MJHS HONORS COURSES

WHAT ARE HONORS COURSES? 

The MJHS Honors courses are academically advanced courses designed to challenge motivated students to understand rigorous content. The coursework requires students to engage in rigorous curriculum, independent and analytical assignments, and to complete some preparation work outside of class.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HONORS COURSES AND ON-LEVEL CLASS?

The curricula for both types of courses are built on the core academic curriculum following the standards for grade level expectations in social studies, literacy, and science. Students enrolling in Honors courses should expect a faster class pace, more complex curriculum, in-depth classroom discussions, increased amounts of reading and class preparation, and overall greater academic expectations on assignments and time management.

WHICH HONORS COURSES ARE OFFERED AND WHO TEACHERS THEM AT MJHS?

7TH GRADE:

Language- Kelly Phillips & Brittany Adrews-Jewel
Math- Chance Brown
Science- Lentisha Brown
Social Studies- Riley Cook

8TH GRADE:

Language- Chelsea Goodman
Honors Algebra -  Dana Barlow
Science- Jenni Martin
Social Studies-  Johnny Washington

9TH GRADE:

Language- Lauren McCracken
Math - Dana Jones
Science- Matt Johengen
Civics/Economics- Mark Barnes

WILL MY CHILD HAVE TO TAKE HONORS COURSES IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN ORDER TO TAKE AP/CONCURRENT CREDIT COURSES IN HIGH SCHOOL? 

The Junior High School Honors curriculum is designed to prepare students for High School AP/Concurrent Credit courses and is recommended, but it is not a requirement for high school advanced classes. Junior High School students who have not experienced the academic rigor of a Honors courses in a specific content area may find it more difficult to be successful in the advanced courses at the high school level. For students wanting to complete higher level math courses in high school, Honors junior high school math courses are recommended. For students wanting to take more advanced level science courses in high school, Honors junior high school science is recommended.

Students considering Honors math are encouraged to begin in 7th grade in order to cover standards in a sequential manner. Students considering Honors science in 7th grade but decide to get out it in 8th grade, will miss some standards and may need remediation. Students who choose not to take Honors courses in 7th but decide to take Honors courses in 8th grade will be able to make an easier transition.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR HONORS COURSES?

The requirements for Honors Courses are as follows:
A or B in a corresponding class the preceding semester and a score of close, ready, or exceeding on the ACT Aspire (for Social Studies classes, the reading test will be used)

C in a corresponding class the preceding semester and a score of ready or exceeding on the ACT Aspire

Parents will sign a contract agreeing that students have until the 1st parent teacher conference to change their schedule and get out of an honors class; at the end of the first 9 week period, any student who has an F in an honors class will have a parent conference and most likely be removed from the honors class.

CAN STUDENTS/PARENTS CHOOSE HONORS COURSES EVEN THOUGH STUDENTS DID NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS? 

No, because the Honors courses are challenging and the student/parent understand that he or she accepts the challenge and the rigor will be maintained at a higher level of academic expectations. While these expectations can prove to be challenging for any student, students who do not meet the requirements find these courses to be highly challenging and spend much more time preparing for classes, completing homework requirements and require additional tutoring.