School Counseling
Counselors
2026-27 Scheduling/Course Registration Information
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Rising 6th Graders
All 6th Grade Students are required to register for a Yearlong Fine Art course. Students may not get their 1st choice, so it is important that students think carefully about all of their options. When signing up for classes, students will be asked to rank these four courses 1-4 (1 being your first choice; 4 being your last choice):
Art, Band, Chorus, or Orchestra
In addition to students’ Yearlong Fine Arts course, all students will also have a semester of PE/Health and Computer Science + STEM.
6th grade students will have a semester of Enrichment, a 9 weeks of Spanish and 9 weeks of French.
Current teachers make recommendations for next year's Academic Core Classes (ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies).
The only way a parent can override a teacher's recommendation is to complete an Academic Release and an Academic Permission Slip. The Academic Release is an online Google Form. The Academic Permission Slip must be printed and brought to school by the parent/guardian. There will be extras of these printed in the main office.
Here is the 2026-27 BMS Course Catalog for reference.
Rising 7th Graders
7th Grade Students are enrolled in their Yearlong Fine Art of choice from last year (Band, Orchestra, Chorus, or Art) for continuity and age-appropriate development. *If you have questions or concerns about this, please see Mr. Toth or Ms. Dyer, the 7th grade Counselor.
Because Bearden Middle is an IB World School, all students must have some type of World Language in their schedule. All 7th grade students must take a semester of either French or Spanish. Students will choose either French or Spanish.
In addition to a student's Yearlong Fine Arts course and his or her chosen World Language, all 7th grade students will also have a semester of PE/Health and a semester of STEM.
Current teachers make recommendations for next year's Academic Core Classes (ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies).
The only way a parent can override a teacher's recommendation is to complete an Academic Release and an Academic Permission Slip. The Academic Release is an online Google Form. The Academic Permission Slip must be printed and brought to school by the parent/guardian. There will be extras of these printed in the main office.
Here is the 2026-27 BMS Course Catalog for reference.
Rising 8th Graders
8th Grade Students are enrolled in their Yearlong Fine Art of choice from last year (Band, Orchestra, Chorus, or Art) for continuity and age-appropriate development. *If you have questions or concerns about this, please see Mr. Toth or Ms. Salter, the 8th grade Counselor.
Because Bearden Middle is an IB World School, all students must have some type of World Language in their schedule. All 8th grade students must take at least a semester of Spanish or 8th grade students can take a yearlong, high school credit course in Spanish I or French I.
Students MUST be recommended by their current World Language teacher in order to take the high school credit course.
In addition to a student's Yearlong Fine Art course and his or her chosen World Language, all 8th grade students will also have a semester of PE/Health and a semester of STEM. *8th Grade Students ONLY can opt to take Yoga/Health instead of PE/Health. If interested in the Yoga class, see Mrs. Smith, so she can put your name on her list.
Current teachers make recommendations for next year's Academic Core Classes (ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies).
The only way a parent can override a teacher's recommendation is to complete an Academic Release and an Academic Permission Slip. The Academic Release is an online Google Form. The Academic Permission Slip must be printed and brought to school by the parent/guardian. There will be extras of these printed in the main office.
Here is the 2026-27 BMS Course Catalog for reference.
KCS Magnet School Information (for rising 9th graders)
8th graders and families,
If you are interested in learning more about the high school magnet programs offered by Knox County Schools, please click here. This information package replaces the in-school visits magnet facilitators have offered in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What is a Magnet School?
A. Magnet Schools can be defined as schools that provide unique learning opportunities in a specific area or theme not offered at other Knox County Schools.
Q. Do I have to pay to send my child to a School of Choice?
A. No. Magnet Schools are part of the Knox County School System. There is no tuition cost to the student.
Q. What commitment do parents have to make for their children to attend a Magnet School?
A. There is overwhelming evidence that parental involvement has a direct connection to a student's success. Upon acceptance, parents are asked to make a commitment to their children's academics, attendance, and behavior.
Q. Who may apply?
A. All out-of-zone students interested in any of the unique programming at a Magnet School may apply during the Application and Transfer Period. In-zone students automatically receive a seat in the Magnet School in which they are zoned.
Thank you for supporting magnet programming for students. If you have any magnet school questions, please reach out to Shelley Salter, 8th grade counselor (shelley.salter@knoxschools.org).