Arts II – Grade 8 (Full Year Commitment) 
Culinary Arts II is an advanced course designed for 8th-grade students who have successfully completed Culinary Arts I, has teacher approval, and wish to deepen their culinary skills and knowledge. This course focuses on practical, hands-on experiences, emphasizing various aspects of the culinary arts, including U.S. regional cuisines, allowing students to prepare and appreciate diverse American culinary traditions.  Friendly cooking competitions are integrated into the curriculum to foster creativity, problem-solving, and time-management skills. These competitions encourage students to apply their knowledge in dynamic and engaging scenarios. Emphasis of this course is placed on maintaining a safe and sanitary kitchen environment. Students will practice proper food handling, equipment use, and cleanliness standards to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure a safe cooking space.

Digital Arts Electives

CyberSecurity 1 - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester) 
Cybersecurity is defined as the steps and processes taken to protect networks, devices, programs, and data from unauthorized access that can result in theft or damage.  Designed for students with no security experience or background, this course covers basic terminology and concepts of CyberSecurity. This course introduces students to problem-solving skills, reasoning, cybersecurity careers, IoT (Internet of Things), and basic online cybersecurity skills needed in an increasingly connected world. This is the prerequisite for CyberSecurity 2. 

CyberSecurity 2 - Grades 8 (Full Year Commitment) 
This Course is a continuation of CyberSecurity 1, exploring deeper into concepts and skills. The course is foundational to many pathways in CyberSecurity and/or Technological careers and certifications. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they learn security principles and practice using Packet Tracers.  Prerequisite: Successful completion of Cybersecurity 1.

3D Design and Print Lab - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester) 
This course will introduce the basics of three-dimensional design and processes. Students will explore the principles and meaning of form, space, function, mass, and structure as they relate to three-dimensional design. This course is an introduction to creating, editing, and analyzing 3D models using TinkerCad and digital sculpting software programs. Students will develop foundational skills to work with and navigate the digital 3D modeling workspace to create 3D objects to print on 3D printers.

Graphic Design - Grade 7 & 8 (One Semester)
Graphic Design is an elective that provides an introduction to the fundamental elements and principles of design and focuses on graphic design foundations (composition, layout, digital art, illustration, typography, and photo manipulation). Students use conceptual problem solving, innovation, critical thinking and formal design. The class will use traditional brainstorming methods as well as use software applications and devices to generate designs through Adobe software on iPad PROs with Apple Pencils.

Performing Arts Electives
Please note: Attendance at all performances is a required component of all Performing Arts Classes.

Beginning Band - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
This course is open to all students.  No previous musical experience is required, although experience on piano or other instruments, or voice experience can be helpful. Students may choose any woodwind or brass instrument. This class includes note reading and basic instrumental techniques on band instruments. Successful completion of Beginning Band leads to Intermediate Band, depending on ability, instruments needed in upper groups, and student responsibility. Students wishing to study a secondary instrument can also take Beginning Band with teacher permission. Students may be placed in either Intermediate or Advanced Band in the second semester based on individual improvement.

Intermediate Band - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
This course is open to students who are definitely beyond the beginning stages of learning how to play a musical instrument. Successful completion of Intermediate Band allows students to audition for Advanced Band. Some Intermediate Band members have the opportunity to move to Advanced Band in the spring semester if they show marked improvement. Participation in rehearsals and performances outside of class time are a required part of this class. Director recommendation is a prerequisite for this class.

Advanced Band - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)    
This group of musicians is made up primarily of 8th grade students with some very advanced 7th grade students. The class focuses on more complex musicianship, with an emphasis on mastery of a variety of musical styles. Students must be available to go on field trips (district approved) for off campus performances. Participation in rehearsals and performances outside of class time is a required part of this class. Director recommendation is a prerequisite for this class.

Guitar - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester) 
Mastering the Guitar is an innovative, exciting way to learn music. In this class students will learn a variety of musical styles and techniques found in today's music. Students will learn notation and tablature along with a vast array of guitar solo, duet and accompaniment styles.  Guitars are available for student use.  Material is designed for students to work at their own pace, so this class is appropriate for all levels beginning through advanced. 
                                                
Choir I  - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester - May Be Repeated) 
This is a one-semester class for 7th and 8th graders with little or no previous singing experience.  Students will sing various styles of music from different cultures and different historical periods.  They will study all musical elements including music vocabulary, history and theory.  Students will compare and contrast musical works to apply their skills in aesthetic valuing and artistic perception. They will perform a varied repertoire of music and begin to compose original works. This is a performance-based class. Students will perform at the Winter Concert in December and Spartan Sweets in the Spring. 

Choir II - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
This yearlong class is an auditioned group for experienced singers only. Students are placed in one of two Advanced Choirs, Women’s Ensemble, or Mixed Vocal Ensemble. Students apply their skills in aesthetic valuing and artistic perception and will compose short pieces in various meters.  They will perform a varied repertoire and will be evaluated for their accuracy and expressive quality.   Students are expected to participate in many events both on and off campus over the course of the year.  This may include Disneyland, Festivals and special District events.  Students will participate in the Winter Concert and Spartan Sweets. Audition and teacher approval is a prerequisite. 

Theatre Arts I - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
Interested in acting and what goes on backstage in a theater? Need some help with public speaking? Or, do you just want to build confidence? Theater I goes into all of this, and more. This class introduces students to the basics of theater and acting--character development, acting techniques, theater history, public speaking and more. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic acting skills, work with makeup, and design sets, costumes and lighting for in class projects. We learn through playing games and team building activities, class exercises and by watching others perform on stage. They will work together through acting and technical theater units of study to write stories, present creative designs, and create imaginative presentations for the class. This class is a prerequisite to Theater 2. 

Theatre Arts II - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester - May Be Repeated)
In this secondary level elective, students build on skills learned in entry level performing and speaking classes, and learn how to use technology to create video productions. Students will write, act in and produce their own projects, including news reports, voice over projects, instructional videos, soap operas, Telenovelas, and various popular film genres. Working with iMovie and recording devices, students will use green screens, special effects, movie trailer programs and more to create engaging and entertaining visual productions.  Prerequisites: Students must successfully complete Theater 1 before taking this course.
            
Ladera Vista Productions - Grades 7 & 8 - (Full Year Commitment)
Students will perform a full length Broadway style musical in the Spring and will participate in all aspects of production, including acting, singing, dance and various aspects of technical theatre, such as stagecraft, lighting and sound. This class is for students who already have experience on stage. Students who are interested in working backstage on Tech Crew will join 2nd semester only. Applications for tech crew are available in October of each school year. All students must have a desire to be a vital part of a production and must work well as part of a team. Auditions and teacher approval is prerequisite. 

Visual Arts Electives

Art I - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
This beginning course serves as an introduction to two-dimensional art making practices. Art 1 is designed to introduce the art elements and to develop the artistic skills of the students. Projects include drawing and shading techniques, painting, and color exploration. Students will explore various types of media. Visual vocabulary will be used in classroom discussion. 
 
Art II - Grade 8 (Full Year Commitment)
Advanced art students will learn how to improve their drawing and painting skills.  They will experiment with different types of media and be expected to take a more independent and responsible approach to exploring the elements and principles of art.  Successful completion of Art 1 and teacher recommendation is a prerequisite. Students must also fill out an application.

Arts and Crafts - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
This course serves as a fun introduction to three-dimensional art projects.  A wide range of media is used in this course including, but not limited to, wire, cardboard, paper mache, tooling metal, yarn print making, origami, and paint.  Projects may include sculpture, assemblage, mask making, coil basket weaving and printmaking. Students will get to take home their finished art projects.

Ceramics – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
In this introductory class, students will learn the basics of hand-building skills in Ceramics. Beginning with learning about the art medium, students will make decorative and functional ceramics using pinching and coiling techniques, as well as slab construction in their labs. Students will explore the use of different techniques in decorating clay in various clay stages using underglaze as well as glaze. Students will get to take home their finished art projects.

Advanced Ceramics – Grade 8 (Full Year Commitment) 
Students will build on the skills from Ceramics to deepen hand-building techniques as well as wheel throwing on the potter’s wheel. Please note: Students must have already completed Ceramics and have approval from the teacher to participate in this specialized class. 

Mosaic Arts – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
In this exploratory class, students will learn how to work with art glass and make individual art projects using glass as the medium.  Love to work with color, shape, and patterns? Starting with learning how to nip, students will learn the various processes of making mosaics, and use the traditional mosaic patterns called Andamento. Students will get to take home their finished art projects.

Advanced Mosaic Arts – Grade 8 (Full Year Commitment)
Students will build on the skills from Mosaic Art to deepen skills in Andamento. Students will be learning about public art working on 3-D surfaces as well as completing a collaborative community project.  Please note: Students must have already completed Mosaic Art and have approval from the teacher in order to participate in this specialized class. Students must also complete an application.

Jewelry - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
Make wearable art in this class. Students in this exploratory class will make wearable jewelry using fused glass, ceramics. Come explore the history of jewelry in various cultures world-wide, practice art-making, and discover the fun and effective ways to present jewelry in merchandising and in packaging.

Fine Arts Electives

Creative Writing  - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
Creative Writing is a semester-long course designed to inspire students to develop original pieces through exploring genres of writing such as fables, short stories, screenplays, and poetry. Students will explore basic elements of writing including voice, tone, word choice, dialogue, setting, and story design. Writers develop their style using descriptive and figurative language. Through an array of activities – prompts, freewrites, musical inspiration, photos, and mentor texts, among others – writers will unlock their imaginations and gain the confidence and skills to create dynamic writing.

World Languages Electives

Spanish IA and Spanish IB  (Two Year Commitment)
Spanish 1A & 1B are the equivalent of Spanish 1 in high school. Students learn the language, and about the culture of Spanish speaking countries. The emphasis of this course is beginning level mastery of oral communication. Students will also be able to read and write in Spanish by focusing on learning new vocabulary and grammar. Upon completion of 1A and 1B, with a “B” or better average in the a foreign language, and with a recommendation from the instructor, the student may qualify for advanced placement in the 2nd year class as a high school freshman. Students must score a Level 6 or higher on the ELA iReady to be approved for this class.

Spanish Language Arts  (Full Year Commitment)
In Spanish Language Arts,  students will read, write, speak, and listen in academic Spanish through a variety of engaging activities and projects. They will explore the Spanish-speaking world, its culture, and traditions while continuing to develop their language skills. Students will engage in meaningful communication and learn to express themselves confidently in Spanish. Students must be enrolled in the Dual Language Academy to be approved for this class.

School Community Electives

ASB Leadership - Grade 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment) 
Ladera Vista ASB Leadership empowers students to develop leadership skills, school spirit, and a positive campus culture. Through event planning, community service, and student advocacy, ASB members collaborate to make school a more inclusive and engaging place. Students will learn teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while organizing rallies, fundraisers, and activities that enhance student life. This program is perfect for those who want to make a difference, build school pride, and have fun while leading their peers! Application, references and teacher approval required as a prerequisite. 

AVID - Grades 7 & 8 (Two Year Commitment)
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll and succeed in higher education and in their lives beyond high school.  Today, AVID is implemented in approximately 5,600 schools in 44 states, the District of Columbia, 16 countries/territories, and impacts more than 1.2 million students in grades K–12 and in 40 postsecondary institutions. The curriculum features critical reading/writing, focused note taking, inquiry, collaboration, effective study strategies, high school/college research/visits and leadership activities. Students will have opportunities to go on field trips to local colleges and be well prepared for the high school AVID programs. Must complete a thorough application with references and teacher approval.

Yearbook - Grade 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment - May Be Repeated)
Yearbook is a year long advanced elective where students take photos, write copy, design pages and meet deadlines, as well as, grow personally through team building and leadership activities. Students will use their skills to produce a printed book that captures the memorable moments of the school year. The book will be designed and created by students with teacher support. Students will use online design tools and elements of design to create a cohesive book, specific to the current school year. Yearbook students are chosen based on application responses and teacher recommendation. Must complete a thorough application with references and teacher approval.

Physical Education Electives
The Physical Education program at Ladera Vista is an integral part of our instructional program as we promote the health and wellness of each student.  Our programs fulfill all requirements of the law for the State of California. All physical education classes are co-educational. 
Every student must take ONE physical education elective each semester. 

Physical Education – Grades 7 and 8 (Full Year Commitment) 
Physical Education includes a variety of sports and fitness experiences for students of all ability levels, covering exercises, flag football, basketball, soccer, softball, track and field, field hockey, volleyball and more.  Physical fitness and health, combined with development of individual coordination is stressed daily. Students participating in this class participate in State-required Fitness Testing.

Dance I - Grades 7 & 8  (Full Year Commitment - May Be Repeated) 
In Dance I, the students learn to execute beginning jazz dance isolations, steps and combinations to music.  They also learn to demonstrate the relationship of movement to music (count, rhythm, tempo, time signature, polyrhythms). In time, students are expected to choreograph short combinations and conduct self-evaluations.  The class also highlights different forms of dance (tap, lyrical, modern, ballet) and includes some of the history of dance. California Fitness Testing is included. 

Dance II - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment - May Be Repeated) 
In Dance II, students build upon the Dance I content with the semester culminating in a student-choreographed production, in which students are responsible for the choreography and presentation of a dance production concert. Audition and teacher approval is a prerequisite requirement. California Fitness Testing is included. Please note: Students must audition and be accepted in order to participate in this specialized class.

Dance III - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment - May Be Repeated) 
In Dance III, students build upon the Dance II content with the semester culminating in a student-choreographed production, in which students are responsible for the choreography and presentation of a dance production concert. Audition and teacher approval is a prerequisite requirement. California Fitness Testing is included. Please note: Students must audition and be accepted in order to participate in this specialized class.

Strength Training - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment) 
This course will help develop the three principles of fitness. These principles will include muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility.  Designed to be fun and active. California Fitness Testing is included.