Students receive dance units as part of the Physical Education curriculum. Middle school students may also elect year-long elective Fine Arts dance classes in Dance 6, 7, 8, Dance for Athletes 6,7,8, and Unified Dance. In addition:

• Students entering sixth grade may apply to enroll in one of our two AACPS Apex Arts Magnet programs. The Apex Arts programs are housed at Bates Middle School and Brooklyn Park Middle school. Interested students must apply in the fall of their 5th grade year. Please note, there is also a required audition as part of this process. There is no formal dance instruction required or expected prior to application or audition, however, there are some podcasts available so that students will know what to expect during the audition process.

• Dance Company auditions are available starting in Middle School. Dance Company rehearses all year, performs in AACPS Dance Festivals, in the school’s spring dance concert, and at other events. 

• Dance Ensemble is another opportunity for Dance Company students. Students who are members of their middle school Dance Company and maintain academics may audition for Ensemble.