Academies

By enrolling in the Band Academy, wind and percussion students will become members of the Symphonic Band. Students will study and perform advanced musical techniques in a variety of different styles. This ensemble will challenge students to increase their knowledge of music theory while developing self-confidence, fine motor coordination, and cooperation with other musicians. The Symphonic Band will participate in frequent performances for the school and community and attend musically enriching field trips throughout the year. An audition and an application submission are required for acceptance.

The world has become a small, connected place because of technology.  Computer and technical skills are a must both today and in the future. The 2-year Computer Science Academy introduces students to the myriad education and career options available in the Computer Science and Information Technology sectors.

In this hands-on, project based Academy, students will learn about various aspects of Computer Science including website development, networking, cybersecurity, algorithms, programming/coding, data, social media, and how to use productivity software.  Students will also look to the future of the field and how what used to be Science Fiction is becoming a reality.

The DLSI program is designed for students in 7th and 8th grade who come from an immersion program in elementary school or Spanish-speaking homes. Students continuing in DLSI from Sandpiper Elementary School will select the DLSI Program on their paper registration form from school, but do not need to complete this process.

In the DLSI Academy at Desert Shadows Middle School, students will spend two to three periods of the instructional school day learning in an immersive Spanish environment. As one of the elective choices, seventh grade students will enroll in Honors Spanish 1-2 and eighth grade students will enroll in Honors Spanish 3-4. Students undertake the same rigorous school curriculum in Science and/or Social Studies taught and studied in Spanish, with the same learning outcomes expected as all other students. The number of classes offered is based on staff availability from year to year. Due to the number of courses required as part of the DLSI program, additional elective choices may be limited.

This class is a Career Technical Education program designed to introduce students to the field of Engineering. The program spans over two years and is project-based, requiring students to utilize new and untested skills. To teach the curriculum, we will be utilizing the academic program created by "Project Lead the Way" (pltw.org). This program has been designed to promote critical thinking and enhance problem-solving skills. The class is a S.T.E.A.M. class, meaning that students will be using Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math to solve problems. To achieve this, students will use 3-D modeling and computer-aided design (C.A.D.) to create innovative solutions. 

The Engineering/Robotics Academy will also cover the study and application of Robotics and automation. Students will learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. They will be creating mechanical machines and applying motors, sensors, wires, buzzers, and switches. Using the programming software RoboPro, students will make their machines operate autonomously.

The Visual Art Academy at Desert Shadows allows students to study art all year round for their full two years in middle school. The curriculum begins in 7th grade with an emphasis in skill building in observational drawing, linear perspective, advanced color theory, and utilizing various media in sculpture, and ceramics. Public art murals are designed and executed, and stage prop building is studied and created for various school performances. As the first year progresses, students are introduced to "Design Process Thinking," and begin to increasingly develop their own ideas based on themes and creative restraints. By the time they move into 8th grade, students are working with complex themes more conceptual in nature. All Academy students participate in one art related field trip in both 7th and 8th grade and artwork is entered into the Paradise Valley Sights and Sounds Show.

 

Students who do not maintain a B or better in the Academy may be removed from the Art Academy program at the end of that semester. It is important for students to maintain good academic standing in order to continue in the program.

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Interview Process

Interviews will take approximately 10 minutes. At this time you must present a portfolio presentation of your work, be able to discuss your art skills and be prepared to answer “Why would you be a good addition to the program?”

Portfolio: Please bring 8 printed color copies of your artwork showing any media (drawing, painting, ceramics, mixed media). These copies will not be returned but will remain in your application.

• Sat. Jan 17, 2026 Interviews will be scheduled 10am-4pm in the Art Room D5/D8