Not all elective courses are offered every year.

Introduction to Computers for Middle School – full-year class
Prerequisite: 7th and 8th grades
In this course, students will learn keyboarding and basic computer applications as well as how to explore the internet. Students will learn how to use Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, Online Libraries, and virtual tours. Additional topics will include internet safety, digital citizenship, and learning to code using Scratch.

Art – Drafting and Drawing – full-year class
Unleash your artistic potential in this dynamic drawing and sketching course. Explore various media, including pencil, charcoal, pastel, and ink, and their unique possibilities.  Drawing inspiration from Devarim, students will engage with subjects like anatomy and landscapes, fostering a deeper understanding of the world.  This course invites you to connect with your creativity and express your vision while reflecting the Creator’s beauty. Join us for an inspiring artistic experience!

Exploring Crafts – full-year class
The purpose of this class is for students to complete several unique craft projects each quarter, which they may choose to continue making on their own.  Some crafts will be related to a specific holiday, while others will be made for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.  All projects will be made with materials and tools that can be easily purchased, allowing students to continue making the craft at home and giving it as gifts.  Some crafts to be taught include beading, ceramics, metal punching, cut glass, Christmas ornaments, rubber stamping, and quilling.  There will be an art supply fee of $50.

Drama – full-year class
This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of stage presentation.  Students will learn drama terms, character development, stage blocking movements, improvisation, storytelling, safe stage management, publicity, and set building while rehearsing a play to be performed as a culminating experience.  Students will participate in either one or two shows per year. The student will be required to attend practices outside of school hours, as well as a full tech week.  A $50 fee will be charged.

Drama Tech – half-year class
Students will learn the intricacies of the “behind-the-scenes” activity that is part of producing a theater production.  Students will become the stage crew for the current year’s production.  Class starts during the third or fourth quarter of the school year (depending on the production date).

Critical Thinking for Middle School – full-year class
The objective of the Critical Thinking class is to teach students “to think logically, present well-developed arguments, and see through unsupported arguments”.  Additionally, students will learn how to solve logic puzzles and brain teasers.

Exploration of Music and Movement – full-year class
This course is designed as an introduction to social dancing. The skills learned in this class can be used at wedding receptions, school dances, or ballroom-like dances. Students will learn basic music theory and social etiquette, and may incorporate rhythm games to aid in navigating the dance floor properly. Skills covered will incorporate both popular contemporary music and dance styles through more traditional ballroom styles. Some skills will build upon previous skills, and attendance is mandatory. No partner is required, but based on participation level, eventual partner work is the goal. This class meets once a month on Wednesdays.

Basketball – seasonal
Towle basketball teams, for both boys and girls, that include students in 6th through 12th grades, play from October through February. A full-time or part-time (taking at least one class) Towle High School student can participate for $200 per student per season*.

Homeschoolers not enrolled at Towle may now join our basketball program! A registration fee of $325 is required. 
Practices are usually held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Games are typically scheduled on the same nights as practices, although some may be held on Monday or Friday nights.
Don’t hesitate to contact Towle Athletic Director Sara Chick at sara.chick@towleinstitute.com with questions and for registration details!

Parents are welcome to submit outside sources for elective classes that they would like to have appear on their students’ report cards. These may include, but are not limited to, private music lessons, chorus, band, private dance instruction, Math Counts, and community clubs. To receive credit for these electives on the student’s report card, please provide a course description along with a weekly log of activity hours by Week 33. The log should include the date of each activity, the time spent each day, a brief description of the activity, and the total number of hours at the bottom of the chart. A spreadsheet format is recommended for the log. Once completed, the parent must sign and submit the log to the office no later than Week 33. 

*For Independent Study credit for a core course (math, science, history, and foreign language), follow the Independent Study guidelines as outlined in the Student Handbook.