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Course Requests Information

Welcome to the Academic Planning Page.

This webpage is designed to guide you through our general scheduling and placement process. For specific course offerings and requirements for the current academic year, please consult our annual SMORE Course Request Resource, published December 4, 2025.

Rising 6th Grade Course Information 26-27

Rising 7th and 8th Grade Course Information 26-27

📋 Annual Course Request Process 

Students are required to select courses each year in the following core areas:

  • Mathematics

  • English Language Arts (ELA)

  • Connections (Electives)

Additionally, students make a one-time selection for their World Language course, which continues through 8th grade. The Connections offerings include more than ten elective choices plus the option for a year-long Music Program commitment (Band, Chorus, Orchestra).  We encourage students to rotate and try a variety of offerings.

 

Annual Course Selection and Student Choices

Students select courses annually for the following core areas, with specific options available:

Course Category Selection Made By  Details     
Connection (Electives) Student All students select 2 out of 4 available connections courses for the school year
Math & ELA (6th & 7th Grade) Student Students select between On-Level or Honors courses.
Math & ELA (8th Grade) Student Students select between On-Level or Enhanced courses.
Science & Social Studies Administration These courses are assigned and no selections are made by the student.

 

*** Music Programs (Band, Chorus, Orchestra): Our music programs are year-long commitments that students can choose to participate in annually. Please note: These programs are separate from, and do not count as, the two Connections course selections students make each year. Year-long music participants will still select two Connections courses, and we will work diligently to accommodate those selections based on state requirements and overall scheduling capacity.***

✨ What's New! (2026-2027 School Year) ✨

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, there is a change to the 8th-grade curriculum:

  • Physical Science: All 8th-grade students will be required to take the high school credit course Physical Science.

 

📝 Understanding the Math & ELA Decision Guides

Look for these in backpacks the week of Dec.12! To ensure every student is placed in the environment where they will thrive, we are asking 5th graders to complete a self-reflection guide for Math and Language Arts. These forms are not tests—they are tools to help your family decide the best fit for next year. Your child's 5th grade teacher will facilitate this in class and send them home with you.

What to Review with Your Student: Each guide asks students to reflect on their work habits, enthusiasm for the subject, and resilience when facing challenges.

  • Math Decision: Choosing between Math on Level and Honors Math (8th Grade chooses between on Level or enhanced math

Click here for the Math Decision Guide

  • On Level Math (6/7/8) : A rigorous, grade-level course building a strong foundation for future success using Grade level standards.

  • Honors Math (6/7): The Honors course goes beyond the standards in appropriate places to increase the rigor and depth of the course. Students with a gifted strength in math must take the Honors course or an Enhanced course to be served as gifted in mathematics. Suggested criteria for success in this course includes: 75% or higher on STAR assessments, Proficient and Distinguished on GMAS Math, Grades of 3 and 4 (A/B) in mathematics.

  • Enhanced Math (8): Eighth Grade Enhanced Algebra: Concepts and Connections Earn high school credit in middle school with this compacted course that blends 8th-grade math and Algebra I. Students will explore linear, quadratic, and exponential functions alongside geometry and statistics.  Strong math grades and standardized test scores are indicators of success for this course.

Click here for the ELA Decision Guide

  • ELA Decision: Choosing between ELA, Honors ELA, and Enhanced ELA.

  • ELA (6/7): Covers all grade-level standards with high-quality texts and writing instruction.

  • Honors ELA (6/7): Features advanced text complexity and a faster pace. It is best suited for students who deeply love reading and writing and are self-motivated to analyze themes independently.

  • Enhanced ELA (8th only): Enhanced Literature & Composition I Earn high school credit with this compacted course bridging 8th and 9th-grade English standards. This rigorous class prepares students for advanced coursework through deep literary analysis and composition. Strong Language Arts grades and standardized test scores are indicators of success for this course.

Parent/Guardian Role: Please review the "Student Self-Assessment" section with your child once your 5th grade teacher sends it home and discuss their choices with them.

 

🚀 Rising Grades 6-8: BHMS Course Selection Overview for Families

Join us to learn critical information about the middle school experience at BHMS! We will cover:

  • A detailed overview of course offerings available for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students.

  • A step-by-step explanation of the request window process for submitting student course selections.

  • Time for Q&A to ensure your family is ready for a smooth transition.