Minor Courses

These minor courses are for Middle School Program students and for English as a Second Language students who are entering grades 7-9.

Minor courses meet for 1.5 hours, four afternoons a week—Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. All work is conducted in class, and there is no assigned homework.

NOTE: Algebra I has additional class sessions during the first half of the afternoon. For the second half of the afternoon, Middle School Program students in Algebra I may either choose a minor course from the Middle School Program offerings or a sport from the College Prep Program offerings.

All other students participating in the Middle School Program or English as a Second Language (entering grades 7-9) choose minor courses and sports from the following offerings. Certain minor courses may fill quickly, so please list three choices on your Application for Admission.

Current Events
This course stresses the importance of keeping informed about local and worldwide current events and forming educated opinions about political, cultural, social, and economic issues. Students read articles each day, from the school library or the Internet, and then discuss the current issues that are important to them.

Digital Media
Emphasizing digital media work, this course develops students' skills in digital photography and video. Students use programs such as Photoshop, iMovie, and iPhoto to edit photos, create slideshows, and produce short videos.

Drama
Students explore improvisation and mime, practice presenting monologues, and prepare a production to be presented to the community at the end of the session.

Drawing and Painting
This course is tailored to the individual interests and abilities of the students and provides an opportunity for students of all levels to develop their artistic talents in drawing and painting. Materials fee: $50.

Games
Students develop and share their talents in traditional games such as chess, backgammon, or various card games. The focus depends upon student interest.

Guitar
This course is designed for both beginning and experienced guitarists. Emphasis is placed on chord progressions, plectrum and finger-style techniques, and reading skills. Students who wish to work on interests of their own have the opportunity to do so. Students provide their own acoustic or electric guitars (guitars may be rented from a local music store). Individual guitar lessons also are available.

Sports History
This course takes a look back at significant moments in sports history, particularly as they relate to a broader historical perspective. Using resources such as films, books, and the Internet, students examine topics of interest. Possible areas of study may include tracing the development of a particular sport or organization and examining the connection of a particular sport or athlete to an important aspect of our history, such as the link between baseball and the Civil Rights movement.

SSAT Preparation
This course, taught by Summit Educational Group's verbal and math instructors, focuses on the test-taking strategies and academic skills required to succeed on the SSAT. Summit provides students with a program of instruction customized to meet their individual needs and maximize their scoring potential. The course includes both SSAT Math and Verbal. Summit course fee: $595. (Summit will reduce this fee for students who receive financial aid from NMH Summer Session.