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Academic Planning

Information on this page will assist you in making the best academic choices for your child. We understand the importance of these decisions and have put together comprehensive information to support you in this process.

Descriptions of all courses can be found in the Middle School Program of Studies using this link:  APS Middle School Program of Studies

thumbnail of Jan 14 2025 – PARENT Rising 6 Academic Advising Night.pptx                                    thumbnail of Jan 14 2025 – PARENT Rising 7_8 Academic Advising Night.pptx

Rising 6th Grade Academic Advising Presentation                      Rising 7th & 8th Grade Academic Advising Presentation

Academic Advising

At Gunston Middle School, our goal is to provide a challenging academic program. We encourage students to select courses that reflect their abilities, strengths, and interests to create a balanced academic schedule. Elective courses offer opportunities for enrichment and exploration.

During the course registration process, students will collaborate with teachers, school counselors, and parents/guardian to develop an individualized academic program designed to foster success, achievement, and preparedness for the next grade level. All Gunston students will participate in one-on-one academic advising sessions with their school counselor to finalize their course selections for the 2026-2027 school year.

This year, the course selection process will look a bit different. Students will be using the SchooLinks platform to make their course selections. SchooLinks is new to APS, and students completed their onboarding during Teacher Advisory, in the month of October.

A SchooLinks Zoom Webinar is scheduled on December 17th for Parents/Guardian. Information was shared with families on December 11, 2025.

Students receiving services through Special Education will complete initial course selections with their counselor and finalize course placements with case managers at their spring transition IEP meetings.

To help guide course selection decisions, teachers will provide feedback, and students will have opportunities to explore options. These opportunities include Gunston Middle School Night, course webpages showcasing next-grade-level options, and APS Program of Studies.

High School Visits to GMS

  • Wakefield – Monday, January 5th
  • Washington & Liberty and Yorktown – Monday, January 12 8:15 – 9:15 am

Course Advising Dates

Current 6th Grade/Current 7th Grade/Current 8th Grade Course Advising Dates

  • Tuesday, January 6th, through Friday, February 27th
  • Individual consultations with student’s School Counselor
  • During student’s Social Studies class

Elementary School Visits to GMS

Elementary School Visits to Gunston Middle School

  • Wednesday, April 8th
    • 10 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 9rd
    • 10- 11:30 a.m.

Course Registration

Feel free to reach out to the Student Services Department if you have any questions about the course registration process—school counselors can walk you through step-by-step.

School Counselors: Mrs. Brantley, Ms. Draughon, Mrs. Elliott, Ms. Cordero, Ms. Carr & Ms. Kolody

Director of Counseling: Ms. Niasharee Frater