Language Policy
English is the language of instruction; Spanish is offered as language acquisition; every teacher supports academic language development.
International Baccalaureate.
Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science is a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is pursuing full IB World School authorization.
Candidate status is not a guarantee that authorization will be granted. Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes.
The IB Middle Years Programme is designed for students ages 11–16 and emphasizes inquiry-based learning, conceptual understanding, and real-world application — a natural complement to HU-MS²’s STEM focus. Design-cycle thinking connects directly to our Robotics and Engineering pathways, while the MYP’s research and communication skills reinforce Data Science and Computer Science. See Where STEM Meets IB.
The IB Learner Profile
The ten Learner Profile attributes place scholars at the center of an IB education:
- Inquirers
- Knowledgeable
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Principled
- Open-Minded
- Caring
- Risk-Takers
- Balanced
- Reflective
MYP subject groups
- Language & Literature
- Language Acquisition (Spanish)
- Individuals & Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts
- Physical & Health Education
- Design
Programme policies
Four board-reviewed policies (most recently in March 2026) govern the programme:
Academic Honesty Policy
An MLA citation standard, explicit teaching of research and citation skills, and a restorative, educative approach to misconduct — including guidance on AI-generated work.
Assessment Policy
Criterion-referenced grading on the IB 1–7 scale, a mix of formative and summative assessment, and the Grade 9 Personal Project.
Inclusion Policy
Universal Design for Learning, a tiered support model (Tiers 1–3), and a commitment to culturally responsive, restorative practice.