Middle School Studios
The Studio is a learning environment housed within each middle school in the Mehlville School District. Studio classes present students with blended learning opportunities, including project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, personalized learning and guided teacher expertise. Students in the Studio are empowered to shape how they learn the curriculum throughout the school year.
Studio courses cover the same Mehlville School District Board-approved curriculum as their traditional counterparts.
Who can participate in the Studio?
Grade-level offerings vary by school. Please contact your student's middle school.
How is the Studio different from other middle school course offerings?
Studio courses may be a combination of two classes. For example, a Studio course may be a two-hour class that blends math and science. A Studio course could also be a two-hour class that blends English language arts and social studies. A Studio 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 Studio are given the ability to personalize how they acquire and represent their mastery of the curriculum while being guided by the teacher to ensure quality. While many of our traditional middle school courses incorporate personalized learning, in the Studio, personalized learning is concentrated and sustained throughout the school year. Collaborative work within the Studio setting emulates real-world career experiences.
Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the Studio?
No. Any Mehlville School District student entering grades 6 through 8 may enroll in the Studio based on course availability.
Will Studio 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 Studio programming.
How will math be taught in Studio courses?
A Studio 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 Studio to explore the Challenge Math curriculum. As is the case for all students, qualifying Studio students will be eligible to enroll in Algebra I in eighth grade.
Can students with IEPs enroll in Studio courses?
Yes, Studio courses are available to students who have IEPs.
How do I register for the Studio?
You will see Studio 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 Studio?
Please call your child's middle school if you have questions about the Studio. While all Studio 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 Studio courses with their scheduling and student needs in mind.