The TMS Explore Program provides unique opportunities for students to investigate areas outside the core curriculum. We currently offer students six different classes, ranging from Art to Video Production. Each class is one semester long and students rotate to a new class at the semester break. If you have questions about the Explore Program in general, or any of our classes in particular, please contact your students' school counselor.

Art

Intro to Art is a semester-long exploratory class that will provide students with the opportunity to explore the arts through creative projects, historical and cultural lessons, analysis of artworks, aesthetic valuing, and making connections to other subjects, careers, and the community. Students will learn about and apply the elements of art and the principles of design in visual art. Throughout the semester, students will be introduced to a variety of art media and will create both 2 and 3-dimensional art projects.  All instruction is based on the five strands and benchmarks of the California Visual and Performing Arts Standards.

Band

The Temecula Middle School Band program provides instrumental music instruction at three levels. Beginning, Concert (intermediate), and Symphonic (advanced).  Students are placed as much as possible by grade level to facilitate working schedules at school and peer group working relationships which will follow the band students into high school. Students will perform several concerts throughout the year, as well as compete in other competitions/festivals. We look forward to seeing you throughout the year at our evening events. 

Career Exploration

The Paxton Patterson College and Career Ready Labs are a series of hands-on, problem-based learning experiences that help students explore careers and discover their interests and aptitudes:

* Career exploration - Students gain experience in the work of professionals in a variety of fields. They learn the skills, knowledge, and abilities required for specific jobs.
* Interest discovery - Students reflect on their interests and discover what they are good at. This helps them make informed career decisions. 
* Real-world technology - Students engage with real-world technology to solve problems. 

Some of the modules covered in the Paxton Patterson College and Career Ready Labs include:

- Alternative Energy
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Graphics & Game Development
- Cosmetology
- Criminalistics
- Dentistry
- Digital Manufacturing
- Emergency & Fire Management Services
- Employability Skills
- Environment & Ecology
- Flight & Drone Technology
- Laser Technology
- Materials Processing & Design
- Mental Health
- Nursing
- Sports Medicine
- Structural Engineering
- Veterinary Medicine

Choir

The Temecula Middle School Choir program includes three levels:  Beginning, Treble, and Mixed.  Students are placed as much as possible by grade level to facilitate working schedules at school and peer group working relationships which will follow the choir students into high school. Students will perform several concerts throughout the year, as well as compete in other competitions/festivals. We look forward to seeing you throughout the year at our evening events.

Dance

In this explore dance elective class, students will embark on an introductory exploration of various dance styles and techniques, while also delving into the history of dance. The curriculum, aligned with California Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) standards, emphasizes the development of coordination, rhythm, and technical skills, alongside fostering self-expression through movement. Students will engage in activities designed to enhance their body alignment, strength, and flexibility, and will learn to appreciate the diverse cultural and artistic contexts of dance. Through improvisation, choreography, and peer collaboration, students will build confidence and a deeper appreciation for dance as both a personal and collective art form. 

Introduction to Drama

The first half of the semester will introduce students to basic drama techniques such as pantomime, speaking and articulation, improvisation, props and effective use of props, etc.; students will also develop an understanding of the variety of roles in theater (jobs that make the performance all possible) and be able to identify and describe basic (Western) theater history and the genres of theater.  The second half of the semester will include script analysis and a performance critique, which includes a written critique and a culminating performance/final project. 

Video Production