Middle School Academy

Middle School Academy The Academy is a learning environment housed within each middle school in Mehlville School District. Academy classes present students with blended learning opportunities, including project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, personalized learning and guided teacher expertise. Students in the Academy are empowered to shape how they learn the curriculum throughout the school year.

Academy courses cover the same Mehlville School District Board-approved curriculum as their traditional counterparts, just in a new and engaging way.

See an example of a project a student might complete in the Academy:

Who can participate in the Academy?

Students entering sixth- through eighth grade can enroll in the Academy. Academy locations include Bernard, Buerkle, Oakville Middle and Washington.

How is the Academy different from other middle school course offerings?

The Academy courses may be a combination of two classes. For example, an Academy course may be a two-hour class that blends math and science. Or an Academy course may be a three-hour class that blends English language arts and social studies. Or an Academy course may offer a longer block of one content area. Any combination of classes may occur.

Traditional middle school instruction relies on the teacher to lead students through the content curriculum and to determine how learning will be assessed. Students participating in the Academy are given the ability to personalize how they acquire and represent their mastery of curriculum while being guided by the teacher to ensure quality. While many of our traditional middle school courses incorporate personalized learning, in the Academy, personalized learning is concentrated and sustained throughout the school year. Collaborative work within the Academy setting emulates real-world career experiences.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the Academy?

No. Any Mehlville School District student entering grades 6 through 8 may enroll in the Academy.

Will Academy courses be available to students in STRETCH?

The existing structure of STRETCH within each middle school will determine if a student is eligible to receive both STRETCH instruction and participate in Academy programming.

How will math be taught in Academy courses?

The Academy course that blends math with another subject will be based on the Math 6, 7 or 8 curriculum (based on grade). However, opportunities will be provided for students in the Academy to explore Challenge Math curriculum. As is the case for all students, qualifying Academy students will be eligible to enroll in Algebra I in eighth-grade.

Can students with IEPs enroll in Academy courses?

Yes, Academy courses are available to students who have IEPs.

How do I register for the Academy?

You will see Academy courses listed on your middle school's course request form. If you have any questions, please contact your middle school.

How can I find out more information about the Academy?

Please call your child's middle school if you have questions about the Academy. While all Academy courses throughout the district must meet the same standards and use the same teaching and learning strategies, each middle school is tasked with implementing the Academy program with their scheduling and student needs in mind.

Academy Contact Information
Patriot Academy at Bernard Middle School
Principal: Dr. Lauren Cumming
314-467-6600

Bobcat Academy at Margaret Buerkle Middle School
Principal: Jim Kern
314-467-6800

Spartan Academy at Oakville Middle School
Principal: Mike Salsman
314-467-7400

Eagle Academy at Washington Middle School
Principal: Kelly Roberts
314-467-7600

The Mehlville School District strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: contact Adam Smith at 314-467-5006 or [email protected].