Exploring Animal and Plant Science

This middle school course introduces students to the industry of agriculture. Topics of instruction include animal science, agricultural science and technology, plant science, agricultural issues, natural resources, food science, stewardship, consumer agriculture, and careers in agricultural science. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. FFA competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.

Exploring Agriculture Issues

This course introduces students to the industry of agriculture. Topics of instruction include agricultural science and technology, agricultural issues, food science, stewardship, consumer agriculture, and careers in agricultural science. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. FFA competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.

Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology

This course focuses on the agricultural and medical industry with emphasis on the relationship of science and technology that affects agriculture, medicine, and health care. Topics include career concepts in the agriculture and medical fields. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced. This course contributes to the development of a career development plan. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. FFA competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.

Coding in Minecraft and Computer Science Discovery

Students will start this paired course with Computer Science Discoveries. It is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun.

After gaining knowledge of coding fundamentals, students will use the Minecraft platform to learn the skill of designing and developing algorithms. Students will also learn how to predict the outcome of running a series of statements; apply and understand the concept of iteration and selection. Finally, students will understand how to debug and resolve problems in algorithms. Mathematics and computer science standards are reinforced."

Beginning Band

In this class, students will learn how to play their choice of woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments.  Students will learn the basics of how to play their instrument individually, and how to play as part of a traditional wind ensemble.  Students will study traditional and contemporary band literature of grade level 0.5 - 1.  Students will also learn how to read and write music.  No previous experience is required or expected.  As members of the Band, students will be expected to attend and perform in concerts after normal school hours.  Students will also be expected to practice their instrument and study their music at home every week.  Our Mission Statement is: “We are here to learn every day, so that we can have fun together, play music together, and be ready for future musical opportunities.”

Intermediate Band

This class is only available to students who have passed the Beginning Band course.  In this class, students will continue to study the fundamental techniques of their chosen instrument and the art of performing in a wind ensemble, building on what they mastered in Beginning Band.  Students will study traditional and contemporary band literature of grade level 1 - 2.  As members of the Band, students will be expected to attend and perform in concerts after normal school hours.  Students will also be expected to practice their instrument and study their music at home every week.  Our Mission Statement is: “We are here to learn every day, so that we can have fun together, play music together, and be ready for future musical opportunities.”

Advanced Band

This class is only available to students who have passed the Intermediate Band course.  In this class, students will continue to study the fundamental techniques of their chosen instrument and the art of performing in a wind ensemble, building on what they mastered in Intermediate Band.  Students will study traditional and contemporary band literature of grade level 2 - 3.  There will also be a strong emphasis on preparing students for the technical and musical demands of high school band.  As members of the Band, students will be expected to attend and perform in concerts after normal school hours.  Students will also be expected to practice their instrument and study their music at home every week.  Our Mission Statement is: “We are here to learn every day, so that we can have fun together, play music together, and be ready for future musical opportunities.”

Exploring Economic Systems

Discover the basics of economics. Research the types of economic systems and explore the United States economic system. Investigate concepts including supply and demand, the stock market, e-commerce, and the Federal Reserve. Gain knowledge and skills for careers in business, finance, and marketing.

Exploring Business & Entrepreneurship

Explore the purpose and functions of business and the concepts of entrepreneurship. Focus on the characteristics of an entrepreneur and the entrepreneurial process. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in business, finance, and marketing.

6th Grade - Introduction to Chinese

This course is an introduction to the Chinese language and culture. Major topics include greetings, numbers, colors, the family, basic prepositions, negative expressions, adjectives, and commands.  

7th Grade - Chinese Beginning 1 Year

In this course, activities focus on students' abilities to perform in the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. Students who successfully complete this course should enroll in the Advanced course to complete the HS Level I credit. 

8th grade - Chinese I (for High School Credit)

This course completes the high school Chinese I credit. Students should have taken Beginning prior to enrolling in this course. In this course, students will continue to learn the foundations of the language and practice communication skills (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational) in the target language.  

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes are required classes for students who are Multilingual Learners (MLs). MLs need to learn how to speak, read, write, listen, and respond socially and academically in American English. In these classes, the students learn about the vocabulary and skills needed to meet their greatest academic potential in their science, math, English Language Arts (ELA), social studies, and elective classes. This class helps students find higher academic success in the school community. 

This course is intended as a link between the elementary language programs or as an initial introduction to the language. The exploratory course does not aim to build proficiency in communication skills but focuses on increasing the understanding of the language culture, building an appreciation for the value of learning another language, and increasing the motivation for future language study. The exploratory curriculum may emphasize the use of songs, games, and activities to practice the new language and to learn about the culture.

Students who take theatre classes at Carroll are a part of the school’s overarching program, The Carroll Theatre Company (CTC). The progression of theatre classes is rooted in the program’s Mission Statement: CTC is an inclusive, dynamic program where individual differences are honored and celebrated, and where any student wanting to try theatre is encouraged. 

6th grade Introduction to Theatre is an overview of dramatic techniques. 

7th grade Advanced Dramatics is a deeper dive into the exploration of dramatic techniques and includes multiple performance and production opportunities. Advanced Dramatics classes are comprised of students who have excelled in a previous theatre class and/or expressed great enthusiasm for theatre.

8th grade Advanced Dramatics develops dramatic techniques through more challenging, student-led theatre experiences. Students engage in multiple performance and production opportunities, study Shakespeare, stage combat, and play writing, and attend a play festival! 8th grade theatre students often choose to continue exploring theatre in high school. 

Detailed course descriptions and competencies can be found here. 

6th Grade

This course focuses on exploring the basics of the Spanish language. The course covers basic topics such as greetings, weather, colors, adjectives, and descriptions. students lightly explore the culture and traditions of some Spanish-speaking countries.

7th Grade

In this course, the class focuses on 3 different units. The goal is for students to develop Spanish language skills such as interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Students who successfully complete this course may enroll in the Advanced course to complete HS Level I credit.

8th Grade

This course completes the 5 different units of Spanish 1. Students who successfully complete this level may earn a high school credit. Students should have taken Spanish Beginner before enrolling in this course. In this course, students will continue to learn the fundamentals of the language and practice communication skills (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentation) in the target language.

Invention and Innovation I and II