Middle School Elective Selection FAQ
Getting Started
When does the Middle School Elective Selection Form open and close?
The Middle School Elective Selection Form will open on Saturday, April 25, at 9:00 am, and will close for submissions on Wednesday, May 6, at 8:00 pm.
Do I need to login to submit my elective selection?
No login is required. Simply open the Middle School Elective Selection Form, enter your student's name and grade level, and complete your selections.
How many electives will I take each school year?
Electives are offered for each of three trimesters during Period 4 and Period 8 for a total of six elective courses in the school year.
Making Your Selections
How many courses will I choose for each elective period?
For each elective period, students are required to select a minimum of three course options and are encouraged to select four. Providing more choices increases the likelihood of being placed in a preferred course.
How can I view course descriptions?
You can view elective descriptions on the Middle School Course Catalog.
Is there a worksheet to help me prepare my selections?
Yes, we recommend using the Elective Selection Worksheet before filling out the form. It's a great way for students to map out their choices across trimesters and periods before submitting.
Can I take the same elective they took last year?
Yes, students may repeat electives unless otherwise noted in the course description. That said, we encourage students to use their elective periods to explore something new!
What if I’m interested in an elective that isn't currently offered?
We love hearing from students and families about electives they would like to see. You may submit your elective idea on the Middle School Elective Selection Form, or reach out to us at mselectives@oakwoodway.org. Student interest plays a role in shaping future offerings!
Are there any courses that run for more than one trimester?
Yes, a few courses require a multi-trimester commitment:
- French I and Spanish I are high school-level language courses open only to 8th-grade students that require a full-year commitment (3 trimesters). This course is academically rigorous and requires consistent homework, which may include assignments over the weekend.
- Solution Seekers is a two trimester commitment.
- Other courses may continue for more than one trimester on an optional basis, such as:
Should I sign up for Study Smart?
Students are strongly encouraged to explore the dynamic offerings in the Middle School Elective Catalog.
Study Smart periods are reserved for students managing heavy extracurricular commitments or significant academic challenges, and intended as a substitute for completing homework at home. Students requesting Study Smart will be asked to explain why it's the right fit for their situation.
Note: Every middle school student participates in BOOST periods, which are designated times during the school day for students to work on homework and receive additional support or assistance from their teachers.
What if I change my mind about my elective selections?
Before May 6: If you decide to change your selections before the May 6 deadline, you may resubmit the form. Please note that priority will be based on your most recent submission, so your original submission date and time will no longer apply.
After May 6: After the May 6 deadline, students who wish to make changes to their electives should contact Dr. Watson. Any changes after this date will depend on availability, seniority, other requests, etc, and therefore are not guaranteed. That said, we always want students to be in an elective they enjoy, and will work with you to explore what options may be available.
Placement and Scheduling
How is elective placement determined?
Elective placement is prioritized by grade level seniority, by the student’s rank order preferences on the the Middle School Elective Selection Form, and by the date and time of final form submission. Submitting your form early and providing four choices per period will give students the best chance of being placed in a preferred course.
What if I change my mind after being placed?
Generally, students placed into their first or second choice elective may not transfer out of that class — so choose carefully! That said, we always want students to be in an elective they enjoy, and will work with you to adjust schedules as much as possible, depending on availability.
What happens if a course doesn't have enough enrollment to run?
Occasionally, a course may not reach the minimum enrollment needed to be offered. In those cases, students will be placed into their next available choice. This is another reason we encourage selecting four options per period.
Course Requirements
What are the public speaking requirements for middle school?
Completion of one trimester of a public speaking course is required by the end of the 8th grade year. Courses this year that satisfy this requirement are:
- Art of Public Speaking (Trimester 1 – Period 8)
- Parliamentary Debate/Mock Trial (Trimester 2 – Period 8 or Trimester 3 – Period 4)
- Middle School Play (Trimester 3 – Period 8)
Are there any required courses for incoming 6th graders?
Middle School Foundations is required for all students entering 6th grade who were not enrolled at Oakwood last school year. Returning 6th grade Oakwood students may choose this course as an elective.
About the Program
How does Oakwood School decide which electives to offer?
Oakwood offers a wide range of electives, allowing students to explore new areas of interest and develop new skills that are chosen based on student interest.
How many middle school electives are offered?
The 2026-2027 Middle School Course Catalog offers 60+ elective opportunities for unbridled exploration, taught by passionate experts. We are especially excited to introduce 15 new electives for the upcoming school year!
Still have questions?
Email mselectives@oakwoodway.org