Middle School

Why Middle School Matters

More Than You Think

Middle School is when interests take shape and confidence starts to grow. That’s why we don’t treat it like a holding zone. Instead, we create a space where students explore real-world challenges, stretch their thinking, and discover what they’re capable of—long before high school starts.

More Than Stats—This Is Student Growth

By the numbers, and by design—here’s what makes our students thrive.

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COMPUTER SCIENCE TRACKS

Starting with foundational skills in Computer Science I and II, students can progress into Game Design, Python, Cybersecurity, and Networking.

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Theater and Performance Tracks

Theater I and II, Technical Theater, and Theater Performance courses allow students to develop public speaking, design, and stage skills—all while working toward productions.

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS TRACKS

With courses in drawing, painting, mixed media, band, orchestra, choir, and music production, STEM offers a rich arts experience alongside STEM learning.

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WORLD LANGUAGE TRACKS

Starting in 6th grade, students may begin Spanish or French and progress through Level 1B by 8th grade.

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ACCELERATED MATH COURSES

Students who demonstrate advanced math skills may qualify for an accelerated pathway, allowing them to complete Algebra I or higher by 8th grade.

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WEEKLY ACCESS PERIOD

Twice weekly Access period for every student. Built into the schedule, the Access period provides students with time for mentorship, social emotional learning, and community building activities such as school-wide assemblies.

WHAT MAKES STEM DIFFERENT

A Program Built for Young Learners Who Are Ready for More

Accelerated Math Pathways, including Algebra and Geometry

High School credit opportunities in Algebra, World Language, and STEM electives

Hands-on, problem-based learning in every classroom

Integrated support services for academic, social, and emotional growth

Student voice in course selection and acceleration self selection

Students are placed based on readiness—not age—and encouraged to move at a pace that fits

Here, learning isn’t just about content—it’s about curiosity, momentum, and purpose.

WATCH STEM IN ACTION

CONNECT WITH Our Enrollment Team

Middle School Means Forward Motion

At STEM students gain more than knowledge—they gain momentum.

STEM Middle School is built to engage, inspire, and support every learner. Explore how we bring this to life through hands-on learning, a curiosity-driven schedule, meaningful support systems, and opportunities that help students grow inside and outside the classroom. STEM Students are ready for:

Learning That Comes to Life

At STEM Middle School, learning isn’t confined to worksheets or lectures—it’s active, hands-on, and deeply connected to the real world. We don’t just prepare students for high school—we help them discover what they can build, lead, and change right now.

Our students:

Design video games and 3D models
Build and program functional robots
Develop sustainable plans to improve communities
Explore coding, creative writing, and digital storytelling

They don’t just learn—they create, present, and problem-solve in ways that matter. The result? Real-world skills, lasting confidence, and a strong belief that school is meaningful—because their work has purpose.

Middle School Academic Planning Guide

A Schedule That Sparks Curiosity

Core Foundations + Real Choice

Every student builds a strong foundation through core subjects like Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, with the option to challenge themselves through advanced and honors pathways. But learning doesn’t stop there. Students shape their own experience by choosing from electives that match their passions and spark curiosity:

Engineering, Coding, and Robotics
Art, Theater, Music, and Media
World Language and Debate
PE and Wellness

With flexible groupings, rotating schedules, and interest-based options, students stay engaged, energized, and motivated to learn. It’s structure with room to move—designed to meet each learner where they are and help them grow.

Secondary School Block Schedule

A Space for support and growth

At STEM, we believe students grow best when they feel supported and connected. That’s why our Access period is built into the schedule twice each week. Students meet consistently with the same mentor teacher throughout middle school, creating a strong and steady relationship over time. During Access, students engage in social-emotional learning, reflect on their goals, and participate in school-wide assemblies that strengthen community. This time is more than a pause in the schedule. It creates a dependable space where students are seen, supported, and prepared to grow in confidence and character.

Support That’s Personal and Proactive

Middle school is a time of big growth—and students thrive when they’re seen, heard, and supported. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all learning. At STEM, our middle school counselors are at the heart of that support system, working alongside teachers and advisors to guide each student’s unique journey.

Together, they help students:

Find the right academic fit with tailored course placement
Receive one-on-one guidance through academic counseling
Strengthen skills through math and literacy enrichment
Build connection and confidence through Access and SEL programs

With the right support, students don’t just stay on track—they discover how far they can go.

EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

Middle school is the right time to grow as a leader. At STEM, students have space and opportunity to step forward, share ideas, and get involved in meaningful ways. They’re encouraged to participate and make a difference in the school community through a wide range of extracurricular opportunities including the kind of hands-on, student-led experiences that many neighborhood schools simply aren’t structured to provide.

Group of students at a work table building a model house

Two students smiling and building a model house

Partnership and Possibility

TRUST BUILDING CONNECTIONS

At STEM, communication isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the culture. Families stay informed with weekly updates and regular events that keep them connected.

Leadership That’s Accessible

We make it easy for families to reach out. Whether it’s a quick question or a deeper concern, our leadership and counseling teams are here to help.

Partnership Through Planning

We offer ongoing workshops, planning meetings, and opportunities to collaborate—because student success is a shared journey.

ROOTED IN RELATIONSHIPS

STEM is more than a school—it’s a community where families feel seen, supported, and genuinely included.

pASSION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Learning doesn’t end when the bell rings. At STEM, students take their curiosity further—building confidence through real-world experiences and meaningful engagement.

cREATE. pERFORM. sHINE.

Through theater, band, choir, and visual arts, students share their creativity and talent with real audiences at school-wide showcases and community events.

lead WITH Purpose

From Student Government to Speech and Debate, middle schoolers find their voice, take initiative, and lead with impact.

Think. Build. Achieve.

Whether they’re programming robots, joining Cybersecurity teams, or competing in athletics, students grow through teamwork, strategy, and passion-driven challenge.

Many Paths.

One Place to Grow.

At STEM School Highlands Ranch, Middle School is more than preparation for High School—it’s a place where students begin discovering who they are and what excites them most. Whether they lead projects, build with their hands, or explore creative interests, every student is given space to grow in their own direction. These learner stories are examples—crafted to show the many unique paths students can take at STEM School Highlands Ranch.

AVA, THE EMERGING LEADER

Jayden, The Hands-On Problem Solver

Kai, The Creative Explorer

Middle School Made Simple

Is STEM just for advanced or gifted students?

Does my student need to know what they want to do?

Can my child pursue the arts or athletics at STEM?

Is STEM a supportive learning environment?

How is STEM Middle School different from neighborhood public schools?

What’s unique about STEM's course offerings?

STEM offers a more robust and personalized selection of electives than most traditional middle schools. While many middle schools offer basic STEM or technology classes, our students go much further. At STEM, learners are coding with Python, building with Raspberry Pis, designing in 3D, and diving into robotics and networking—all in middle school. In addition to these advanced STEM options, students also choose from a wide range of electives in visual and performing arts, media, and world languages. It’s a well-rounded, hands-on experience that helps students discover what excites them and grow as creative, capable problem-solvers.

How does the block schedule work at STEM Middle School?

STEM Middle School uses a rotating block schedule with extended class periods that give students time to dive deeper into learning. Students attend four longer classes each day on alternating Blue and Gold days, with class periods ranging from 80 to 105 minutes. This allows for richer discussions, hands-on projects, and fewer transitions throughout the day. This schedule is designed to balance academic depth, personal support, and flexibility. Students also benefit from a dedicated Access period twice a week for mentoring, school-wide assemblies. social emotional learning, and goal setting and an optional teacher office hours period from 3:30-4:00 PM for extra support (days based on teacher scheduling).

Blue Days (Monday & Wednesday): Periods 1, 3, 5, 7
Gold Days (Tuesday & Thursday): Periods 2, 4, 6, 8
Fridays include all 8 periods in shorter 45–65 minute blocks to maintain continuity across the week.

SECONDARY BLOCK SCHEDULE

MIDDLE SCHOOL QUICK LINKS

2026-27 Ms academic planning guide

2025-26 Ms academic planning guidE (PDF)

Secondary academic calendar

Blue/Gold/Silver Day Rotation

secondary Block schedule