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Elm Middle School Academic Departments

The academic departments of Elm Middle High School offer more than 40 courses — including a number of career studies courses — to meet the needs and interests of our students. 

Our courses are fully aligned with Illinois Learning Standards and, where applicable (i.e., English language arts and mathematics), with Common Core Standards. Our career studies courses are designed to fully integrate our students into District 401's seven-year Career & College Pathways program, which spans grades 6-12. 

Dedicated to Student Success

Our academic departments provide instruction in the following subject areas:

  • Art
  • Business
  • Career Studies
  • Engineering
  • English Language Arts
  • Foreign Language
  • Kinetic Wellness
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Technology

In conjunction with Elmwood Park High School, Elm operates academically within the framework of College & Career Pathways. This is a District 401 initiative focused on better aligning middle and high school curricula with the post-secondary pursuits of our students.

We also provide instructional support to English Learners (EL) and special education services to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

In short, the Elm curriculum is designed to prepare students for a lifetime of success. This success begins in the classroom but continues as our students leave middle school and move on to high school, and from there to institutions of higher learning and the workforce.

Career Studies for Elm Students

At Elm, students are encouraged to explore a variety of interests aligned to future careers.

In 6th and 7th grades, this means general exposure to multiple pathways through 30-minute, 12-week-long pass/fail career studies classes as well as career pathway electives.

In 8th grade, students will continue to take career studies classes and pathway electives. But their exploration will become more focused as each student completes a career pathways roadmap and meets with a high school counselor to plan the next phase in the course selection process.

Career studies classes are taught by faculty from most of Elm's academic departments. These offerings are guided by the results of an annual student survey of career interests, and they include courses in the following areas:

  • Business & Entrepreneurship
  • Creative Writing
  • Game Design
  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

By the time Elm students finish 8th grade, they will have received a varied overview of post-secondary options thanks to their career studies courses.

To Learn More

For more information about our courses and the faculty members who teach them, please visit the links on the right side of this page.