Middle School Specialized Programs

Student

Middle School Specialized Programs aim to provide students with a unique and tailored educational experience that caters to their specific interests and talents. These programs offer a focused curriculum in various areas, By participating in these programs, middle school students have the opportunity to explore their passions more deeply, fostering a sense of enthusiasm for learning. Specialized courses and projects help develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a strong foundation in their chosen area of focus. These programs also often encourage collaboration and teamwork, preparing students for the challenges they may face in high school and beyond. Middle School Specialized Programs not only enhance academic skills but also promote personal growth and a lifelong love for learning.

Fee Based Busing

Busing will be offered at a fee to the Specialized Schools, families can choose to register and pay for an AM pickup, PM drop off, or both.

Middle School Spanish Immersion

The goal of the Spanish Immersion program in middle school is to expand Spanish speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills and develop a multicultural awareness of Spanish-speaking people around the world.

Fifth-grade students in the Elementary Spanish Immersion program at Sonia Sotomayor continue in the Middle School Spanish Immersion program located at Edison Middle School. Middle school Spanish Immersion students receive classroom instruction in Spanish in three classes every day: Spanish science, Spanish social studies, and Spanish language arts. All other middle school instruction is delivered in English.

Criteria

  1. Students have the opportunity to receive High School Credit for Spanish II.

  2. Students who achieve a composite of 4 ​or higher on the STAMP will receive High School Credit for Spanish III.

  3. Students who score a 5 or higher on all four parts of the STAMP and successfully complete the English requirements for 8th grade will be eligible for the Functional Fluency certificate of the Global Seal of Biliteracy.

Kirk Zeeck

Dr. Kirk Zeeck

Director of Federal Programs and Language Immersion

✆ (605) 367-7923
✉ Email Kirk Zeeck
➢ IPC - Federal Programs

Andy McKay

Dr. Andy McKay

K-12 Spanish Immersion Specialist

✆ (605) 367-7900
✉ Email Andrew McKay
➢ IPC

Honors Program

Patrick Henry

Honors Program

Middle School

✆ (605) 367-7639
➢ Patrick Henry Middle School

The Sioux Falls School District will offer students with exceptionally high academic and intellectual ability a challenging, accelerated, integrated, and enriched curriculum in the core subjects. These honors education courses are offered at Patrick Henry Middle School.

The Middle School Honors Program is open to incoming 6th graders who have been identified for the “gifted education” program and who attend one of the Sioux Falls School District elementary schools. Online verification must be completed for enrollment.

Other Specialized Programs

In the dynamic landscape of K-12 education, specialized programs play a pivotal role in catering to the diverse needs and talents of students. Our specialized programs within the Elementary and High Schools encompass a spectrum of disciplines, from Spanish Immersion to project based learning tracks to ensuring that each student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.