Academics

Rigorous, standards-based instruction is one part of the academic picture at Elm Middle School. A broad array of accelerated learning and support programs is another.

All of our ELA and math courses are aligned with the Common Core Standards. Our other courses are aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards. In addition, our technology courses are aligned with the International Society for Technology in Education Standards.

What it all adds up to — after three years in our classrooms working within the framework of our College & Career Pathways program — is a well-prepared student body ready to take the next step toward success in District 401 and beyond.

Elm Core Curriculum

English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies are the four subjects that make up our core curriculum. Accelerated course options are available in ELA, math and science.

ENGLISH

MATH

  • Language Arts 6
  • Language Arts 7
  • Language Arts 8
  • English 9 Honors*

*Students will receive high school credit if enrolled in an accelerated course.

  • Mathematics 6
  • Mathematics 7
  • Mathematics 8
  • Core Plus Math I (CPMI)*

*Students will receive high school credit if enrolled in an accelerated course.

SCIENCE

SOCIAL STUDIES

  • Science 6
  • Science 7
  • Science 8
  • Honors Biology*

*Students will receive high school credit if enrolled in an accelerated course.

  • Ancient Civilizations
  • United States History
  • Civics*

*All students will receive high school credit upon completion of this course. Civics is required for high school graduation.

College & Career Pathways

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

The goal of the College & Career Pathways is to better prepare D401 students to compete and succeed in the global economy.

With the help of aligned programs of study and pathway exploration, students will graduate with well-developed post-secondary plans, stronger experiential learning opportunities and a diverse set of skills suited for academic and career success.

To Learn More

Do you have general questions about Elm's curricular programming and course offerings? If so, please contact Dr. Kimberly Ontiveros, the District's Director for Curriculum & Instruction.

For additional information about Elm academics — from how we assess student learning to opportunities for enrichment and support — we invite you to visit the pages listed below, or click the links located in the left-hand column of this page.

For a comprehensive summary of academics in District 401, please visit the Curriculum & Instruction section of our District website.