Curriculum

At John Muir Middle School, we believe every student has the ability to succeed when given the right tools, opportunities, and support. Success comes in many forms—through academics, the arts, athletics, and leadership—which is why our curriculum offers a wide variety of courses that allow students to explore, discover, and grow across all subject areas.

English Language Arts

Our English program follows the California Common Core Standards, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking.

• 6th Grade – Building foundations in reading comprehension, narrative and expository writing, grammar, and vocabulary.

• 7th Grade – Developing analytical skills through literature, argumentative writing, and research-based projects.

• 8th Grade – Preparing for high school with advanced literary analysis, persuasive writing, and academic discussion skills.

Across all grades, students learn to be effective communicators, critical readers, and creative thinkers.

Social Studies/History

Our history teachers bring the past to life through interactive lessons and engaging projects, helping students understand the events and ideas that shaped our world.

• 6th Grade – Ancient Civilizations (Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, China, India).

• 7th Grade – World History: Medieval to Early Modern Times (Renaissance, Enlightenment, and global exploration).

• 8th Grade – United States History (Colonial period through Reconstruction).

These courses are aligned with the California History-Social Science Standards, emphasizing historical inquiry, critical thinking, and connections to today’s world.

Mathematics

Math instruction at JMMS is designed to build confidence and prepare students for advanced coursework.

• 6th Grade – Ratios, proportional reasoning, fractions, decimals, and introductory algebraic thinking.

• 7th Grade – Expressions, equations, percentages, geometry, and probability.

• 8th Grade – Linear equations, functions, the Pythagorean Theorem, and preparation for high school math.

• Math 1 (High School Course) – Offered to qualifying 8th graders, this accelerated course gives students high school credit while still in middle school.

Science

JMMS follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), using an integrated model that combines life, earth, and physical sciences. Students learn through hands-on experiments, labs, and exploration.

• 6th Grade – Focus on Earth Science, energy in Earth systems, weather, and human impact on the planet.

• 7th Grade – Life Science, including ecosystems, cells, genetics, and biological evolution.

• 8th Grade – Physical Science, covering motion, forces, chemistry, and waves.

Our approach emphasizes curiosity, scientific thinking, and real-world application.

Physical Education

Our PE program helps students stay active, healthy, and confident while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship. According to California PE Standards, students at all grade levels participate in:

• Cardiovascular endurance, strength training, and flexibility activities.

• Individual and team sports that promote skill development.

• Lessons in health, nutrition, stress management, and lifelong fitness.

PE is not just about exercise—it’s about building habits for a healthy lifestyle.

 

Fine Arts

Our growing Fine Arts program currently offers a two-year pathway, soon expanding to three years. Students have the chance to explore a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques while developing their creativity and self-expression.

• Art 1 – Introduction to drawing, painting, and mixed media using materials such as watercolor, oil pastels, and markers.

• Art 2 – Advanced projects including graffiti art, sculpture, and painting, paired with lessons in art history and modern influences.

• Art Projects – A project-based course focusing on crafting skills with materials like yarn, clay, and mixed media (Art 1 required).

This program encourages students to discover their artistic voice while building confidence and technical skill.

Performing Arts

Performing Arts at John Muir Middle School

At John Muir Middle School, we believe the arts are essential to a well-rounded education and a powerful way for students to express themselves with Wildcat PRIDE—Patience in practice, Respect for the craft, Integrity in performance, Dependability as teammates, and Empathy as storytellers. Our performing arts program is designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and showcase the incredible talents of our Wildcats.

Beginning Band & Advanced Band
From first-time learners to advanced musicians, our band program develops strong fundamentals, teamwork, and musicianship. Students perform at school and community events, representing JMMS with excellence.

Guitar Class & Digital Music
These hands-on courses blend creativity with modern music technology, allowing students to explore a wide range of styles, compose original works, and gain real-world music production skills.

Drum Line
A high-energy, team-based experience that builds rhythm, confidence, and school spirit. Drum Line members lead the charge at rallies, games, and performances—bringing Wildcat energy wherever they go.

Drama & Theater Club
Our Drama and Theater Club invites students to explore the magic of the stage. From acting to set design, students develop public speaking, leadership, and collaboration skills while learning the art of storytelling. Each year, the club produces two full plays, giving students the opportunity to shine under the spotlight and share their creativity with the entire JMMS community.

Agriculture

John Muir Middle School is proud to offer one of the few middle school agriculture programs in the valley, giving students hands-on experiences that connect science, leadership, and real-world skills. Our program currently follows a two-year pathway, soon expanding to three years, and introduces students to the many facets of agriculture while building knowledge that can be applied in high school and beyond.

• Ag Exploration 1 – Introduction to agriculture through topics such as food systems, livestock animals, food safety, plant science, and agricultural mechanics. Students also explore careers in the industry and get their first experience with FFA (Future Farmers of America), a national student leadership organization.

• Intro to Ag – A deeper look at agriculture from farm to table, including livestock breeds, food preparation and safety, soil science, welding, and sustainable practices. Students also participate in FFA contests and public speaking, gaining leadership and communication skills.

FFA and SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) give students unique opportunities to build leadership, practice responsibility, and apply classroom learning in real-world settings.

Our agriculture program blends classroom learning with hands-on practice, preparing students with knowledge in science, mechanics, animal and plant systems, and leadership for future opportunities in one of California’s largest industries.

 

STEM

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at John Muir Middle School is designed for students who love to ask questions, solve problems, and create. This hands-on program brings learning to life through projects that combine creativity, technology, and innovation. Students may build and program robots, launch rockets, design worlds in Minecraft, fly a plane in a flight simulator, or bring their ideas to life using our 3D printer.

The STEM program offers a three-year pathway:

• STEM 1 – Introduction to engineering and design thinking through creative projects and beginner programming.

• STEM 2 – Expands on robotics, coding, and applied technology challenges.

• STEM 3 – Advanced problem-solving, innovation, and team-based projects that prepare students for future STEM opportunities in high school and beyond.

STEM is the perfect class for students with a curious mind and a passion for discovering how things work.