Area School Information

School Programs

• All schools offer basically the same curriculum, and principals monitor what is taught. The goal is to help every child learn the basic things needed to function in our complex society but to give teachers the freedom to enrich a child’s instruction with their unique talent.

Elementary

• Special opportunities such as a library in every building with a librarian and library secretary serving about two buildings each, a total language approach to the study of language arts, specialists in art, vocal music, instrumental music, and physical education; reading specialist services for all buildings, an English As a Second Language (ESL) Program.
• One of our elementary schools has an alternative approach to learning called the Aldo Leopold Alternative Program. It is less structured and more individualized that the instructional program at our other schools, and it is offered to students grades 1 through 8, unlike the regular elementary schools for students in grades K-5. It operates with an open enrollment on a first-come first-served basis. (Ask about the Alternative Program, 448-2440)

Secondary

• Our secondary schools have two levels: Middle schools (grades 6-8) and high schools(grades 9-12).
• Our middle school philosophy is that students should explore many courses. The design of our middle schools offers a transition between a more personalized program in the sixth grade to a more demanding and independent program for eighth graders. A separate reading course is taught to each student on the sixth grade level. As students more through middle school, in addition to academic courses, other required instruction is offered in the areas of health, computers, and in foreign language.
• Students choices are expanded in high school. A wide selection of courses are offered to fit the variety of needs our students have. There are courses for those students who will continue their education after high school as well as for those who will seek a job immediately after graduation.
• Twenty-two credits are required for graduation which includes specific academic areas. In addition, we offer many electives.
• Our curriculum includes:

• a challenging mathematics program that ranges from algebra in eighth grade to calculus in high school
• advanced biology, chemistry and physics in high school; an integrated math/science course in middle school
• a language arts program that emphasizes writing, speaking and listening skills, language and literature
• Courses involving economics, Russian history, psychology, sociology, Native American cultures plus other offerings are available in addition to the required American History
• French, Spanish and German at the middle and high school level
• youth apprenticeships in the areas of finance, printing, automotive technician, health, hotel/motel services, auto collision, manufacturing/machining and manufacturing/production. Other youth apprentice ships will be added in 1997-98
• work-study programs in office education, marketing education, technology education, family/consumer education and agri-business
• a variety of advanced placement programs
• may enroll in approved post secondary colleges or technical schools in the junior and senior years