(MS)2 Guiding Principles
The Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science (MS)² is a premier charter school that serves the advanced educational needs of scholars. The school provides a preparatory curriculum that emphasizes a balanced mix of academics in all subjects with a concentration in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Educators seek to develop scholars’ strengths, interests and values in an educational environment preparing them to not only reach academic goals but to also become a successful professional in a STEM-related field.
Scholars are provided the resources and guidance to think critically and abstractly, push boundaries and are given many opportunities for academic risk-taking and exploration.

Our STEM Curriculum
(MS)² offers a challenging academic program for middle school scholars using the Summit Learning platform. Summit Learning is a personalized approach to teaching and learning designed to equip every student to lead a fulfilled life — one filled with purpose, financial independence, community, strong relationships, and health.In order to achieve this vision of a fulfilled life for every student, Summit Learning combines the established science of how students learn best with the latest cutting-edge research to create a school experience that meets
every student’s needs.

In a Summit Learning environment, students become self-directed learners, acquiring the skills, knowledge, and habits they need to succeed not only in the classroom but also in college, career, and life.
The Summit Learning approach to teaching and learning is based on developing four key student outcomes:

  • Cognitive Skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, that equip students with essential and transferable lifelong skills necessary to navigate college and careers;
  • Content Knowledge helps
    students understand and navigate not only academic subjects but the world around them;
  • Habits of Success and social-emotional skills such as resilience, social awareness and a sense of belonging designed to help students make good choices;
  • Sense of Purpose where students develop an understanding of their passions, interests and how they can apply these to their lives and well-being.

Many (MS)² scholars are provided an opportunity to take Spanish, Computer Skills, Physical Education and Health, and technology and engineering courses through Project Lead the Way

Core Coursework at (MS)2

6th Grade                                                                   7th Grade                                                    8th Grade

Pre-Algebra                                                 Algebra 1A or Algebra                                           Algebra 1B or Geometry

English/Language Arts 6                           English /Language Arts 7                                      English/Language Arts 8

Earth and Space Science                          Life Science                                                             Biology/Biotechnology

World Cultures and Geography              Ancient World History and Geography              US History and Geography

STEM Literacy                                             STEM Literacy                                                         STEM Literacy

( STEM Literacy concentrates on reading and writing with a STEM focus)

All (MS)2 scholars have an opportunity to take Spanish 1, Physical Education and Health, General Music, Music Appreciation, Digital Music, Life with STEM, Contributions to STEM, Environmental Concerns with STEM, Computer Skills

 

Project Lead the Way – Gateway

Middle school is a time of exploration, a time when students are figuring out what they’re passionate about today and how that relates to who they’ll become tomorrow.

During this transitional time, PLTW Gateway’s 10 units empower students to lead their own discovery. The hands-on program boosts classroom engagement and excitement, drives collaboration, and inspires “aha! moments” and deep comprehension. And as students engage in PLTW’s activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they see a range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond.