Middle School Specials

Specials courses at AST offer middle school students opportunities for personal enrichment and self-discovery.

Visual Arts

Middle school visual arts classes expand on students’ elementary foundation in the areas of art vocabulary and skills. These elective courses are designed as introductory courses for students in technique, composition and design, creative problem solving, original expression, and art history understanding. While learning from the elements of art and the principles of design, students develop their drawing, clay sculpting, 3D modeling, painting, and printmaking skills.

Music

Drama

Crafts

Robotics

Computer Science Discoveries

Physical Education

One of the goals of the middle school PE program is to help students develop a positive attitude toward physical activity in and outside of school! Another goal is to encourage them to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. Sports are an essential part of teaching students necessary life skills such as sportsmanship, comradery, and teamwork.
Students practice different motor skills and learn traditional sports, such as soccer, basketball, football, and volleyball. They also learn less traditional activities, like pickleball, rugby, Kin-Ball, cricket, and yoga amongst many others!
As physical educators, we promote a growth mindset. In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. We emphasize the importance of hard work rather than talent or skill in achieving individual goals. We want students to learn that "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard" (Tim Notke).