Published using Google Docs
2025.26 FALL Elective Descriptions
Updated automatically every 5 minutes

ELECTIVES 2025-2026

VISUAL ARTS ELECTIVES

All students must take one art class.

Introduction to Fine Art

This course introduces students to the foundations of drawing and the elements of art: line, value, texture, shape, and form. Through hands-on practice and exploration, students will build skills in perspective, proportion, composition, shading, and creating the illusion of three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface.

Projects will include both realistic and abstract works created from observation and imagination, using a range of media such as pencil, ink, acrylic paint, collage, and mixed textures.

We will also explore art history and contemporary artists whose work engages with social change, helping students connect their creative practice to broader themes of justice, identity, and community.

Studio Arts: Ceramics and Sculpture

In this course, students will develop and create three distinct projects that reflect their unique artistic vision. Each project will involve a process of inquiry, research, and thoughtful planning, including sketches and organization, prior to the start of construction.

Guided by a central theme or overarching concept, students will use this framework as a springboard for their work. The focus will be on exploring the depth of thought, emotion, and personal significance behind each creation. Students will experiment with a range of sculptural materials such as clay, plaster, plasticine, wire, and fiber arts to bring their ideas to life.

Foundational Drawing    (Middle school requirement)

This course builds upon skills learned in previous drawing classes, although new students are welcome to join. Students will focus on the application of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design by creating a zine-like book that illustrates the 7 Elements of Art and 7 Principles of Design. Throughout the course, students will explore a variety of mediums, including paint, collage, colored pencils, markers, pencil and different techniques.

Once students have mastered the Elements and Principles, they will apply this knowledge to create a final art piece. The course emphasizes the development of drawing techniques and encourages creative expression through guided, themed projects.

Studio Arts: Watercolor

Students will learn the fundamental techniques of watercolor painting, including color mixing, brushwork, and composition. From mastering basic brush strokes to creating intricate washes and textures, students will gain hands-on experience to create vibrant works of art. Each student will maintain a watercolor sketchbook to take notes, create references, and track their progress throughout the semester.

Studio Arts: Drawing

Students will develop foundational drawing skills through the study of still life and the human figure. They will learn to observe and translate what they see into drawings while exploring essential concepts of proportion, color, value, and shading. By practicing the elements and principles of art and design, students will strengthen their ability to plan, compose, and express ideas visually, building confidence and creativity in their artistic practice. At the end of the semester, all students will showcase at least one completed project in TREE’s art exhibition.

Fashion Illustration & Upcycled Fashion

Students will be guided through a series of lessons, demonstrations, and projects that will help them to better understand fashion as a means of creative and artistic expression. At the conclusion of this elective, students will showcase their garments and styled fashion pieces at the end of the semester.

Campus Beautification

Students will engage in both appreciating and creating art that reflects their school community, culminating in collaborative posters, signage, and mural-style projects. They will work together to develop visual messages, focusing on concept, design, and color for the artwork they create. Throughout the project, students will learn how to transfer their designs into larger scale visuals using a projector and/or grid method. Additionally incorporating collage style methods to have students piece together separate illustrations into large bodies of cohesive work. Additionally, they will acquire various drawing and painting techniques for achieving professional-quality results. All students are encouraged to actively participate in the conceptualization, sketching, and painting of the campus visuals. Depending on the class size, students may have the opportunity to work on multiple artworks and murals simultaneously.

Digital Illustration

This course introduces students to the world of digital illustration using accessible and free creative tools. Students will explore the fundamentals of digital drawing, painting, and design while developing both technical proficiency and artistic expression. We will work with programs such as Krita, Photopea, and free Adobe resources like Adobe Express to learn industry-relevant techniques for sketching, digital painting, image editing, and visual storytelling. By the end of the semester, students will have created a digital portfolio featuring character design, posters, and concept art.

Portfolio Preparation

This portfolio preparation course empowers motivated high school students to take ownership of their creative journey as they prepare for college applications. Through a combination of hands-on studio work, individualized guidance, and peer workshops, students will create, revise, and curate a strong, cohesive body of work that reflects their unique artistic voice. Led by experienced facilitators Tiana and Cordula, who bring insider knowledge of the art school admissions process, and with support from college counselor Kerry Rock, students will learn how to document, organize, and present their portfolios in a professional and compelling manner. Emphasizing self-direction, critical reflection, and personal growth, this course supports each student in building a portfolio that not only meets the expectations of top art programs but also authentically represents who they are as artists.

Studio Arts: Oil Painting

Description forthcoming

Puppet Making

In this hands-on course, you'll learn the art of puppet-making by creating your very own Jim Henson-inspired rod puppet. You’ll start by using a provided building pattern, which you will follow to craft the basic structure of your puppet. You’ll hand-sew each piece using techniques like the straight stitch and ladder stitch.

Exploration in Studio Arts: Concepts and Mediums

In this class, students are encouraged to explore and express their creativity through any form of art that resonates with them. The emphasis is on intentionality and purpose in the creative process. Every choice, whether in materials, style, or subject matter, should reflect something personally meaningful.

Students will be guided by a central theme or overarching concept, which will serve as a springboard for their projects. The primary focus is on the depth of thought, emotion, and personal significance behind each creation.

Each student is required to submit at least one piece of artwork created in class and participate in the Tree Art Show/Gallery Exhibition.

Fright Night: Horror Film Workshop

This student run class will explore the elements of movie making and the science of "scary." The first semester will be examining horror movies and television. Students will pitch story ideas, write a script, shoot, edit and the other aspects of movie-making. The second semester will begin filming and editing. The goal is to complete our movie to screen at Treechella.

PERFORMING ARTS ELECTIVES

All students must take one performing arts class.

Comedy Workshop  

This comedy class will focus mainly on stand up performance and comedic writing. We will watch classic sets from stand up comedians and workshop our own material in class. In addition, we will cover beginner improv techniques and gain a basic understanding of sketch comedy.

There will be a class show at the end of the semester where everyone is responsible for five minutes of original material that they developed in class.

Playlist Curation

Learn how to put together the perfect playlist for any genre, decade, artist, vibe or mood. Use the musical knowledge that you have along with the music you'll learn about along the way. A great class for those that might have interest in working as a DJ or for Spotify/Apple Music.

Drums

A class designed for students that will cover all the beginning fundamentals of the drumset such as technique, entry-level patterns, and rudiments.

Guitar

A class designed for students that will cover all the beginning fundamentals of guitar such as basic chords, entry-level scales, strumming, and simple melodies. Students will also learn entry-level music theory in order to understand what they are playing, and how to communicate with other musicians.

Bass

A class designed for students that will cover all the beginning fundamentals of bass such as technique, entry-level basslines, and picking styles. Students will also learn entry-level music theory in order to understand what they are playing, and how to communicate with other musicians.

Advanced Rock Band

This is a course designed for the students who already  know how to play an instrument. Auditions will be held. Guaranteed 8-10 songs and a slot for Winterfest/TREEchella

1960’s Band

Students will explore the music of the 1960s, including rock, Motown, folk, and psychedelic styles. The class focuses on ensemble playing, rhythm, harmony, and performance skills. Middle school students focus on foundational skills and playing in a group, while high school students tackle more advanced arrangements, improvisation, and stylistic nuances.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Band

Students will explore RHCP’s signature funk-rock style, including slap bass, rhythmic guitar, energetic drums, and dynamic vocals. The class emphasizes ensemble skills, improvisation, groove, and stage presence. Middle school students focus on foundational techniques, while high school students tackle more complex arrangements and stylistic nuances.

Punk Band

Students will explore punk music from the 1970s to today, focusing on fast-paced rhythms, power chords, and expressive performance. The class emphasizes ensemble playing, stage presence, songwriting, and collaborative creativity. Middle school students focus on foundational skills and simple songs, while high school students tackle more complex arrangements, improvisation, and stylistic nuances.

Music Business

This course introduces students to the modern music industry, from how songs make money to how artists promote themselves. Students will learn about careers in music, how streaming and social media impact success, and how to create their own basic music business plan.

Podcasting

Students will explore the art and craft of podcasting, learning to plan, record, edit, and share podcasts. Emphasis is on storytelling, audio literacy, collaboration, and technical skills. Middle school students focus on building foundational skills, while high school students tackle more advanced production techniques and publishing strategies.

DJ

This course introduces students to the art and craft of DJing. Students will learn the history of DJ culture, explore the gear and software used by DJs, practice mixing techniques, and curate their own sets. Middle school students will focus on foundational skills like rhythm, playlists, and simple transitions. High school students will build deeper technical skills with beatmatching, EQ, effects, and performance style.

ATHLETIC ELECTIVES

Students in grades 6-10 are automatically enrolled in PE.

Cross Country

This course provides athletes of all levels with the fundamentals of cross-country running, focusing on improving endurance, strength, and mental toughness in varied terrain and weather conditions. Through a combination of running workouts, strength training, technique refinement, and race strategy, students will gain the skills to excel in cross-country events. Participants will learn proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, pacing, nutrition, and injury prevention tailored for distance runners. Whether preparing for competitive races or seeking to improve personal fitness, students will develop an understanding of aerobic and anaerobic training cycles to maximize performance over the course of a season.

Nature Hike

Nature Hike elective is for students who love nature and who love to walk in nature. We will explore the upper west region of Los Angeles, taking advantage of its rocky terrain, beautiful shoreline, and nestled mountains amongst the backdrop of the metropolitan sprawl. The hikes will consist of trails that are city and natural, flat and gradient, paved and off-road and easy and challenging. Lace up your hiking boots, strap on your hat, grab some water and let’s set off on an adventure through the wilderness.

Weightlifting

Tone and strengthen your muscles, build endurance and work with Eric one to one to plan a daily routine.

Yoga

In this course, we'll dive into the world of yoga, exploring a variety of poses, breathwork exercises, and mindfulness techniques. Learn to nurture your mind, body, and soul. No prior yoga experience is needed – all you need is an open mind and a willingness to try something new!

Yoga: Deepen Your Practice,  Master Class  Prerequisite: Yoga

This advanced yoga course is designed for students with prior yoga experience who are ready to deepen their practice both physically and spiritually. Building upon the foundations laid in previous classes, this course will encourage you to try more advanced asanas (poses) and incorporate mindfulness and pranayama (breath control). Get ready to boost your practice and have fun doing it!

Team Sports

Play a variety of fun and challenging games and activities ranging from pickleball, racket ball, basketball, volleyball, flag football, and soccer, and more!

CULINARY SCIENCE ELECTIVES 

 

Culinary 1

This introductory culinary course is designed to give students a strong foundation in the kitchen. Each week, they’ll practice essential skills like safe knife handling, measuring accurately, and using common cooking methods such as sautéing, roasting, and boiling. Kitchen safety and sanitation are emphasized throughout, ensuring students feel comfortable and confident in their workspace.

Culinary 2  Prerequisite: Culinary 1.

This advanced culinary course is designed for students who already have a solid foundation in basic cooking and knife skills and are ready to take their abilities to the next level. Each week, students will tackle more complex recipes and refine their techniques, exploring a wider variety of dishes and cooking methods.

Test Kitchen 

Experiment with ingredient swaps or cooking techniques

Baking

Explore the art and science of baking in a fun and interactive environment. From mastering basic recipes to creating delectable treats, this hands-on class fosters creativity and culinary skills. Discover the joy of measuring, mixing, and baking delicious goodies while making new friends in the kitchen. No prior baking experience required – just a passion for creating tasty delights!

Food Science Lab

Each class highlights a science concept through cooking

Survival Chef: Life Skills Edition

Learn basic cooking skills for life beyond school.

Breakfast All Day

Explore the versatility of breakfast foods.

Sustainable Cooking

Eco-friendly and low-waste recipes

Global Street Foods

Explore a different country’s street food each week

MATH/SCIENCE  ELECTIVES

Engineering with Emphasis in Mechanical Applications

STEM Engineering with Emphasis in Mechanical  Application students will investigate the various aspects of the engineering field with special emphasis in design and construction utilizing physical science and engineering principles. Students will plan and design project relevant solutions utilizing Autodesk Inventor as well as other computer applications. The applications of this course will incorporate concepts in science and mathematics as it relates to engineering design. Investigations and projects will promote exploration for the connections between science and society. The purpose of this course is to promote mechanically minded students that solve problems creatively utilizing the skills promoted in engineering careers. This course is aligned with the Career Technical Education, Physics and Mathematics standards.

Financial Literacy

This one-semester elective prepares students to navigate personal finance with confidence. Students will learn how to navigate financial decisions to make informed decisions related to budgeting, banking, credit, insurance, spending, taxes, savings, investing, careers and more. Development of financial literacy skills and understanding basic financial principles will provide students the ability to transform into fiscally responsible citizens and achieve future financial security.

Astronomy & Star Evolution    Prerequisite: Passing grade in Algebra 1 is required.

Explore the wonders of the universe in this engaging astronomy course, where students will investigate celestial bodies, the structure of the cosmos, and the principles of astrophysics. Through hands-on experiments, observation nights, and interactive lessons, students will deepen their understanding of planetary motion, light, and space phenomena. The course culminates in students building a functional telescope, applying their knowledge to observe the skies firsthand.

Programming with Python/JavaScript or Java

Programming in Python introduces students to the fundamentals of computer programming, where students develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students learn to design, code, and test their programs while applying Algebra I concepts to their programs. Students then move to more advanced programming concepts like functions, strings, data structures, file i/o operations, and objects.

Forensic Science

This elective course introduces students to the field of forensic science through the lens of real-world crime scene investigation and scientific inquiry. Meeting once a week, students will explore the intersection of science and law, learning how biology, chemistry, and physics are applied in criminal investigations. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on activities, case studies, and collaborative problem-solving.

Sustainability in Schools

Join an immersive exploration of sustainability practices and their impact on our school community. We will delve into the critical issues facing our planet and the hopeful solutions that can help us emerge from this crisis. We will investigate areas for improvement at TREE then design and implement solutions. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability concepts, develop practical skills for reducing waste and lowering your carbon footprint, explore innovative solutions for addressing climate change, and collaborate to develop and implement sustainable initiatives at TREE.

Gardening

This is a hands-on gardening elective focused on designing, building, and maintaining a TREE Academy garden. Students will be involved in every stage of the gardening process, from initial site analysis and planning to planting, maintaining, and harvesting a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers native to Southern California. The class will prioritize organic, chemical-free gardening methods and will work to attract beneficial pollinators while avoiding bees. The harvest will be shared with the school's Culinary elective, creating a closed-loop "farm-to-table" system. Students will develop skills in collaborative problem-solving, sustainable agriculture, and ecological stewardship.

HUMANITIES/SOCIAL SCIENCE  ELECTIVES

Creative Writing: Micheal C. Ford

You will have a chance to create poetry, short stories and essays with our in-house poet Micheal Ford. This course invites students to explore the power of words and storytelling as tools for expression, empathy, and connection. Through a variety of genres including poetry, short fiction, personal narrative, and dramatic scenes, students will develop their voices as writers while examining how creative writing addresses and reflects the human condition.  

Student Council: Kayne

Student Council is responsible for helping plan student events, design student policy, and serve the community in order to uplift everyone's TREE experience. Students must be willing to volunteer their time for a variety of reasons and tasks and are expected to collaborate with teachers based on committee assignments.

Reading with Preschool Students

Once a week, you will get a chance to go to St. Victor’s preschool and read to their students and receive community service hours. 

Storytelling

In this class, students will practice reading, analyzing, and writing short fiction and creative nonfiction. This class will have a heavy emphasis on writing. Students will write in-class each meeting, responding to different prompts and themes. Guest speakers who write professionally in different mediums and genres (ex: screenwriters, authors, and/or comic book creators) will visit and share their creative journeys. The focus of this class is on exploration and finding one's voice as a writer; not "perfection."

What Horror Teaches Us About Humanity

The horror genre is a powerful mirror, reflecting our deepest fears and anxieties. In this course, students will explore how horror (films, television, and literature) is a rich lens through which to examine complex societal and cultural issues such as race and class; morality; justice; and fear of the unknown. We will learn about the history of the horror genre as well as the psychology of horror. We will watch, read and analyze spooky tales from various time periods and cultures before ending the semester with writing our very own scary story.

What Science-Fiction Teaches Us About Society

The sci-fi genre offers unique opportunities to reflect on and critique society and politics. In this class, we will read and watch various sci-fi narratives throughout history that tackle everything from cultural relativism to gender/queerness, inequality, totalitarianism, and more. We will investigate the philosophical questions that sci-fi raises and debate the merits of common genre themes such as utopia/dystopia. We'll engage with anime, literature, and iconic live-action sci-fi films and television series before ending the semester with creating our very own sci-fi short story or comic.