Elective Courses


Main Course Selection Page | Required Course List | Required Course Descriptions

Below are all elective courses currently offered at Elk Ridge. Review these descriptions and check out related videos to decide what courses you would like to request.

Remember you will be choosing more courses than you will actually take so that you get a second choice if the first ends up not working out.

Some of our teachers have made intro video/slides for their courses to give you a peek at what to expect. They are listed with the course descriptions below, but those courses are:

ELECTIVE COURSES OFFERED

Teacher Aide, Counseling Office Aide, Attendance Office Aide or Main Office Aide (available to 9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA or higher and no N’s or U’s in citizenship. Students will run notes to classes, will run errands for and assist with projects. This is a semester class.

Ms. Mair’s Peer Tutor Aide (available to 9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Students must have at least a  3.0 GPA or higher and no N’s or U’s in citizenship. Peer tutoring provides opportunities for students to work under the direction of a special education teacher to mentor and support academic and social skills for students who have significant learning gaps. This is a semester class.

Math Peer Tutor Aide (available to 8th and 9th grade students. 0.5 credit)– Students must have at least a  3.0 GPA or higher and no N’s or U’s in citizenship. Math Peer tutoring provides opportunities for students to work under the direction of a Math teacher to mentor and support other students. This is a semester class.

Release Time (available to 9th grade students. No school credit)- Seminary. Students will study from the current year curriculum for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seminary program. Attendance is taken. This is a full year class. 

Girls Choir 1  (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) VIDEO – No audition required. Students who have not taken a full year of choir are in choir 1. Emphasis will be placed on good vocal production, part singing, and music reading skills.  Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirement and will constitute a portion of the grade.  This is a full year class.

Boys Choir 1 (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) VIDEO – No audition required. Students who have not taken a full year of choir are in choir 1. Emphasis will be placed on good vocal production, part singing, and music reading skills.  Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirement and will constitute a portion of the grade.  This is a full year class.

Mixed Choir 2 (available to 8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) –  Audition Required VIDEO – students must have previously taken a full year of choir and know basic music theory. This is a vocal music course which covers three and four-part music and review of singing fundamentals.   This is a full year class.

Concert Choir (available to 8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) – Audition Required VIDEO – Advanced vocal music groups designed for  students to sing advanced choral literature and build more techniques in singing.  Rehearsals and performances outside of class time may be part of the course requirements and constitute a portion of the grade. This is a full year class.

Advanced Lady Choir (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Audition Required VIDEO – Advanced vocal music group designed for students to sing advanced choral literature and build more techniques in singing.  Rehearsals and performances outside of class time will be part of the course requirements and will constitute a portion of the grade. This is a semester class. Only offered half of the year.

Advanced Man Choir (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Audition Required VIDEO – Advanced vocal music group designed for students to sing advanced choral literature and build more techniques in singing.  Rehearsals and performances outside of class time will be part of the course requirements and will constitute a portion of the grade. This is a semester class. Only offered half of the year.

Band 1, Woodwinds, Brass, or Percussion Classes (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) – INTRO VIDEO (Choose ‘Present’ to view) – Beginning level courses.  No experience needed..  The following instruments are taught:  Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone-must begin on clarinet first, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion (both mallet and drums, piano experience strongly recommended).  Those interested in saxophone will  start the year off on clarinet.  Half way through the school year those students will switch to saxophone.   Students need to provide their own instrument and book.  The school does own some instruments that may be rented out.  Supplies are provided for those on fee waiver.  These are full year classes.

Percussion Ensemble (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) – Instructor approval required – INTRO VIDEO (Choose ‘Present’ to view) – An intermediate to advanced level class.   Class is for students who already have experience playing percussion including  drums, mallet keyboard instruments and other percussion related instruments.  Practice outside of class time and performances are part of this course.  Instrument required. This is a full year class.

Concert Band (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) – Instructor approval required- An intermediate-level band class.  INTRO VIDEO (Choose ‘Present’ to view) – Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirement and will constitute a portion of the grade. Instrument required.  This is a full year class.

Symphonic Band (available to 8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) – Instructor approval required – And advanced level band class.  INTRO VIDEO (Choose ‘Present’ to view) – Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances.  Rehearsals and performances outside of class are part of the course requirement and constitute a portion of the grade. Practice outside of class time with an instrument is required. This is a full year class.

Orchestra 1 (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) – INTRO SLIDES – No experience necessary.  This class is for students who would  like to learn to play a violin, viola, cello, or string bass.  25 minute daily practice required.  Instrument required. For students who have played for 1 full calendar year or less.  This is a full year class.

Orchestra 2 (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) – Prerequisite:  Instructor approval (Audition and/or interview possible) – INTRO SLIDES – This is an intermediate-level orchestra class focusing on intermediate-level literature for orchestra.  Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirements and will constitute a portion of the grade.  Practice  outside of class time with an instrument is required.  If available, a viola, a cello, or a string bass may be rented from the school for a nominal fee. This is a full year class.

Orchestra 3 (available to 8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) – Prerequisite: Instructor approval (Audition and/or interview possible) – INTRO SLIDES –  This is an orchestra class focusing on advanced-level literature for orchestra.  Rehearsals and performances outside of class time are part of the course requirement and will constitute a portion of the grade.  Practice outside of class time with an instrument is required. This is a full year class.

Art Foundations 1 (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – INTRO SLIDES – This class is an exploratory course that will cover the basics of art.  Students will participate in opportunities to make art and learn studio habits.  Students will work with a variety of art making materials to build a strong foundation of knowledge they can use in higher level classes.  There are no prerequisites for this class, but this class is a prerequisite to other art classes.  Fee may apply. This is a semester class.

Art Foundations 2 (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Prerequisite:  Art Foundation 1. – INTRO SLIDES – This class reviews and builds on the concepts learned in Foundations 1.  More advanced concepts in creating works of art will be taught with an emphasis on composition. Students get creative with how they make their art and build their own style within the art mediums. Fee may apply. This is a semester class.

Ceramics 1 (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Prerequisite: Art Foundations 2. INTRO SLIDES – Ceramics develops basic skills in the creation of 3-D forms and pottery from clay.  Fee may apply. This is a semester class. 

Ceramics 2 (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit)– Prerequisite: Ceramics 1. INTRO SLIDES – builds on from the basics learned in Ceramics 1. Projects will use more advanced skills, techniques, and concepts including using the pottery wheel. Fee may apply. This is a semester class.

Drawing 1 (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Prerequisite: Art Foundations 2. INTRO SLIDES – This class focuses on creative and realistic drawings:  rendering from life, pictures, masterworks, and imagination.  With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher level thinking and art-related technology skills. Fee may apply. This is a semester class.

Drawing 2 (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) -Prerequisite: Drawing 1 – INTRO SLIDES – This studio focused class focuses on rendering realistic and creative drawings: still life, real life, and sketchbook development.  Working larger with different materials is what students will work on in the studio. This higher level class builds on ideas/concepts from Drawing 1, advancing prior skills and knowledge.  Fee may apply. This is a semester class.

Painting 1 (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit)  – Prerequisite: Art Foundations 2. INTRO SLIDES – Painting 1 is a beginning level 1 class learning studio habits and the basics of painting.  This class focuses on the rendering of value, color theory, and craftsmanship. Acrylic, Watercolor and Tempera. Fee may apply. This is a semester class.

Exploring Theatre (available to 7th grade students. 0.5 credit) –This introductory course welcomes students to the world of theater with a focus on performance. No previous experience is necessary. Students will explore topics such as “What is Theater?”, improvisation, movement, radio drama, and an introduction to technical theater. This is a semester-long class designed to spark interest and build foundational skills.

Beginning Theatre (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) –Designed for 8th and 9th graders, this introductory course emphasizes performance and requires no prior experience. Students will study theater basics, voice, movement, improvisation, monologues, theater history, and scene work. This semester-long class lays the groundwork for more advanced theater exploration.

Theater Company (8th/9th Grade, 0.5 Credit)
Building on skills from Exploring or Beginning Theater, this class offers advanced acting exploration. Students will delve into character development, storytelling, and Shakespeare, culminating in the performance of a one-act play. This semester-long course enhances skills and provides a deeper understanding of dramatic arts.

Stage Technology – Design (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Open to 7th, 8th, and 9th graders, this course covers the technical design aspects of theater. It serves as an introduction to technical theater and is a prerequisite for joining the Stage Tech Crew. Students will learn about lighting, sound, props, costumes, makeup, and technical design phases. A class fee applies, and this is a semester-long course.

Stage Tech Performance (8th/9th Grade, 1.0 Credit)
For those ready to bring theater productions to life, this exclusive year-long class is limited to 15 students, ensuring personalized attention. Participants will engage in all aspects of stage tech, including lights, sound, set design, props, and costumes. Involvement includes working on technical aspects of musicals, concerts, talent shows, and more. Maintaining good grades and parental support are required, alongside a commitment to after-school and event responsibilities.

Musical Theatre (available to 8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) – Audition Required –For students passionate about singing, dancing, and acting, this advanced year-long class offers comprehensive musical theater education. Participants will engage in character development, blocking, technical design, auditioning, monologues, voice techniques, dance performance, and career preparation. Students will perform in showcases and musicals throughout the year and attend competitions. Enrollment requires an audition for actors or an application/teacher approval for technicians. A class fee applies.

Spanish 1– (available all grade students. 1.0 credit) This course is designed to teach elementary skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The curriculum covered in this course will give students the skills to communicate in culturally-appropriate ways in the target language.  By the end of this course, student skill level should be at novice-mid level according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) standards. This is a year-long class.

Spanish 2 – (available to 8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit)This course is designed to teach elementary skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The curriculum covered in this course will give students the skills to communicate in culturally-appropriate ways in the target language.  By the end of this course, student skill level should be at novice-high level according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) standards. This is a full year class.

Spanish 3H – (available to 9th grade students. 1.0 credit) Prerequisite: Spanish 2. This course is designed to teach advanced skills in listening, speaking, reading, and spelling. The curriculum covered in this course will give students the skills to communicate in culturally-appropriate ways in the target language. By the end of this course, student skill level should be at intermediate-low level according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) standards.

Spanish DLI Culture and Media (available to 7-9th grade DLI students. 0.5 credit per semester) – These courses are only for students who have completed an elementary school Dual Language Immersion program. They are specifically designed to build skills in cultural-linguistic competencies necessary for successful communication with native speakers. Students utilize media and authentic texts to learn about the diverse cultural products, practices, and perspectives of countries. These are each semester long classes and rotate through four different courses – two each year in 7th and 8th grade.

  • Part A  – In this course, students will compare and contrast individual and collective perspectives about the structures that constitute a society by looking at pre-Columbian civilizations (before 1491).
  • Part B  – In this course, students will compare and contrast individual and collective perspectives about discovery, change, oppression and consequences by studying the historical period of Spanish Discovery and Conquest of the Americas (1492-1779).
  • Part C  – In this course, students will compare and contrast individual and collective perspectives about independence, freedom and change by studying the Independence movements of the Hispanic world (1780-1830).
  • Part D  – In this course, students will compare and contrast individual and collective perspectives about globalization and technology by studying the effects of the industrial revolution on the Spanish speaking world (1830-present).

The Culture and Media course is optional per the state DLI office. The district recommends students complete 3 semesters during their time in DLI in middle school.

Reading for Fun (available to 7th/8th grade students. 0.5 credit) – VIDEO INTRO – Designed for students who qualify for more advanced instruction in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and reading skills for reading above grade-level literary, informational, and functional texts. This is a semester class.

Debate (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit)- This course, based on the Utah English Arts (ELA) Core Standards, is designed to introduce students to debate, analysis, reasoning, delivery skills, organization, writing techniques, research, and provides opportunities for impromptu speaking, original oratory, extemporaneous speaking, Lincoln-Douglas debate, and student congress. This is a semester class.

Journalism (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – This course, based on Utah English Language Arts (ELA) Core Standards, is designed to introduce students to newspaper writing and reading, with interviewing, writing, and editing emphasized.  Students will produce a class newspaper. This is a semester class.

Creative Writing (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit)– Students will explore and develop their interests and skills in the field of creative writing.  It is the intent of this course to expose students to narrative writing, poetry, satire, and parody.  Other genres of creative writing may also be explored. This is a semester class. 

Yoga (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – VIDEO – This class focuses on structural alignment, increase of strength and flexibility.  It will deepen a student’s awareness of breath and the role it has in generating energy and stamina in one’s mind and body.  The course will also incorporate techniques for stress relief, and enhance one’s physical performance by teaching students how to connect breath, organ systems, physiology and anatomy all together. This is a semester class.

Social / Ballroom Dance 1 (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – This course offers instruction and practice in the basic social dance steps, rhythms, and techniques.  The following dances may be included: foxtrot, cha-cha, waltz, swing, mambo, western swing, and western line dance.  Performances and rehearsals outside of the regular school day may be required and will constitute a portion of the course grade. This is a semester class. 

Dance 1 (available to 7th/8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – VIDEO – A course offering basic dance technique, fitness fundamentals, movement qualities, and rhythm, with an emphasis on creativity, sequencing, and problem solving. Performances and rehearsals outside of the regular school day may be required and will constitute a portion of the course grade. This is a semester class.

Dance 2 (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Prerequisite: Dance 1 or Instructor approval – VIDEO – This course is designed to develop dance technique, flexibility, and coordination, with an emphasis on creativity and artistic composition. Performances and rehearsals outside of the regular school day may be required and will constitute a portion of the course grade. This is a semester class. 

Advanced Dance (Dance Company) (available to 8th/9th grade students. 1.0 credit) – Prerequisite: Audition Required – VIDEO – A full year course designed to enhance and develop all aspects of dance technique and composition, emphasizing creativity and artistic choreographic skills. Performances and rehearsals outside of the regular school day may be required and will constitute a portion of the course grade. This is a full year class.

Exploring Technology (available to 8th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Exploring Technology is an action-based course that introduces students to the technological systems of two or more of the following areas: energy-power technologies, information and communications technologies, transportation technologies, manufacturing technologies, and construction technologies. Lab fee may apply. This is a semester class.

Engineering Technology (available to 9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – This course shows students how technology is used in engineering to solve everyday problems.  The units excite and motivate students to use their imaginations and teach them to be creative and innovative, while gaining the skills they need to develop, produce and use products and services. Units may include: Design and Modeling, The Magic of Electrons, The Science of Technology, Automation and Robotics, as well as Flight and Space. Fee may apply. This is a semester class.

Digital Literacy/Keyboarding (should be taken either 7th or 8th grade. 0.5 credit) – VIDEO OVERVIEW – This class is really two courses combined into one. The first half is Keyboarding, an unarguably necessary skill for all students. This skill is not taught in any other course and is not offered after the 8th grade. Students are taught proper technique which will make them more efficient typists and help them continue to gain higher speeds even after the class is over. The second half is Digital Literacy, which focuses on understanding how computers are built, what they do, and how to use them properly in a home, work, and social setting. These are essential life skills that the state of Utah has recommended all students to take by the end of 8th grade. This is a semester class.

Creative Coding (available to 7th/8th grade students. 0.5 credit) –A quality computer science curriculum not only engages students in interesting, collaborative learning activities using sound pedagogical strategies, but it also ensures that students are learning concepts vital to the deep and broad field of computer science. Creative Coding has been designed to achieve this goal by aligning with the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards. This course is primarily an introductory programming course. Units are grounded in an array of standards from the strands of computational thinking, collaboration, computing practice and programming, computer and communication devices, and community, global and ethical impacts. This is a semester class.

Python 1 – (available to 7th/8th grade students. 0.5 credit) FLYER – This course introduces the Python programming language and is suitable for students who are new to coding. Python is widely used because of its versatility and flexibility. Students will create games, animations, and other interactive programs. Students will master basic coding concepts common to all programming languages and be introduced to libraries, procedural graphics, and complex input. Students will develop coding-related skills such as decomposition, debugging, and analyzing code written by others. Python is a dominant coding language for major companies like Netflix, Amazon, Spotify, and Instagram. And fun fact, the Python language was named after the British comedy group Monty Python. This is a semester class.

Exploring Computer Science (available to 9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – This course is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus on the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems. The goal of the course is to develop in students the computational thinking practices of algorithm development, problem-solving, and programming with the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers, as well as societal and ethical issues. This course may be used as CTE or Digital Studies credit. This is a semester class.

Web Development 1 (available to 9th grade students 0.5 credit) This course covers the basic hands-on skills and knowledge of Internet technologies, network infrastructure, and Web authoring using HTML. Internet professionals are expected to understand and use these foundation skills. Participation in the SkillsUSA youth leadership organization may be an integral part of this course. This is a semester class.

Business Office Specialist (available to 9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – This course applies advanced concepts and principles using word-processing, spreadsheets, databases and electronic presentation software. Students will integrate applications learned. Students will have the opportunity to gain a Certificate in Microsoft Office.  This is a semester class.

Exploring Business and Marketing (available to 8th/9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Students will be exposed to all the basic concepts in business; including stock market, entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, and human resources. Students will also do an in-class simulation where they will develop an actual product that they may sell to friends and family which may result in real personal profit! This is a semester class.

Information and Communications Technology (available to 9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – Communications Technology will teach students to create, store, analyze, manipulate, record, and transmit information through four major areas: 1) drafting and design  2) electronic communications  3) audio visual/multimedia communications and 4) graphic communications.  Students will explore the impact of communication technology on our society, and explore related careers. Fee may apply. This is a semester class.

Teaching as a Profession (available to 9th grade students 0.5 credit) A course designed to create the next generation of effective educators in Utah. Students will explore educational careers and develop employable skills. Students will create basic lesson plans and accommodate for the academic needs of individual students. Students will investigate theorists who set the framework for effective student learning and child development. Students will craft a variety of hands-on projects applicable to classroom learning. Students will experience the job responsibilities of an educator.

Child Development (available to 9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – This course covers the development of a child from conception through adolescence.  It includes the following topics; reproductive tracts, prenatal development and care, healthy lifestyles conducive to healthy pregnancies, birth defects, and the development and care of children throughout childhood.  This class is a prerequisite for any of the high-level child development courses in High School. This is a semester class.

Foods and Nutrition 1 (available to 9th grade students. 0.5 credit) –This course is designed to help students understand the fundamentals of food and how it works with our bodies. We will discuss the principles of nutrition, food selection and preparation, meal management, and food economics.  Lab fee may apply. This is a semester class.

FCS Child Development and Foods (available to 8th grade students. 0.5 credit)– This Family and Consumer Science course provides students with essential life skills. Students will learn about the following areas: Child Development, Free Enterprise, Teen Living, Foods, and Nutrition. Lab fee may apply.  This is a semester class.

FCS Clothing and Interior Design (available to 8th grade students. 0.5 credit) – An exploratory Family and Consumer Science course where we will learn more about Interior Design, Fashion Design, Sewing Construction & Textiles and Free Enterprise. Students will be expected to provide their own materials for projects in this course.  The school will help supply materials for those students on fee waiver. This is a semester class.

Sewing Construction and Textiles 1 (available to 9th grade students. 0.5 credit) – A beginning class in sewing and textiles.  No experience is needed for the class.  We will learn about fibers, textiles, patterns, and basic sewing techniques.  Students will complete a minimum of three projects:  two apparel items and one final project of their choice. This is a semester class.