Arts and Electives
The arts and elective programs are an essential part of the Middle School experience at TDS, affording students space to explore passions, discover new talents, and express themselves creatively. Through performance, design, innovation, competition, and collaboration, students develop confidence, discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills that strengthen every aspect of their learning.
From visual and performing arts to academic competitions and hands-on enrichment courses, our program ensures that every student finds opportunities to create, lead, and explore beyond the traditional classroom.
Sixth Grade Arts and Electives Foundation
In 6th grade, all students participate in a well-rounded arts and enrichment rotation that includes:
- Studio Art
- Technology & Digital Citizenship
- Emotional Health
- Executive Functioning Skills
In addition, every 6th grader selects a performing art for the full school year. Courses include:
- Chorus
- Drama
- Band
Each performing arts class is a full-year commitment and includes required performances. Students grow as ensemble members and learn the discipline that comes with rehearsal and public presentation.
Arts and Electives in Seventh and Eighth Grade
In 7th and 8th grade, students may choose an arts “major” for the year — Studio Art, Chorus, Band, or Drama — allowing them to deepen their skills.
Additional arts offerings may include electives such as Folk Art, Photography, and Wood Shop. Whether students are learning traditional handcraft techniques or building woodworking projects, they are developing both technical skill and creative confidence.
Beginning in 7th grade, students also have increasing choice in their learning through electives. These courses allow students to explore personal interests, try new disciplines, and apply their skills in creative and practical ways.
Here are some examples of recent elective offerings:
- Science Olympiad (full-year, competitive team)
- Yearbook (full-year, student-led publication design)
- Debate & Law
- Video Game Design
- AI, Machine Learning & Ethics
- Codebreakers
- Forensics
- Economics: Market Madness
- Creative Writing
Many electives are hands-on and project-based—designing machine learning apps, staging mock crime scene investigations, creating business plans, or producing the school yearbook. Electives change yearly, so students always have something new to try.
Extracurricular Activities
Beyond the classroom, students also participate in a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs. These extracurricular programs foster teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, help build community, and give students opportunities to excel and find connections outside of the classroom. This includes competitive academic competitions such as Science Olympiad, Odyssey of the Mind, Battle of the Books, and MathCounts, as well as affinity groups such as the Students of Color Alliance and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance.
Students can also participate in our Student Leadership Council (SLC), which plans community events such as game and movie nights, runs assemblies, performs random acts of kindness for the student body, and provides activities such as “brain breaks” during exams. The SLC is open to all students who want to participate.
