Scheduling

THE BASICS OF THE PMA SCHEDULE

  • Students are assigned to academic teams as randomly as possible. We make every attempt to balance each team so that it is representative of our entire student population. Each of these teams has their own daily schedule.
  • Students at Perry Academy have two main blocks of instruction time each day. One block for Math/Science and another for Language Arts/Social Studies. The same teacher teaches both subjects within the block.
  • Each block class is a little over two hours in length. Approximately 3⁄4 of the class is for Math or LA and 1⁄4 for Science or Social Studies.
  • For special area classes, each student nine weeks each of PE, World Cultures, Art and Project Lead the Way.
  • Band, Choir and Orchestra are offered during the instructional day. Students that do not participate in Band, Choir, or Orchestra are enrolled in a Discovery class. Discovery class is designed to give students a chance to explore topics and areas of study that they would not normally be able to during the regular school day. Areas of study during Discovery are developed by teachers with input from students.

FROM 5TH GRADE

Toward the end of the year, the PMA school counselors and administration visit each of our feeder elementary schools to learn about our incoming students. These

conversations, in combination with a review of each student’s academic data (grades, test scores, attendance, behavior, etc.) help us to make the best placement for your child.

There are a few courses at PMA that are designed to deliver instruction for students who may be advanced or need some additional support in one or more subject areas. Below is some basic info on these courses. Please contact Mrs. Pollack, school counselor, with any additional questions.

ADVANCED MATH:

Advanced Math is a High Ability course. All 5th graders are given a cognitive abilities assessment by the township at the end of 5th grade. Based on those results, students may move on to take the Algebra Prognosis Test. If a student’s score on this assessment is in range, he/she will be placed into Advanced Math.* You will know if your child is placed in Advanced Math when your child picks up his/her schedule at summer orientation. Once your student is in the High Ability program, he/she remains in this program for future grades unless the committee determines that it is no longer an appropriate placement. In June, a letter will be sent home letting you know if your child qualifies for the High Ability track in Math, and asking if you would like to accept or decline this placement.

ADVANCED LANGUAGE ARTS:

Advanced Language Arts is a High Ability course. All 5th graders are given a cognitive abilities assessment by the township at the end of 5th grade. Based on those results, students may move on to take the IOWA test. If a student’s score on this assessment is in range, he/she will be placed into Advanced Language Arts.* You will know if your child is placed in Advanced Language Arts when your child picks up his/her schedule at summer orientation. Once your student is in the High Ability program, he/she remains in this program for future grades unless the committee determines that it is no longer an appropriate placement. In June, a letter will be sent home letting you know if your child qualifies for the High Ability track in LA, and asking if you would like to accept or decline this placement.

*On occasion, a student close to the cut off for these courses may be enrolled in the course, but NOT technically placed in the district’s High Ability track.  If your student was scheduled into these classes, but you did not receive a letter about the program, this is likely the case.

NEW STUDENTS

If you are planning to enroll a student at Perry Meridian Sixth Grade Academy, please contact Mrs. Thomas at 317-789-1362 or come in to PMA during normal school hours to enroll your students.

Please have the following documents with you to help the process go smoothly:

  • Proof of residence (utility bill sent to your Perry Township address)
  • Birth Certificate
  • Copy of recent Immunizations
  • If you have them: Copies of any Special Education records, 504 Plans, most recent grades from current school

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE NEW STUDENT SURVEY BEFORE YOUR FIRST DAY!

TO 7TH GRADE

Toward the end of the school year the middle school begins analyzing data of our current 6th graders to make the most appropriate placement for them in 7th grade. Depending on those conversations, your child may be invited to take a foreign language in 7th grade and will be given information prior to the end of the school year. If you have questions or concerns concerning your child’s 7th grade placement, please contact the middle school at 317-789-1400.