Language Acquisition

Lanier offers Mandarin Chinese, French, Spanish, Spanish for Spanish Speakers, and Computer Science.

• 6th grade: ALL students must take a full-year introductory survey course that covers the various language and cultures of the languages that the campus offers. Spanish for Spanish Speakers is offered as another option to incoming 6th graders with the shared understanding that the course is offered at the rigor and pacing of a high school credit course and requires existing proficiency in the language.
• 7th grade: Students select a foreign language to study with the understanding that they continue the same language in 8th grade. All languages are high-school credit courses and are aligned to the curricular standards required of the language.
• 8th grade: For the 26-27 school year, this is the first time the incoming 8th graders will be able to take a high school credit language course. As part of this transition, incoming 8th graders in 27-28 will be eligible to take level 2 of the language started in 7th grade. For 26-27, 8th graders will take Level 1 with the exception of students eligible and interested in taking Spanish 2A/2B.

*Lanier does not offer AP language classes.

Fine Arts (Performing & Visual Arts)

Theater Arts/Drama:

• 6th grade Theater Arts 1: This course is an introduction to performance and design, with an emphasis on building and working in an ensemble. Students will focus on stage movement, improvisation, scene-writing, and character development. No previous theatre experience is required.

• 7th grade Theater Arts 2: This course builds Theater Arts 1, with a particular focus on stage lighting, sound, props, costumes, and performance techniques. Theater Arts 1 is a pre-requisite. Audition information will be sent after the student has submitted course selections.
• 8th grade Theater Arts 3: This course focuses on the entire production process. Students design and perform on the main stage during the school year. While all work is done primarily in class, there will be at least two after-school rehearsals and two evening performances per semester. Theater Arts 2 is a pre-requisite for this class. We are proposing offering this course as a HS credit Fine Arts course.

Creative Writing:

Lanier Creative Writing is a 6th, 7th, and 8th grade course that allows students to develop their writing skills in a supportive and challenging environment. Students will survey diverse classical and contemporary texts, appreciate a variety of mentor documents, and become familiar with regional, national, and international authors. Lanier creative writers will become more confident, informed, and dynamic lifelong readers and writers. We are proposing offering 8th grade Creative Writing as a high school credit course for the upcoming year. Previously it was non-credit based.

Band:

• Beginner Band: Open to all grade levels. You don't need any musical experience to play in our Beginner Band, and you do not have to own an instrument. In the first days of school, students get to try out any or all the band instruments and choose the instrument that is the most appealing to them. Then they begin to learn the skills necessary to play notes with a good tone, and how to play enjoyable music together, By the end of the school year, students will have basic skills in rhythms and note-reading, dynamics, phrasing, articulations, instrument maintenance, and scales, have proper playing posture, and demonstrate appropriate rehearsal and concert behavior. Beginner Band students who can play all twelve major scales and the chromatic scale by memory have the opportunity to move up to the Honors Band if their schedules allow it.
• Symphonic Band: Open to all grade levels. This band is for students who can already read music, know some of their major scales, can create characteristic tones on their instruments, and have experience working on beginner band-level pieces. The symphonic band performs 6-8 times a year at concerts, pep rallies, football games, and attends competitions. Students who qualify for the All-City Band and All-Region Band also perform with these ensembles. By year's end, every member of the Symphonic Band is expected to have improved enough, and demonstrated the appropriate personal maturity, to qualify for the Honors Band, if their schedules allow it. Entry into the Symphonic Band is only by director recommendation.
• Honors Band: Open to all grade levels. This is the top-performing band at Lanier. Honors Band students show a high understanding of music notation, sight reading, high-quality tone production, intonation, and eagerness to perform difficult music and take private lessons. Students in this group show a robust interest in playing and performing at a high level and learn how to work well with other students who are also high-energy. The band performs at least seven times a year, at concerts, football games, pep rallies, the UIL competition, and special events. Students who qualify for All-City Band and All-Region Band also perform with these ensembles. Entry into the Honors Band is only by director recommendation.

Guitar:

Guitar: Open to all grade levels. Students do not need any prior musical experience to be in this class. School guitars are available to use, or students may bring their own. Students learn how to hold and tune their guitars and develop the skills necessary to play songs individually and in a group: reading notes and fingering them correctly on the fretboard, strumming chords with a steady beat, scales and chords, understanding rhythms, dynamics, style, basic musical terms, instrument maintenance, playing posture and rehearsal/concert behavior.

Orchestra:

Orchestra involves the following four main stringed instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass

• Beginning Orchestra: Open to all grade levels. This orchestra is for students in all grade levels who have no previous experience with a stringed instrument. They don't have to have any musical experience at all! We teach the basics in this orchestra. We focus on proper instrument posture, note reading, rhythms, and bow technique.
• Concert: Open to all grade levels. This intermediate-level orchestra class is for students who have been playing for 1-2 years. This class will focus on developing intonation, rhythm, shifting, vibrato, bow technique, ensemble performance, and sight-reading skills. Concert orchestra also plays a wider variety of world, popular, and classical music.
• Philharmonic: Open to all grade levels. This intermediate/advanced level orchestra class is for students in all grade levels with 2-3 years of previous experience on a stringed instrument. We focus on many intermediate skills in this class, including intonation (pitch), rhythms, shifting, vibrato, bow technique, and ensemble performance. Students are accepted into this orchestra by audition only. This orchestra participates in UIL and there are occasional morning sectionals before school.
• Sinfonia: Open to all grade levels. This advanced-level orchestra class requires a high level of commitment from its members. Students are accepted into this orchestra by audition only. We focus on skills such as two-octave scales, advanced shifting and rhythms, and advanced bow technique. Students are expected to be able to read music proficiently. All 7th and 8th grade students are required to audition for the region orchestra. There are morning sectionals before school, as well as after-school rehearsals from time to time. This orchestra also participates in the Lanier Symphony Orchestra (LSO) with members of the band.
• Piano/Keyboard: Open to all grade levels. This is for students in all grade levels who have no previous or some experience with a piano/keyboard. In fact, they don't have to have any musical experience at all! We teach the basics in this class.

Art:

• 6th grade: Students are introduced to a variety of media and techniques to explore the differences in working with Observation vs. Imagination; Organic vs. Manufactured Form; 2D VS 3D Form; Black and White vs. Color and Realism vs. Abstraction. In addition, through analyzing their work and others, students practice deconstructing how works of art are put together.
• 7th grade: Students will learn technical skills to create artwork from direct observation, imagination, and personal experience. Units will include one-and-two-point perspective, graphic design, shading, and portraits. We will also explore art history, the elements and principles of design, and use descriptive vocabulary accurately while making informed judgments about personal artworks and the artworks of others.
• 8th grade: Students will expand their knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design with continued exploration of basic art media and techniques, such as drawing, painting, graphic design, ceramics, collage, and sculpture. This course will consist of a more in-depth study of art criticism, aesthetics, and art history. Students will develop an ability to talk about their work and the work of others in classroom critiques.
• 8th grade (high school credit): This course requires students to successfully complete two consecutive years of middle school art (6th grade and 7th grade art) and obtain approval from the art department after completing an audition. The course expands upon the elements of art and the principles of design, with continued exploration of art media and techniques such as drawing, painting, graphic design, ceramics, collage, and sculpture. It will involve a more in-depth study of art criticism, aesthetics, and art history. Students will have opportunities to explore careers in the arts, showcase their artwork in the community, and compete in art competitions. After successfully completing this course, students will be eligible to sign up for upper-level art classes as freshmen in high school.

Choir:

• 6th grade- the 6th Grade Beginning Choir is designed for students who are new to choral music and eager to discover the joy of singing. This introductory ensemble creates a supportive environment where students can develop essential vocal techniques and music skills while fostering a deep love of music. Through engaging, fun, and accessible repertoire, students will learn the basics of breath control, pitch matching, and rhythm, all while building confidence and a sense of musicality. The choir emphasizes the importance of teamwork, self-expression, and the enjoyment of singing, allowing students to explore their voices and grow as musicians. By performing at school events, students gain valuable experience and celebrate their progress, developing a lasting appreciation for the art of music and singing. Open to all 6th-grade students, this choir nurtures a passion for music that students can carry with them throughout their musical journey.
• Non-Varsity Treble Choir: the Non-Varsity Treble Choir is an intermediate ensemble designed for students of all skill levels who are eager to develop their vocal abilities and musical knowledge. This choir provides a supportive environment where students can grow in their vocal technique, music literacy, and performance skills. Members will explore a variety of treble choral repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary pieces, while learning essential elements of music theory, sight-reading, and ear training. With an emphasis on teamwork and personal growth, students will participate in school performances and community events, building confidence and musicality. This choir fosters a welcoming atmosphere for singers who are committed to improving their craft through consistent practice and collaboration. This course is open to all female 7th and 8th grade students.
• Non-Varsity Tenor Bass Choir: The Non-Varsity Tenor-Bass Choir at Lanier Middle School is an intermediate ensemble open to those with a changing voice, offering a supportive space to develop vocal technique and musical skills. This choir focuses on building foundational vocal abilities, music literacy, and performance confidence. Students will explore a variety of tenor-bass choral repertoire, including classical, contemporary, and popular selections, while learning key elements of music theory, sight-reading, and ear training. Emphasizing teamwork, personal growth, and musicality, the choir performs at school events and community engagements. Open to all students, this ensemble encourages consistent practice and fosters a collaborative atmosphere for singers at all experience levels who are eager to improve their craft. This course is open to all male 7th and 8th grade students.
• Varsity Treble Choir: the Varsity Treble Choir is the highest-performing choral ensemble, offering a rigorous and rewarding experience for dedicated singers. Open to students with advanced vocal ability, this choir focuses on refining vocal technique, musicianship, and performance excellence. Members tackle complex, multi-part treble repertoire from various genres, emphasizing precision, expressiveness, and musical maturity. Varsity Treble Choir members display a high understanding of music literacy and sight-reading. With regular performances at school events, competitions, and community engagements, students are held to sky-high standards of commitment, leadership, and accountability. Admission is by audition only, and students must have prior choral experience and demonstrate proficiency in sight-reading and vocal technique. The Varsity Treble Choir is a year-long course that requires consistent practice, discipline, and a strong work ethic. The Varsity Treble Choir is open to advanced female 7th and 8th grade students.

Design

Exploration & Research

• 7th & 8th Grade College & Career Readiness/Exploration: The goal of this course is to help students build career awareness and engage in deep exploration and study of the Texas CTE career clusters to create a foundation for success in high school, possible postsecondary studies, and careers. Students research labor market information, learn job seeking skills, and create documents required for employment.
• 6th – 8th Grade Science Exploration: science exploration focuses heavily on hands-on scientific practices, asking questions, designing investigations, using tools, and applying concepts to solve problems and understand. The emphasis is on students actively "doing" science, not just memorizing facts, through investigations and real-world connections. We are in the preliminary planning stages to align this course with an Environmental/Natural Sciences/Agriculture focus.

*The 2026-2027 school year is the first time Lanier offers these courses. Administartion will ensure that in the years that follow the courses clearly differentiate the focus areas and skillsets covered in each grade-level/iteration of the class.

Media Team(Journalism)

6th, 7th, and 8th graders will participate in the production of Lanier’s multimedia design programming which includes: the development of the yearbook, newspaper, daily announcement news and modern platforms such as streaming and online programming. Topics and skills include photography, layout and design, writing stories and captions, interviewing students and adults, handling yearbook orders/ad space, and finally, distribution of the media productions. Students need to be able to cover stories outside of school such as club meetings, concerts, academic competitions, and athletics. *8th graders take Journalism 1 for a high school credit.

Debate

• 6th Grade - Public Speaking
  • This class gives students the 'sample platter' of various competitive debate events. Tournament participation is not mandatory but encouraged, especially if your child wants to continue in debate for 7th grade. All 6th graders, whether in the class or not, are welcome to attend our after-school debate club, which meets weekly on Tuesdays.
• 7th Grade - Contemporary Issues
  • For this class, tournament participation is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged, especially if your child wishes to continue debate in 8th grade. Aside from preparing for tournaments, students are engaged in a variety of units designed to improve their speaking and leadership skills. In applying for 7th grade debate, priority is given to students partially based on tournament participation. We are proposing offering 7th grade speech/debate as a high school credit course for the upcoming year.
• 8th Grade - Debate
  • Even though tournament participation is not mandatory, this high school credit course is for students who are committed to competing at tournaments as much as they can. 8th graders without debate experience are still welcome to apply at the end of their 7th grade year. Please see Mr. Hill for guidelines. The 8th graders have the opportunity to volunteer at debate club to help the 6th graders in their debate journey.

Technology Applications/Career & Technology Education

• 6th grade Tech Apps- Students will be introduced to programming basics, webpage design, and digital information representation and transmission. Students will learn to code using drag-and-drop blocks to create animations and interactive programs. The course emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and project-based learning. Students will also learn about hardware, software, digital citizenship, and cyber hygiene.
• 7th grade Tech Apps (Engineering Design)- students will learn programming basics, web design, internet safety, and digital information transmission. Students will be introduced to programming languages, go through the design process to design websites, apps, and presentations. With a unique focus on creativity, problem-solving, and project-based learning, this course will allow students to explore several important topics of computing using their ideas and creativity to develop an interest in computer science that will foster further endeavors in the field. We proposing offering this course as Engineering Design, a high school credit course, for the upcoming year.
• 7th & 8th grade Computer Science/Fundamentals of Computer Science (CTE High School Credit)-
  • Fundamentals of Computer Science is intended as a first course for those students just beginning the study of computer science. Students will learn about the computing tools that are used every day. Students will foster their creativity and innovation through opportunities to design, implement, and present solutions to real-world problems. Students will collaborate and use computer science concepts to access, analyze, and evaluate information needed to solve problems. Students will learn computational thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning skills that are the foundation of computer science. By using computer science knowledge and skills that support the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select the technology appropriate for the task, synthesize knowledge, create solutions, and evaluate the results. Students will learn digital citizenship by researching current laws, regulations, and best practices and by practicing integrity and respect. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of computer science through the study of technology operations and concepts.
• Computer Science I will foster students’ creativity and innovation by presenting opportunities to design, implement, and present meaningful programs through a variety of media. Students will collaborate with one another, their instructor, and various electronic communities to solve the problems presented throughout the course. Through computational thinking and data analysis, students will identify task requirements, plan search strategies, and use computer science concepts to access, analyze, and evaluate information needed to solve problems. By using computer science knowledge and skills that support the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select the technology appropriate for the task, synthesize knowledge, create solutions, and evaluate the results. Students will learn digital citizenship by researching current laws, regulations, and best practices and by practicing integrity and respect. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of computer science through the study of technology operations, systems, and concepts
• 7th & 8th grade Touch Systems Data Entry (CTE High School Credit)- In Touch System Data Entry, students apply technical skills to address business applications of emerging technologies. Students enhance reading, writing, computing, communication, and reasoning skills and apply them to the business environment. Students will need to apply touch system data entry for production of business documents
• 7th & 8th grade Professional Communication (CTE High School Credit)- Professional Communications blends written, oral, and graphic communication in a career-based environment. Careers in the global economy require individuals to be creative and have a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong and solid academic foundation, and a proficiency in professional oral and written communication. Within this context, students will be expected to develop and expand the ability to write, read, edit, speak, listen, apply software applications, manipulate computer graphics, and conduct Internet research.
• 7th & 8th grade: Concepts of Engineering and Technology (CTE High School Credit), will allow students to investigate engineering and high-tech careers. Students will use engineering and scientific concepts to solve problems. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.
• 7th & 8th grade Principles of Information Technology (CTE High School Credit) - Students develop computer literacy skills to adapt to emerging technologies used in the global marketplace. Students implement personal and interpersonal skills to prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace environment. Students enhance reading, writing, computing, communication, and reasoning skills and apply them to the information technology environment. This includes word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and web publishing technologies using Microsoft Office and Google Tools.

Model United Nations

Model United Nations (MUN) classes are debated in Parliamentary Procedure format with a curriculum focused the United Nations (UN and global current events). At the end of the year, classes participate in our annual school-wide International Peace Festival (IPF). All MUN competitions are open to interested students regardless of grade level.

• 6th grade: Students create their own imaginary countries developing knowledge of how community becomes government and vice versa. This work culminates in the class creating their version of the United Nations as they are given problems and crises to resolve. Students are also introduced to fundamental MUN procedures and participate in debates. The midterm and final exams respectively are a showcase of their countries and their United Nations at the International PTO Holiday Event and our Peace Festival.
• 7th grade: Students learn how to compete in Model United Nations meetings by each student choosing a country to represent in class MUN practice. There are three competitive events throughout the year they prepare for and attend. 7th grade also hosts a MUN debate event open to all schools.
• 8th grade: A third year of MUN class involves group/project exploration of community action and the work of the United Nations and other global organizations. We organize the peace festival and build global awareness and peace education the entire school year.

Leadership

This class is for 8th graders who were selected through the application process as part of their PUPS class and who have also received approval from administrators to become classroom leaders. These students lead sixth and seventh-grade PUPS classes through lessons and discussions on character education, respect, peer pressure, time management, and more. In addition, leaders learn about leadership styles, conflict resolution, active listening, and more. Leaders are also called on to assist around the school with PUPS camp, student arrival, tours, and more. This is a high school credit course.

Movement (Physical Education)

Dance

Lanier Dance offers classes at various skill and commitment levels that are appropriate for students with and without dance experience. Dance provides leadership and social opportunities, as well as the chance to be a part of a team and learn responsibility, independence, and time management skills. In addition to technical and artistic growth, dancers learn discipline, purpose, and the importance of commitment as we work together to apply feedback and achieve common goals. Lanier students take dance as their PE credit, so they can take a fine arts class in addition to dance and still participate in before or after school athletics, as well. Explore your options and find your passion!

• Drill Team – Drill Team is a 6th grade course. Perform, compete, wear sparkly costumes, and have fun! A great way to make new friends! This class will focus on jazz, pom, high kick, and hip-hop styles. There is also a strong emphasis on technique, performance quality, personal responsibility, and learning to work as a team. Four performance opportunities during the year, and only two after-school practices all year! This is the best prep class for our upper-level performance and competition groups and offers mentorship and social opportunities. No prior dance experience is required.

• Breakdance – Breakdance is a beginner 6th and 7th grade class that performs and competes. Students will focus on a B-boy style of dance that is very physical while learning both choreography sequences and the elements of freestyle. No prior dance experience is required.

• Performance Ensemble - Performance Ensemble is a 7th and 8th grade performance class. Students will focus heavily on improving personal dance technique, as well as performing choreography in the jazz, pom, hip hop, and lyrical/contemporary styles.
• Dance Element– Dance Element is a 7th and 8th grade performance and competition class. Students will focus on advancing their technique and will perform choreography in the hip-hop, house, and breakdance styles.
• Dance Classic – Dance Classic is a 7th and 8th grade performance and competition class. Students will focus on advancing their technique and will perform in several styles throughout the year, including jazz, pom, hip-hop, and lyrical/contemporary.
• Dance Showcase – Dance Showcase is a 7th and 8th grade performance and competition class. Students will focus on advancing their technique and will perform in several styles throughout the year, including jazz, pom, high kick, and lyrical/contemporary.
• Dance Crew – Dance Crew is a 7th and 8th grade performance and competition class. Students will focus on advanced technique and will perform choreography in the hip-hop, house, and breakdance styles.
• Dance Company – Dance Company is a 7th and 8th grade elite performance, competition, and travel class. Students will focus on executing advanced techniques and will perform in several styles throughout the year, including jazz, pom, high kick, and lyrical/contemporary.
• Dance Alliance – Dance Alliance is an 8th grade elite performance, competition, and travel class. Students will be double blocked for dance (PE and fine arts credit) and will provide leadership to their teams, as well as perform in several styles throughout the year.

Physical Education

P.E. is a class for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders which focuses on the development of fitness for life. Students will develop knowledge of fitness through a variety of physical activities with an emphasis on body awareness, conditioning, movement, games, and sports. Students are provided with opportunities to learn and practice fitness concepts while actively participating in a program that promotes a healthy lifestyle, physical awareness, social development, and positive attitudes toward active lifestyles. Instructional activities stress life management skills, such as cooperation, fair play, teamwork, citizenship, sportsmanship, and leadership. Some activities students may participate in include archery, basketball, football, badminton, softball, soccer, and volleyball. Students will need to purchase a P.E. uniform and lock for use of the PE lockers. All personal items brought into the gym must be stored in the PE locker. Students are required to dress out before each class. Teachers use a variety of assessment styles to assess and evaluate progress towards physical fitness/health goals.

Advanced Physical Education

• 7th & 8th Grade: In addition to the concepts, skills, and standards covered in traditional grade-level co-educational physical education, athletic P.E. is a class for interested 7th and 8th graders that will focus on the advanced development and refinement of physical activities and fitness concepts/practices that will enhance and support student athletic prowess. Students will be required to have a completed and approved athletic physical on file. Students will need to purchase a P.E. uniform and lock for use of the PE lockers. All personal items brought into the gym must be stored in the PE locker. Students are required to dress out before each class.
• 8th Grade Only (High School Credit Physical Education): 8th graders have the opportunity to take high-school credit physical education aligned to the curricular and instructional standards of the course offered to students in grades 9-12 at high school. This course will require a semester exam in both the fall and spring in addition to the traditional requirements of dressing out for PE and engaging in all required physical education activities and lessons. *Please note we are in the preliminary stages of getting final confirmation for this offering.

Karate

Karate class is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. In addition to learning martial arts skills, Kickstart Kids karate classes deliberately and thoughtfully infuse character-building lessons into the daily curriculum. The unique multi-year, intensity progressive values curriculum is delivered in the form of videos, stories, and group discussions. Through this layered methodology, Kickstart Kids teaches students to be respectful, self-disciplined, driven, confident, and hardworking. It builds resilience for the individual, loyalty for the team, and compassion for their fellow students. There is a fee associated with this class.