Middle school program

Differentiated instruction is one of the district’s instructional strategies used to respond to the needs of all learners. Classroom teachers respond to students’ varied academic needs and interests by adjusting instructional levels, adjusting pacing and providing choices. Talent development provides support to classroom teachers with differentiation, especially when students need advanced activities.  

At each of our six middle schools there are advanced courses in grades six through eight designed to meet the needs of very talented learners in specific subject areas. These courses are advanced English language arts (Advanced ELA), advanced science and above grade level math courses. Students qualify for these courses based on district criteria. In our middle school social studies courses, differentiated instruction strategies are used to meet the needs of advanced learners. Refer to our middle school learning and registration guide for more information about these courses.

The Curriculum Department at Anoka-Hennepin Schools regularly receives information regarding summer enrichment opportunities. The compiled list of opportunities is designed to address the intellectual and creative interests of students.

• Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs
• The Bakken Museum
• Camp Invention
• Concordia Language Villages
• Historic Fort Snelling
• International Wolf Center
• Kids’ University (U of M)
• Kids’ University Raptor Camp Programs
• The Loft
• Macalester College iD Tech Camps
• Mill City Museum
• Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY)
• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
• Minnesota Private College Council
• Minnesota Zoo camps
• Northern Clay Center
• Northwestern Center for Talent Development - Illinois
• Pavek Museum
• Rum River Art Center
• The Science Museum of Minnesota
• Summer at SPA (St. Paul Academy) – Learn, Explore, Create
• Vertical Endeavors
• The Works Museum – Engineering Fun
• University of St. Thomas STEPS (Science, Technology, Engineering Preview Summer)

Anoka-Hennepin Community Education provides a variety of activities available to all students. In addition to catalogs received in the mail, information can be found at ahschools.us/communityeducation or by linking to “Community Ed” at the top of your school’s website.

Minnesota Junior High Math League is an after-school academic team for talented math students who want to expand their problem solving skills and compete against other students and teams. There are five competitions each year; transportation to meets and back to schools is provided. For further information: mnjhml.com and contact your school’s talent development leader.

Knowledge Bowl is an after-school academic team experience which includes three competitions each school year. Teams compete against other schools. Transportation is provided by the district. For further information: sparkpath.org/kb and contact your school’s talent development leader.

The Creative Con (grades 6 - 8) and the Young Authors Conference (grades 6-8) are one-day off-site learning experiences available to recommended/invited students. Students who are invited to participate will be notified. For more information: sparkpath.org.

St. Cloud State University Math Contest is a one-day competition held in early spring during a school day. Transportation is provided by the district. Students who are invited to participate will be notified. For more information: stcloudstate.edu/math/math-contest/.

Scripps Spelling Bee For information, see spellingbee.com and contact your school’s talent development leader.