Learning

The subject areas of communications, literary arts, math, science and social studies continue to be the core of our curriculum. All students are required to take these courses in grades 6- 8 with exciting additions of hands-on and project-based learning to supplement these important building blocks.

Middle school is a time when students are learning about themselves and should be able to explore what is important to them. Our schedule gives them more opportunities to explore elective courses that interest them, including music, world languages, physical education, film & animation, AVID, Project Lead The Way and more. Electives are aligned with One91 Pathways career fields at Burnsville High School and allow students to try out options to find the best fit.

In 6th and 7th grades, students will rotate through a series of four exploratory classes, taking one each quarter. The exploratory classes include Project Lead The Way engineering, family & consumer sciences, art, computer technology and health.

Students have a daily advisory period where they are provided an opportunity for check-in on their academic performance and social engagement. During this time, students will participate in college and career readiness activities, set and monitor academic goals, engage in team building activities and receive support to navigate social and emotional situations.

Embedded honors opportunities are available to students in core subject areas (literary arts, social studies and science). Students can try honors work within their classroom, removing the barriers associated with traditional honors classes by opening up the opportunity to each student. Honors work focuses on increasing students' ability to think critically.