Intradistrict School Choice FAQs

Intradistrict School Choice FAQs

Are there any organized tours of the schools or other opportunities to inform our decision? 

Middle Schools will not host in person tours but will post a link to a video tour for this purpose. The link to the tours will be posted to the district website by the middle of January. It is our hope that these video tours will be useful as families make a final decision on their decision for the next school year.

Also, middle schools will hold 7th/9th grade Parent evenings to provide more information about our programming this spring in addition to Step Up Day activities for students in June.

How can we best get information about academic quality between middle schools, beyond just opinions from other parents?

That is the intention of our community meeting. For a community meeting recording, see: HUUSD School Board Community IDC Meeting

Is pre / algebra offered for 7/8 graders?

The district adopted Desmos as the 6-8 math program. This is the first year of full implementation. The program follows the Common Core Standards and takes an integrated, spiraling approach. The courses are called "6th Grade Math," "7th Grade Math," and "8th Grade Math." All students follow this course sequence. While the district does not offer a separate Pre-Algebra or Algebra course in middle school, pre-algebra and algebra concepts are introduced throughout grades 7 and 8 (with more emphasis in grade 8). 

The major concepts include:

  • 6: fractions, decimals, expressions, equations
  • 7: grade 6 concepts continued plus proportional relationships, positive and negative numbers, inequalities
  • 8: grade 7 concepts continued plus linear relationships, variables, exponents, scientific notation, Pythagorean theorem 

In high school, students can choose from multiple pathways in math. There is an Integrated Math with Engineering option for 9th graders.  There are also 3 different opportunities for students to take 2 math courses in one year so that they can be eligible to take more of our upper level elective courses, such as AP Statistics and AP Calculus, before graduation. You can find more information about these pathways in the program of studies on the Harwood Website. 

What is the average classroom size at both middle schools? 

This depends on the year and the overall size of the incoming group of students - class sizes can range from 12 - 24 in different classes and at different schools.

Are middle school / high school students together ie., shared resources. Are there any times that both middle schools are together, outside of sports? 

There are no shared classes between HS and MS.

What sets the two middle schools apart?

Both middle schools offer the same curriculum. As with all schools, each has its unique characteristics. Please see the archived video of the HUUSD School Board Community IDC Meeting for more details.

What are the transportation options if my child participates in IDC? 

PK-6 transportation is provided to your child’s home school. There is transportation to both middle schools from all sending towns.   

Bus transportation is provided to both HUMS and CBMS.

How will I know if my IDC application has been accepted? When do I need to apply?

Applications are due by January 15. Families will be notified of the status of their application by February 9.