Middle School Pathways in CTE

Computational ThinkingIn middle school, students have the flexibility to either immerse themselves in one pathway for all three years or explore different pathways to discover their interests. Each course within our Engineering, Computer Science, and Business & Consumer Services pathways is available as a year-long or semester option, giving students the freedom to dive deep into a subject or try something new each year. Middle school is a critical time to investigate and find your passion, and these pathways provide an exciting opportunity to develop skills and explore potential career interests.

In our 6th grade courses, students develop computational thinking, a crucial skill for today's world. It teaches them to break down problems logically, benefiting not just coding but all areas—from math to innovative science solutions. By focusing on computational thinking, we equip students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. Overall our courses focus on the six essential skills below.

CTE Middle School Essential Skills

CTE Middle School Essential Skills: problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, financial literacy, creativity
Engineering Pathway

ENGINEERING EXPLORATIONS (Grade 6)*

  • A hands-on course exploring the world of technology and its impact on our lives.
  • Develop critical problem-solving skills while working on design briefs and real-world challenges using technology and power tools.
  • Collaborate with classmates to integrate math and science in problem-based learning, becoming a creative problem solver and innovative engineer.

STEM INNOVATORS (Grade 7)

  • Focus in on the design process, inventing new products and systems while exploring the history of groundbreaking innovations and their societal impacts.
  • Learn essential technology concepts and computational thinking, while gaining hands-on experience with 3D printing, bringing your ideas to life in three dimensions.
  • Foster your creativity and problem-solving skills through Project-Based Learning, creating animations, games, and stories.

APPLIED ENGINEERING (Grade 8)

  • Discover the fundamentals of engineering through interactive projects and hands-on activities that bring real-world scenarios to life.
  • Explore different engineering disciplines and master the design process, honing your problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
  • Collaborate with peers and cultivate teamwork abilities in this engaging course that sets the foundation for a future in engineering

High School Clusters to Consider:

Computer Science Pathway  

COMPUTER SCIENCE EXPLORATIONS (Grade 6)*

  • Dive into the world of Computer Science with fun projects and challenges using the exciting MyCS Scratch curriculum.
  • Get creative and solve real-world problems while learning about coding, communication, and technology.
  • Discover how to think like a computer scientist while exploring cool concepts.

COMPUTER SCIENCE INVESTIGATIONS (Grade 7)

  • Explore the amazing impact of Computer Science on our daily lives, from the gadgets we use to how we work and have fun.
  • Unleash your creativity and innovation by building websites, apps, games, and more, while learning crucial skills to express yourself through technology.
  • Jump into the world of coding and design, where you can transform your ideas into reality and enhance your computational thinking skills.

APPLIED COMPUTER SCIENCE (Grade 8)

  • Discover the exciting transition from block-based to text-based programming in Python in this introductory CS course, unlocking a world of creative possibilities including app design, LED art, and music composition.
  • Unleash your creativity with innovative tools like App Lab and Micro:bit Python editor.
  • Explore the world of programming through hands-on projects that build your skills in Python and problem-solving, all while fostering a passion for coding and collaboration.
  

High School Clusters to Consider:

Business and Consumer Services Pathway  

AGRIBUSINESS (Grade 6)

  • Explore the diverse world of Agriculture, Business, and Consumer Services, exploring agribusiness, nutrition, and food preparation.
  • Engage in hands-on projects that foster teamwork, marketing expertise, and financial understanding, 
  • Build a strong foundation for your future through interactive and dynamic learning experiences.

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS (Grade 7)

  • Explore personal financial literacy and family management skills, empowering responsible decision-making and equipping you with critical thinking abilities to tackle real-life challenges.
  • A course designed to foster personal and professional growth, acquiring essential skills and knowledge across various domains.
  • Explore ethical decision-making and career planning, while exploring diverse career pathways.

APPLIED BUSINESS & MARKETING (Grade 8)

  • Learn about developing business plans and how to define your target market and brand a company or product.
  • Discover the basics of money management in business, with projects such as flipping a house, developing a new restaurant, or pitching a new business idea. 
  • Develop valuable collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills that are essential for success in any future career path.

High School Clusters to Consider: