Each spring, our incoming middle school students (grades 5-7) select their electives courses for next year. All 5th-7th graders currently attending MVWSD will formally select their course electives online through the
PowerSchool portal in the spring.
(For new student not currently attending MVWSD, you will receive an email with instructions about how to select electives.)
Our middle schools provide quality course offerings that we hope will pique students’ interests and are a great complement to core academics. After electives selection, your student will be assigned to an individualized schedule of classes based on his/ her academic needs and interests.
Electives selection begins typically at the end of March on PowerSchool.
Course catalogs (2024-25) * Updated *
Instructions for how to choose electives in PowerSchool
English Instructions - In PDF format
Spanish Instructions - In PDF format
Video instructions (includes Spanish subtitles. To view them, click on the CC icon in the bottom right hand corner of your screen)
For help
* Incoming Graham sixth- or eighth-graders whose last name begins with A-K should contact Pedro Serrano at [email protected] (650-526-3570). Incoming Graham seventh- or eighth-graders whose last name begins with L-Z should contact Dena Vang at [email protected] (650-526-3570).
* For Crittenden students, please contact Carolyn Chang at 650-903-6945 ext. 2223 and [email protected]/ Susana Morales at [email protected] and 650-903-6945.
Help Sessions
For Crittenden:
to come
For Graham:
to come
Common questions:
1. Why do we choose electives?
All students need access to a broad course of study including core classes, classes for extra academic challenge or support, in addition to electives. Your student will be assigned to an individualized schedule of classes based on his/ her academic needs and interests.
2. How do we choose electives?
Students, with the support of their parents, select elective classes through the
PowerSchool portal. Each student will need to select and rank 5 electives that are of interest. This will support the school in scheduling your student for a choice elective. Please don’t select the same elective more than once, as that may actually limit your ability to have an elective of your choice.
3. How many electives will my student have next year?
All students will have at least one elective, plus time for academic support if needed.
4. How does RTI work at middle school?
Students at the middle schools are scheduled for one period dedicated to supporting the student’s specific learning needs through intervention or extension/enrichment. Our middle schools use data to determine student groups, needs and progress toward mastery of essential skills standards. Specific schedules will be shared at the beginning of the school year.
5. Do I choose an elective even if I have an IEP?
YES! You will sign up for your electives as explained above, and will be automatically assigned to any support class (RTI, Instructional Support, ELD, etc).
6. Can I sign up for Orchestra III (Crittenden) and Advanced Music (Graham)?
Yes AND - you can choose any elective, but some require extra steps like an application or an audition. Please review the course catalog for these requirements.
7. If I wait until the last day to submit my elective preferences, will I have a lower chance of getting my choice?
No, electives are not first-come, first- served.
8. If I select the same elective several times, does that increase my chance of getting that elective?
No, and it may actually limit your ability to have an elective of your choice.
Prereg students
CR English
CR Spanish
GR English
GR Spanish