West Middle School -

Exploratory courses are a series or selection of courses that provides middle school students with experiences beyond core subjects.

These courses offer students an opportunity to try something new or dive deeper into an interest area. Students can learn to play the flute, speak Spanish, or cook a new dish. Each course delivers a unique experience that ensures all students have hands-on, participatory, meaningful, and engaging experiences.

Within this section, you will find information about your child’s exploratory learning outcomes and goals. View the exploratory subject areas below for more information.

Business courses help middle-school students develop crucial life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom walls. These courses prepare students for the future, leave room for creativity and collaboration, and teach students to identify and solve problems.

Family and Consumer Science (FACS) courses allow students to plan for possible careers and develop practical skills for employment, resource management, parenting, and the art of positive communication.

Fine Arts courses challenge students to “think outside the box.” Through the arts, students build a growth mindset to help them master their craft, do well academically, and succeed in life after high school. Fine arts courses include art, band, choir, digital music production, and orchestra.

STEM courses use a “hands-on, minds-on” approach to help students explore STEM-related concepts. Science, technology, engineering, and math integration allows students to see how STEM concepts relate to daily life.