Junior High students at St. Ambrose Academy are encouraged to explore elective studies outside of the core curriculum of English, History, Latin, Math, Religion, and Science, topics of interest that will be of great benefit to their intellectual and personal formation as they continue through grades 6-8 and then through Senior High electives.

Art

Students are introduced to a variety of media with an emphasis on fine arts skills.

Band

Band is for students in grades 6-12. Most students joining Band have already played their woodwind, brass or percussion instrument for at least one year, but new beginners are welcome as well. Semi-private lessons (small groups of 2-3 students) meet on Wednesdays throughout the school day. Students are pulled from class for their 25 minute lesson. Lessons rotate each week so that students are not missing the same time slot every week. Large group band rehearsal for all Band students takes place on Friday mornings from 7:55-8:50 (during homeroom, Mass and/or Study Hall.) Students prepare for and perform in two concerts – one in December and one in May. Band is offered to St. Ambrose Academy students by the non-profit organization Overture Band Programs. There is a separate Band Tuition Fee for Band students, and students are required to provide their own instrument.

Orchestra

Orchestra is for students in grades 6-12 who already play, or want to learn to play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or string bass.) Semi-private lessons (small groups of 2-3 students) meet on Wednesdays throughout the school day.  Students are pulled from class for their 25 minute lesson.  Lessons rotate each week so that students are not missing the same time slot every week.  Large group Orchestra rehearsal for all String students will take place on Wednesday mornings from 8:05-8:50 (during Study Hall.) Students prepare for and perform in two concerts – one in December and one in May. Orchestra is offered to St. Ambrose Academy students by the non-profit organization Overture Band Programs. There is a separate Orchestra Tuition Fee for Orchestra students, and students are required to provide their own instrument.

Music

Music courses offer students an opportunity to focus on choral, solo, and ensemble singing. Music theory and the history of music in the Church are also taught. 

Physical Education

The “good, true, and beautiful” can be learned through physical exercise and sport as well as in academic courses. Students are introduced to a variety of games/activities throughout the year which include: volleyball, kickball, capture the flag, dodgeball, bowling, ice skating, pickleball, basketball, floor hockey, soccer, ultimate frisbee, sledding, badminton, and touch football.