WHY CHOOSE ATASCADERO MIDDLE SCHOOL?

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Students are the reason we are here at AMS.  Staff members work together to make learner-centered decisions that support and strengthen students' social, emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being.  We all contribute to keep our campus a positive, creative, and challenging environment -- one where students remain enthusiastic to learn.

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Academics

Atascadero Middle School has a tradition of academic excellence, provided in a safe, caring environment.  

Our students have many opportunities to shine.  We have high academic standards and provide all students the support necessary to meet and exceed those standards.  Our goal is to build in our students a strong foundation that will support them to become productive, responsible global citizens.

 

We measure our success in many ways.  Our students perform well on standardized and criteria based tests and these results have improved year after year.  Beyond this, our students use inquiry, technology, collaboration and teamwork, critical thinking, research skills, their caring teachers, and a positive attitude toward learning to be the best versions of themselves -- both inside and out of school.  

 

Core Curriculum for Grades 6-8:​

• Language Arts

• Mathematics and Advanced Math

• Social Studies

• NGSS Science

• Physical Education

• Classes and grades are supplemented with IXL, Thinking Maps, Google Classroom, and more.

 

Electives Programs:

• Elective "Wheels" for 6th - 8th grades

• 6th Wheel: Computer Coding, Music, CTE Pathways, Greenshop, College & Career Readiness with Xello

• 7th Wheel: Health, Digital Media Arts, Greenshop Design, Computer Programming

• 7th Choices: Band, Choir, Study Skills

• 8th Wheel: Ag Exploration, Greenshop Design, Music, and Digital Media Arts

• 8th Choices: , Band, Choir, Yearbook, Leadership, Study Skills
• Elective Wheel offerings align nicely with AHS's CTE Pathways and College Prep Pathway

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Enrichment Opportunities

• One-to-one Chromebooks for all students

• All 6th grades students participate in Kids Art Smart, private art lesson and antiquities tour at Hearst Castle

• All 7th grade students attend Learn By Doing Labs at Cal Poly

• Dozens of Encore Saint's Block offerings

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Saint's Block Intervention and Encore

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School Climate & School Pride

• College & Career Wear Wednesdays

• Orange and Blue Fridays

• "Rock Star Rally" Awards Assemblies

• Bernie's Student Bookstore

• All students and staff abide by The 5Rs and our District Core Values

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Results

AMS 6th, 7th & 8th graders have participated in the new Smarter Balanced Assessment System (CAASPP) every year since its inception in 2015.  Our students have demonstrated high achievement and growth in each subsequent administration of the tests.

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Facilities

Our school consists of SLO County's preeminent new main building, a new library, two new dedicated science labs, newly renovated classroom wings, Performing Arts wing, dedicated Band room, AUSD's primary performance stage, and new gym flooring. We are centrally located adjacent to City Hall, Sunken Gardens, the Teen Center, and Atascadero Public Library.

 

Faculty

Our administrators, counselors, and faculty are fully credentialed by the State of California.  They participate in an ongoing staff development programs, which include in-service conferences and state accredited workshops. If you are looking for contact information, please see the Team AMS link.

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We will care for, challenge, support, and cherish our students, while doing the same for each other.

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