Course Guide
Middle School Curriculum Information 2026-2027
This course guide gives you information about the courses offered at each Middle School. Middle school requirements are explained on the following pages.
Self-Select: In Issaquah School District students, with their guardians, get to choose some of their classes and other classes are set by district and state requirements. This guide is designed to …
- Provide information on when you get to choose which class to take. There are some courses that are required by the state and district, such as all students take the same social studies class. In other cases students get to make a choice, such as which math class to take. This guide will help you understand when you get to choose classes.
- Provide learning recommendations. When you get to make a choice, learning recommendations help you choose the right class for you or your student based on their interests or past performance in related classes. These learning recommendations are important to helping students balance being challenged, while not becoming overwhelmed.
Use the planning guide to map out your three-year middle school plan for the required 6-period day. We also encourage you to think ahead about the sequence of courses you will want to take in high school, the courses you take now can impact your options later. This way you will know what courses to choose in middle school to be prepared for the high school courses that reflect your interests, future goals and aspirations.
Students choosing courses should:
- pick classes you are excited about and reflect student’s interest and aspirations in that course of study
- take time to think about course selection and discuss options with family before making a final decision
- read the course guide and understand what each course offers
- be ready and willing to develop and apply
- advanced study habits and organizational skills.
- effective communication and reading skills for engaging with rigorous material.
- motivation, maturity, perseverance, and stamina for learning challenging material.
- consider the increased time commitment to studies outside of the school day. Please consider all responsibilities, including sports, music, and club affiliations.
- consider the possibility that grades could be lower than if students took the typical course sequence(s).
- consider the possibility that by skipping courses in math and science your student may have some gaps in content knowledge.
Course Guide Sections
English Language Arts
The Issaquah School District believes that literacy, the ability to read, write, listen, speak, and think critically in different ways and for different purposes, begins to develop early and becomes increasingly important as students pursue specialized fields of study in high school and beyond.
Mathematics
Mathematics education is key to ensuring students are academically prepared and confident to pursue higher education or specialized career training.
Science
Science in the Issaquah School District incorporates the instruction and application of concepts and principals in properties, structures and changes in the three major science disciplines of physical science, earth and space science, and life science.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum builds the following capacities in young people: disciplinary knowledge; inquiry, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills; respect for the underlying values of a diverse democratic society; interest in public affairs and competencies of self-government. Each capacity contributes uniquely to responsible citizenship.
Physical Education/Health
Teaching our students good health and fitness principles can lead to a life of healthy practices, resulting in more productive, active, and successful lives.
Electives
Elective courses in Performing Arts: Music and Visual Arts; Career & Technical Education (CTE) / Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM); General Topics; Leadership; World Languages.
Multilingual Language Learners (MLL)
ISD multilingual students will access grade level instruction in an inclusive, culturally and linguistically-responsive learning environment as they develop their language proficiency.
Special Services
Special education is specially designed instruction that addresses the unique needs of a student eligible to receive special education services.
Online Learning
Middle students are eligible to take online learning courses in: Art, English, Math, PE, Science, Social Studies, and World Language.