Electives
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVES
Most electives occur in the 7th period every day except Tuesdays (early out day). Some electives are only for middle schol, some are only high school, and some are mixed. The 7th period elective is for the entire school year. For the GALA 7th Period Elective Handbook for 2025-2026, CLICK HERE.
PERIODS 1-6 ELECTIVES
- SIXTH GRADE: Not listed here is our 6th Grade Elective wheel. Students are required to do this wheel and then have a choice of a 7th period elective in addition to the wheel. The wheel is 4 different classes of 10 weeks each. The wheel can change each year and for 2025-2026, the wheel is: Aerospace, Mythology, Intro to Computer Science, Global Studies.
- COMPUTER SCIENCE: This elective class is in the 6th grade elective wheel and also available via Game Design as a middle school 7th period elective. High School has the option for Exploring Computer Science, AP Computer Principles, and AP Computer Science A (Java).
- SPANISH: Spanish is available to some 7th and 8th graders, with priority to our High School students that need a minimum of 2 years of language to graduate. Many of our students take a second language through concurrent enrollment at community college.
- MUSIC: Music is available to 7th grade and up as an elective during the academic day.
- ARCHITECTURE: The study of design and engineering is available during the academic day for 7th-12th grades. Typically, 6th grade has a unit on Classical Architecture in History. More info HERE.
- AP ELECTIVES: The list below does not include the High School AP (Advanced Placement) electives. For more information on our High School courses, click HERE.
AFTER SCHOOL: Please visit the after-school page for as L.A.C.E.R offers their own enrichment classes.
CHANGES: Please note that electives can change from year to year based on teacher interest/expertise and scheduling. Some electives are rotated every other year.
E L E C T I V E S
AEROSPACE
Middle School
Grade: 6
6TH GRADE ELECTIVE WHEEL
An introduction to the aerospace industry and aeronautics. From the physics and mechanics of flight and launch to satellites and orbits. Students taught how to use GALA’s on-campus flight simulators to simulate flight patterns and landings. Hands-on projects may include basic rocketry, flight vehicle and payload design, and aerodynamic wind tunnel testing of a flying toy plane.
ARCHITECTURE - ENGINEERING DYNAMICS
High School
Grades: 9-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE & PERIOD 1-6
This is the first course offered in the Architecture CTE pathway and required f Architectural Design. Students are introduced to standard engineering and design practices for residential and commercial projects. This is a hands-on, project-based class where students complete projects including elements of design, planning, documentation, communication and other skills needed for the field. This course will be offered once during Periods 1 - 6 and as a 7th Period elective. This elective is a great choice for students who are interested in architecture and design but don’t have room to take it during Period 1 - 6.
Fulfills the "G" College Prep Elective Requirement for High School A-G.
ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
High School
Grades: 9-12
PERIODS 1-6 ELECTIVE
Provides students with an understanding of architecture through design, computer-aided drawing (CAD), architectural history, and meeting ADA requirements and sustainable (green) tech. Students use practical experience through CAD, architectural history projects, green based design projects, and ADA based challenges to demonstrate knowledge in the fields of architecture and engineering. Students design structures to solve real-world problems while implementing technology to prepare their solutions.
Prerequisite: Engineering Dynamics
ARCHITECTURE DESIGN 2
High School
Grades: 11, 12
PERIODS 1-6 ELECTIVE
Students will apply their passion, skill, and knowledge toward two- and three- dimensional design projects. They will build on their work as architectural designers in the previous two courses, learning about universal design and sustainability in relation to the built environment. The course includes study in Architectural History, form making and representation. Problem-solving, analytical thinking and craftsmanship will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: Engineering Dynamics and Architectural Design 1
ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
Middle School
Grades: 7, 8
PERIODS 1-6 ELECTIVE
Students will engage in exploratory architecture and engineering activities to gain skills with dimensioning, drawing, modeling, and design. Students will learn about careers in these fields and engage in hands-on projects throughout the year.
ART HISTORY
Middle School
Grades: 6, 7, 8
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Students explore diverse regions, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and Americas to learn about the history and culture through the lens of art. Students engage in hands-on activities to explore essential questions, such as "What is art and how is it made? Why and how does art change? How do we describe our thinking about art?" Students discuss an artwork's meaning, function, maker's methodology, and the ways it reflects and affects its historical and cultural context. Students create artwork (drawing, painting, sculpture, calligraphy, music, digital architecture).
This course is not repeatable
ART OF READING
Middle School
Grades: 6-8
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Do you love getting lost in a good book? In this course, students will read a variety of novels, short stories, and poems that spark discussion, imagination, and deeper thinking. Think book club but better! Students will have the opportunity to share their favorite books and receive recommendations from their peers. This course is perfect for students who enjoy reading and want to dive into the meaning behind the words—exploring themes, characters, and authors’ choices. Students will participate in literature circles and engaging conversations, make connections between texts and the real world, and grow as a thoughtful reader. Bring your curiosity and your favorite book—you’ll find your people here!
ART OF STORYTELLING
Middle School
Grades: 6-8
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Do you love creative writing and bringing words and characters to life? Since the beginning of human speech, people have been storytelling. The desire for absorbing narrative is deeply embedded in our brains. In this course, students will examine multiple genres of narrative and then pursue the art of putting a story on paper. Throughout this course, students will develop a portfolio of their creative writing.
BROADCAST
Middle / High School
Grades: 7-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Students work as a team, write, develop, produce and film weekly "Good Morning GALA" broadcast. Students learn to build a weekly news/entertainment show, research stories, film segments, and editing the final product. The team uses the campus, as well as, our Broadcast "green screen" room, and telecaster technology. This class may also have the opportunity to gain additional experience through collaboration with Journalism.
CHOIR
Middle/High School
Grades: 7-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE & PERIOD 1-6 ELECTIVE
The course develops the skills necessary for choral ensemble singing. Students develop skills in reading music, sign reading, ear training, vocal technique, and performance practice. This is a performance-based ensemble and students should be available for the Winter and Spring concerts, as well, as other performances in the school year.
Fulfills the "F" Visual Performing Arts Requirement for High School A-G.
Select 7th/8th graders with foundational choral singing skills will be added to the High School choir.
CHOIR
Middle School
Grades: 7, 8
PERIODS 1-6
The course develops the skills necessary for ensemble singing. Students will sing with appropriate technique and expression. Music will represent a variety of genres and time periods, including sacred music (spirituals and gospel music), secular music, world/multicultural music, folk music, and novelty music (including popular music and Broadway show tunes). Students should be available for the Winter and Spring concerts.
DANCE
Middle/High School
Grades: 6-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
This elective is by audition and open to grades 6th through 12th. ANY level dancer and ANY style is welcome to audition. The course explores technique and dance styles including hip-hop, street jazz, contemporary and modern. Technique strengthens musicality, choreography ability, and strength while exploring personal expression through emotion and storytelling. Students will gain skills including partnering, creating their own dance combinations and routines, freestyle techniques, and a true understanding of dance and its origin. The dance elective students perform at the Winter and Spring concerts.
For High School, fulfills the "F" Visual Performing Arts Requirement for A-G.
Audition required: see your elective submissions form for links.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Middle/High School
Grades: 6-12
Students will practice skills related to listening, speaking, reading, and writing to enable them to reclassify as fluent English proficient students upon taking the ELPAC assessment. This course is only open to students who are identified as Emerging Bilinguals and have not yet demonstrated English proficiency for reclassification.
ESPORTS
High School
Grades: 9-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
This course introduces students to competitive video gaming while exploring its history, event management, and potential careers within the industry. Students will develop their teamwork, strategy, and communication skills through hands-on gaming and analysis. As part of the course, students will participate in after-school tournaments (4-6pm) at least once a week during competition season. Competition seasons will occur in both the fall and spring semesters. Students participating in a CIF sport can still take esports, but it would limit their options in the types of video games they can play. No prior gaming experience needed!
EXPLORATORY SCIENCE
Middle School
Grades: 6-8
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE AND PERIOD 1-6 ELECTIVE (Grades 7-8)
Do you love all things science? This course is perfect for young scientists ready to explore the world around them! Through engaging experiments, interactive projects, and real-world investigations, students will explore a variety of scientific fields including biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and environmental science. This course encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving while helping students discover how science connects to everyday life and future careers.
FILM ANALYSIS
High School
Grades: 9-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Do you love analyzing pieces of writing in English class? Are you passionate about logging movie reviews on your Letterboxd account? If so, this course might be perfect for you! We explore the interpretation of cinema, including cultural, aesthetic, historical, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Just as you learn to engage with texts in English class, we learn how to do the same with films. Students will delve into key themes such as identity, gender, power dynamics, and the role of the viewer in film analysis. Film analysis itself involves critically examining a film’s elements—such as narrative, direction, cinematography, editing, and sound—to understand its meaning, artistic choices, and social implications.
GAME DESIGN
Middle School
Grades: 6-8
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Students will learn all the parts of making a video game: creating original artwork, recording and editing music and sound, writing stories and dialogue, and programming. Students will also examine representation in video games and create characters that better reflect real people. In the second semester, student teams will apply your skills and creativity to create an original game.
Priority is given to students who have not yet taken this course.
GLOBAL STUDIES
6th Grade Elective Wheel
Grades: 6
6TH GRADE ELECTIVE WHEEL
Students will explore cultures from around the world. As today’s world has become more interconnected than ever before, it is important that we learn and appreciate our own culture and cultures from around the world.
GRAPHIC ARTS
Middle School
Grades: 7, 8
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Students learn the basic concepts of graphic design, color theory, elements of design, principals of design, production, and how to apply these concepts to produce graphic products consistent with industry standards. Students will also learn of career choices in the field of Graphic Communications and entrepreneurial aspects of graphic arts
This course is not repeatable and priority is given to students who have not yet taken this course.
GRAPHIC DESIGN 1
High School
Grades: 9-12
PERIODS 1-6
The course includes problem solving skills, artistic perception, critical thinking and self-reflection as students apply the principles of design and elements of art using industry standard software. Projects include page layout, word processing, media techniques, digital illustration, vector drawing, photomontage, and photo touch/restoration as they provide students with a professional environment and responsibilities as beginning graphic designers.
GRAPHIC DESIGN 2 (Virtual Branding)
High School
Grades: 9-12
PERIODS 1-6
This is an ADVANCED graphics class for those students who are interested in learning more about the graphic design field. The students will use the elements of art and principles of design and incorporate them into ARTWORK and also digital works.
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1
HORTICULTURE
High School
Grades: 9-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Students will learn about the art and science of growing plants. Students will develop and maintain a few green spaces on our new campus by learning how to germinate, plant, and care for various food-producing species, as well as native species. Gardening practices will be developed in a way that is as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible, and new ideas on how to further these efforts will be welcomed. Students will regularly spend time outside caring for living things and get to see the impact of their efforts throughout the year.
Additional “G” credit for graduation/A-G requirements for 2024-25.
JOURNALISM
Middle School
Grades: 6-8
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Students study the principles of print and online journalism as they examine the role of news media in our society. They learn investigative skills, responsible reporting, and journalistic writing techniques. Middle School students responsible for the GALA Online Magazine.
LEADERSHIP
Middle/High School
Grades: 6-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Provide leadership for the Middle School Student Council and High School Associated Student Body. Students work in teams to plan and execute school events. These events include Spirit Week, Club Rush, Dances, Pep Rallies, Diversity Day, Fall Festival, etc. Some events may be after school or on the weekend.
6th Grade is by application only. 7th-12th are elected into student council / ASB the previous school year.
LEARNING LAB
Middle/High School
Grades: 6-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Learning Lab provides a range of multi-tiered supports for diverse learners that is based on students’ needs. Students have opportunities to ask questions, get extra support and tutoring, and participate in review of any topics they have yet to master. They will practice executive functioning skills, which includes using their planners effectively in order to manage their time and tasks efficiently and to stay organized. Students will have opportunities to fill in any gaps in knowledge and master any standards with which they’ve struggled. This class also serves as a space where students can learn more about their accomodations and learn how to advocate for themselves.
MATH LAB
Middle School
Grades: 6-8
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
The 7th period Math Lab course will be self-selected by students who have a demonstrated need for additional support in math. This course is not intended for students who are currently meeting grade-level standards. Students will receive math intervention support to help students master standards and fill in any gaps in knowledge.
MUSIC (MS)
Middle School
Grades 7-8
PERIODS 1-6
Includes a variety of experiences and activities such as singing, listening, reading and writing music, creating music and playing simple classroom instruments such as guitar, drums, keyboard, bells and recorder. The course provides opportunity for growth in understanding musical concepts such as rhythm, melody, form, tempo, dynamics and harmony. The course develops interest in music from a variety of cultures.
MUSICAL THEATER
Middle / High School
Grades: 7-12
PERIODS 1-6
The class will cover the history of musical theater/Broadway musicals. You can expect to rehearse and perform scenes and numbers from musicals, including singing, acting, and choreography. There will not be a full-scale musical produced, but a musical review.
ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLE
Middle / High School
Grades: 7-12
PERIODS 1-6
Orchestra is open to all students who either: a) wish to learn how to play a stringed instrument, or b) who already play a stringed/woodwind instrument. This is a performance-based class and there will be performance opportunities at the Winter and Spring concerts. Most years, there is a beginning orchestra and an advance orchestra.
ROBOTICS (HS)
High School
Grades: 9-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Students learn how to build and code robots and work as a team to participate in the First Robotics Tech Challenge. GALA has three teams that compete with a variety of roles on each team. If you like graphic design, social media management, documenting the engineering process, video production, organizing outreach, fundraising, finance, building and coding, robotics is a good fit for you! Students will have access to a classroom dedicated to the robotics competition field. To be a part of the Robotics Team, students must be available for some after school work and weekend competition. No prerequisite or prior experience needed. Click HERE for more info.
Additional “D” Science credit for graduation/A-G requirements.
ROBOTICS (MS)
Middle School
Grades: 6-8
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Students learn how to build and code robots and work as a team to participate in First Lego League competitions. There will be some after school work and weekend competitions. Click HERE for more info.
SPANISH 1, 2, 3
Middle / High School
Grades: 8-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE AND PERIOD 1-6 ELECTIVE
Working on the foundational skills, students increase their knowledge of and proficiency in Spanish spoken and written language. Priority given to high school students.
2 years FULFILL “E” LOTE Requirement for graduation/A-G requirements.
WEIGHT LIFTING
High School
Grades: 9-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Students will articulate the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to maintain meaningful physical activity throughout their lifetime. Topics include: proper lifting form and technique, warm-up, cool down, and proper recovery, planes of motion and movement patterns, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and goal setting for fitness. Counts for one year of PE credit.
YEARBOOK
Middle / High School
Grades: 7-12
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE
Work as a team to conceptualize, write, photograph, design and document the school yearbook. Students should have an attention to detail, design, and writing.
Application required.
E L E C T I V E F A Q
7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are electives for all grades?: Some electives are for Middle School, some are for HIgh School, and some for both.
Are there applications for electives?: Dance, Leadership (rising 6th), and Yearbook have applications. Links are in your 7th period elective choice form that is posted at the end of each school year. Leadership (7th-12th) are elected in the Spring before each school year.
Are 7th Period Electives for the entire year?: Yes, 7th period electives are for the entire year. Please select carefully.
I heard my incoming 6th grader will have an elective wheel. Do we get a choice for that?: No. The elective wheel for 6th graders only is fixed - 4 classes that rotate every 10 weeks. For the 2025-2026, they are Aerospace, Mythology, Introduction to Computer Science, and Global Cultures.
Does my daughter have to attend 7th period electives? Can she leave after 6th period?: No. The 7th period elective is a graded, academic course that will appear on your transcript.
Do certain grades get priority?: Each elective is available to the grades indicated in your Elective Hanbook. For some electives, priority is given. For example, if a High School student needs a Fine Art requirement to graduate, they would get priority.
If I am a new student entering 7th-12th grade, can I choose Leadership?: Leadership is our ASB Associated Student Body elected positions. Rising 7th-12th grader run for office in the Spring of the previous year. Rising 6th graders interested in leadership should submit an application the first week of school.
I see electives on the website that are not for 7th period. How would my daughter take those?: She would select those as choices in Periods 1-6. The class selection form is available in the Spring before each school year.
I have more course selection questions: Reach out to our counselors. Middle School: [email protected] or High School: [email protected].
Why are some electives not available each year?: Teachers may change what electives they want to teach each year.
ELECTIVES NOT AVAILABLE THIS SCHOOL YEAR
