Acting and performance for ages 6-8. Actors study the arts of improvisation, clowning, Greek theatre, and modern scene works in a fun, simplified, and age appropriate way. Occasional homework required (memorizing just a few lines).

Acting and performance for ages 9-11. Actors study the arts of improvisation, clowning, Greek theatre, and modern scene works in a fun and slightly more challenging way. Occasional homework required (memorizing lines).

Selective admission course pending audition (see audition notice) for actors ages 12 & up, with rare exceptions considered for actors younger than age 12. Pre-requisites in BEG and INT Drama and/or alt theatre experience are highly recommended. Actors will audition, rehearse, and perform in full-scale theatrical productions throughout the year. This class has optional rollover time into fifth period & occasional time requirements outside of class for dress/tech rehearsals and performances. Homework required (memorizing lines).

Artists ages 12+ design and produce artistic elements for various AAC theatrical productions, including (but not limited to) Greek theatre masks, props, costuming, makeup design, program design, set design/construction, and more. Optional rollover time into fifth period. Some homework required (finishing art projects).

This class is designed for younger singers who are in the beginning stages of their musical journey. Throughout the year, learners will begin to explore the ins and outs of the amazing instrument that they carry around with them everyday– their voice! Using a variety of genres spanning multiple time periods, budding musicians will become comfortable singing in both large and small groups, performing in duets and as soloists. An introduction to Solfège and ear training will form the foundation needed for reading music and harmonizing with others. This choir can expect to perform in a minimum of one performance per semester outside of school hours. No experience necessary! Offered Tuesday/Thursday; Register for one OR both days Supply Fee: $25 per semester

This class is designed for younger singers who are in the beginning stages of their musical journey. Throughout the year, learners will begin to explore the ins and outs of the amazing instrument that they carry around with them everyday– their voice! Using a variety of genres spanning multiple time periods, budding musicians will become comfortable singing in both large and small groups, performing in duets and as soloists. An introduction to Solfège and ear training will form the foundation needed for reading music and harmonizing with others. This choir can expect to perform in a minimum of one performance per semester outside of school hours. No experience necessary! Offered Tuesday/Thursday; Register for one OR both days Supply Fee: $25 per semester

This class is designed to be a continuation of the concepts introduced in previous years with an emphasis on ear-training, music literacy and musicianship. Singers will become comfortable singing in two and three part harmony, reading sheet music and communicating the basics of music theory. This choir can expect to perform in a minimum of one performance per semester outside of school hours. Previous music experience is a plus but not required! Offered Tuesday/Thursday; Register for one OR both days Supply Fee: $25 per semester

This class is designed to be a continuation of the concepts introduced in previous years with an emphasis on ear-training, music literacy and musicianship. Singers will become comfortable singing in two and three part harmony, reading sheet music and communicating the basics of music theory. This choir can expect to perform in a minimum of one performance per semester outside of school hours. Previous music experience is a plus but not required! Offered Tuesday/Thursday; Register for one OR both days Supply Fee: $25 per semester

This class is designed for singers who are ready to work hard, learn a ton and have fun while doing so. Quick paced rehearsals will lead to proficiency in ear-training, music literacy and musicianship. In addition to performing in semester showcases, singers in this class may take on additional performance/ audition opportunities as they become available. Requires director approval. Enrollment on both Tuesday AND Thursday is required. Supply Fee: $25 per semester

This course is designed for learners who want to know the why behind where music comes from! We will explore the history of a variety of musical instruments and genres and how they are all connected. Topics include, but are not limited to: history of world music, music theory, composition, ear-training, history of western music and the study of popular music. This class is offered for an optional grade. Learners can expect to spend approximately half an hour outside of class time on suggested readings. It is offered as a high school course with mature, motivated middle school students welcome. Required Text: Resonances; Engaging Music in Its Cultural Context (Downloadable PDF available for free at www.ung.edu.)

This course will focus on basic to intermediate music theory as it pertains to composing music across different genres. Musicians will have the opportunity to create individual works as well as collaborate with classmates. This class is offered for an optional grade. Students can expect to spend approximately half an hour outside of class time on editing their compositions. It is offered as a high school course with mature, motivated middle school students welcome. Optional Materials: Manuscript paper Required Materials: Personal tablet or computer with headphones and internet access. Required Text: To Be Announced

This Life Skills course is designed to equip middle school students with essential skills for navigating high school and beyond with confidence and competence. Through interactive lessons, real-world applications, and hands-on activities, students will develop critical life skills in the following areas: ● Financial Literacy – Budgeting, banking, credit, debt management, and smart consumer habits. ● Confidence Building – Self-awareness, goal-setting, personal responsibility, and resilience. ● Communication Skills – Effective verbal communication, active listening, conflict resolution, and digital etiquette. ● Time Management & Organization – Prioritization, scheduling, productivity strategies, and balancing responsibilities. ● Goal Setting & Future Planning- Vision boards, short vs long term goals, growth mindset & resilience ● Health & Wellness – Stress management, mental health awareness, nutrition, and self-care. ● Entrepreneurship & Innovation- Mini business projects, Shark Tank Style Pitches ● Cooking & Meal Planning – Basic cooking techniques, grocery shopping on a budget, meal prepping, reading nutrition labels, and kitchen safety. By the end of this course, students will be empowered with the practical skills necessary for personal and professional success. They will leave with a strong foundation in financial literacy, effective communication, decision-making, and everyday life management—key tools for a thriving future. *This class will have ~1 hour of work required to be done outside of class each week and can be taken for a grade. *This class will have a supply fee. *There will potentially be an HEB field trip, that is within walking distance of the school.

This class meets high school graduation requirements for a year long social studies credit. This Life Skills course is designed to equip high school students with essential skills for navigating adulthood with confidence and competence. Through interactive lessons, real-world applications, and hands-on activities, students will develop critical life skills in the following areas: ● Financial Literacy – Budgeting, banking, credit, debt management, and smart consumer habits. ● Confidence Building – Self-awareness, goal-setting, personal responsibility, and resilience. ● Communication Skills – Effective verbal communication, active listening, conflict resolution, and digital etiquette. ● Time Management & Organization – Prioritization, scheduling, productivity strategies, and balancing responsibilities. ● Career & College Readiness – Résumé writing, job interviews, networking, workplace professionalism, and post-high school planning. ● Health & Wellness – Stress management, mental health awareness, nutrition, and self-care. ● Civic & Social Responsibility – Understanding rights and responsibilities, basic law awareness, and community involvement. ● Cooking & Meal Planning – Basic cooking techniques, grocery shopping on a budget, meal prepping, reading nutrition labels, and kitchen safety. By the end of this course, students will be empowered with the practical skills necessary for personal and professional success. They will leave with a strong foundation in financial literacy, effective communication, decision-making, and everyday life management—key tools for a thriving future. *This class will have ~1 hour of work required to be done outside of class each week and can be taken for a grade. *This class will have a supply fee. *There will potentially be an HEB field trip, that is within walking distance of AAC.

Step into a world of magic, mystery, and mouthwatering meals! In this enchanting elementary cooking class, young chefs will embark on a culinary journey inspired by beloved fairytales and fantasy books. Each week, we’ll explore a story and create delicious dishes that bring these tales to life. But a true hero or heroine must also have impeccable manners! Along with our cooking adventures, we will learn and practice a new manner each week, from polite table settings to how to take turns during a conversation. *No homework will be required for this class. *This class will have a supply fee

Get ready to mix, knead, and bake with purpose! In this hands-on middle school cooking and baking class, students will learn essential kitchen skills while creating delicious homemade treats and savory dishes. Great food is even better when shared! This class also emphasizes teamwork and community service, encouraging students to work together and find ways to give back—whether by preparing meals for loved ones, baking for a cause, or learning about food-related charities. Along the way, we’ll explore the power of food to bring people together and make a difference. *Minimal work outside of class. *This class will have a supply fee. *This class is not allergy friendly. All students are welcome but recipes will not be changed to accommodate dietary restrictions.*

New and unique art class for all ages, inspired by AAC’s Kitchen Science Fairytales & Fantasies class. Optional homework (finishing art projects).

Hands on (yes, gardening!) art and science class all about our beautifully botanical world. For all ages. Optional homework.

3rd-5th grade - This will be a fun and energetic introduction to literary analysis. Students will be literary archeologists and learn to sift through the layers of words to uncover meaning and depth. We will deep dive into characterization, inferences, narration, mood and tone. Together we will annotate texts and discover the joy of discussing books! Homework- Students will be required to read outside of class and be ready to discuss what they have read. They will also complete 2-3 projects. Lastly, there is optional written work. Parents are expected to purchase books with the correct ISBN. Books for this course include but are not limited to: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. O’Brien

This will be a fun and engaging course where students will learn to become literary archaeologists. They will learn to dig deep and sift through the layers of words to uncover meaning and depth. Students can expect weekly homework assignments including reading, vocabulary, and discussion questions. Students will also complete additional class projects along with 1-2 essays. Students will practice how to craft an analytical essay through the medium of discussion questions. I will also explicitly teach analytical essay writing. This is an ungraded course, however I do review and provide feedback on assignments. Students can expect to spend 3+/- hours a week on homework. Parents are expected to purchase the books with the correct ISBN. Books for this course will include but are not limited to- The Star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan

In this rigorous English course, students will be expected to read and complete written homework outside of class. They will answer discussion questions, write 1-2 essays per semester, and have additional class projects. Students will also be expected to participate in class discussions. Students can expect to spend 5+/- hours per week on homework. Our focus will be on literary analysis and critical thinking. Students will be literary archeologists and learn to sift through the layers of words to uncover meaning and depth. Students will learn how to craft an analytical essay through the medium of discussion questions. Discussion questions will be stepping stones leading to writing a complete essay. Students should already have basic essay writing in their tool belt and be primed to build upon those skills. The books for this course include but are not limited to: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Animal Farm by George Orwell The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak Parents are expected to purchase the correct ISBN of each book that I will send out. Any additional resources- poetry, short story, or essay will be provided. This is an optionally graded class. I am happy to provide letter grades, not numeric ones. Here is the fun bit- I am an energetic teacher who loves my subject. I am also deeply committed to helping students succeed. I am available outside of class for help, and I encourage students to use me as a resource. We only have a short time in class together to cover a lot of ground, so I encourage students to call, text, or email me with their questions.

3rd - 5th grade - In this fun and engaging introduction to creative writing, students will learn about vivid verbs, characterization, story structure, literary elements, forms of poetry, and so much more. They will find a supportive environment to allow their imagination to take flight and the tools to organize their ideas and discover the joy of bringing their thoughts to life on paper. Writing homework will be part of the class, the time is dependent upon the student.

Explore ambitious genres and styles through writer-driven projects including (but not limited to) playwriting for performance, novels, and more. Feedback is exclusively through Read & Respond method. Ages 12+. homework required (writing outside of class).

3rd-6th Grade This hands-on project-based class will be a deep dive into history. Class time will be spent listening to stories, creating, playing games, solving puzzles and doing projects centering around non-Eurocentric societies and cultures of the Middle Ages. History will be taught from a secular perspective, but relevant religions of the time and place will be taught and explored. Each semester, students will be asked to complete 3 at home assignments: reading 1 book (available on audiobook), writing one article and completing 1 at home project. A list of optional supplemental literature will be provided. Fall: Middle Ages SE Asia: Japan, Korea, Khumer and Thailand Spring: Middle Ages Americas: Puebloan, Maya, Aztec, and Inca Communication will be done through Google Classroom. This class is NOT for a grade.

A fast-paced, chronological exploration of U.S. history, from pre-contact life to the present. Through collaborative art projects, debate games, role-playing activities, discussions, and more, students will build an overarching understanding of human life on this land through time while making connections to life in the U.S. today. Topics include: origin stories; Indigenous innovations (including corn, trade networks, and fire) and civilizations; colonization, slavery, and the consequences of the Columbian Exchange; democracy and revolutions; the rise of U.S. imperialism and westward expansion; the abolition movement, The Civil War, and Reconstruction; nationalism and exclusion; imperialism abroad movement (particularly in Hawai’i, Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico); the Great Migration and Jim Crow; the world wars; decolonization, globalization, and The Cold War; civil rights, human rights, Islamophobia, and climate change. Part of every class will be devoted to a discussion of current events, with a particular focus on U.S. politics. Students should expect to spend approximately one hour a week on recommended course readings/videos/podcasts and an additional hour each week on their choice of several homework options (always including at least one art- or creativity-based assignment). No prior history class is required to be successful in this class. Grades are optional. Recommended Texts America Redux: Visual Stories from Our Dynamic History by Ariel Aberg-Riger Colonization and the Wampanoag Story by Linda Coombs Slavery and the African American Story by Patricia Williams Dockery Made in Asian America: A History for Young People by Erika Lee and Christina Soontornvat Dreams from Many Rivers: A Hispanic History of the United States Told in Poems by Margarita Engle and Beatriz Gutierrez Hernandez

A fast-paced, chronological exploration of BIG world history, from the Big Bang to the formation of our solar system, the origins and evolution of life on Earth, our human family tree, prehistory, ancient history, medieval history, early modern and modern history, and even into the future. Through collaborative art projects, games, role-playing activities, discussions, the creation of micro-history books, and more, students will build an overarching understanding of human life on planet Earth. Our work each week will include the construction of an epic collaborative illustrated timeline of integrated world history. This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to world history, blending science, art, music, performance, language arts, and more as we study everything from dinosaurs to the rise and fall of empires all over the world. Students should expect to spend approximately one hour a week on recommended course readings/videos/podcasts and an additional hour each week on their choice of several homework options (always including at least one art- or creativity-based assignment). No prior history class is required to be successful in this class. Grades are optional. Recommended Texts: Revised and Expanded version of Absolutely Everything: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots, and Other Things too Numerous to Mention by Christopher Lloyd (ISBN: 978-1804660768. I do not recommend the older version of this text, it is FAR worse!) Before Columbus: The Americas of 1491 by Charles C. Mann Stolen History: The Truth About the British Empire and How It Shaped Us by Sathnam Sanghera The Black History Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained by DK

Students will examine the influence of news media in modern society and learn how to gather, research, and report in a variety of journalistic styles. We will also learn the ins and outs of newspaper layout, newspaper production, and fundraising. Students in this class will apply for newspaper staff positions and work together to produce multiple editions of the AAC community newspaper. This is project-based learning at its best!

This class teaches all the conventions of high school and college-level academic writing. We will learn how to conduct research and write essays in every genre, including persuasive, narrative, informative, and expository. The assignments in this class are project-based and collaborative, with the goal of helping students understand the relevance and power of writing.

In this class, students will learn about the structure of the United States government and how it works at local, state, and federal levels. We will explore our election process, how bills become laws, and our rights and responsibilities as citizens. We will also examine current events and develop skills in news literacy. Ultimately, students will walk away from this class with the knowledge to be informed and engaged citizens in their community.

In this class, students will learn about the structure of the United States government and how it works at local, state, and federal levels. We will explore our election process, how bills become laws, and our rights and responsibilities as citizens. We will also examine current events and develop skills in news literacy. Ultimately, students will walk away from this class with the knowledge to be informed and engaged citizens in their community.

A fast-paced, chronological exploration of U.S. history, from pre-contact life to the present. Through collaborative art projects, debate games, role-playing activities, discussions, and more, students will build an overarching understanding of human life on this land through time while making connections to life in the U.S. today. Topics include: origin stories; Indigenous innovations (including corn, trade networks, and fire) and civilizations; colonization, slavery, and the consequences of the Columbian Exchange; democracy and revolutions; the rise of U.S. imperialism and westward expansion; the abolition movement, The Civil War, and Reconstruction; nationalism and exclusion; imperialism abroad (particularly in Hawai’i, Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico); the Great Migration and Jim Crow; the world wars; decolonization, globalization, and The Cold War; civil rights, human rights, Islamophobia, and climate change. Part of every class will be devoted to a discussion of current events, with a particular focus on U.S. politics. Students should expect to spend approximately two hours a week on recommended course readings/ videos/podcasts and an additional 1-2 hours each week on their choice of several homework options (always including at least one art- or creativity-based assignment). No prior history class is required to be successful in this class. Grades are optional.

A fast-paced, chronological exploration of BIG world history, from the Big Bang to the formation of our solar system, the origins and evolution of life on Earth, our human family tree, prehistory, ancient history, medieval history, early modern and modern history, and even into the future. Through collaborative art projects, games, role-playing activities, discussions, the creation of micro-history books, and more, students will build an overarching understanding of human life on planet Earth. Our work each week will include the construction of an epic collaborative illustrated timeline of integrated world history. This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to world history, blending science, art, music, performance, language arts, and more as we study everything from dinosaurs to the rise and fall of empires all over the world. The recommended readings for this course are challenging, college-level texts, but readings can be supplemented or replaced by recommended videos and podcasts in order to accommodate different learning styles. Students should expect to spend approximately two hours a week on recommended course readings/ videos/podcasts and an additional 1-2 hours each week on their choice of several homework options (always including at least one art- or creativity-based assignment). No prior history class is required to be successful in this class. Grades are optional. Recommended Texts Origin Story: A Big History of Everything by David Christian Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues by Jonathan Kennedy World History, Volume 1: to 1500 by Kordas, A., J. Tatlock, B. Nelson, and R. J. Lynch (This book is free to access online through Openstax) World History, Volume 2: since 1500 by Kordas, A., J. Tatlock, B. Nelson, and R. J. Lynch (This book is free to access online through Openstax) Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, Adapted for Young Readers by Isabel Wilkerson Africa Is Not a Country: Notes on a Bright Continent by Dipo Faloyin 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles Mann The Black History Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained by DK

A joyful introduction to the Spanish language! This class is ideal for students with a playful spirit who enjoy singing, dancing, playing games, making art, and anything else I may think of! In this class the focus is on oral language development and helping students develop an ear for the language so that when they pursue it more academically, they will have a foundation of knowledge.

Middle School Spanish is ideal for students who have not previously taken a Spanish class. We will focus on basic vocabulary and phrases, basic grammar, cultural exposure, speaking and listening to basic sentences and writing short assignments. A multi-sensory approach will be used to create engaging and interactive lessons. Students should expect to spend some time outside of class reviewing material. Required Materials: 1.5 inch binder, sheet protectors

High School Spanish is ideal for someone with basic Spanish instruction or a motivated first-time learner. We will work through basic vocabulary quickly and move towards expanded vocabulary. We will also focus on grammar with an introduction to a wider range of tenses (e.g., past tenses like preterite and imperfect, future tense, conditional tense) and develop speaking and listening proficiency. A multi-sensory approach will be used to create engaging and interactive lessons. Short, frequent reviews are the key to learning a second language; therefore, students should expect to spend 15 minutes a day reviewing material at home. This class meets standards for a high school foreign language requirement. Students who complete Spanish I will be prepared to enroll in High School Spanish II. Required Materials: 1.5 inch binder, sheet protectors

This class will focus on foundational skills such as basic technique, simple melodies, rhythm games, and introductory note reading—all delivered at a comfortable pace to keep younger students engaged and encouraged.

This will also be a beginner-level class, but we’ll move at a slightly quicker pace, appropriate for older beginners. We’ll cover the same core concepts—technique, note reading, and ensemble skills—but with more structure and deeper musical exploration to match their developmental stage.