Enriching Related Arts Classes
At Croft, we strive to provide enriching experiences for our students that complement our academics.
Our related arts classes present unique academic experiences and encourage creativity. Students choose their focus. Band and Strings are year-round programs. Alternatively, students may choose the Zoology, Visual Arts, Physical Education, and AVID.
Band
Band is a performance-based music ensemble offered to all grade levels. Band instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophones, trumpets, French horns, trombones, euphoniums, tubas, and percussion. In band we learn a variety of fun music. The band performs frequently for school concerts and festivals and students have an opportunity to travel in the 7th and 8th grades.
Strings 
Strings class is a place where students come together to make music on the violin, viola, cello, or string bass. In strings, students work together to have fun while making music. Instruments are practiced at home and in class so that students are well prepared. Strings is not just about making music, but it is about developing skills including self-esteem, teamwork, and discipline, to name some skills that come with learning an instrument!
Zoology
"In the end, we will conserve only what we love;
We will love only what we understand;
We will understand only what we are taught."
-African Naturalist Baba Dioum
The Zoology program at Croft is a combination of Zoology and STEAM. We utilize the Engineering Design Process to look at real-world problems and to come up with real-world solutions. We have the privilege to be able to partner with the Nashville Zoo on field trips where we get behind the scenes tours as well as animal visits to the classroom to educate and learn more about our animal neighbors. We develop our skills of communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration to learn and address animal classification, habitat design, conservation, sustainability, and STEM careers.
Visual Arts
The art classroom is full of opportunities for reflection while also forming new ideas! Students explore and refine artistic skills including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and multimedia techniques. They are exposed to a wide range of art appreciation, art history, and art criticism while focusing on the elements and principles of art. By using this visual platform, students are better prepared to communicate concepts, work collaboratively, and think critically throughout their daily lives.
Physical Education
Physical Education is an integral part to the development of our students. Physical Education works to develop self-esteem, self-confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork, strategizing and problem solving through a variety of activities. Physical Education provides the opportunity to introduce different physical activities, to promote healthy choices, and to offer lifetime fitness options that will hopefully continue over the span of a student’s life.
AVID
AVID is implemented school-wide at Croft Middle Design Center. All students engage in WICOR Strategies to improve outcomes, including use of AVID binders and organizational systems. Some students are also able to take AVID as a rotation, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. What to learn more about AVID? Click Here